Pakistan Air Force: Then and Now

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Every year, September 6 is celebrated as the Air Force day. On this day in 1965, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) faced its first ever stern test of capability and resilience against a committed offensive of the Indian air Force, and came out successful in thwarting enemy attempts to dominate the war. The script for the remaining days of the war was written on this day and thereafter enacted with exactly similar results – the PAF coming out on top defending well against the Indian Air Force (IAF).

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

Pakistan Air Force: Then and Now

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PAFs BVR enabled Block 52 F-16s make Delhi jittery

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Military History, War Games, Naval policies, Strategic decisions, Planes, Ships, Subs and Arms

ISLAMABAD, Mar 27 (APP): Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman on Saturday said PAF would start getting the lot of 18 latest version of F-16 fighting falcon aircraft fitted with Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile system by June this year. Briefing newsmen on the on-going High Mark-2010 Exercise by PAF in collusion with Pakistan Army and Pakistan Navy, the Chief of Air Staff said the delivery of aircraft to Pakistan would complete by the end of current year.

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He, however, did not disclose the number of BVR systems being acquired from the US, but said in addition to 18 F-16s, Pakistan has also been negotiating to get another lot of 14 aircraft of same version, besides getting other modern gadgets and weapons.

“Our wish-list is unending, but we are heading with the realistic approach,” he said when was asked about the PAF’s wish-list from the US.

He said the indigenously developed aircraft with the help of friendly country China JF-17 (Thunder) has been producing much better results than expectations, especially its weapon system.

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

He told another questioner that the existing lot of F-16s in the PAF inventory would be upgraded to the level of Block 52 series in Turkey and the project would be completed by 2014.

Highlighting the importance of High Mark-2010, he said significance of the exercise could be gauged from the fact that the air force had been engaging all its assets, especially those recently inducted in its inventory like, Early Air Warning and Control System, JF-17 Thunder and Air to Air refueller.

Besides, he said Pakistan Army and Pakistan Navy have also been taking part in wholesome manner in the exercise which has been tailored to carry out joint and solo operations in accordance with the need that may occur.
He said the exercise is being carried out in the near to real situation with the aim to give mastery to the fighter pilots on avoiding collateral damage as in the past maximum efforts were made to avoid civilian casualties during the anti-terrorist operations.

Jointly Redesigned and upgraded Chinese J-10Bs built in Pakistan as FC-20s to be operationalized before 2015

Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman said this joint exercise not only focusses on to deal with the threat from the traditional rival, but also from the potential unconventional enemy.

When his attention was drawn towards the Indian doctrine of carrying out surgical strikes in the wake of Mumbai attacks, the PAF chief said the air force had immediately developed strategy to counter the threat which barred the adversary to opt for any extreme option.

“Our response time during such situations is from 2 to 6 minutes from the ground,” he responded in a firm manner. He said knowing the capability of PAF the adversary did not dare to take any step.

He said PAF has been keeping a watchful eye to safeguard the frontiers of the country and effective systems are already in place to meet with any situation.
In reply to a question, he said PAF had already been using
Unarmed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology for reconnaissance purposes while it hardly needs to go for armed aerial vehicle.

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He said the Exercise High Mark is being carried out from the existing financial resources available with the PAF as no additional allocations have been sought from the government for the purpose.

Answering another question, he said the coalition forces hardly commit any violation of Pakistan’s air while Pakistan had always strongly protested in case of any airspace violation by the coalition forces in Afghanistan.

He said that Pakistan and India back in 1991 had reached a mutual agreement not to enter in air space from 10 km of the border with the aim to avoid any violations.

JF-17 Thunders: Designed, built and operationalized in a record time of 4 years. Custom built for Pakistani needs

He said there was no threat from the western border while a sizeable number of aircraft are continuously guarding the eastern border, which are not a part of the exercise High Mark 2010.

Detailed briefings were also given to the senior media-persons who were especially invited by the Air Chief to impart first hand information on the exercise, which has been entering its most important phase of fire power show.

In the next phase which would be the culminating part of the exercise, contingents from Pakistan Army and Pakistan Navy would also participate.

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Beyond the Pakistani made JF-17 Thunder Fighter Plane, Chinese made J-10s.PAF next acquisition the J-11s?
Why did Pakistan buy fewer F-16s?

PAF: Nuclear armed deterrent to hegemony

PAFs BVR enabled Block 52 F-16s make Delhi jittery

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PAF responds to Indian war games

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The Bharati Air Force’s diminishing numbers are creating panic in Delhi. With the Mig 21s, Mig 27s, and Mig 29s grounded the real strength of the IAF is down to about 50% of its listed strength. This compares about the same number of combat ready planes possessed by the Pakistan Air Force. Plus the Pakistan capacity to produce 25-75 new JF-17 Thunder, and FC-20 type of planes places tremendous pressure on the IAF to come up to speed. The IAF spent a lot of money–but ended up in a lot of cul de sacs. They purchased Russian Equipment which has a propensity to hug gravity. With hundreds crashed, Bharat has floated an order to buy 126 planes. Chances are they they may buy them from the West–which has a lot of strings attached, and Bharat may face an interruption of supplies based on the current mood in Washington. A Purchase order for Lockheed Martin may also jeopardize the supply chain from Moscow.

