That was the essence of the 1965 war – it was fought as a defensive war by both the air forces of both countries. They did not possess enough capability for a meaningful offensive. Hence, the engagements, howsoever offensively executed — as they should have been — contributed to the effort.

There has been good work in recent years on both sides of the border in analysing and deducing results for each engagement and for each claim of a kill. Myths have been demystified and substance given to fables. This work has mostly been voluntary and must be acknowledged for the assiduous interest of the gentlemen involved on both sides. The detail has helped reconstruct events that normally become fuzzy in a rapidly changing combat scenario making exact enactment difficult. The mere fact that each engagement takes place under a life-and-death eventuality makes it humanly impossible to put into sequence hundreds of minor most movements of the engaged elements. Sometimes, as many as 20 to 25 aircraft in a congested airspace vie to kill the other only to be challenged soon after with another totally new situation.

In terms of strategy though, it was still a defensive war on both sides. Their weapon systems, the best being the Hunter for the IAF and the Sabre for the PAF, were typically, the evolutionary and modernised mutation of the Second World War (WW II) fighters which still centred on close-in dog fights and used the machine gun to down an adversary. The WW II had ended 20 years back and had been followed by the Korean War. The control of air, of which the air superiority is a shade of definition, has remained a key of air warfare for decades, but its applicability has needed to be refined if nothing else for the amount of effort required to garner a semblance of superiority.

Offence was a specialised task and needed specialised equipment; both sides boasted of some post WW II bombers, but for their immense vulnerability to opposing fighters would mostly be employed at night. That, in turn, induced serious errors in accuracy.

Offensive missions in the 1965 war essentially revolved around an airfield attack – an offensive action directly feeding to the objective of air superiority. With its two main missions then, air superiority and tactical support to the army, the PAF and IAF were relegated to being tactical air forces. Their only sense of independent employment was restricted to the flair and independence in their application against each other in the air. Original thought, other than pertaining to air combat, offensive action or its mutation as initiative in employment leading the adversary in the decision loop were still far into the future. In 1971 war, other than the fact that the equipment changed, the essence still remained the same; the two air forces vied for effectiveness as tactical air forces only.

In the rest of the world, the doctrinal debates still revolved around the aspect of control of the air. More specifically, after the Vietnam War, a debate ensued whether or not depending only on a missile was sufficient or was a machine-gun needed as well. The other contributing connotation to the debate were the less-than-satisfactory air combat skills among the American pilots since they were now required to engage from a distance with a missile obviating close combat. This debate saw the introduction of the F-16 in 1976 as the most revolutionary design with unmatched agility, where the platform had the capacity to perform beyond what was understood to be the human threshold. Technology multiplied in quick time to use the capacity enabled by these fourth-generation aircraft.

Thematic campaign designs were replaced with parallel application possibilities; it became possible to engage in numerous missions on a parallel track, and innovation and employment of assets became the order of the day. The way the war had been fought till then changed remarkably. There had to be a new way of fighting air wars and employing the air force. Employment of assets evolved into an employment of force. Those who missed the point were relegated to the bins of irrelevance and hopelessly lagged behind in this new game of combat. Operational intellect became the lynchpin of commanding, controlling and employing forces. Those who didn’t possess the intellectual capacity to comprehend the change stood embarrassingly exposed. They were practically archaic in thought.

The change took its time coming into the PAF. There were certain mutations that would enhance the manner of targeting, but with little diversity and innovation, and still very much within the confines of a tactical support role. Defence and war colleges were heavily skewed in favour of land warfare strategy as the dominant strategy, and most air force participants studiously kept following the tradition. John Warden, 20th century strategist in air warfare, had already designed new thoughts on employment and had practically fought the First Gulf War (1991) under such a doctrine. In the PAF, though, it was in 1998 that the then Air Chief ACM Pervaiz Mehdi began talking about breaking the bind of tactical support role and proffered thought and the ability to use air power in diverse application concurrently to contribute to the national war effort.

This had more to do with using air power as an offensive tool. Offence as the most natural attribute and the enabling option of modern air power needed to find place and expression in doctrines crying for change. The first practical manifestation of the need for this change emerged during the time of ACM Mushaf Ali Mir, who invigorated the offensive spirit in campaign planning which saw minds working overtime in the PAF to introduce employment diversity.

The point that the PAF really began to change to a 21st century air force was, however, during the tenure of ACM Kaleem Saadat. Not only was there doctrinal evolution, the air force was designed and equipped to the needs of the new century as indeed the dictates of future conflict and modern warfare. Practical application of force employment was tested and tried as per revised doctrinal dictates in major exercises. Thankfully, development programmes have continued unabated since then.

The 1965 war may have been a simple affair compared to modern wars, but its combatants were endowed with three great attributes: outstanding skill, a commitment to excellence, and a remarkable sense of self-confidence and self-assurance. Perhaps, it shall have to be in these areas that we will need to restore the great steadied but assuring sense of confidence amongst our personnel. This shall only be possible if they continue to retain faith in the PAF as a system. Professionalism, merit and integrity are the key parameters of enabling and restoring such faith, while nepotism, cronyism and favouritism eat at the core of the great ethos that has been the preserve of this great air force.

Competent leadership shall always remain the key to having a great air force. Personal examples in all essential attributes will need to be put in place including integrity and honesty in decision making. Incompetence breeds insecurity; and insecurity desperately seeks reassurance. That is where the devastating ills of cronyism and nepotism begin to find root. PAF — then and now Monday, September 07, 2009. Shahzad Chaudhry. The writer is a retired air vice marshal. Email: shahzad.a.chaudhry@gmail.com

In 2008 Pakistan Navy under chief of naval staff Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir made efforts for including German 214 Class submarines in its fleet and owing to Navy’s persistent efforts, the government had approved plans for acquisition of these submarines to be built at Karachi Shipyard under transfer of technology programme.

The details were later worked out between the two countries when a Pakistan Navy delegation visited Germany in April.

However recently quoting Pakistani government sources, the Financial Times Deutschland says President Asif Zardari may overrule his military’s preference for the German subs to take up a “better offer” from France.

Three is a disjunction between private and public French posturing. Islamabad is used to French double-dealing, duplicity, and equivocation. This latest sleight-of-hand scurvy trick is typical of France’s subterfuge and deceitful fakement. The recent French turpitude on putting a $1.6 billion deal for Pakistan “on hold” is being seen as silly surreptitious trickery by Sarkozy and gang to secure the lucrative Bharati (aka Indian) deal first and put then pressure on Pakistan to force Islamabad to buy the Scorpians/Augustas rather than the German 214 Submarines.

• German Boats rather than French Scorpians
• Choosing German Subs over French ones
• Pakistan’s 214 Submarines made in Karachi with German help
• Choosing French Submarine over German? Rational decision or risking Pakistani defense ?

France sells arms to anyone and everyone. This new found streak of logic-chopping insta-conscience may have been nurtured to please Delhi–secure the $2.2 billion deal with with Bharat to upgrade its aging and archaic fleet of Mirage 2000 fighters–and then approve the Pakistani parts.

In a carefully crafted tergiversation France said that it had put the Pakistan deal “It’s a deal that’s not ready from the Pakistani side,” the source said, without giving further details. “For now, the state of the dossier doesn’t allow us to carry on with it.”

A consortium made up of French company ATE, arms group Thales (TCFP.PA) and missile manufacturer MBDA was supposed to produce the equipment, Le Monde said. Thales declined to comment. Reuters

Not ready from the Pakistani side? What does that mean. There is no check attached with the dossier? What does “state of the dossier” mean? Are the kicbacks not working?–or is it a tactic to place pressure on Pakistan to deal with those that killed the French Engineers working on the Augustas in Karachi.

Analysts believe that pettifoggery may be linked to slowing down Pakistan’s indigenous plane capability which will directly impact the sale of French Mirages to the third world. Paris may be looking to better safeguards on its technology and a better price from Pakistan.

The French ruse may also be a tickler for Delhi’s MCRC $10 billion deal. With Delhi’s relations with Washington at their lowest ebb, and souring, the French team may be working to get their foot in the door on the $10 sale of aircraft to Bharat.

New Delhi: The France government held up its 1.6 billion dollars sale of arms to Pakistan, reportedly under pressure from India.

The military hardware was to be used for Pakistan’s JF-17 combat aircraft. The sale of electronics and missiles, under the first part of a six billion euro deal, was signed with Islamabad.

Paris is said to be concerned over whether Pakistan would be able to pay-off the huge deal amount or not. And, also worried over the safety of the sophisticated technology.

However, experts are not willing to accept India would be able to exert pressue on France to hold the deal for long.

“I don’t really know how much pressure India can really exert on France because in the past we have seen that America has tremendous influence on their policies,” said Hamid Gul, former DG of ISI.

“Americans have supplied us already. They have committed to supply us 18 F-16 aircraft. Any aircraft that France can put out it can be outmatched by what the Americans can do.”

“We have very good relations in this field with China and we have developed JF-17 Thunder. We don’t see any immediate possibility of war. Therefore we have time in which we can develop technology,” he added. IBN and agencies.

France like the US has never been a reliable supplier for Pakistan. In the 70s the French canceled a Nuclear processing plant that had been signed between the two countries. is there an Israeli connection to this “hold”? Some blame France’s latest chicanery on the Jewish origins of President Sarkozy who has taken all of France to the right of center–abandoning traditional French neutrality on many issues. France has vehemently opposed Turkey’s admission to the EU tying it to Israel’s admittance.

