Tempest-II Wargame: PAF Seeks Operational Synergy With Army, Navy

By News Desk

Islamabad—Pakistan Air Force (PAF) seeks to enhance its operational synergy with two sister forces in latest wargame, Tempest-II which commenced yesterday here in Islamabad. According to news, a detailed inaugural briefing regarding the aim, objectives and conduct of the PAF exercise Tempest-II was held at Nur Khan Auditorium Air Headquarters, Islamabad, on Tuesday. Opening cermony was attended by Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCS) General Rashad Mahmood along with top tier of tri-service was also present along with Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Sohail Aman, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force.

Pakistan, US and F-16s: What is Wrong in the Mix?

By Shahzad Masood Roomi

In the latest twist in ever shaky Pak-US relations, the US has told Pakistan to arrange the full US$699 million to get 8 F-16s Block 52s instead of spending just US$276 million for the same after Senate Committee on Foreign Relations members and head barred the Obama administration from using the American taxpayers money to subsidies the deal. According to original deal, the US was to arrange US$430 million through Foreign Military Financing (FMF).

Pak-China Joint Air Force Exercise 'Shaheen-5' Begins

By News Desk

China's air force on Saturday began joint training exercises with that of Pakistan, China's defence ministry said, as the two nations' militaries strengthen operational ties. The military drill, code-named “Shaheen (Eagle)-5” began on April 9 in Pakistan and will continue till April 30.
“China’s Air Force hopes to widen the scope of cooperation and dialogue with all countries and regions,” the Chinese Ministry of Defense statement said in a statement quoted by Reuters. 

 

As far as the composition of participating units, no details  where offered by Pakistani or Chinese side. Considering the respective components from the both sides in the previous exercises it is prudent that both sides will deploy front-line fighters along with force multipliers (AWACS and Air Refuelers).  The exercise will continue next three weeks.
Last year’s Shaheen-4, featured fourth-generation fighter jets and bombers as well as airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. The PAF alone participated with three different types of frontline fighter aircraft from different squadrons (likely the JF-17 Thunder, Dassault Mirage III/5, and F7 PG fighter aircraft).
The PLAAF and PAF have held Shaheen series exercises on regular basis since March 2011. The second training exercise took place in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in western China in September 2013, the third was held in Punjab, Pakistan, in May 2014.
Speaking to Reuters, the PAF second-in-command, Air-Vice Marshal Muhammad Ashfaque Arain, said that the PAF heavily relies on its fleet of around 70 U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets in its anti-terrorist operations in Pakistan. Whether any F-16 aircraft will participate in the training exercise is unknown. In February, the United States finally approved a possible of eight additional F-16 Block-52 fighters to Pakistan in a deal valued at $699 million.
Earlier, this Monday, the PAF also inducted 16 upgraded JF-17 Thunder Block II combat aircraft during a handover ceremony in Kamra, also known as Aviation City, the center of aircraft manufacturing in Pakistan. And now the chief of air staff, Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman has said that Pakistan is going to produce 24 JF-17 Thunder fighters in 2016 after achieving the milestone of producing 16 in 2015.

Earth Breaking Cermony of PAF's ACE (Air Power Center of Excellence)

Islamabad:  Earth breaking ceremony of PAF's ACE (Air power Center of Excellence)  was held at PAF Base, Mushaf on 22 February, 2016. 

According to PAF sources, ACE will be one of the very few air power centers of the world and the first of its class in the region. The institute would link operations, research and doctrine to orchestrate air campaigns with air combat tactics. The institute would enhance PAF capability to undertake complex, demanding future challenges and counter terrorist operations.

Has JF-17 Found Its Second Buyer at Dubai Air Show 2015?

Did PAC has win export contract from second buyer at Dubai Air Show 2015 as is being reported in the media after securing the first deal at International Paris Air Show earlier this year? 

Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC) and PAC signed the deal with an unidentified buyer at Dubai Air Show according to Chinese Daily but the identity of the buyer remains disclosed. Interestingly, the identity of the first buyer at International Paris Show was also not disclosed. This secrecy by both PAC and AVIC is making it impossible to confirm if this is a confirm second order or the previous deal is being discussed again by both Chinese and Pakistani experts. 

Liu Yu, deputy head of AVIC’s military aircraft trade wing highlighted the prospects of Thunder's export,  “Several potential buyers have expressed to us their strong intention of introducing the aircraft, and they have performed comprehensive assessments of the plane,” 

Pakistan Air Force officer dealing in sales and marketing, Air Marshal Khalid Mahmood said, “A contract has been signed with an Asian country.” However the name of the country was not disclosed and deliveries are likely to begin in 2017.

The JF-17 aircraft has previously participated in various air shows around the world, including Farnborough Air Show (in the UK), Zhuhai Air Show (China), Turkish Air Show (Turkey) and the Dubai Air Show (UAE).