Bharat is also under pressure by the right wing parties and the Saffron Brigade to take action against Pakistan–for real of perceived wrong doing. Hence the development of a “Cold Start strategy” and the recent Air Force exercise which supposedly tested the rapid deployment of smaller Pakistan specific units of the Army.

The Pakistani reaction has been swift. The short-range missiles, the PAF energy, and the Army’s assertiveness is now being tested in an exercise that counters the behavior of the IAF.

Pakistani countermeasures to Cold Start Strategy–battle-ready nuclear weapons. The Pakistan Air Force has not taken the Bharati (aka Indian) war games and the forward positioning of the Bharati Su aircraft lightly. The response to the Bharati air exercise has been an unprecedented 40 day Pakistani air show that is built on thwarting the Bharat’s Cold Start strategy, and making sure that Bharati contingents cannot infiltrate quickly into Pakistani territory and cause damage to the country’s sovereignty. Delhi’s Cold Start Strategy Frozen DOA (Dead on Arrival)

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) will launch its countrywide “Exercise High Mark-2010”, from next week to test its professional skills and capabilities.

Defence sources say that this kind of exercise is held after every five years and involves all aerial frontiers and bases from across the country, including the latest missile and firepower of the country.

“The exercise would continue for 40 days and, for the first time, the JF-17 Thunder will also participate in the exercise, in addition to F-16s and other fighter planes,” the sources said, adding that it would be entirely an internal activity and no foreign nation would be invited to participate in it.

It is the main peacetime activity and will cover the entire country from Skardu in the north to the Arabian Sea in the south.

The exercise would also involve the army and naval contingents to show an integrated approach to deal with any eventuality in the time of war.

It would include joint operations with extensive participation from the army and navy, which would further enhance cooperation amongst the three forces. PAF to launch ‘Exercise High Mark’ next week By Sajjad Malik

Military attaches from about 30 countries, excluding Pakistan and China were invited to witness the India’s military firepower.

The air war games follow the first official talks between India and Pakistan since the terror attacks in Mumbai in 2008. The talks remained fruitless with foreign secretaries of the two countries agreeing to keep in touch.

“This is not just a firepower demonstration but a clear message about what India’s air force is capable of,” said Uday Bhaskar, a New Delhi-based strategic affairs expert. “It is a message to the neighbours.”

Tensions between India and Pakistan are a problem by themselves but the stakes have risen further with their roles in the war in Afghanistan.

In Sunday’s war games, planes including Sukhois and MiG 21s, roared through the sky, bombing simulated targets including the so-called militant training camps and bunkers.

President Pratibha Patil and Defence Minister A.K. Antony watched as mock targets were hit with bombs and rockets, raising huge balls of fire and dust in the deserts of Pokhran, the site of India’s nuclear testing facility.

Defence analysts say the Indian air exercise was an attempt to boost the falling morale of Indian air force following the induction of JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft in Pakistan Air Force which gave Pakistan a marked edge over India.

By excluding Pakistan and China from the air power exercise, India has exposed its inimical designs against its two most important neighbours.

Minister of State for Defence MM Pallam Raju said every country was entitled to defend itself, saying, “Just like we take our measures, Pakistan would also be doing its preparations. We don’t have to be alarmed about it.” India says it’s monitoring ‘Sargodha tunnels’. Minister says Pakistan entitled to prepare for defence By Iftikhar Gilani

• The essence of the Cold Start doctrine is reorganising the army’s offensive power that resides in the three strike corps into eight smaller division-sized integrated battle groups (IBGs) consisting of armour and mechanised infantry and artillery, closely supported by helicopter gunships, air force and airborne troops (parachute and heliborne).
• The IBGs are to be positioned close to the border so that three to five are launched into Pakistan along different axes within 72 to 96 hours from the time mobilisation is ordered.
• Cold Start thus envisages rapid thrusts even when the defensive corps’ deployment is yet to be completed, and high-speed operations conducted day and night until the designated objectives are achieved
• The probable objective areas for Cold Start could be (1) Ravi-Chenab corridor from two directions, an IBG along Jammu-Sialkot-Daska axis and another across the Ravi to link up with the first IBG, and (2) in the south against Reti-Rahim Yar Khan-Kashmore complex.
• To counter Cold Start, the Pakistan Army will have to create more armour-dominated brigade-sized reserves from the existing resources if possible, and a more flexible military system and structure.
• For Pakistan the dimensions of time and space assume paramount importance as it lacks territorial depth, is opposed by a larger adversary and lacks the resources to fight a protracted war.
• The strategy of pre-emption is thus imposed on Pakistan in the same way it was imposed on Israel prior to the 1967 war.
• The fact that the Pakistani Army can occupy their wartime locations earlier than the Indian army confers on it the ability to pre-empt Cold Start;
• failure to do so could lead to firing of low-yield tactical warheads at IBGs as they cross the start line or even earlier
• Pakistani countermeasures to Cold Start Strategy–battle-ready nuclear weapons

PAF responds to Indian war games

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PAF responds to Indian air war game with 40 day ‘Exercise High Mark’

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The Bharati Air Force’s diminishing numbers are creating panic in Delhi. With the Mig 21s, Mig 27s, and Mig 29s grounded the real strength of the IAF is down to about 50% of its listed strength. This compares about the same number of combat ready planes possessed by the Pakistan Air Force. Plus the Pakistan capacity to produce 25-75 new JF-17 Thunder, and FC-20 type of planes places tremendous pressure on the IAF to come up to speed. The IAF spent a lot of money–but ended up in a lot of cul de sacs. They purchased Russian Equipment which has a propensity to hug gravity. With hundreds crashed, Bharat has floated an order to buy 126 planes. Chances are they they may buy them from the West–which has a lot of strings attached, and Bharat may face an interruption of supplies based on the current mood in Washington. A Purchase order for Lockheed Martin may also jeopardize the supply chain from Moscow.