The Pakistan Airforce has become an essential ingredient in the design and manufacture of Chinese aircraft. The Sino-Pakistani symbiosis is developing some of the best planes anywhere–at a fraction of the cost. The original metallurgy was Chinese, but now the manufacturing expertise developed in Kanbra and Sargodha provide valuable feedback to Beijing about the viability of the redesign. The PAF places tremendous pressure on the PLA Airforce on upgrading the aircraft to world class standards. The basic designs of the aircraft are taken from Russian prototypes, but the avionics, cockpits, and aerodynamics are provided by the PAF to the PLA Airforce. The joint ventures assist both countries in producing world class aircraft in record time.

In December 2008, rumors were rife of the J-10′s latest incarnation, the J-10B, had taken off for the first time. Now in April 2009, we see the initial leak of images for this plane. The J-10B appears as the next iteration of China’s vaunted 4th Generation fighter and looks to take the J-10 to the 4.5 Generation level.Grande Strategy

Why did Pakistan refuse the F-16s? There are three reasons for this location, location and location. The J-10s come with TOT (transfer of technology) while the F-16s come with stringent rules and regulations. The earthquake in Azad Kashmir allowed Pakistan a prefect opportunity to dump the F-16s and place an order for the J-10s also known as the FC-20s.  Now, the time is near for receiving the FC-20s.

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has shown a great deal of interest in the J-10 project as a possible substitute for Western combat aircraft for its high end requirements. The PAF, however, wanted a more modern version. Just as the FC-1s (and before the FC-1, the F-7s) were significantly upgraded due to the PAF’s push for improvements, the J-10 appears to be going through a similar phase. The reason for this is that the PAF has a far closer view of Western technologies and trends and thus can provide deeper insight than more insulated Chinese expertise. The J-10B in all likelihood has had major input from the PAF and is the FC-20 that the PAF has ordered. Grande Strategy

Is there a difference between the J-10s and the FC-20s. There is a world of difference. The Pakistan Airforce is one of the few Airforces in the world that flies Chinese and US equipment. The PAF has a lot of experience with F-86s Sabres, F-104s, and of course the F-16s. The Chinese have neither the experience nor the US equipment. Therefore it is very important for the PLA Airforce to partner with the PAF in designing and upgrading Russian designs. The PAF has been instrumental in helping the Chinese improve the basic deisgn of the FC-10s which emerged as the JF-17 Thunder. The PAFs role in improve the J-10s is recognized by the Chinese. The FC-20 is a vastly superior plane than the original J-10.

Chinese experts were observed giving exhaustive information on the J-10A to military delegations from Angola, Nigeria and Venezuela at the air show. Venezuela seemed most interested in the aircraft.

The first foreign buyer of the J-10A will be Pakistan, a source from the Chinese aviation industry said. In March, Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshall Tanvir MehmoodAhmed confirmed that a deal with China had been reached, and the aircraft would be delivered in 2014 and 2015. The version for Pakistan will be called the FC-20.  UPI Asia. (Andrei Chang is editor-in-chief of Kanwa Defense Review Monthly, registered in Toronto, Canada. John Wu is a reporter for the same magazine.)

Pakistan used the earthquake as the perfect opportunity to gently turn down the offer of 60 F-16s (block 50) to Pakistan and reduced the number of American planes to be purchased. The Pakistanis then further diversified the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). In Pakistani minds, the US is an unreliable arms supplier. Pakistan has suffered many times by American sanctions. President Musharraf and PAF head was invited to China to evaluate China’s latest toy, at the time, the J-10.

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has shown a great deal of interest in the J-10 project as a possible substitute for Western combat aircraft for its high end requirements. The PAF, however, wanted a more modern version. Just as the FC-1s (and before the FC-1, the F-7s) were significantly upgraded due to the PAF’s push for improvements, the J-10 appears to be going through a similar phase. The reason for this is that the PAFhas a far closer view of Western technologies and trends and thus can provide deeper insight than more insulated Chinese expertise. The J-10B in all likelihood has had major input from the PAF and is the FC-20 that the PAF has ordered. Grande Strategy

Pakistan is in midst of building about 500 JF-17 Thunder fighters, probably the biggest build up of planes in the history of the world. This is one of the greatest achievements of the Pakistani government in the past 8 years. This project removes the Pakistani defense from the shackles of foreign government. One can argue about the comparison with 4thgeneration American state-of-the-art planes, but this much is clear—it was designed for Pakistan, and is being produced in Pakistan. Serious plans are underway to upgrade the plane to new levels.HongKong, China — China is aiming at a substantial share of the international market for third-generation fighter aircraft, with a particular eye on oil-rich third-world countries as part of its arms-for-oil strategy. This was evidenced by the high-profile display of its J-10A fighter at the 2008 Zhuhai Air Show last November.

China did have its own indigenous engine on display at the show, the Taihangturbofan engine, with a thrust power of 13,200 kilograms – although some experts say it is only 12,800 kilograms. The Taihang’s exterior design and modular structure, as well as the processing and polishing technologies of the core machine and engine blades, seem to be an improvement over China’s previous aviation engines, but it is still far behind similar systems from Russia and Western countries.

Pakistan, on the other hand, is not a traditional client of Russian aircraft. Therefore Russia allowed its engines to be used on the JF-17 fighters China is developing with Pakistan. The same arrangement may therefore hold for the J-10A. UPI Asia

India, which according to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is supposed to be a friend of Pakistan and not an “enemy” has been meddling with the Chinese and the Russian deals on aircraft exports. Delhi unsuccessfully tried to halt the export of the Russian engines to Pakistan when it was manufacturing the JF-17 Thunders. Delhi failed to convince Moscow and Pakistan got the Russian engines. There is a Pakistani plan to upgrade the JF-17 Thunders with Chinese made engines ultimately manufactured in Pakistan.

The J-10B incorporates a new small ECM housing on the vertical stabilizer and this stabilizer also appears to be longer and ending in a “shark-fin”. The ECM housing is similar to the housing on the JF-17. The two ventral fins are also extended further and are larger irrespective of the shark-fin. The aerodynamic refinements of the longer vertical stabilizer and the ventral fins appear to be a result of the DSI intakes which create greater lateral forces on the aircraft.

The wide angle HUD featured on the J-11Bs seem to have also appeared on the J-10B. While it cannot be confirmed, it appears that the cockpit itself has been redesigned extensively. Other than the new ECM housing on the vertical stabilizer, new MAWs appear on the tail bump. Just below these, curious breaks appear on the fuselage that some observers are referring to as possible formation lights “slime lights”, but expert opinion from a Lockheed Martin source suggest that they are FLIR sensors. A redesigned satellite communication unit appears right behind the cockpit.

A retractable refueling probe is likely, given the development of the J-10 thus far, and is possibly located on the port side, not visible in the latest photographs. The photographs also suggest new under-wing pylons. These appear to be strengthened for a variety of possible uses, ranging from larger drop tanks to ASMs.

The engine is likely to be either a redesigned WS-10A (B?) or possibly the WS-15, a new generation engine currently in advanced development. This would not only have higher thrust than the AL-31s, but also feature TVCs, giving the J-10Bs vaunted agility an even greater boost. The actual engine on the aircraft presently on the released pictures, is the AL-31. Grande Strategy

Both China and Pakistan want to build the FC-20s with Chinese Engines and Pakistani technology on license from Europe. Thus the upgraded FC-20 will truly be a different plane than the original J-10.

The J-10A is currently equipped with Russian-made AL-31F aviation engines. It is unclear whether Russia will permit China to install these engines on its aircraft and then export them to Pakistan. Such a move would have not only economic but also political repercussions, considering that Pakistan’s rival, India, is a major purchaser of Russian arms.

For this reason, the export version of the J-10A fighter is still under design. Both the engine and the weapon systems on board will be different from the domestic version, according to the source from the Chinese aviation industry. UPI Asia.

India’s unnecessary interference in the JF-17 Thunder deal did not delay the design to manufacture of the Thunders. The first squadron of the Thunders was recently placed in combat operations in Peshawar Air base. While Bharat is purchasing $10 Billion worth of airplanes because it cannot produce its own, the Pakistanis are now in the forefront of aircraft development.

India has been using the Russian AL-31FP engine extensively in its fighter aircraft. If China exports large numbers of J-10P/FC-20 fighters outfitted withRussian engines to Pakistan, India will be much more concerned over this deal than with China’s earlier export of JF-17 2.5-generation fighters to Pakistan. As a third-generation combat aircraft, the J-10A will pose a real threat to the Indian Air Force.

With this concern, India sent a strong delegation to the Zhuhai Air Show to expand its contacts with the Chinese, led by its air chief of staff. The Indian Air Force’s aerobatics demonstration team also put on a performance at this event. UPI Asia

Curiosity killed the cat. The Bharati generals are curious about what Pakistan has been able to do with a basic Chinese design, and which to their chagrinthey have been unable to do with Russian equipment. Bharat’s LCA and Tejas fighters have been in development for the past two decades with no end in sight while the JF-17 Thunders have already been operationalized with a squadron ready for combat in Peshawar. 450 more are on the way.

At the Singapore Air Show earlier last year, Indian Air Chief Marshall Fali Homi Major had already carefully inspected the simulation cockpit of the JF-17, which is being jointly developed by China and Pakistan. His trip to Zhuhai was to examine the J-10A/ FC-20 fighter. UPI Asia

The Russian-Indian arms relationship has been in the doldrums, the victim of geopolitical wrangling as well as Russian reluctance to transfer technology to Delhi. The case of the Russian Aircraft Career is a classic lesson in a relationship that has gone sour. The Russians keep escalating the price of the carrier, the Indians keep complaining and there is no agreement on the delivery of the Admiral G.

In contrast to India’s increased interest in engaging with China, Russia sent a much smaller delegation than usual to Zhuhai. For the first time, Russia did not exhibit any combat aircraft or radar systems at the air show. Some representatives of Russian enterprises even cancelled their planned trips to China at the last minute.