PAF base attackers came from Afghanistan, says DG ISPR

The Attack was Planned in Afghainstan: DG ISPR

(ARY News) Pakistan Military’s spokesman Asim Salim Bajwa has said that the attack on Pakistan Air Force base camp in Peshawar was carried out by a splinter group of banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the foul play was planned in Afghanistan.

“The attackers came from Afghanistan and the whole foul play was planned in the neighbouring country. This attack was being executed through direct coordination from Afghanistan as well,” he informed, while addressing a press conference this evening.

“When you’re in a state of war, such attacks may occur. But the way such terror strikes are responded and retaliated should also be observed,” said Mr. Bajwa.

He said terrorists attacked people who were vulnerable and offering prayers at a mosque.

He also said that the forces would continue their operation until complete elimination of terrorism from Pakistan’s soil.

The military’s spokesperson revealed that 29 people had embraced martyrdom during the attack. He told that terrorists were restricted far behind from a sensitive area and they had planned to target a large number of civilians, but forces foiled their plan.

Giving the breakdown of casualties, of the total 29,  he said 23 of the dead are from Pakistan Air Force, three from the army — 16 of them were offering prayers in the mosque, while seven others including two civilians were in a nearby barrack performing ablution.

He said the number of injured was also 29. “It was a civilian and an open area that allowed terrorists to enter PAF facility.”

How the attack was carried out?

The DG ISPR said terrorists sneaked into the PAF facility from the main gate and split into two groups.

They got immediate response from Air Force guards. The guards responded effectively and in a gallant manner.

One group proceeded towards the administrative area while another moved towards the technical area. Within 10 minutes, the Quick Reaction Force reached the spot and engaged the militants.

He said the attackers were confined within 50 meters and the fight ensued within the same radius. The Fajr prayer had just commenced when the attackers barged into the base camp.

The militants martyred 16 worshippers at the mosque using heavy guns and hand grenades. At least eight attackers had attacked the mosque, he added.

Similarly, other group of terrorists had forced their way into the vehicle parking area and hid themselves under washing pit. Guards of Defence Services Group also joined our fighting forces shortly after the attack, he said.

Later SSG commandos and other armed forces personnel arrived at the spot to respond to the terrorists, he said.

“Alhamdulillah, the role of coordination among forces was vital and successful in responding to the militants’ attack,” said the DG ISPR.

He, however, said it is quite possible that the driver who operated the vehicle carrying terrorists could have left.

He didn’t confirm media reports keeping the number of attackers at 16. He said “Whichever terrorist entered the PAF base camp has been killed.”

TTP group behind attack

The military’s spokesperson said it was a splinter group of TTP which launched an attack on PAF base camp.

He said he would share further information as it transpires.

He thanked the media for keeping nation ‘objectively informed’.

Pakistan has 2.5 million refugees and several such of them cross into the country. Not all of them arrive here for work or vocation. They mingle among the general public here, explained the DG ISPR.

“We have successfully tackled terrorism and we have seen results of Zarb-e-Azb,” he said.

He maintained that the nation was united, focused on eliminating terrorism from the country. “I dont see people becoming frightened from this incident. Our armed forces will continue defending our soil and crush such attackers.”

Terrorist Attack on PAF Camp Badaber, Peshawar

Heavily-armed militants attacked the Pakistan Air Force base Badaber in Peshawar this morning, killing 29 people, says PAF spokesperson. These included 16 worshippers at a mosque located inside the base camp while three PAF technicians and an army captain were also killed battling with militants. Army soldiers quickly surrounded the attackers, confining them to a small area and killing at least 13 of them, said Pakistan’s military spokesman. ARY News reported in the evening that at least one attacker had been caught alive.

Terrorist attack on PAF camp Badaber, Peshawar once again necessitates the detailed revision of security plans for various airbases across the country. This is not the firs time PAF has been attacked by the terrorists. Earlier Mehran Base Karachi and Minhas Base Kamra have been attacked by terrorists and PAF has suffered major loses of its assets. P3-C Orion and Erieye AEW were destroyed in these attacks.

In today's attack though no such lose has been suffered by PAF, it will be prudent to ask why these terrorists were not checked by any law enforcement agency while they were on there way to Badaber camp?

Camp guards and QRF displayed professionalism while thwarting the attack and eliminated all the terrorists before letting them harm any of PAF's asset present on the base but still the loss of lives was on the higher side making it one of the most devastating attack after 14 December 2014 when TTP attacked Army Public School (APS) Peshawar in which more than 140 people were killed majority of them were students.

Analysis:

It must be noticed that this attack was mounted on PAF base Peshawar, but PAF camp. This shows that terrorists are desperate to make a big news. Since 1960's Badaber has remain a listening station used by CIA against Soviets. Camp mostly houses the residential quarters of PAF officials. So it will be prudent to assume that these terrorists were actually wanted to take hostage some of the PAF residents in the camp. Terrorists might wanted to use the hostages as bargain for the release of some arrested terrorists from custody of LEAs.