Bharat is also under pressure by the right wing parties and the Saffron Brigade to take action against Pakistan–for real of perceived wrong doing. Hence the development of a “Cold Start strategy” and the recent Air Force exercise which supposedly tested the rapid deployment of smaller Pakistan specific units of the Army.

The Pakistani reaction has been swift. The short-range missiles, the PAF energy, and the Army’s assertiveness is now being tested in an exercise that counters the behavior of the IAF.

Pakistani countermeasures to Cold Start Strategy–battle-ready nuclear weapons. The Pakistan Air Force has not taken the Bharati (aka Indian) war games and the forward positioning of the Bharati Su aircraft lightly. The response to the Bharati air exercise has been an unprecedented 40 day Pakistani air show that is built on thwarting the Bharat’s Cold Start strategy, and making sure that Bharati contingents cannot infiltrate quickly into Pakistani territory and cause damage to the country’s  sovereignty. Delhi’s Cold Start Strategy Frozen DOA (Dead on Arrival)

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) will launch its countrywide “Exercise High Mark-2010”, from next week to test its professional skills and capabilities.

Defence sources say that this kind of exercise is held after every five years and involves all aerial frontiers and bases from across the country, including the latest missile and firepower of the country.

“The exercise would continue for 40 days and, for the first time, the JF-17 Thunder will also participate in the exercise, in addition to F-16s and other fighter planes,” the sources said, adding that it would be entirely an internal activity and no foreign nation would be invited to participate in it.

It is the main peacetime activity and will cover the entire country from Skardu in the north to the Arabian Sea in the south.

The exercise would also involve the army and naval contingents to show an integrated approach to deal with any eventuality in the time of war.

It would include joint operations with extensive participation from the army and navy, which would further enhance cooperation amongst the three forces. PAF to launch ‘Exercise High Mark’ next week By Sajjad Malik

Military attaches from about 30 countries, excluding Pakistan and China were invited to witness the India’s military firepower.

The air war games follow the first official talks between India and Pakistan since the terror attacks in Mumbai in 2008. The talks remained fruitless with foreign secretaries of the two countries agreeing to keep in touch.

“This is not just a firepower demonstration but a clear message about what India’s air force is capable of,” said Uday Bhaskar, a New Delhi-based strategic affairs expert. “It is a message to the neighbours.”

Tensions between India and Pakistan are a problem by themselves but the stakes have risen further with their roles in the war in Afghanistan.

In Sunday’s war games, planes including Sukhois and MiG 21s, roared through the sky, bombing simulated targets including the so-called militant training camps and bunkers.

President Pratibha Patil and Defence Minister A.K. Antony watched as mock targets were hit with bombs and rockets, raising huge balls of fire and dust in the deserts of Pokhran, the site of India’s nuclear testing facility.

Defence analysts say the Indian air exercise was an attempt to boost the falling morale of Indian air force following the induction of JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft in Pakistan Air Force which gave Pakistan a marked edge over India.

By excluding Pakistan and China from the air power exercise, India has exposed its inimical designs against its two most important neighbours.

Minister of State for Defence MM Pallam Raju said every country was entitled to defend itself, saying, “Just like we take our measures, Pakistan would also be doing its preparations. We don’t have to be alarmed about it.” India says it’s monitoring ‘Sargodha tunnels’. Minister says Pakistan entitled to prepare for defence By Iftikhar Gilani

• The essence of the Cold Start doctrine is reorganising the army’s offensive power that resides in the three strike corps into eight smaller division-sized integrated battle groups (IBGs) consisting of armour and mechanised infantry and artillery, closely supported by helicopter gunships, air force and airborne troops (parachute and heliborne).
• The IBGs are to be positioned close to the border so that three to five are launched into Pakistan along different axes within 72 to 96 hours from the time mobilisation is ordered.
• Cold Start thus envisages rapid thrusts even when the defensive corps’ deployment is yet to be completed, and high-speed operations conducted day and night until the designated objectives are achieved
• The probable objective areas for Cold Start could be (1) Ravi-Chenab corridor from two directions, an IBG along Jammu-Sialkot-Daska axis and another across the Ravi to link up with the first IBG, and (2) in the south against Reti-Rahim Yar Khan-Kashmore complex.
• To counter Cold Start, the Pakistan Army will have to create more armour-dominated brigade-sized reserves from the existing resources if possible, and a more flexible military system and structure.
• For Pakistan the dimensions of time and space assume paramount importance as it lacks territorial depth, is opposed by a larger adversary and lacks the resources to fight a protracted war.
• The strategy of pre-emption is thus imposed on Pakistan in the same way it was imposed on Israel prior to the 1967 war.
• The fact that the Pakistani Army can occupy their wartime locations earlier than the Indian army confers on it the ability to pre-empt Cold Start;
• failure to do so could lead to firing of low-yield tactical warheads at IBGs as they cross the start line or even earlier
• Pakistani countermeasures to Cold Start Strategy–battle-ready nuclear weapons

PAF responds to Indian air war game with 40 day ‘Exercise High Mark’

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IL-78 Refueling tankers: Pakistan Air Force can now reach all of Asia

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The PAF lacked the capability to reach Kolkota and Assam. Theoratically Bharat (aka India) could have hidden some of their assets in the Northeast where they would not be very vulnerable. The Bharati assets would not be totally safe, because the Pakistanis (like the Israelis) had modified their planes with “Extra fuel tanks”. The fuel tanks were placed with or instead of a missile and it would take them to all corner’s of South Asia. Now the PAF can directly fly the planes, and the fuel tankers would supply them with the necessary juice. The Fuel Tankers would also keep the AWACs afloat longer.