Since China has achieved technological independence it does not bank on Russian planes or technology.

The J-10B incorporates a new small ECM housing on the vertical stabilizer and this stabilizer also appears to be longer and ending in a “shark-fin”. The ECM housing is similar to the housing on the JF-17. The two ventral fins are also extended further and are larger irrespective of the shark-fin. The aerodynamic refinements of the longer vertical stabilizer and the ventral fins appear to be a result of the DSI intakes which create greater lateral forces on the aircraft.

The wide angle HUD featured on the J-11Bs seem to have also appeared on the J-10B. While it cannot be confirmed, it appears that the cockpit itself has been redesigned extensively. Other than the new ECM housing on the vertical stabilizer, new MAWs appear on the tail bump. Just below these, curious breaks appear on the fuselage that some observers are referring to as possible formation lights “slime lights”, but expert opinion from a Lockheed Martin source suggest that they are FLIR sensors. A redesigned satellite communication unit appears right behind the cockpit.

A retractable refueling probe is likely, given the development of the J-10 thus far, and is possibly located on the port side, not visible in the latest photographs. The photographs also suggest new under-wing pylons. These appear to be strengthened for a variety of possible uses, ranging from larger drop tanks to ASMs.

The engine is likely to be either a redesigned WS-10A (B?) or possibly the WS-15, a new generation engine currently in advanced development. This would not only have higher thrust than the AL-31s, but also feature TVCs, giving the J-10Bs vaunted agility an even greater boost. The actual engine on the aircraft presently on the released pictures, is the AL-31.

Like the J-10S, a J-10BS is also eventually likely. This would be an advanced trainer with the 360 degree view similar to the J-10S. EW/Wild Weasel variants could also eventually be possible.Grande Strategy

Now reports are surfacing that China has been able to duplicate the SU-27, the most lethal bird in the air. The Chinese version of the Sukhoi SU-27 (Flanker) is now called the J-11. The Su-30MKI (another derivative of the SU-27), a heavy-class fighter, with the F-16C Block 50, F-16C Block 60, and F-18E/F aircraft is largely theoretical. The American Fighters belong to conceptually different fighter classes and have their own, preferential areas of combat employment. The F-18E/F version, owing to the F/A-18 basic design, features a more pronounced strike-mission capability, while in terms of dimensions, this aircraft is close to the Russian fighter.The basic price for the J-10A is about US$29.3 million, according to the Chinese source. Considering that China aims to sell this fighter primarily to oil-producing countries – and is prepared to trade it for oil and other natural resources – it could be an attractive option for such countries.

A general assessment of the export version of the J-10A fighter can concludethat its engine has less thrust than the F-16 Block 52, while its radar system is more or less on a par with the Zhuk-ME multifunction radar on the Russian MiG-28 SMT. This is because Russia’s Phazotron Design Bureau exported to China three sets of its Zemchung multiroleradar systems after 2001, allowing China to come up with its own version of the Zhuk-ME radar. This radar has a detection range of 120 kilometers for 5m2 aerial targets and can attack four targets in the air simultaneously.

China crosses Military Technology Independence Threshold

there is no doubt that the PAF sees its future inextricably linked to the J-10Bs/FC-20s. Informed sources suggest that PAF is not only looking to purchase, but to set up the necessary infrastructure to maintain and upgrade these birds. According to well informed sources, the aforementioned delay is primarily as a result of engine issues. The AL-31 would create maintenance and logistics problems for the PAF, given the lack of a working relationship with Russia. 

The delay in procurement is critical for PAF as it needs a quality high end to counter the larger IAF with her MKIs, Mirage-2000s and MRCA. With a new sensor rich environment dominated by AWACS on both sides and a large number of BVR platforms, higher altitude BVR engagements would become vital. J-10s are ideally suited for such combat given their aerodynamics including low wing loading in an A2A configuration. The instantaneous turn rates achievable on the J-10 (or the Euro canards) are likely to give an advantage in such engagements, as opposed to the high wing loadings on the over-evolved F-16s which were essentially designed for turning dog fights rather than high altitude BVR slash and dash maneuvers.

With the AESA equipped new J-10Bs, higher thrust engines and better EW/Avionics, PAF would reclaim the qualitative edge over the IAF. These J-10s would be superior in air combat than anything that the IAF fields today and would only be matched by a possible MRCA acquisition by India. Even then, with the 5 present contenders left in the MRCA, only the Eurofighter (assuming AESA radars) would be able to match the J-10 in air-to-air combat.  Grande Stretegy.

The Pakistanis are tight lipped about the new Chinese fighter and whether Pakistan is going to acquire any. The Chinese in a sweet deal of $2.5 Billion with the Russians purchased the right to produce the SK-27. The J-11 is a “third generation” aircraft.

What’s Cooking in Chengdu

There are indications that Chengdu is becoming a major cooperation hub for Pakistan and China. Hints are flying that more is brewing at Chengdu than the FC-1 and the J-10 sourced from the ever reliable pshamim of pakdef. Apparently a consulate and a halal restaurant is opening up to accommodate the soft side of all these project ventures. Personally I would like to see a single engined stealth fighter come out of Chengdu, as much as the reports are that its going to be a twin engined plane. Whatever is cooking in Chengdu, its likely to be halal for the PAF.

Future Modernization Roadmap

I think the future modernization of the JF-17 in PAF service will be along two more blocks – first 50, next 100 and final 100. It may be that the first 50 will be modernized after the last block.

The first 50 will include Chinese avionics and weapons, RD-93 engines and at best a foreign IR missile. The second block is likely to incorporate the WS-13 engine, Western radar and missiles and various augmenting sensors. These may include the Selex Vixen radar and the MBDA Meteor or perhaps the AMRAAM. The reason for this is that the SD-10 is untested, and AESA radar development is still not mature in China. Further, the SD-10 is a bit heavier than its Western counterparts and is less suited for the light fighter class than say, the Mica or the AMRAAM would be. AMRAAMof course would be ideal given that there would be commonality with the F-16s. Even if an AESA is not bought for the second batch, a western radar that allows the integration of the AMRAAM, even if it is not necessarily more advanced than the KLJ-7 would definitely be welcome. A HMD/S such as the Guardian or the Cobra with a HOBS missile would also be something the PAF is likely to be looking at. Some minor stealth features may also be incorporated in the second block.

The third block would possibly incorporate a Chinese AESA and perhaps a Chinese ramjet BVR missile (given that the speculated Meteor buy does not go through).

It is also likely to be more stealthier than any previous blocks. I would personally like to see provision for two BVRs to be kept semi-recessed, centerlineand one behind the other, while the IR missiles stay on the wing tip. This could be a good trade-off between stealth and performance on a limited airframe.

A few readily available upgrades can also be borrowed from the J-11 program, including the new 3D holographic wide angel HUD and the optical missile approach-warning receiver. These should go into the JF-17s from the very first block.
RD-93 / WS-13

One of the bigger issues withthe RD-93 is its inability to be completely smoke free. While it has been significantly decreased, some smokiness still remains. No such problem is likely to exist with the WS-13. Reliability and MTBF as well as better fuel efficiency are key elements where the WS-13 also likely trumps the RD-93.
What is however truly impressive about the RD-93 and even considering all its misgivings, is the acceleration and quick response it can achieve. The engines’ response is virtually instantaneous. Whether the WS-13 can match this would be interesting to note, although perhaps not as relevant or important. Below are the available specifications of the WS-13 and the RD-93.

Now, the efforts in China and Pakistan are underway to move to the air-forces to the latest planes like SU-27K which is now called SU-33.  It was the PAF which prevented Bharat from invading the holy land of Pakistan in 2002 and 2008. The Indian generals clearly told the government of Manmohan Singh that they could not guarantee success and Steven Cohen’s Cold War Strategy should be put into clod storage.

…. The-air-to-air missiles loaded on the J-10A fighter at the Zhuhai exhibition were SD-10A AAMs with compound hardpoints. The SD-10A is a medium-range active radar-guided air-to-air missile upgraded from the SD-10, withits maximum range extended to 70 kilometers. Its length is 3.9 meters, diameter 203 millimeters, weight 198 kilograms, and maximum speed Mach 5.

The PL-12 air-to-air missiles currently in service in the PLA Air Force have undergone similar upgrading. Short-range missiles include the new-generation PL-5EII and PL-9C. The PL-5EII is equipped with a multichannel infrared seeker, the latest laser proximity fuse, and a rocket motor with a non-smoke propellant.

The air-to-ground weapons on the J-10A mainly include the LT-2 laser-guided bomb and the FT series of global positioning system-guided bombs. In recent years China has been imitating U.S. aviation combat weapons, a trend that is reflected in the weapon platforms on the J-10A, including its imitation U.S. joint direct attack munition serial bombs.

At the most recent Zhuhai show, China put on open display its FT-5 GPS-guided bomb. The FT-1 and FT-3 500/250-kilogram-class GPS-guided bombs were on display at the previous show in 2006. China also showed off its 500-kilogram-class FT-2 withgliding fins added. The FT-2 has an effective range of 15-90 kilometers, a circular error probability of 20 meters and an air-dropping altitude of 3,000 to 12,000 meters.

The FT-5 small-diameter bomb copies the latest design of the U.S. military. A designer of the system said that the FT-5’s warhead has a weight of 35 kilograms and a circular error probability of 15 meters. It was developed mainly for unmanned aerial vehicles. The effective range of the FT-5 is 2-5 kilometers when launched from a UAV and 3-35 kilometers when launched from a J-10A.

China has also developed the LT-3 GPS+ terminal laser-guided air-to-ground missile for the J-10A, which is very similar in structure to the U.S. Army’s JDAM+ laser-guided bomb.

