Category: Pakistan Defence

Pakistan Expands Erieye Fleet, Outnumbers India in AWACS Capability by Inducting Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C

Pakistan has silently introduced a new SAAB 2000-based Erieye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, boosting its fleet to approximately nine. In contrast, the Indian Air Force (IAF) operates three Russian IL-76 ‘Phalcon’ AWACS and two Embraer Netra early warning aircraft. This development leaves the IAF outnumbered by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), which also operates the Chinese ZDK03 Karakoram Eagle AWACS.

The Erieye AEW&Cs play a pivotal role in surveillance and reconnaissance, directing and controlling fighter jets during offensive air operations. The recent addition contributes to Pakistan’s advantage in AWACS capability, particularly given India’s vast landmass, requiring a greater number of AWACS for effective airspace management.

While the IAF has ongoing challenges on the western front with Pakistan, the need for additional AWACS becomes crucial. Experts estimate that the IAF requires at least ten such aircraft for effective airspace coverage. India has made efforts to enhance its AWACS capability, including the acquisition of Airbus A321s for the Defense Research Development Organization’s Netra MkII AEW&C jets. However, delays and challenges persist in bridging the gap with Pakistan in terms of AEW&C capabilities.

In summary, Pakistan’s continuous augmentation of its AWACS fleet positions it favorably against India, accentuating the strategic importance of airborne early warning and control capabilities in the region.

 

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J-31 stealth fighter aircraft to become part of the Pakistan Air Force soon

Earlier this month, Pakistan revealed plans to purchase the Shenyang FC-31/J-31 fighter. PAF Commander Zaheer Sidhu revealed at a ceremony that the procurement of the Shenyang FC-31/J-31 fighter is underway and preparations are already underway.

“The foundation has already been laid for the acquisition of the J-31 stealth fighter jet, which will become part of the Pakistan Air Force fleet in the near future,” the PAF chief revealed.

However, Sidhu did not share details about the number of aircraft that Pakistan will buy and the timeline for their delivery.

Shenyang is actively developing the FC-31/J-31, likely designated as the J-35, primarily for deployment on future Chinese aircraft carriers such as CNS Shandong. However, plans for the ground version remain unclear.

It is worth noting that in 2010, AVIC conducted tests with the J-31, and even presented it at the flying display at the 2014 China Airshow in Zhuhai.

The People’s Liberation Army Air Force has prioritized the Chengdu J-20, which is now in service and being gradually deployed. Despite this, the close military ties between China and Pakistan are evident, especially through the joint Chengdu-Pakistan JF-17 aviation complex project.

Pakistan is in the unique position of being the only country other than China to operate the J-10. Specifically, the J-10C is actively deployed in the 15th Squadron of the Pakistan Air Force.

According to recent media reports, Pakistan plans to acquire up to 25 J-10C aircraft.

Pakistan High Tech Companies vow to strengthen national defense

Karachi: “Pakistan High tech sector is committed to upholding the highest level of defense preparedness”, was stated by Dr. Haroon Qureshi, President of Pakistan Aerospace Council in his speech at a dinner hosted in honour of Air Marshal Shahid Hamid (Retd) and Air Marshal Arshad Malik (Retd) for their lifetime achievements and services to Pakistan Aerospace & Defence Sector.

Air Marshal Muhammad Mughees Afzal, Chairman Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Air Marshal Ahmed Hassan Marwat, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Engineering) and Executives from 25 member companies of Pakistan Aerospace Council also attended the event.

Mr. Imtiaz Rastgar, Convener PAeC in his welcome speech, paid rich tributes to Air Marshal Shahid Hamid (Retd) and Air Marshal Arshad Malik (Retd) for their life time achievements and services rendered to Pakistan and Pakistan Aerospace & Defence Sector. He pointed out that collaboration between Pakistan Aerospace & Defence Sector and the private tech industry could lead to indigenization and save a huge amount of foreign reserves.

Dr. Haroon Javed Qureshi, President PAeC in his speech highlighted the depth, potential, know-how, skills and manufacturing capabilities of PAeC member High Tech companies. Expressing PAeCs gratitude for the two national heroes, he said, we need more Shahid Hamids and Arshad Maliks for a potent and self-reliant Pakistan.

Executives of PAeC member companies comingled with the former and current PAF leadership and discussed with them the potential, manufacturing capabilities and processes their companies possess.