Of course Pakistani defense is based on nuclear missile defense and mutually assured destruction. The misisles can reach all of Bharat. So the tankers provide the icing on the cake.

ISLAMABAD, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) — The first Air-to-Air Refueller aircraft of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has arrived on an operational Air Base, the PAF said Saturday.

The delivery of remaining three is planned to complete by mid 2010, a PAF statement said.

Pakistan reportedly signed a contract with the Ukraine for four aircraft with Russian-designed UPAZ refueling pods, with the possibility of additional third-country equipment.

“By virtue of its capability to refuel Air Defense aircraft in air, PAF’s overall capability in terms of its effectiveness to defend the airspace of Pakistan would be significantly enhanced,” the statement said.

Terming midair refueling capability “extremely significant”, PAF chief Air Chief Marshal Qamar Suleman recently told Jane’s Defense Weekly: “This is an absolutely new capability we are getting, which we are inducting. We never had this capability in the Pakistan Air Force.”

The IL-78 Midas is the aerial refueling variant of the IL-76 strategic transport. Standard IL-78s use hose-and-drogue refueling, reports said. Pakistan Air Force gets 1st midair refueller aircraft www.chinaview.cn 2009-12-19 19:26:14 Print

IL-78 Refueling tankers: Pakistan Air Force can now reach all of Asia

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PAFs lethal potency–150 FC-20s, 250 JF-17 Thunders & 75 F-16s

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The Pakistan Air Force has unveiled plans to purchase, build and fly more than 150 J-10 planes, one the finest flying birds in the Chinese inventory. This acquision (which includes shared development, improvement in design, and local manufacting in Pakistan) will add unprecedented fire power to the PAF which is continueing to build, and export the JF-17 Thunders. Islamabad plans to build more than 500 JF-17 Thunders and keep at least 250 of these for its own use.

Some versions of the redesigned J-10s will take off in 2009, however the official flight date for the Pakistani FC-20s is 2015, but in actuality the Pakistanis are way ahead on the schedule and working beyond the J-10 redesigns. The PAF is looking beyond the JF-17 thunders and the J-10s. The design for the next generation of Pakistani aircraft has already begun. The Chinese J-10s are ready for export now. The rediesgn and upgrade of the FC-20s will take about five more years. Here is a report by Defense Industry Daily, a very respectable news source on defense equipment.

Pakistani FC-20s--improved and redesigned versions of J-10s made per Pakistani specifications--will be manufactured in Pakistan: In November 2009, a long-rumored deal was announced for China’s Jian-10/ FC-20 4+ generation fighter, whose overall performance compares well with the F-16C/D Block 52 aircraft that Pakistan has ordered from the United States.

Pakistan and China have been cooperating for a number of years on the JF-17/ FC-1 Thunder, a low-medium performance, low-cost aircraft that has attracted interest and orders from a number of 3rd World air forces. In November 2009, a long-rumored deal was announced for China’s Jian-10/ FC-20 4+ generation fighter, whose overall performance compares well with the F-16C/D Block 52 aircraft that Pakistan has ordered from the United States.

The J-10 has been reported as a derivative of the 1980s Israeli Lavi project, and reportedly incorporates an Israeli fly-by-wire control base that was transferred in the project’s early years. The change in relations that followed the Tienanmen Square massacre hurt the J-10 project badly, however, forcing the replacement of planned Western avionics and engines with Chinese and Russian equipment. The required redesign was very extensive, affected all areas of the airframe, and took over a decade, amounting to the development of a new aircraft. The first operational J-10 unit entered service with the PLAAF in July 2004.

China has reportedly ordered 100 J-10s to date. The initial Pakistani order is for 2 squadrons, but could expand as technical cooperation and orders increase. The $1+ billion sale represents the J-10’s first export order… but almost certainly not its last.

Contracts and Key Events

Nov 11/09: Widespread reports surface that Pakistan has signed a $1.4 billion contract for 36 of CATIC’s Jian-10 fighters, which will be known as FC-20 in Pakistan. The deal is described as a preliminary agreement, and there are reports that Pakistan may eventually be interested in acquiring up to 150 of these aircraft. Retired Pakistani general Abdul Qayyum is qoted as saying that:

“The agreement should not simply be seen in the narrow context of Pakistan’s relations with China…. There is a wider dimension. By sharing its advanced technology with Pakistan, China is … also saying to the world that its defence capability is growing rapidly.”

The UK’s Financial Times echoes this theme, noting that the $21.7 billion Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC) group is rapidly emerging as a big military goods exporter. The group is also involved in China’s civilian aircraft program, and gives only total revenue figures, but the Financial Times quotes industry sources who believe a recent remerger of 2 split-out groups late in 2008 was aimed at creating a bigger and internationally competitive player.