These imitations provide evidence that the Chinese military has been tracking U.S. technology, viewing the United States as both a presumed enemy and a competitor in the arms export market. Of course China’s imitations are not limited to U.S. military equipment, but it is certainly learning from U.S. technology as well as military combat doctrines.

China is now paying close attention to the development of anti-GPS-jamming multiple-guidance weapons. Its Sekong Company has developed a 570-kilogram-class guided bomb based on the Russian Krasnopolelaser-guided projectile’s seeker technology. China plans to promote this guided bomb along withthe J-10A. A designer says that this bomb has a circular error probability of 3.1 meters and an air-release altitude of 500-10,000 meters.

It is not clear whether the LT-3 has ever been test-fired, as China did not show video footage of this guided bomb under test.

As for anti-ship weapons, Chinese promoters of the J-10A claim that the fighter can carry 75-kilometer-range new-generation C-705 anti-ship missiles or C-802A anti-ship missiles with a range close to 250 kilometers. The C-705 was also on exhibit for the first time. The C-705 is a modified version of the C-704, with a turbojet engine and two flight fins. The weight of its warhead is 110 kilograms and it has a minimum flight altitude of 12 meters.

The Pakistan Airforce strategy is consecrated in a document called the AFFDP-2019 which is a blueprint of the PAF strategy for this and the next decade. The PAF is one of the few Airforces in the world that has been been to keep the schedule and costs under control. It is also one of the few Airfoces on the planet that has been able to design and operationalize aircraft in minimum time.

The PAF is looking for a total of 150 high end aircraft like the F-16 Block 52s and the FC-20 (J-10Bs or J-10Ps). The FC-20s could be procured in greater numbers, depending on relations with the U.S. and the operability of the F-16s. The J-10Ps and the JF-17s make a perfect pair – one ideal for high altitude air superiority and deep strike missions while the other ideal as a true multirole fighter. Where the J-10 lacks in deep strike, the F-16s make up for it. Where the J-10s lack in CAS, the JF-17s make up for it. Where the JF-17 lacks in high altitude BVR engagements, the J-10s make up for it.

The J-10s, F-16s and JF-17s also fit into the AFFDP-2019 requirements. The AFFDP-2019 is the core document on the strategic planning of Pakistan’s armed forces over 15 years. While this document is not available in the public domain, informed sources note that the PAF has been assigned procurement of only single engine combat aircraft. The J-10Ps/FC-20s coupled with the JF-17s and F-16s thus ideally meet these requirements. Grande Strategy

Pakistan wants to replace the F-16s in 2020 with the F-35s: PAKISTAN TO REPLACE THE F-16s with the F-35 in 2020: Lightning II is a single-seat, single-engine, stealth-capable military strike fighter, a multi-role aircraft that can perform close air support, tactical bombing, and air-to-air combat. The F-35 is descended from the X-35 of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. Its development is being principally funded by the United States withthe United Kingdom and other partner governments providing additional funding. It is being designed and built by an aerospace industry team led by Lockheed Martin with Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems as major partners. Demonstrator aircraft flew in 2000;15 December a production model first took flight on 2006. The United States Air Force plans to acquire 1,763 aircraft.

The J-10A fighter has 11 hardpoints, two of which are of compound structure, making the total number of hardpoints 13.

The PLA Navy seems to be assessing the possibility of acquiring J-10As for its combat ships. A Chinese source said that the navy liked its price and its aerial refuelling capability. This source also disclosed that the J-10A’s combat radius is 800 kilometers. …The J-10A is already fitted with an arresting hook imported from Russia for shipboard landing drills. However, the same source said no decision had as yet been made as to whether the PLA Navy will employ the J-10A as a ship-borne combat aircraft. UPI Asia. (Andrei Chang is editor-in-chief of Kanwa Defense Review Monthly, registered in Toronto, Canada. John Wu is a reporter for the same magazine.)

Crescent daggers
Pakistan’s “214 Subs” made in Karachi 5th Generation Su-35 spinoffs made in China as J-11s
Pakistan rapidly moving beyond basic JF-17 Thunders. The J-10s J-11s and newer versions of JF-17
The Pakistani hawks in the sky: Y-89 AWACS
Nothing succeeds like success: Hataf, Ghauri, Babar, Abdali missiles

JF-17 Thunders: Designed, built and operationalized in a record time of 4 years. Custom built for Pakistani needs The impact of Pakistan’s first indigenous JF-17 Thunder Squadron deployment

Serial production of JF-17 Thunder expedited:30-50 per year to 100 per annum
Beyond the Pakistani made JF-17 Thunder Fighter Plane, Chinese made J-10s.PAF next acquisition the J-11s?
Pakistan defense based on missile nuclear deterrent Hataf, Shaheen Babar and Abdali Hamza: Pakistan’s Augusta class Subs made in Karachi Pakistan’s 500 Al-Khalid tanks have been in production since 2001. Next generation tanks exported via IDEAS Pakistani made UAVs: Uqaab & Jasoos

3 New shipyards support Pakistani ship building & Frigates

Pakistan’s F-22 Frigates made in Karachi Chinese SAMs S-300s for Pakistan When with Iranian S-300s be operational? Why did Pakistan buy fewer F-16s?

PAF: Nuclear armed deterrent to hegemony

Pakistan already has a Nuclear Deal with China! India tried to raise expectations to portend failure!

IAF vs PAF: Defined by IAF

Tanks: Bharati Arjun vs. Pakistani Al Khalid

Russian 5th generation Su 35s spinoff of Su 27 Made in China as J-11

China achieves techonological independence in arms production

Russian Arms–Made in China

With $30 Billion China building Jxx 5th Generation Fighter

Pakistan’s 250 JF-17s, 50 F-16: Indias panicky “concern”

Indian missile failures

Why doesn’t Russia transfer plane technology to India?

When will Delhi ground the New Flying Coffins?

Indo Russian bickering disputes delay FGFA to stretch target in 2017

How Abdul Kalam stole US NASA secrets for India

Indian Airforce crying wolf? or facing shortage of jets?

Indian Airforce crying wolf? or facing shortage of jets?

South Asia Air Forces: PAF counters IAF strategy

The declining Indo-Russian relationship leaves Delhi scrambling for new arms sources—but they come with strings

Noticias de Rupia | Nouvelles de Roupie | Rupiennachrichten | ??????? ????? | ???? | Roepienieuws | Rupi Nyheter | ??????? | Notizie di Rupia | PAKISTAN LEDGER | ???????? ????? | RUPEE NEWS | May 8th, 2009 | Akhbar Navees | ???? ??????? | ????? ????? |

Noticias de Rupia | Nouvelles de Roupie | Rupiennachrichten | ??????? ????? | ???? | Roepienieuws | Rupi Nyheter | ??????? | Notizie di Rupia | PAKISTAN LEDGER | ???????? ????? | Chris Floyd  | March 15th, 2009 |

After the crash of about 500 Mig 21s, the Indians are starting to do the impossible–crash their latest toys from Russia the Su-30s, the pride and joyof the resurgent Russia–the Flankers. After much bickering the Russians gave the the Indians the bitter pill of truth. India has insisted on producing and using sub par, poor qualitylocal parts for the high-tech aircraft. The shoddy locally manufactured junk parts did not function well with the high technology aircraft.

• Brahmos: Faster than the speeding bullet
• Abject failure in indigenous arms production forced Delhi to buy weapons without Transfer of Technology
• After Moscow’s grounding, when will Delhi ground the New Flying Coffins?
• Delhi’s deeply frozen Israeli Missiles: Windfall profits for Delhi politicians but no Baraks
• Delhi’s missiles

India recently lost one of its sixty Su-30 fighters, when the aircraft developed electrical problems, and the communications and engine controls failed. One of the pilots survived, but the parachute of the other failed to open. All this is particularly upsetting to Indians, who had been assured by the Russians that the Su-30 was a modern (built to Western standards of reliability) aircraft. Such assurances were necessary because of earlier Indian experience with the MiG-21.

India lost 250 MiG-21s to accidents between 1991 and 2003.

Stratfor. Indian Aircraft Ambitions Have An Accident May 4, 2009

World Record: 500th Flying coffin crashes

Of course there are many estimates of the number of Indian planes that crashed. Statfor a pro-Indian site full of Indian born consultants has its number. There are other estimates. The article above tracks the number of planes that crashed.

• Helicopters for India?
• Russian FGFA: Tricolor paint
• Junk jets for Japan
• More Flying coffins?
• $10 billion for which plane?
• F-16s or F-35s
• Lockheed’s bait and switch
• Moscow sale to Delhi: Russian Mig35s are simply Mig29s with new decals
• How Abdul Kalam Stole US secrets for Delhi’s rockets Delhi’s Tejas

When consulted, Russia pointed out that India had insisted on making many of the spare parts needed to keep MiG-21s operational, and many of these parts were not manufactured to Russian specifications. While Russia does not have a reputation for making the highest quality equipment, their standards are often higher than Indias. It’s no secret that much of the military equipment made in India is pretty shabby by world standards. World Record: 500th Flying coffin crashes

Most of the 110 pilots lost in these MiG-21 accidents were new pilots, which pointed out another problem. India has long put off buying jet trainers. New pilots go straight from propeller driven trainer aircraft, to high performance jets like the MiG-21. This is made worse by the fact that the MiG-21 has always been known as a tricky aircraft to fly. That, in addition to it being an aircraft dependent on one, low quality, engine, makes it more understandable why so many MiGs were lost.  Stratfor. Indian Aircraft Ambitions Have An Accident May 4, 2009

Though the number of Mig-21 crashes has gone down, but now the the Russians themselves have grounded the Mig29. Ironically Delhi did not ground the faulty planes, claiming that the IAF would continue to fly the defective aircraft.  

