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).

Russia: Intensive Weapon Testing of PAK-FA

By News Desk
 
Russian latest 5th generation fighter Sukhoi T-50 PAK-FA 'fifth-generation' has conducted trials of munitions launched from its internal weapons bays for the first time, the former commander-in-chief of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) General Vladimir Mikhailov told state TV.

Despite the announcement, the claim could not be confirmed by any other sources, and neither has it been disclosed which weapon types were launched during the trials.

According to IHS Janes, there are total 5 prototypes of PAK-FA out of which 3 prototypes (T-50-3, T-50-4, and T-50-5R)  have necessary avionics and radars installed required for weapon testing. These three prototypes are currently in the Ministry of Defence's test centre in Akhtubinsk, which specializes in the testing of mission systems and airborne weapons.

At the same time, the T-50-1 and T-50-2 are undergoing captive-carry tests in Zhukovsky near Moscow with various configurations of external loads. Among the noticed configurations there are two air-to-surface Kh-31 and two air-to-air R-73 missiles, and also six 250-kg free-fall bombs.

According to unofficial information, a sixth prototype will depart the production facility in Komsomolsk-on-Amur at the end of April. It will be the first aircraft of the second test batch, reportedly fitted with significant changes in the airframe structure.

PAKFA project has direct relevance to Indo-Pak military balance as well. India's next generation fighter program (FGFA) is based on PAKFA fighter. Though there are certain issues where both the countries are yet to settle their differences like amount of Indian investment and Russian cooperation in terms of transfer of technology to India along with the aircraft. 

IAF is planning to induct FGFA by mid of next decade and once inducted, this would pose a serious challenge to PAF which has not yet announced any plans to induct any next generation fighter aircraft and is contended with modernizing its 4th generation fighter fleet comprising on F-16s and JF-17 Thunders.

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.

PAF's Ambitious Plan to Replace 190 Fighters till 2020

By Shahzad Masood Roomi

PAF has announced an ambitious plan to replace 190 of its fighter planes by 2020. This has been confirmed for the first time by senior officials to daily Dawn. In that respect PAF is looking to secure 10 more advanced F-16s C/D Block 52 from the US after concluding the ongoing deal of 8 aircraft. Keeping in mind the resistance current deal faced, it is obvious that Pakistani government will have to do some aggressive and effective diplomacy in Washington. Officials have hinted that PAF is looking to maintain a fighter fleet of 350-400 modern multi-role jets.

Sale of F-16 C/D Block 52 to PAF Takes a Step Further

F-16 C/D Block 52 sale to PAF has moved a step further after the issuance of federal notification about it.. 

Washington: It seems that all the investment New Delhi made for lobbying anti-Pakistan law making in Washington turned into a vain attempt as the US government has formally published federal notification for the sale of eight F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan despite opposition from some American law makers belonging to Indian caucus.

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.

Indian Rafale Deal and Pakistan's Options

By Shahzad Masood Roomi


India and France on Monday inked an inter-governmental MoU on the sale of 36 French fighter jets. According to a statement of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, financial aspects and details of the deal are yet to be worked out. It means technically, both parties have finalized the details of the deal.

25% Increase in JF-17 Thunder Production in 2016

In order to meet the local and export order requirements, PAF is going to boost the production of JF-17 Thunder, PAF's median fighter jet, in 2016, top PAF officials told the media.

Air Marshal Javaid Ahmed, chairman of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), was quoted saying, "We are in active negotiations with serious buyers from Asia, Africa and the Middle East for JF-17 Thunder and Super Mushshak and are quite optimistic of signing agreements soon," Air Marshal Ahmed told Khaleej Times at the Dubai Airshow.

Pakistan has already secured the first export order from an undisclosed Asian buyer for its JF-17 Thunder jet fighters at Paris Air Show in June earlier this year. 

Air Marshal also made Pakistan's requirements clear at the occasion."We are looking for orders of about 250 aircraft in addition to international sales in the next few years. I'm very hopeful that we would be able to sign another customer for JF-17 Thunder very soon," Air Marshal Ahmed said. 

This statement by chairman PAC hints a solid progress as far as export effort of JF-17 are concerned. Military aviation industry experts are on the agreement that JF-17 has created serious interest among many developing nations around the world and now PAC is pushing for converting this interest into solid export orders. Major selling point of the JF-17 is its cost, which is likely to be in the rage of $16-$20 depending upon the requirement of client. This price is almost one fourth of US-made F-16 Falcon aircraft.