It is not clear whether Pakistan’s FC-20s will carry Russian Salyut AL-31FN turbofans (17,130/ 27,557 pounds dry/afterburner thrust) that are similar to the engines in many SU-27 family aircraft, or the larger Chinese WS-10A derivative (reportedly a lesser 16,523/ 24,729 pounds dry/afterburner thrust) developed by China’s AVIC Aviation Engine Institute and Shenyang Liming Aero-Engine Group. Pakistan’s Daily Times | IBN Live | Press Trust of India | Times of India | UK Financial Times.

Pakistani FC-20s improved the J-10B: Nov 11/09: Widespread reports surface that Pakistan has signed a $1.4 billion contract for 36 of CATIC’s Jian-10 fighters, which will be known as FC-20 in Pakistan. The deal is described as a preliminary agreement, and there are reports that Pakistan may eventually be interested in acquiring up to 150 of these aircraft. Retired Pakistani general Abdul Qayyum is qoted as saying that:

March 7/09: The Associated Press of Pakistan reports that a contract for 42 co-produced JF-17/ FC-1 fighters has been signed in Islamabad by China’s CATIC and the Pakistani Air Force, financed by “seller’s credit.” Production capacity is listed at 15 aircraft in the first year, rising to 30 aircraft per year thereafter. Pakistan has been flying 8 aircraft to work out tactics, techniques, and procedures, and expects to stand up the first JF-17 squadron before the end of 2009. The aircraft will be based at Peshawar, alongside existing Chinese-made Q-5/A-5C “Fantan” fighters that are a hugely modified Chinese derivative of the MiG-19, and their accompanying JJ-6/FT-6 MiG-19 trainers.

The article adds a quote from Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mehmood Ahmed. He reiterates that cooperation on China’s canard-winged J-10/FC-20 is also progressing, with first deliveries to Pakistan expected in 2014-15. CATIC’s President MA Zhiping reportedly added that the first FC-20 aircraft built under that agreement would fly in 2009. APP | Pakistan’s The News.

March 29/07: Pakistan’s The News International references an interview that Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mehmood Ahmed gves to Jane’s:

“On other important projects with China, the Pakistani air chief also revealed that Pakistan is well advanced in negotiations with China on the possible acquisition of up to 40 J-10 fighters which are the most advanced fighter aircrafts so far produced by China. Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf was given a detailed briefing on the J-10 during his last visit to China.

“We are serious in our discussions and, as air chief, I look forward to getting this programme (of the J-10) to a stage where we can contract this. I am looking at two squadrons of aircraft, anywhere between 32 and 40 platforms,” said the Air chief.” Defense Industry Daily

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 8th, 2009 | Moin Ansari | ????? ????? | ???? ??????? | Updated November 11, 2009

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.)

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PAFs lethal potency–150 FC-20s, 250 JF-17 Thunders & 75 F-16s

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Redesigned Chinese J-10Bs built in Pakistan as FC-20s

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Some versions of the redesigned J-10s will take off in 2009, however the official flight date for the Pakistani FC-20s is 2015, but in actuality the Pakistanis are way ahead on the schedule and working beyond the J-10 redesigns. The PAF is looking beyond the JF-17 thunders and the J-10s. The design for the next generation of Pakistani aircraft has already begun. The Chinese J-10s are ready for export now. The rediesgn and upgrade of the FC-20s will take about five more years.

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 | Moin Ansari | ???? ??????? | ????? ????? |

Redesigned Chinese J-10Bs built in Pakistan as FC-20s

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PAF vs IAF-Defined by IAF

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The perennial discussion of the IAF and the PAF is made more pertinent because of the current tension after the Mumbai militancy. The discussion of the PAF by Bharati officials aways makes an interesting read. We have combined the IAF assessment of the PAF with some discusison of the PAF by experts who have evaluated the Beyond Visual Range capability of the PAF planes and the upgrade program of the PAF whach has made the original aricraft must more potent than what the designers had made.

• India: More than 75% live below Sub Saharan poverty line
• China’s defense budget of $60 Billion dwarfs India’s $21 Billion

According to the Bharati assessment (‘New aircraft can make Pak airpower stronger’ 23 Sep 2008, 0502 hrs IST, Anand McNair ,TNN) the PAF is stronger than the IAF. This assessment has been made noe other than the Bharari Air Marshal Kanwar Dalinderjit Singh, air officer commanding-in-chief, SWAC. In a seminal interview he told the Times of India that the IAF was weaker than the PAF.

• Indian Airforce crying wolf? or facing shortage of jets?
• Indian missle failures. Scrap the program?
• The declining Indo-Russian relationship. Delhi scrambles for new arms sources but they come with strings.
• Trail of tears and failure: Indian missiles.
• Air Forces in South Asia: PAF counters IAF strategy.

GANDHINAGAR: Emergence of new warfare technologies have not been able to diminish the crucial role of airpower to achieve national objectives of any country. When nuclear thresholds of countries keep changing, it is superior airpower that becomes a matter of choice for nations to protect their respective national interests. Hence when Pakistan recently bought US and Chinese multi-role aircraft, Indian Air Force’s (IAF) south western air command, the frontline of defence against Pakistan, was quick to assess its long-term implications for India.