The IAF is between a rock and a hard place. It has spent billions on trying to develop the Tejas. It has no results to show after about two decades of “development“. It tried to purchase hundreds of planes to augment it fledgling numbers. The Mig 21 fiasco, and the Mig-29 debacle places Delhi is a strange predicament. It has been unable to develop its own plane, and its purchases have been duds.

In panic it has now gone on a buying spree and is spending $10 Billion on 126 planes. However this purchase puts the entire Indian establishment on the horns of a dilemma. If it buys American equipment, it places the Indian Defense department under the thumb of Washington. American planes will have to be sequestered from other planes, and the US would have the right to inspect them anytime andanywhere. Additionally, the Indian establishment would have to live without any transfer of technology, because Lockheed or Boeing will not commit commercial hara kari by giving the secret “Coke formula” to Delhi sub-tier manufacturers. 

The end result is that Bharatis left with hundreds of Flying Coffins, and Cremation discs. The country is vulnerable and the IAF is panicking. According to current delivery schedules, the 126 planes will be delivered in 2015.  However production delays are a guaranteed part of the military aviation industry.  Bharat has 121 obsolete Flying Coffins left (after 500 crashes andcounting, thought he official number has remained constant at 250 over the years), 56 defective Mig 29s (the IAFrefuses to ground the deficient planes, even after Russia did). Of these the 110 Su 30s are as good as their pilots. The IAF has 40 Mirages, most of them old and obsolete that have been upgraded,  less than 120 old Mig 27s, 104 British Jaguars (35 crashed),   (Bharatwas so fed up with the performance of the Jaguars, that id did not let them compete for their MRCA order).

Bharat is eager to replace the Jaguars and the Mirages, and the Mig 27s. It floated a tender bid in 2009 to replace 126 of the archaic aircraft. if al lgoes well Delhi  will have to wait ’till 2015 for this feat.

The declining Indo-Russian relationship. Delhi scrambles for new arms sources but they come with strings. India and Russia signed an agreement in October 2007 for the so called joint development of the FGFA. The first flight is scheduled for 2009. The Russians have already decided on the design of the plane and are moving full speed ahead with its development. The tag-along Hindustan Avionics will probably be handed over a kit in 2009 to claim that it has actually participated in the development of the aircraft. Technically the joint development is accurate. HAL has funded part of the $4 billion in development cost. A spokesman derisively joked about it saying “actually the Indian “innovation” is pretty much limited to designing new tri colored Indian flag designs on Russian planes and placing the decals on the right spots.”So what impact does the impotence of the IAF have on the foreign policy of Bharat. In 2002 and in 2008, the IAFwas unable to provide Delhi any guarantees on the war, and actually recommended that Bharatwould have to cedeterritory to Pakistan. Pakistan won both the 2002 and 2008 war without a bullet being fired.

The project is way behind schedule and the Russians are proposing test flights this year–without any input from HAL or Delhi. When Moscow needed hard currency it bent over backwards to appease Hindustan Aeronautics. Now flush with Petro-Dollars the Russian Aviation industry is treating the Indians like poor cousins.The March 2009 test flights will display a single seater plane which was the Russian preference. By using that excuse that the HAL facilities are not ready, they will ram the Russian design down the throat of Delhi and then try to ship the stripped down export version of the plane by 2017.

India has history of failed aircraft design and production. the LCA was a colossal failure and the Tejas engine is a fiasco unparalleled in world avionics history. “Then, of course, there is the indigenous ‘Tejas’ Light Combat Aircraft programme, which was launched in 1983 to replace the ageing MiGs. But it’s running years behind schedule, with the first squadron likely to be inducted only by 2011-2012 now” (Hindustan Times). Some are averse to calling it a failure, but 25 years for developing a plane is a development cycle that most analysts consider a bit too long–especially when there is nothing to show for it. Indian missile production was also something that has a huge “F” written on it. Trail of tears and failure: Indian missiles.

Pakistan on the other hands will be producing about 50 JF-17 Thunders per year, and the production of the FC-20s (the J-10s) are on the anvil. Design of the J-11s and enhancements to the Thunders gives military analysts in Delhi jitters.

India’s Security concerns

India a Failed state?

The Singh Doctrine for Akhand Bharat Fails

India’s Security nightmares: Naxalites, Mioram, Tamilland, Khalistan, 7 sisters of Northeast, 450 million Untouchable Dalits, Kashmiris, 150 million Muslims
Women harassed in “Incredible India”: Female genocide-Persistent ogling, heckling by Indian men. GENDER MURDER:-10 million baby girls killed before & after birth: Female gender genocide is destroying male female ratio in India

Hunger in India worse than Bukino Faso. Bottom in Asia. Worst in South Asia

INDIA: Reality of “Slumdog’s” extreme poverty in Indian cities irks Hindus living in Bollywood dreams

600BC-400AD: How Buddhism was exterminated from South Asia?

The Manuwadi Hindu extremists Replaced Hinduism in Buddhist lands: Today they use the Safron Swastika flag instead of the tri-colored flag of India to enforce hinduunity.org

Amnesty International Report on “Horrid India”

Extremist Hindus show power using the Swastika in triple entendre–as an ancient Hindu symbol, reverence for Hitler & sign of Anti-Western Indian hatred. Many want to use the Swastika as the Indian flag.
Indian penury: The reality vs. Bollywood’s (Pornywood) marketing gloss: UNICEF report on the reality of malnutrition & penury

How long to extripate penury from india? 300 years!
Khumb Mela: India’s 60 million filthy naked Hindu males

India’s budget– fit for a superpower

Indian Cracks visible: Naxalite insurgency exposes deep cavities in India India Balkanizing: Naxal insurgency widening cracks into deep abyss

Murder of 10 million Indian girl babies: Before & right after birth. Why is the media silent? Sino-Indian feuds: Arunchal Pradesh is Chinese territory occupied by Delhi

India Balkanizing? Naxalite insurrection widening cracks in deep cavities
The 2nd world revolution (after Buddhism) from Nepal: Another threat to India

Red Nepal: Clear and present danger to India

Why is Urine drinking popular in India? From Mohandas Gandhi to PM Desai to common man. India at bottom of world’s hungriest countries: Scores worse than Barkino Faso in the list of the hungriest nations on the planet

Reality of Slumdog’s extreme poverty irks Indians living in Bollywood dreams EU says “India is ruled by castes not laws. Bharati state machinery supports license to kill Dalits

• Indian Secularism–in the light of the Sachar Report
• The Caliban of SouthAsia—an artificial state called Bharat (aka India)
• Why did Indira Gandhi’s grandson publicly repeat the Indira-Nehru-Sanjay-Mohandas bigotry?
• India: Inebriated by meager success is blind to real self-portrait of caste infested penury and balkanization
• Real India: Rodent infestations, Monkey barrels, Cow kines, Stray dog kennels, & Rat packs present in Delhi’s President House & ubiquitous in all Indian cities
• Cracks in India: 40% of “India” not under Government control. Blaming the ISI cannot dampen the 89 Indigineous Indian insurgencies

A picture is worth a 1000 words. The body language says its all over!

Nostalgia won’t be able to rekindle a dead relationship

Noticias de Rupia | Nouvelles de Roupie | Rupiennachrichten | ??????? ????? | ???? | Roepienieuws | Rupi Nyheter | ??????? | Notizie di Rupia | The Dawn | Military Strategy | Strategic Thinking and Policy Institute | Failed States | Pakistan Historian | Gandhi Unmasked | PAKISTAN LEDGER |  ???????? ????? |  RUPEE NEWS  | May 13th, 2009 | Akhbar Navees | ????? ????? |

When India’s foreign and defence ministers visited Moscow last year, President Putin allegedly refused to meet them.

In fact, Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee, next only to the prime minister in seniority, was not even given an appointment by the Russian prime minister.

And when Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh travelled to Russia at the end of last year, he curtailed his visit to just 28 hours.

The break-up of the Soviet Union has also affected trade between the two countries. Russia’s share in India’s total trade has fallen from 9% in 1991 to just over 1% in 2007.

From the third largest export destination in 1991, Russia has slipped to 34th place for Indian exports. Sunil Raman BBC news

‘With Indias growing relationship with the USA, the Russian supply-lines seem to slowly but surely drying up. India is scrambling for other arms suppliers. The USA has offered India arms, and planes at the expense of Russia and is trying to undercut Russia on some deals. As the world knows, and as India has recently expereinced with the Nuclear deal— American arms come with long strings.

“But probably the main factor that has become an obstacle to better relations is Delhi’s growing closeness with the United States,”Security expert Uday Bhaskar.

India is trying to get some of the technology from Israel Despite very heavy expenditure and the tall claims, Israel’s Lavi, Arrow and other defense programs were heavy on promise and short of performance. India is now in the middle of discovering the cold hard facts of American business. The more arms she buys from the USA, the more leverage will America have over Indian decision making processes.

The smooth and successful launch of Israel’s military satellite TECSAR by an Indian space vehicle this January and the presence of a number of defence and aerospace firms from Israel at the Def Expo-2008 in Delhi in February are a clear pointer of Israel emerging as India’s most-preferred defence partner in the near future. In sharp contrast, the subdued and modest presence of Russian defence entities at the Expo was a mirror to the growing friction in Indo-Russian defence ties. From being a reliable defence partner, Russia has come to be looked upon in India as an undependable supplier of military hardware, many of which have proved to be “poor performers”.