PAF Confirms Talks for Purchasing Russian Su-35

(IHS Janes)The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has discussed buying Su-35 'Flanker-E' fighter aircraft from Russia in potentially the largest defence deal between the two countries, but a final decision is yet to be made, a senior Pakistani government official has confirmed to IHS Jane's .

The official was responding to Russian media reports that Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov had said talks were underway for an unspecified number of Su-35s, which follow a recent agreement to provide Mi-35M 'Hind E' attack helicopters to Islamabad.

While the official said "it's too early to say if a deal will conclude and the terms", the fact that discussions have taken place shows Russia's willingness to sell advanced hardware with Pakistan despite Moscow's longstanding ties with India.

The official said Pakistan's interest in the Su-35 was driven by the PAF's need for a twin-engine fighter "that can fly for a longer range than the JF-17 and penetrate more deeply into the enemy's territory". The PAF flies a mixed fleet of Lockheed Martin F-16s, Dassault Mirage-5s, Chinese-manufactured F-7s, and the JF-17 Thunder, which is jointly produced by China and Pakistan.

In November 2014 a senior Pakistani official told IHS Jane's that Pakistan was in discussions with China to buy 30 to 40 FC-31s - the export version of China's J-31 fifth-generation platform. At the time, the official told IHS Jane's that Pakistan was interested in the platform partly because it was fitted with two RD-93 Russian Klimov engines, which also powers the JF-17. PAF officials have also told IHS Jane's in the past that they have considered the purchase of up to 40 Chengdu J-10 fighters.

ANALYSIS

So, It is official now!

Finally Pakistan is looking for building a response for expanding Indian maritime aviation threat after induction of Mig-29K on board INS Vikramaditya. Pakistan Naval Aviation and PAF both have no match for such potent aircraft in Indian arsenal. Need for a twin engine fighter for this particular role was there since long time. But Pakistan's problem are multi-folded. Not only IAF and IN have high tech fighter jets in numbers, India has a long coastal line along Arabian Sea which runs southwards deep into Indian Ocean. This coastline provide strategic depth to IN and IAF against any PN/PAF response in case of war. Keeping all these point in mind, SU-35 is perhaps the most suitable fighter PAF must procure. It has both the range and higher payload. PAF's current fighter inventory lack on range parameter particularly. According to IHS Janes, the negotiations are still in early phase hopefully this time PAF would not make a mess like they did in 1990's when Pakistan was interested in securing a deal of SU-27 Basic flanker model from Ukraine!

Analysis - New Missile Systems for JF-17 Thunder

By Shahzad Masood Roomi

The evolution of Pak-China joint venture in military aviation, JF-17 Thunder, continues as two new missile systems made their debut at Paris Air Show where PAF also secured very first export order for Thunder. It seems that latest additions to the arsenal of JF-17 Thunder are focused on enhancing the strike capabilities of this fighter jet. Both these missiles system made their first appearances at Paris Air Show 2015 where JF-17 Thunder made its very first appearance.  

First weapon system is the C-705KD missile which is an IIR/TV-guided air launched ground-attack version of C-705 that was revealed at the 2012 Zhuhai airshow. C-705 is a planer wing derivative of the C-701/704 Family which are similar in general outlook and performance to French Exocet family, available with a range of active radar seekers and electro-optical terminal seekers.C-705 has a range of A Pakistani source said up to four C-705KDs could be carried by the JF-17. Before Pakistan, the Indonesian Navy has equipped its newly developed Sampari-class KCR-60M-class missile attack craft with C-705 anti-ship missiles as well. 

The second new weapon displayed with the JF-17 for the first time is the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) CM-102 anti-radiation missile. It was first revealed at the 2014 Zhuhai show, it has an advertised range of 100 km. A Pakistani source noted that other versions could have 50% to 70% further range. Prbably, this version would be the one which Pakistan will get as PAF already has a anti-radiation weapon with 100 KM range i.e. Brazilian MAR-1 which reportedly has been integrated with the PAF's Thunders aircraft already.

According to well placed sources, a new AESA radar is under development in China right now for planned Block-III configuration of Thunder fighter jet. Once completed, a new wave of Chinese missile integration with Thunder would be seen. This would possibly include new generation WVR and BVR weapons.

ANALYSIS:

The growing strike capabilities of JF-17 Thunder clearly shows the prevailing strategic thinking of PAF and inclusion of Thunder in Pakistan Navy's aviation wing. PAF considers growing Indian maritime capabilities a serious threat and JF-17 in Pakistan Navy is considering deployment of air power as a counter strategy in which, along with other aerial platforms, JF-17 Thunder would play a critical role. This assertion is further endorsed by the fact that earlier, C-803 anti-ship cruise missile have also been integrated onto Thunders. It looks like, PAF/PN would deploy JF-17 Thunder in air sea battle in split roles. PAF escorting PN fighters carrying anti-ship payloads.