Air Marshal Kanwar Dalinderjit Singh, air officer commanding-in-chief, SWAC, told TOI that Pakistan has outlined a big plan to replenish its aircraft fleet and upgrade existing fighters. Till June 2008, US had delivered Pakistan eight second-hand F-16 s even as plans were afoot to upgrade its ageing fleet of the same variant. Besides, neighbouring country has bought eight JF-17 multi-role aircraft from China and proposes to buy 150 more in the coming years. It has also ordered for 36 J-10 fourth generation multi-role aircraft from China, he said.

According to Air Marshal Singh, a veteran fighter pilot who has flown Hawker Hunter and MiG-21 variants among other fighters and trainers, [Pakistani] aircraft are quick in response and can cause a lot of destruction, so the ongoing development by Pakistan to strengthen its airpower cannot be ignored.

He, however, added that the only comfort could be the fact that upgradation of F-16 s would not add new capabilities to the aircraft and the Chinese fighters have not proved their claims. The SWAC AOC-in-C refused to divulge any information on plans to counter airpower imbalance in immediate neighbourhood in the coming years. But he added that work was on to set up a new airbase and strengthen the existing ones under the south western air command.

EU says “India is being ruled by castes, not laws”-Indian state machinery supports License to kill Dalits

IAF has been building a new airbase at Phalodi near Jodhpur. The base which will become operational by 2009-end. It will have transport and attack helicopters, MiG-29 Bison and air defence aircraft. Jamnagar airbase is being upgraded and those in Naliya and Bhuj strengthened, he said. Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra, three states that SWAC has to defend, have different characteristics in terms of economy and others, thus delineating a varied role for IAF. ‘New aircraft can make Pak airpower stronger’ 23 Sep 2008, 0502 hrs IST, Anand McNair ,TNN. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Ahmedabad/New_aircraft_can_make_Pak_airpower_stronger_/articleshow/3515786.cms

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PAF v IAF Air Power

Su-27s and Su-35 Russia chagrined at Into-US relations doesn’t transfer Flanker Su-30 development technology to India. Build plane itself. ———————————
Indian missile failures ——————————————
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 ——————————
Serial production of JF-17 Thunder expedited:30-50 per year to 100 per annum ——————————–
Pakistan Vision 2020 ——————————-
IAF vs PAF: Defined by IAF ————————————-
Beyond the Pakistani made JF-17 Thunder Fighter Plane, Chinese made J-10s. When will PAF acquire the J-11s
Pakistan defense based on missile nuclear deterrent hataf shaheen babar and abdali
Pakistan’s 500 Al-Khalid tanks have been in production since 2001. Newer generation tanks now being exported via IDEAS 2008

Here is an independent analysis of the Air Forces:The Indian Air Force has had a tough time recruiting pilots.

Pakistan on the other hand has no problems recruiting pilots – the PAF has one of the highest rejection rates amongst air forces in the world. The PAF also has a better pilot to aircaft ratio than the IAF, meaning it could sustain a greater sortie rate over a protracted conflict. PAF aircraft are also “pimped” in that they have been extensively modified. Thus, while on paper PAF is flying ancient Mirages that were bought second hand from the Australians, when one actually examines any such model, one is surprised at how extensively they have been rebuilt – almost from scratch and the hardware is extremely lethal. Other than the secretive BVR AAMs, the PAF has extensively incorporated the strike element into its Mirages, at a level only matched by the IAF’s Mirage-2000s and Su-30 FLANKERs, and even then, some of the equipment has no IAF equivalent.

PAF’s F-7s have better ranges and also don’t need to fly as far given that they would be defending. Yet, everything is not as it seems. What at first glance seems overwhelming odds against the PAF, on closer examination, do not seem as overwhelming. The IAF has far lower serviceability of its aircraft, their pilot training, as evidenced by recent Red Flag exercises with the US is also not yet up to par with the PAF, their maintenance crews are not as diligent, their mainly Russian/Soviet technology is generally less reliable and less effective than advertised, and a large part of their fleet of MiG-21s and MiG-27s are outdatedPAF aircraft are either of Western stock or Chinese and are far more maintenance friendly. Pakistan has also been upgrading their aircraft massively and have incorporated a complex combination of technology from across the globe – from China to Brazil, from South Africa to the US. PAF also very likely has BVRs that are not advertised of South African and Chinese origin. PAF pilot training is on par with the best in the world, and its maintenance crews are trained on the level of Western maintenance crews. Lastly, fighting an air war over Pakistan gives the PAF a home advantage and makes their radar and SAM infrastructure very relevant.

Even the first 50 will have a whole host of features, some of them SOC has underestimated. For instance, the radar can simultaneously engage 4 not 2 as SOC mentions. Also, detection range for something the size of an MKI are likely to be a good deal more than 75 kms. Further, data linking between the fighters and with the radar network and AEW assets means this is even greater, particularly as SOC admits, any such scenario would be over Pakistani territory.

If seems clear that the J-10 will be focused on countering the 230 odd MKI that India will eventually have. Various interviews indicate this. 100 J-10s reflect a good direct comparison to 230 MKI, given the over all exchange ratio between the larger IAF and smaller PAF. Further, in actual operational service this will actually be even better – the twin engined and maintenance intensive MKI, run by less qualified Indian technicians will generate markedly lower sortie rates than PAF’s WS-10A fitted J-10s. This is not bias, but a fact based on the Indian maintenance record.