In fact, India is far from happy over the cost escalation, time slippages and poor after- sales service including the non-availability of spares on number of occasions in respect of many defence projects for which it has signed up with Russia. Perhaps the most galling to the Indian defence establishments is the Russian insistence on an additional payment of $ 1.2 billion for the retrofitting and modernization of the Admiral Gorshkov, a 44,750 tonne Kiev class aircraft carrier. Russia had originally agreed to retrofit this decommissioned aircraft carrier for $ 1.5 billion and supply it to the Indian Navy by 2008-09. Now it will reach India only by 2012-2013. Currently, negotiations are on between the two nations to sort out the controversy. Sometime last year the Chief of Navy, Admiral Suresh Mehta had stated that it was high time that New Delhi stopped putting all its eggs in one basket, thereby implying that India should stop depending totally on the Russians and instead expand its defence ties with more reliable partners such as Israel. Obviously, Admiral Mehta was referring to the change of Russian stance over the retrofitting of Gorshkov.

Clearly and apparently, Gorshkov is not the only case of Indo-Russian defence collaboration gone sour. It is only the tip of the iceberg. Citing global inflation and depreciating US dollar, Russia has already asked India to cough up more for SU-30-MKI combat aircraft. And, the Indian Navy on its part has refused to take delivery of the Kilo class submarine and the land attack missiles it was equipped with to fire, after it came a cropper in test firings. Similarly, last year India withheld the payment for one of the three IL-38 maritime patrol aircraft upgraded with the Sea Dragon submarine detection equipment since it did not fulfill the stringent norms set by the Indian Navy. Another bone of contention between India and Russia is the issue of technological transfer in critical areas for production of T-90S battle tank by the Heavy Vehicles Factory at Avadi near Chennai. There is a dismay in India over the way Russians are putting impediments in its plan to indigenously manufacture 1000 T 90S battle tanks. Now India has decided to develop the critical technological elements in respect of T-90S that Russia has refused to make available.

As a defence analyst in New Delhi put it, India is irritated with Moscow for its failure to keep its commitment of delivering weapons systems on time and also failing to sustain a system to provide uninterrupted supply of spares, apart from jacking up the cost arbitrarily halfway through the implementation of the project. The break-up of the mighty Soviet empire leading to the bankruptcy of its vast and sprawling military industrial complex has been blamed for India’s far from happy track record in dealing with the Russian defence contractors. As it is, India had a taste of this in 1992, when succumbing to the American pressure, Russia refused to honour its commitment of transferring the critical cryogenic engine technology to India. Russia, which had signed with Glavkosmos as part of the deal with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) before the break up of the Soviet Union was required to make available the cryogenic engine technology. Subsequently, ISRO managed to build and test a fully Indian cryogenic engine stage meant to power its high performance GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle). -INFA. India’s Defence: Looking Beyond Russia by Radhakrishna Rao

India has already felt the pressure in the Nuclear deal and the Oil pipeline from Iran and Pakistan. In the case of the Nuclear deal, India signed the agreement but later read the fine print with the poison pill in it. If India tested another nuclear bomb, America would stop all cooperation with the India and even had the right to request a return of the technology that had been transferred.

The Indian state is about face choppy waters in its quest for new arms. The “other” sources come with strings and may force India to abandon her friends like Iran.

Diplomatic observers in New Delhi believe that the growing chill in Indo-Russian defence ties has to do with India’s growing bonhomie with the US. The Russian supreme Vladimir Putin who is at loggerheads with the American administration is quite keen about India remaining within the orbit of Russian influence.

… India to expand its defence ties with Israel. At DefExpo-2008, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) entered into an agreement with Tata Industries to float a joint venture meant to cater to the needs of the Indian customers of IAI. Tata Industries is looking at digging deeper into the Indian defence market. Further, the Bangalore-based state-owned defence enterprise BEL (Bharat Electroncis Ltd) tied up with three Israel-based companies at the Expo. BEL has singed a “term sheet” with Rafael Advanced Defence Systems to form a joint-venture company to “encourage indigenous advanced technology capabilities of missile electronics and guidance systems”. On the other hand, BEL has signed a MoU with IAI-Malat for the joint development of unmanned aerial vehicles. Further, a 12-year tie up with Elisra envisaged the joint working on various air borne electronics warfare programmes. Israel, which has supplied Barak missiles to the Indian Navy, is also assisting the Bangalore-based Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd in upgrading many of the Soviet era weapons including MiG series of combat aircraft. It is a tribute to the growing Indo-Israel ties that the Government-owned Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and IAI have joined hands to develop a missile capable of intercepting aircraft and other aerial objects. And despite the opposition from the US, Israel has struck a deal with India to supply three state-of-the art AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System).

These AWACS would help the Air Force gain a deeper and more detailed insight into the enemy territory. First of the three AWACS would reach India by the year-end. In addition to supplying a variety of missiles, UAVs, and electronics warfare hardware for all the wings of the Indian defence, Israel is also assisting many Indian entities in developing missiles and radars for a variety of end uses. For instance, Israel is helping Bangalore- based Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) to test and integrate the multi mode radar (MMR) into the indigenously developed fourth generation Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. HAL has also decided to equip its Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv meant for export market with IAI made avionics system.

Meanwhile, the launch of the 300-kg TECSAR featuring a synthetic aperture radar capable of seeing through the clouds and cover of darkness by means of the four stage Indian space vehicle PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) has stirred political and diplomatic controversy. The CPM whose support is crucial to the survival of the UPA government has hit out at ISRO for launching a spy satellite belonging to Israel. “The launch of Israel’s TECSAR shows how India is aiding the military efforts of Israel. The satellite has the capability to track the activities in Iran and the region”, said a CPM spokesman. The Left party has also alleged that ISRO has agreed to launch two more defence satellites from Israel. Iran on its part has made its displeasure over the TECSAR launch by India with the statement that India should have weighed the geo-political situation before agreeing for this launch contract on purely commercial terms. Time will tell how far India goes with its defence requirements with Israel. -INFA. India’s Defence: Looking Beyond Russia by Radhakrishna Rao

Crescent daggers
Pakistan’s “214 Subs” made in Karachi 5th Generation Su-35 spinoffs made in China as J-11s
Pakistan rapidly moving beyond basic JF-17 Thunders. The J-10s J-11s and newer versions of JF-17

Jointly Redesigned and upgraded Chinese J-10Bs built in Pakistan as FC-20s to be operationalized before 2015
The Pakistani hawks in the sky: Y-89 AWACS
Nothing succeeds like success: Hataf, Ghauri, Babar, Abdali missiles

JF-17 Thunders: Designed, built and operationalized in a record time of 4 years. Custom built for Pakistani needs The impact of Pakistan’s first indigenous JF-17 Thunder Squadron deployment

Serial production of JF-17 Thunder expedited:30-50 per year to 100 per annum
Beyond the Pakistani made JF-17 Thunder Fighter Plane, Chinese made J-10s.PAF next acquisition the J-11s?
Pakistan defense based on missile nuclear deterrent Hataf, Shaheen Babar and Abdali Hamza: Pakistan’s Augusta class Subs made in Karachi Pakistan’s 500 Al-Khalid tanks have been in production since 2001. Next generation tanks exported via IDEAS Pakistani made UAVs: Uqaab & Jasoos

3 New shipyards support Pakistani ship building & Frigates

Pakistan’s F-22 Frigates made in Karachi Chinese SAMs S-300s for Pakistan When with Iranian S-300s be operational? Why did Pakistan buy fewer F-16s?

PAF: Nuclear armed deterrent to hegemony

Pakistan already has a Nuclear Deal with China! India tried to raise expectations to portend failure!

IAF vs PAF: Defined by IAF

Tanks: Bharati Arjun vs. Pakistani Al Khalid

Russian 5th generation Su 35s spinoff of Su 27 Made in China as J-11

China achieves techonological independence in arms production

Russian Arms–Made in China

With $30 Billion China building Jxx 5th Generation Fighter

Pakistan’s 250 JF-17s, 50 F-16: Indias panicky “concern”

Indian missile failures

Why doesn’t Russia transfer plane technology to India?

When will Delhi ground the New Flying Coffins?

Indo Russian bickering disputes delay FGFA to stretch target in 2017

How Abdul Kalam stole US NASA secrets for India

Indian Airforce crying wolf? or facing shortage of jets?

Indian Airforce crying wolf? or facing shortage of jets?

South Asia Air Forces: PAF counters IAF strategy

The declining Indo-Russian relationship leaves Delhi scrambling for new arms sources—but they come with strings

Pakistan’s as Nuclear power: 250 bombs

Pakistan’s Plutonium based Tritium H-Bombs deter Indian agression

Pakistan Space Agency (SUPARCO) to launch 3 satellites in 3 years

Pakistan indigenous Satellite launch Vehicle & PakSat launch in 2011

Towards Self-reliance in Armaments

Pakistan rebounding from volatile events. It evaluated its dangerous geo political situation as well as a belligerent international atmosphere. The sons and daughters of Pakistan pledged “Never again” and developed a comprehensive strategy to be self-sufficient in her defense needs. It created a Nuclear deterrent, indigenous Al Khalid Tanks and a missile program that is the envy of South Asia. Neither the mercenaries sent from the across the border, not the blackmail can now harm the fabric of the country.

Pakistan a US ally faced American sanctions and developed its own JF-17 Thunder fighter which will move towards the 4th generation fighters of the world and opens up an export potential worth billions of Dollars

Patron Lt Gen (Retd) Sardar F S LODI looks at the induction of Al-Khalid main battle tank in the Pakistan Army.