The current and former PAF leadership was impressed to learn about the manufacturing skills of PAeC member companies and reiterated that their skills and services could be further utilized to meet the challenges faced by Pakistan Aerospace & Defence Sector. Chairman Pakistan Aeronautical Complex invited PAeC member companies to visit PAC, Kamra for further collaboration. Mr Imtiaz Rastgar suggested having a joint seminar, in this regard, at Islamabad in near future.

Supernet Gets Rs. 100 Million Projects by Strategic Organization

Supernet Limited (“Supernet”) has been awarded three equipment supply projects consisting of equipment and services in the domains of satellite communications, telecommunications, and power with a combined equivalent value of PKR 100 million. The projects have been awarded by a strategic organization thereby expanding the customer base of its Telecommunications and Defense Business Unit.

The equipment and associated support and warranty services shall support the customer’s large communications network in the country. Supernet has already successfully delivered one project in totality. The second project is on track to be completed by end of November 2021 with the third one expected to reach completion in the 1st quarter of 2022. Though it is an established fact now that there are lengthy delays due to the global shortage of semiconductor chips as well as disruptions in international shipping and logistics, Supernet through the strength of its partnerships in the supply chain and prudent project planning, has effectively addressed these delays to the satisfaction of the customer.

Ali Akhtar, Head of BU, Telecoms and Defense at Supernet said that “We are thrilled to have been awarded these projects with each one being awarded through a competitive bidding process resulting in our solutions being picked as the best techno-commercial ones. We have successfully been able to onboard a new client, widening our customer base, and we’ve done it by winning significant business right off the bat. We are as always, grateful to our customers for their trust and confidence in us as well the cooperation of our partners in our supply chain, he added.

Supernet Limited, one of Pakistan’s leading telecommunications service provider and systems integrator, has been operating since 1995. Supernet offers a full portfolio of local-to-global integrated communications infrastructure solutions to Telecoms, Defense, Enterprise and Government entities. Supernet’s “Connectivity” products and services include a broad spectrum of Wide Area Network (WAN) and Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) solutions based on satellite, fiber optics, microwave and radios. In recent years, Supernet has established its expertise in domains including cybersecurity, power, networking, and surveillance solutions as part of its “Beyond Connectivity” initiative thereby offering a richer portfolio of solutions and services to customers.

Pakistan & Turkey to jointly produce military drones

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), an unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) producer, has contracted a deal with Pakistan’s National Engineering and Science Commission to manufacture military drones, the company replied in a declaration.

The contract will explicitly assure the growth of Anka unmanned aerial vehicles.

Within the expanse of the deal, elements regarding ANKA will be created and produced. The declaration replied that Turkish Aerospace Industries and Pakistan’s National Engineering and Science Commission will be mutually answerable for implementation, assets, and technology development.

The agreement is directed at increasing the inherent market for unmanned aerial vehicles and improving the collaboration between Pakistan and Turkey, joined Turkish Aerospace Industries in the description.

The agreement we executed with Pakistan within the reach of our ANKA an unmanned aerial vehicles systems will produce significant accumulations to the unmanned aerial vehicles industry, General Manager Temel KotilTurkish Aerospace Industries was recited as speaking. This accomplishment peculiarly with NESCOM will enhance our unmanned aerial vehicles. We must maintain our historical friendship for the increase of both nations. We will realize the human resources collaboration we have done in the past years in this arrangement as well.

 

 $1.5bn Pakistan-Turkey defense contract gets to a delay

Turkish Aerospace Industries inaugurated its initial office in Pakistan at the National Science & Technology Park, the country’s leading Back in 2019.

The Anka Unmanned aerial vehicle is competent of visiting in the air for more innumerable than 24 hours at an elevation of 9,144 meters with a payload capability of 550 pounds.

Pakistan has also contracted a multi-billion dollar deal with Turkish Aerospace Industries, under which it will acquire 30 advanced T-129 shooting helicopters. The T-129 ATAK helicopter fighter-bomber was being manufactured by Turkish Aerospace Industries under permission from the Italian-British Corporation Agusta Westland.

Pakistan successfully tests guided multi-launch rocket system Fateh-1

According to the Pakistan Army Public Relations Department (ISPR), Pakistan successfully tested the guided multi-launch rocket system Fateh One. This rocket system is capable of carrying conventional warheads.