Superiority of the MKI’s PESA radar, with a detection range of 160 Km
AEW&C assets will also negate any advantages the MKI has over any potential encounter with the FC-1 / JF-17. When both sides have this, it levels the playing field for the FC-1 / JF-17

The detection range of the Bars is (according to Janes, for a 2m squared target), 80-100 km head on. About half what was first estimated, and that assuming a 2m squared target. More probable would be a calculation for 1 meter squared target, and that is being generous, given that the JF-17 is smaller than the F-16, and hides its blades AND has RAM coating.
The 75km is the detection range of the JF-17, for a “fighter sized target”. Clearly, for the MKI, specially loaded out for offensive operations, this will be way bigger. Again, assuming that what was originally MY estimate of the detection range is in fact accurate (I actually never said 75 kms but > 75 kms, implying a minimum of, rather than a typical range. Further, given revelation of info on the KLJ-7’s surpising modernity and the increased radome size on the JF-17, the point becomes even less arguable).
Later blocks of the JF-17 are likely to have an AESA radar Grand Strategy

PAF aircraft are also “pimped” in that they have been extensively modified. Thus, while on paper PAF is flying ancient Mirages that were bought second hand from the Australians, when one actually examines any such model, one is surprised at how extensively they have been rebuilt – almost from scratch and the hardware is extremely lethal. Other than the secretive BVR AAMs, the PAF has extensively incorporated the strike element into its Mirages, at a level only matched by the IAF’s Mirage-2000s and Su-30 FLANKERs, and even then, some of the equipment has no IAF equivalent.

Pakistan air force upgraded its mirage fleet as ROSE3 and ROSE5 programme, ROSE3 for all mirage3 type aircrafts and ROSE5 is for all mirage5 aircrafts, this programme base on avionics upgradition+Elextronic warfare system, all mirages can use all advance weapon system of pakistan have avalable, like stand off weapon,RAPTOR1/2, bvr missile,tv/IR guided missile,targeting pod,etc.datalink system,ecm pod, SAGEM is main partner for this upgrde programme.

ROSE (Retrofit Of Strike Element)

ROSE III will considerably enhance the mirage pilot’s situation awareness via Sagem’s integration of a new Radar Warning Receiver two Multi-Function Display a Forward Looking Infra Red system and a Head Up Display, by virtue of the new system computer being installed.

So PAF only settled for the ROSSE-I & ROSE-II upgrades for Mirage-IIIs & ROSE-III for Mirage-V. ROSE-IV was to integrate MICA on Mirage-III but was canceled.

The PAF is nevertheless modernizing, and by 2012 would have caught up with the IAF. With induction in numbers of JF-17s and J-10s by the end of 2009, the PAF will see the gap vis-à-vis the IAF close rapidly

Dr. Haroon. Orkut

PAF Mirage Upgrades

The avionics upgrade project named the ‘Retrofit of Strike Element’ (ROSE was conceived in 1992 and commenced effectually from April 1995. The avionics package included Inertial Navigation System, Heads Up Display, Airborne Video Tape Recording System, and self-protection systems like RWR, Chaff and Flares. A modern airborne radar, the Griffo-M was also retrofitted. When the Americans released 360 AIM-9L missiles under the Brown Amendment, it was decided that the Mirages being upgraded and equipped with the Griffo-M radar must also be made capable of carrying the AIM-9L missiles. The hardware modification of this project had been completed, but its software was under development. The SAGEM Group, which was carrying out the upgrade of the Mirages, had developed their own Forward Looking Infra Red (FLIR) Pod. They needed to carry out the proto-typing of this equipment on an aircraft, free of cost, so that if found fit, the PAF could buy them. FLIR modification on these aircraft was also in progress.

Of the forty-five aircraft eventually recovered at PAC Kamra, there were seven dual-seat models that were allotted to No. 5 Squadron. Out of the forty-two single-seat Mirages, thirty-two with ROSE configuration, were allotted to No. 7 and CCS Squadrons. Four aircraft belonging to Photo Reconnaissance category and an additional aircraft were recovered and allotted to the No. 5 Squadron. One aircraft crashed prior to ROSE modification and the remaining five aircraft were found beyond recovery and were reduced to spares.

In the second half of 1992, the PAF had a genuine concern over the gap that would be created by the phasing out of the A-5s in 1997. After considering various courses, the purchase and re-lifting of some used Mirages seemed a practical option. The sources included Belgium, Spain, France, Lebanon and Zaire. In 1995, the planners at Air Headquarters established an operational requirement for at least fifty such aircraft. On the directive of the CAS, the feasibility of a package of forty Mirages was validated and the case for allocation of funds was taken up. The government released the necessary funds.

In order to reliably assess the physical condition of these Mirages, a PAF team visited Spain, France and Lebanon, while the Air Attaché in Paris was asked to inspect the Belgian aircraft. During their visits, the team inspected seventy-one Mirages and submitted their report. Similarly, the Defence and Technical Attaché in Paris inspected twenty-five aircraft from SABCA, Belgium.

On 25 May 1995, after a post visit presentation to the Air Board, the CAS approved the formation of a project team to manage all aspects related to a cost effective induction of about forty Mirages in the PAF fleet. These aircraft were to be of a single variant, capable of a surface attack role, not exceeding a total cost of $120 million, and were to form two viable and homogenous squadrons, fully supportable with the PAF maintenance resources and infrastructure.