 July 20th 2001 was an important and significant day in the history of Pakistan’s defence effort when the first batch of 15 Al-Khalid main battle tanks after lengthy factory and user trials were handed over to the Pakistan Army at a simple and dignified ceremony at Taxila. The tanks were issued to the 31st Cavalry Regiment of Pakistan’s Armoured Corps. President General Pervez Musharraf was the chief guest at this historic and proud moment. He addressed the assembled guests who included cabinet ministers, high-ranking civil and military officers and the diplomatic corps. The President said that although Pakistan is a peace-loving country and has always worked for stability in the region it cannot lower its guard and must posses a deterrent force required to thwart any misadventure by its adversaries.

The President went on to say that Pakistan’s efforts for peace and stability in the region would not be at the cost of security. The government he said would provide all possible resources to ensure a strong defence for a stable Pakistan. Being a developing country, the president said, it was important for Pakistan to find cost-effective solutions and to develop indigenous manufacturing capability to meet defence needs. The Armed Forces, he said, were committed to safeguarding the frontiers of the country and were constantly engaged in preparing themselves to meet all possible threats. But wars today were fought not just by the Armed Forces. The whole nation is required to engage in economic, scientific, political and social endeavours and to promote production in all conceivable fields.

President Musharraf felt that the achievements made in the field of defence production should be noted and utilized to improve the economy and meet the development needs of the nation. Over the years, he said, the nation had made sacrifices for setting up defence production facilities and it was time now to start getting dividends. “The defence industry must diversify itself and promote export of defence equipment,” the President said. He called it an auspicious day to witness the maturity of a project conceived 10 years ago.

An amount of $20 million was spent on the indigenous development of Al-Khalid main battle tank, spread over a period of eight years. This shows the low development costs of the tank. As a comparison it must be noted that our neighbour India has invested over $500 million on its Arjun tank which is still not in production. President Musharraf noted that the highest power to weight ratio had given Al-Khalid tank an agility, which can be matched only by the German Leopard tank. Al-Khalid carries a 125mm smooth bore gun, which can destroy enemy armour at long ranges. Composite materials and explosive reactive armour provide protection to the crew against a variety of anti-tank weapons. Its ability to automatically track targets is available only in the French Leclerc tank. With Hunter Killer day-night sight and a state-of-the-art fire control system, Al-Khalid is truly a world class tank, said the President of Pakistan.

Al-Khalid main battle tank is the result of a joint development project between HIT (Heavy Industries Taxila) of Pakistan and NORINCO (North Industries Corporation) of China. It has a combat weight of 46 tons and carries a crew of three. Fitted with a 1200 HP water-cooled diesel engine, which gives it a maximum speed of 65 to 70 km an hour with acceleration from 0-32km in 10 seconds. It has a 125mm smooth bore main gun equipped with a dynamic muzzle reference system and supported by a 7.62mm co-axial machine gun and a 12.7mm remote firing anti-aircraft gun. The power to weight ratio is 26 horsepower per ton, enhancing the tank’s agility. Al-Khalid’s combat range is 400 kilometres which expands its operational range with minimum logistic support. The thermal night vision devices enable the tank crew to fight at night as well.

Chairman of Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) Lt. General Hamid Javed, himself a cavalry officer and familiar with the user requirements, said the factory has a capacity of producing 100 Al-Khalid tanks a year to meet the needs of national defence. At present, however, 50 tanks per year will be manufactured as required by the Pakistan Army. He said, if a friendly country placed an order for the tank the HIT would be able to meet the demand. General Javed pointed out that some Muslim countries had already shown keen interest in Al-Khalid tank. At present the country’s armament industries export weapons and military hardware worth $150-200 million every year. Now with indigenously produced high tech products at competitive prices, the export potential of the country should increase considerably.

Foreign military journals of repute have given Al-Khalid tank good reviews. Journal of Military Ordinance in its March 2001 issue writes. “One of the highlights of the show was the Al-Khalid main battle tank that is the result of co-operation between Pakistan and China. Fairly lightweight by Western standards at 46-tons, the Al-Khalid carries a 125mm smoothbore main gun of Chinese design. The fire control system for the main gun includes an image-stabilised dual magnification gunner’s sight, a panoramic commander’s sight, and a thermal imager. The fire control system also employs an autotracker. The vehicle carries 7.62mm co-axial and 12.7 anti-aircraft machine guns. Additionally, it is equipped with grenade launchers on each side of the turret that carry twelve smoke and four high explosive grenades.”

The journal goes on to say, “The Al-Khalid is powered by the 1,200 horsepower Ukrainian 6TDF diesel engine that generates 26-horsepower per ton. This allows the tank to reach a maximum speed of over sixty-five kilometers per hour and to accelerate from 0-32 kilometers per hour in less than ten seconds. The Al-Khalid has a maximum cruising range of 400 kilometers. Six prototypes of the Al-Khalid have been tested over the last ten years. From these six prototypes, four basic configurations have emerged.”

Jane’s Armour and Artillery journal edited by Christopher F. Foss describes the Al-Khalid tank as follows: “Layout of the tank is conventional, with the driver’s compartment in the front, turret in the centre and the power pack at the rear. The turret and hull are of all-welded steel armour construction and an additional layer of composite armour has been added over the frontal arc, to which explosive reactive armour can be added if required. Turret thickness at the front is estimated to be 600mm with the glacis/nose estimated to be 450 to 470mm. The armour is of modular design enabling the user to change the damaged modules or replace the existing models with new armour packages as the threat evolves or as new technology becomes available.”

Jane’s goes on to say. “Main armament is a 125mm smoothbore gun fitted with a thermal sleeve and a fume extractor. This can fire APFSDS (muzzle velocity 1,760 m/s), HEAT (muzzle velocity 850m/s) and HE-FRAG (muzzle velocity 950 m/s). It can also fire a laser guided projectile fitted with a HEAT warhead. The gun is fed by an automatic loader enabling the crew to be reduced to three – commander, gunner and driver.”

“The computerised fire-control system includes a bi-axis stabilised dual magnification gunners sight, bi-axis stabilised commanders sight with hunter killer capability, computer, commander’s control panel, laser range-finder, crosswind sensor, tilt sensor and angle velocity sensor. This allows the Al-Khalid tank to engage moving targets under day and night conditions. The complete power pack, which consists of the engine, transmission and cooling system, can be removed from the vehicle in 30 minutes to facilitate field replacement.”

The Hindustan Times newspaper of August 13 had this to say: “Let me begin with the Al-Khalid tank. Even a cursory look at its capabilities shows that it is an armoured corps commander’s dream. In its offensive capabilities and speed on level ground, it meets every requirement that the Indian army’s most up-to-date GSQR (General Staff Quality Requirement) for India’s MBT (Main Battle Tank) project more than a decade ago (16 years). More important, it has a fire control system that enables it to acquire and shoot at targets while moving at high speeds over rough terrain. This is something that India’s mainstay, the T-72 tanks cannot do (some are being upgraded to have this capability). The fact that all this capability has been packed in a tank with only a 1200 HP engine, means that it has an overall weight of 40 tonnes or thereabout against the Arjun’s 55 tons (Indian tank under development for the past 16 years). This will give it a lower profile than the typical MBT and make it harder to hit.”

Al-Khalid tank is an outcome of very tough efforts during the last eight years resulting in a very modern tank for the Pakistan Army, said the dynamic chairman of Heavy Industries Taxila, Lt. General Hamid Javaid. He said Al-Khalid is an ideal blend of mobility, firepower and protection and its high agility and obstacle crossing capability. The final product is the outcome of dedication and selfless devotion to duty displayed by the Chairman and his team of officers both in uniform and mufti. The nation is proud of their achievements and hold them in high esteem.

The Al-Khalid or MBT 2000 (Type 90-IIM) is a modern main battle tank co-developed by China and Pakistan. It is produced in Pakistan, and in service with the Pakistan Army. It is operated by a crew of three, and armed with 125mm smoothbore gun with mechanical autoloader, capable of firing anti-tank missiles, with modern fire-control and night-fighting equipment.

Based on its Chinese and Soviet design ancestry, the MBT2000/Al-Khalid is considerably smaller and lighter than most western main battle tanks. The design is based on the Chinese model Type 90 main battle tank project, which combines technologies from several Soviet and western tanks, and is ultimately a descendent of the widely-produced Soviet T-54A. The MBT 2000 is unusual in that it is adaptable for manufacture with any of a variety engines and transmissions of foreign origin.

The Al-Khalid is a version of this tank produced in Pakistan, with a compact diesel engine supplied by Ukraine’s KMDB design bureau. The first tanks were completed and entered Pakistan Army service in 2001, and Pakistan plans to induct 600 of these by 2007.

Development history
In the 1970s, the leadership of China’s People’s Liberation Army was concerned about the Soviet threat, and requested an improved main battle tank (MBT) to replace the Type 59. The existing Chinese tanks were direct descendants of the Soviet T-54A, and had become outmatched by more advanced Soviet models like the T-62 and T-64. Norinco and the Inner Mongolia First Machine Group Corporation were tasked to develop a series of new tanks.

After examining samples of T-72 tanks delivered by Iran in the late 1980s (captured from Iraq), the Chinese military realized that contemporary Chinese tanks were still vulnerable. Design features of the T-72 and some western tanks were used to develop a second generation of Chinese tanks, eventually incorporating a redesigned hull and suspension, a new welded turret, and 125-mm autoloaded tank gun. The Type 80 and Type 85 tanks led to the Type 90. The Type 90 was rejected for Chinese service, in favour of other designs, but it influenced further development which would lead to China’s third-generation Type 98 and Type 99 tanks.

The Type 90 is an evolutionary design: the Type 90-II version shares 10% of its components with the Type 59, 15% with Type 69, 20% with Type 85/88C, and is built with 55% new components. This model was put up for sale on the international market.