According to ISPR, the rocket system will further enhance the Pakistan Army’s ability to successfully hit targets in enemy territory.

President Arif Ali, Prime Minister Imran Khan, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff General Nadeem Raza and Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa have congratulated the participating personnel and scientists on the successful test of the missile.

 

 

Pakistan Army inducts first batch of VT-4 battle tanks

As per the military’s media affairs wing, The Pakistan Army has admitted to the first batch of the modern VT-4 battle tanks.

In a statement declared on Wednesday, the Inter-Services Public Relations stated that Lt Gen Shaheen Mazher Mehmood Commander Mangla Corps inspected the Armoured Division and examined the first batch of VT-4 tanks.

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The statement said, Rashid Mahmood Major General guided the commander about in progress post-shipment exploration of the first batch of tanks.

Lt Gen Mehmood also observed the portability and transportability test of the tanks and acknowledged the efforts managed for the smooth supervise of the induction process.

Manufactured by Chinese state-owned protected vehicle maker, Norinco, the dispatch of VT-4 tanks from the manufacturer started in April last year.

Pakistan is the third state to have purchased these tanks from China after Nigeria and Thailand.

Last year in September, the Pakistan Army had embraced a confirmation of the tank at the Tilla field firing ranges near Jhelum following its adaption into the Armoured Corps. The confirmation was endorsed by Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa.

In a statement at the time, the Inter-Services Public Relations had stated the tank would be retained in an aggressive role by strike formations after installation.

“The VT-4 is unanimous with any latest tank in the world unifying developed Armour security, portability, firepower potentiality and modern technology,” the statement had declared.

Pakistan successfully tested the Shaheen-1A ballistic missile

According to Pakistan Army Public Relations (ISPR)

Pakistan successfully tested the Shaheen-1A ballistic missile. Director General Strategic Plans Division Lt. Gen. Nadeem Zaki Manj and Chairman Nasscom Dr. Raza Samar witnessed the missile test. Commander Army Strategic Forces Command Lieutenant General Muhammad Ali and scientists and engineers of strategic institutions were also present on the occasion.

The ISPR says the Shaheen-1A missile has a range of 900 km, and the test was aimed at testing various design and technical parameters of the weapons system, including state-of-the-art navigation systems. President Arif Ali, Prime Minister Imran Khan and Services Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa have congratulated the scientists and engineers on the successful experiment.

Pakistan is getting Turkish T129 Helicopters regardless of US Sanctions

Pakistan is getting T129 attack helicopters form TAI (Turkish Aerospace Industries). Which is originally planned in spite of the sanctions by the US against Turkey. This news has confirmed by a high ranking Army official.

Although speaking at the 2021 defense IQ’s virtual International conference regarding Military Helicopter, the official said that there is a little delay due to some 3rd party approvals. However, the Turkish Govt. is confident that we will get out of these political hurdles and will receive 3rd party certificate also.

Pakistan awarded Turkey with 1.5 billion dollars’ amount as a contract for getting 30 T129 helicopters in the year 2018. Although, US sanctions have slowed down against Turkey as hindmost are necessary to have to get US export license before doing any delivery regarding the helicopters

At the start of this year in January, Pakistan had extended the deadline by increasing the period of 12 months for TAI for delivering 30 T129 attack helicopters.

Last year in December, Turkey bought the Russian S-400 missile system rather than the American-made Raytheon’s Patriot missile system. On doing this the US had imposed sanctions on Turkey.

Next, in the year 2017, while dealing for Russian S-400 through sanctioned Russian export entity Rosoboron export. The reason behind is purchasing the Russian S-400 long range surface-to-air missile system. However, the first associated delivery was received by Turkey in July 2019. The system was tested last year in October.

Pakistan successfully tests Babur cruise missile

Rawalpindi: Pakistan successfully tests Babur cruise missile on land and sea.

According to Pakistan Army Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan has successfully tested the Babar cruise missile, which has a range of 450 km and is capable of hitting targets on land and at sea. ۔

According to ISPR, the missile test was witnessed by Dr. Samar, Chairman Nescom, Commander Army Strategic Forces Command, Senior Officers of Strategic Plans Division, Army Strategic Forces Command, scientists and engineers. Chairmain Nescom appreciated the operational preparation of Army Strategic Forces.

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