Telling about new capacity enhancement of JF-17 manufacturing factory at PAC Air Marshal Javail Ahamd told, "Hopefully, we will be producing 20 aircraft at the aeronautical complex," he added.Currently, PAC is producing 16 aircraft annually.

"It takes 10-12 months to garner all resources for production and that is enough time to meet the export commitment. We have been working very closely with our Chinese partners to further increase the production capacity," he told.

Saj Ahmad, chief analyst at London-based StrategicAero Research, said the JF-17 Thunder sales prospects in the GCC states look very robust given the ongoing security concerns in the region. However, pricing remains an issue to give the jet a chance to effectively compete against other single-seat fighters.

"Given the strong relationship Pakistan enjoys with the likes of Qatar and Saudi Arabia, it's possible export orders would come from these nations first," Ahmad told Khaleej Times.

JF-17 Thunder, which was first inducted in 2010, is co-developed by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and the Chengdu Aircraft Corporation of China. It is deployed for aerial reconnaissance, ground attack and aircraft interception with an operational ceiling of 55,000 feet. "Pakistan Aeronautical Complex has the capacity to enhance JF-17 Thunder production rates. We initially started at a slow phase and are manufacturing 16 aircraft this year," the chairman said, adding that 12 aircraft have already been produced in 2015 so far and four more will be ready by year-end.

Super Mushak Export:

To a question about Super Mushak, he said Pakistan has already signed a contract for trainer aircraft with Iraq and two more deals are likely to mature in coming months.

"We are actively in negotiations with two other countries in the GCC and Mena region. Some African countries are also keen to buy Super Mushshak, which is a very good military trainer aircraft," he said.

Pakistan signed two deals with Iraq in May 2014 to supply 20 Super Mushshak MFI-17 aircraft and give training to Iraqi Air Force. Denmark, Norway, Iran, Oman, Syria and Saudi Arabia are among other customer of Super Mushshak, which is on static and aerial display at the Dubai Airshow.

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.  

Pakistan Embracing for Air Sea Battle

Pakistan Air Force (PAF), on 26th February, inducted Chinese built AWACS platform, known as Karakoram Eagle (KE-03) in its No. 4 Squadron. The plane is know as ZDK-03. This plane is based on  Y-8 Category III (6 blade engine propellers) plane carrying a traditional rotodome above its fuselage which is believed to carry a Chinese built AESA radar but this is not confirmed. This design does provide a true 360° coverage but is considered less capable than Swedish Erieye AWACS already being operated by PAF which, according to some aviation experts does not has true 360° coverage due to its specific "Balanced Beam" design. The radar of KE-03 is the product of the 38th Institute/CETC, but no details are classified. For self defense role, the plane is equipped with Missile Approaching Warning System (MAWS) sensors.  

The aircraft is equipped with a sophisticated integrated sensors and communications suite. It is capable of maintaining a link with ground command and control centres to provide pilots with a comprehensive air picture.

The induction of AWACS is significant development as it indicates towards Pakistan's defense modernization drive in air-sea battles. This assertion is further endorsed by the fact that these inductions have been made in No. 4 Squadron of PAF which historically has been assigned 'Search and Rescue (SAR) and 'Maritime Reconnaissance' (MR) missions. Apart from that, it is known that these planes would be able to communicate with JF-17 Thunders only due to their Chinese architecture. Right now, there is no direct secure data linking between KE-03 and western fighters like F-16s is available. It is noteworthy here that JF-17 includes weapons like CM-400 hyper-sonic anti-ship missile and C-802AK anti-ship cruise missile in its arsenal; clearly indicating that the plane would be deployed in anti-ship and maritime roles as well. This weapon development is part of integrated plan to enable the JF-17 Thunders to provide assistance to Pakistan Navy and Army at the same time in complex environment. Such capabilities are also required to deter the threats perceived by arch rival India's drive to develop "maneuver through sea" capabilities. Indian Navy has been building this capability which manifests in growing number of amphibious warfare platforms including Landing Platform Docks (LPDs), Landing Ship Tanks (LSTs) and Landing Craft Utility (LCU) ships.           

Pakistani Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif was the chief guest of the indication ceremony. He inspected one of the plane. He praised the role of PAF and its professionalism and heroism throughout national history.

Addressing the Induction ceremony, he said Pakistan is peace loving country but made it clear that the country is determined to safeguard its national interests and uphold its sovereignty against any aggression. Prime Minister applaud the role played by PAF during ongoing operations against terrorists in Northern parts of the country.

Speaking at the occasion, PAF chief ACM Tahir Rafique Butt termed the induction of KE-03 a "revolutionary step" which will enable PAF to effectively counter all threat against Pakistan's aerial frontiers.