A development deal was signed with Pakistan in January 1990. Initial Chinese-built prototypes were tested in Pakistan in August 1991. Pakistan spent more than USD $20 million over the next ten years on the co-development of a model suitable for their needs, and on creating a capability to manufacture it locally, under the direction of Brigadier (now Major General) Mohammad Asaad. The design team modified the tank to accept a foreign-built power pack. A number of different prototypes were evaluated.

An early version was armed with the Chinese gun and fire-control system, but had German-designed MTU-396 diesel engine which was built under licence in China. Another version was equipped with a more advanced western digital fire-control system, and powered by a Perkins 1,200-hp Condor diesel engine (as in the British Challenger) and ESM-500 automatic transmission (as in the French Leclerc). This version was considered too expensive and under-performing in the extreme heat of southern Pakistan. Finally, a version was tested with the Ukrainian 6TD-2 1,200-hp diesel engine (Ukraine also supplied Pakistan with T-80UD tanks, powered by a similar compact diesel engine). This configuration was chosen for the production version of the tank and came to be known as Al-Khalid.

Yet another version-employing more western technology-had been envisaged as an export product for Pakistan. The prototype had a 1,200-hp German MTU-871/TCM AVDS-1790 diesel engine and an LSG-3000 transmission. But this concept was abandoned due to the arms embargo imposed on Pakistan after the 1998 Pakistani nuclear tests.

The final tank design resulting from a decade of co-operative development was designated Type 90-IIM. Chinese company Norinco showed the new Type 90-IIM during the March 2001 Abu Dhabi Defense Expo, under the export name MBT 2000.

The version powered by the Ukrainian power plant, intended for domestic production in Pakistan, was named Al-Khalid.

Production
During the development period, Heavy Industries Taxila gained experience building the Chinese Type 85-IIAP, and prepared to begin production of the Al-Khalid tank in 1999. A pilot batch of fifteen tanks was inducted into the 31st Cavalry Regiment of Pakistan’s Armoured Corps on 20 July 2001. Pakistan signed a contract with Ukraine’s Malyshev Factory in May 2002, for the delivery of 315 6TD-2 engines over three years.

[1] An additional batch of Al-Khalid tanks was delivered on 23 September 2004.

Employment
Pakistan plans to build a total of 600 Al-Khalid tanks for its armed forces.[2]

In March 2006, Jane’s Defence Weekly reported that Saudi Arabia was planning to evaluate the Al-Khalid in April 2006. Pakistani defense officials said the Saudi government may be interested in purchasing up to 150 Al-Khalid for $600 million USD.[3]

Description

Armament and fire control
Al-Khalid is designed with a 125mm (length: 48 calibers) smoothbore, auto-frettaged and chrome-plated gun barrel which can fire APFSDS, HEAT-FS and HE-FS conventional ammunition and Russian-made 9M119 Refleks ATGM (AT-11 Sniper, also produced in China under licence). Al-Khalid is also one of the few tanks in the world that use DU rounds. The DU round used by Al-Khalid is the indigenous Pakistani made Niaza 125mm DU round (armor penetration: 550 mm at 2 km). Al-Khalid is equipped with a muzzle reference system and dual-axis stabilization. Elevation and azimuth control is achieved by electro-hydraulic power drives. The automatic ammunition-handling system for the main gun has a 24-round ready-to-fire magazine and can load and fire at a rate of eight rounds per minute.[4]

The tank is also equipped with a 7.62mm-coaxial machine gun, a 12.7mm externally-mounted air-defence machine gun that can be fired with the hatch closed, and smoke grenade launchers.

Prototypes have been demonstrated with various fire-control systems of Chinese and western origin.

The gunner is provided with a dual magnification day sight and the commander with a panoramic sight for all-around independent surveillance. Both sights are dual-axis image stabilized and have independent laser range-finders. The commander has the ability to acquire a target independently while the gunner is engaging another one. The automatic target-tracking system is designed to work when tank and target are both moving. Night vision for the gunner and commander is achieved through a dual-magnification thermal imaging sight. Both sights are integrated with the fire-control system.

[4] The production Al-Khalid tank has a fire-control system of western origin. In the MBT 2000, the Chinese Norinco fire-control system has inputs from ten sensors. The ballistic computation time is less than one second. The manufacturer claims routine first round hits on standard 8 ft (2.4 m) square targets at ranges over 2,000 meters.

Effective range: 200 m to 5,000 m
Sensor: laser ranging from 200 m to 9,990 m
Auto-tracking, firing four types of munitions, gunner’s thermal imaging sight, commander’s image intensification night vision sight, gyro-stabilized and UPS power supply system.

The Al-Khalid is equipped with the ATCOP LTS 1 laser threat warner developed by Institute of Industrial Control Systems.[5]

The LTS 1 laser threat warner consists of two key elements, the mast-mounted sensor and the operator’s control box complete with 360° display. According to ATCOP, the LTS 1 laser threat warner can detect not only laser rangefinders but also laser target designators. It responds to all current laser sources in the field environment and if required can also be coupled with acoustic alarms as well as smoke generators and other countermeasure systems. The LTS 1 laser threat warner can detect laser devices operating in the 0.8 to 1.06 µm waveband and has a 360° field of view azimuth (resolution of 15°) with a field of view in elevation of -15 to +90°. Operating voltage is 12 V or 24 V DC nominal with power consumption being 8 W nominal. The sensor head is 165 mm in diameter and 35 mm high while the control box is 80 x 130 x 55 mm in size.

Mobility
The production model Al-Khalid has a Ukrainian 6TD-2 1,200-horsepower supercharged diesel engine and semi-automatic transmission. An under-armour auxiliary power unit allows electrical systems to operate with the main engine switched off. The suspension consists of torsion bars, hydraulic dampers and buffers.

At 46 tonnes, Al-Khalid is easier to transport than a nearly 70-tonne M1 Abrams. Its high power-to-weight of 26 hp/tonne gives it a maximum speed of 70 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 30 km/h in under ten seconds.

The snorkel system allows it to cross prepared water obstacles up to 5 meters deep. Navigation is assisted by the use of Global Positioning and Inertial Navigation Systems.[6]

Protection
Al-Khalid has modular composite armour and explosive reactive armour, nuclear-biological-chemical defences, an effective thermal smoke generator, internal fire extinguisher and explosion-suppression system. It also has advanced laser detection system developed by Al Technique Corporation.

Operators
List of customers with confirmed orders:

Pakistan
Pakistan Army – 350+ with plans for an additional 250
List of Potential customers

Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabian Army evaluating the 2 prototypes delivered to SAA and expected to confirm the order for 150

Type Main battle tank
Place of origin People’s Republic of China
Pakistan
Production history
Manufacturer Norinco, Heavy Industries Taxila
Specifications (Al-Khalid)
Weight 48 tonnes
Length 10.07 m
Width 3.50 m
Height 2.40 m
Crew 3

——————————————————————————

Armour 650 mm RHAe (modular composite and explosive reactive armour)

[3]
Primary
armament 125 mm L/48 smoothbore gun
Secondary
armament 12.7 mm antiaircraft machine gun, 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun
Engine 12-cylinder diesel model 6TD-2
1,200 hp (895 kW)
Power/weight 26 hp/tonne
Suspension torsion-bar
Operational
range 400 km
Speed 70 km/h
[hide]v • d • ePost-Cold War tanks
Al-Khalid · Ariete · Arjun · Challenger 2 · K1 88 · K2 Black Panther · Leclerc · Leopard 2 · M1 Abrams · M-2001 · M-95 Degman · Merkava · PT-91 Twardy · T-84 · T-90 · TR-85 · Type 90 · Type 96 · Type 99 · Zulfiqar

Al Khalid vs. M1 Abrams: Pakistans Al Khalid just as good as the M1 Abrams although it has a bigger gun than the M1 abrams the abrams gun is 120mm the al khalid gun 125mm another thing is that the Al khalid is not a gas guzzler like the M1 Abrams other than that both tanks have night and thermal vision equipment and auto targeting. the Alkhlid has a speed of 45 miles per hour. Six Al Khalids can be bought  for the of one M1 Abrams can be bought so in some areas the Al-Khalid is better than the M1 Abrams.

Source: Wikipedia, Defence Journal etc.

Gartner, the world’s leading information technology research and advisory company has placed Pakistan amongst the top countries of the world in terms of suitability for offshore outsourcing. Pakistan has been recognized by the global community as ‘Market Leaders and Challengers’ and has been placed in the First Category countries in 2007. Previously, in 2006 Pakistan was placed in the Third Category countries.

Gartner, in its recent report ‘Analysis of Pakistan as an Offshore Service Location’ said the major factor behind the progressing status of Pakistan is the lower salaries and better infrastructure advantages than other offshore destinations. “The salaries of IT professionals in Pakistan are approximately 30% lower than those in India, while telecommunication costs are also lower as compared to any other offshore locations, which make Pakistan an attractive outsourcing destination.”

Based on a total of ten criterion, including language, government support, labour pool, infrastructure, education system, cost, political and economic environment, cultural compatibility, global and legal maturity, data and intellectual property security and privacy, Gartner rated Pakistan as ‘very good’ in cost, ‘good’ in language and ‘fair’ in most of the areas despite the prevailing political environment.

According to Gartner research report, government of Pakistan has devised a comprehensive national IT policy, designed to encourage the private sector. In order to drive development, Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) plans to construct new IT parks in major cities while 750,000 square feet of space in PSEB-designated parks has already been leased to IT companies.

“The government is doing a great job of initiating activities in positioning Pakistan as an offshore location, however, it needs to take concrete steps to improve its brand image as an offshore destination,” the report adds.

It may be mentioned here that a number of Pakistani IT companies have developed world class software in areas such as car leasing, enterprise application integration, mortgage lien processing, stock market order management, mobile convergence, data and web content management for some of the top most corporations of the world. staff report

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