The project team obtained proposals for the intended purchase of Mirages from all the potential vendors, and simultaneously launched a market study. The PAF’s own overhauling experiences in Kamra were kept in view to work out the expected costs of each aircraft and the related project. During a visit to France in 1995, the project team was pleasantly surprised to learn that forty Mirage Vs and about forty Mirage IIIs of the French Air Force were available for sale at quite a reasonable price. The French Mirage V suited the PAF requirement because of its longer range and additional payload. Later, through various coordination meeting in Pakistan, the PAF and AIRCO worked out a detailed proposal, which included the required statement of work. Representatives from the French DGA and the French Air Force accompanied the AIRCO team, to demonstrate their full support to the PAF-AIRCO agreements and obligations. SAGEM is a French company that has Defence and Security Division as one of its main branches. In this division, SAGEM specializes in three specific categories, i.e. inertial navigation, electro-optic equipment, and system integration.

In Project ROSE, the PAF was already acquiring thirty-six Mirages upgraded by SAGEM through their inertial navigation and system integration departments. In August 1995, SAGEM combined their upgrade skills with the potential sales opportunity, and proposed to the PAF a package deal of forty Mirages at a quoted cost of $150 million.
As the SAGEM proposal became more and more attractive and feasible, the PAF negotiated a further reduction in costs so that they actually fell into its feasibility regime.

Through numerous discussions, SAGEM came up with a revised proposal of $124 million in November 1995. According to this proposal, the package was to consist of thirty-four Mirage Vs and six dual-seat Mirage IIIs, making a total of forty fully overhauled aircraft. Out of the forty aircraft, twenty Mirage Vs would be modernized to the ROSE-II standards (ROSE-II modification is the same as ROSE-I, except the Griffo-M radar is replaced by FLIR). The engines installed on the aircraft would have a minimum life of four years and 300 hours. The package would also include the required ground support, alternate mission equipment, and line replaceable units. Besides, the kits for RWR, CFD and GPS would be installed in all aircraft.

Keeping in view the overall SAGEM package vis-à-vis quoted prices, the offer appeared quite viable to the PAF. According to a conservative estimate, the cost of this package should have been at least $146 million. On 27 December 1995, the PAF gave the go ahead, and the contract for the forty Mirages was signed on 1 February 1996 for a total amount of 118 million.

This deal had become somewhat controversial mainly due to misreporting in the press. The PAF preferred to have the necessary modifications done in France since PAC Kamra was during that time frame, already busy overhauling the PAF’s existing Mirages. Accepting any additional work would have unnecessarily delayed the delivery of the French Mirages to the PAF without making any difference in cost.

SAGEM encountered problems on purchase of spares, which they needed for the timely and efficient running of their upgrade program. Thus the program suffered delays during most of 1997 and 1998. However, the company managed to get the first batch ready by September 1998, when PAF pilots ferried across eight Mirages on 22 September 1998. A second batch of eight was received in 1999 while the third batch of eight came to Pakistan on 22 June 2000. The deliveries of the rest were supposed to be completed by the end of the year 2000.

ROSE (Retrofit of Strike Element) Upgrade program completed on original RAAF aircraft. There were 50 ex-Australian Mirage IIIOs acquired in 1990 for Aus $36 million for re-work at the Mirage Rebuild Factory, Kamra. Most of these aircraft had less than 4000 flying hours on them and they were in excellent condition. Out of these 50, only 45 aircraft were upgraded and 10 were stored for spares. The avionics upgrade included fitting of HUD, HOTAS controls, RWR’s chaff / flare. Very little is known about the origin of the HUD and other avionics such as ECM, navigational and attack system and the mission control and planning computer but speculations suggest that these are of the same origin as the French upgrade. The MAESTRO system includes SAGEM’s multifunction navigation equipment, combining in one unit inertial and satellite navigation, databus management and mission computer. It also features a state-of-the-art glass cockpit including multiplexed Control and Display Unit, moving map Head Down Display and multimode stroke and raster Head Up Display, for full Hand On Throttle And Stick control of modes and functions.
Additional equipment are available, such as: an IRCCD Forward Looking Infra Red navigation sensor for reconnaissance applications – laser rangefinder – air data sensors and computer – radar altimeter, and high capacityIn the French upgrade, GEC head-up display and HOTAS similar to Mirage-2000 is used. One of the French Mirages serial number 93.725 was displayed at the 1999 Paris Air Show showed FLIR of French origin. Smart weapons capabilities may be further exploited by the navigation/targeting pod shown SAGEM’s Mirage 5F at Le Bourget.

It is a widely circulated rumor among the PAF critics that Pakistan acquired South African MUPSOW, a multi-purpose, surgical-strike weapon, designed to neutralize enemy targets such as airfields, bunkers and command-and-control centres at standoff ranges. Pinpoint accuracy is achieved by using an advanced navigation and terminal guidance technology. It is also known that between 1996-98 Pakistan bought category A and B military hardware which includes sensitive major significant equipment, such as fighter jets and other large systems. Some sources also report that PAF was also testing South African Raptor I and II precision guided munitions which were designed based on Mirage III/Cheetah being the primary platform of launch.

Although identified as the DART pod, this appears identical to Rafael’s LITENING pod. Other Mirage 5F upgrades included an integrated electronic warfare suite, on-board oxygen generation system (OBOGS), and single point pressure refueling. One of the key features of the ROSE upgrade was the induction of Italian FIAR Grifo-M radar, which is a copy of US made APG-68 radar. This gave these aircraft the capability of carrying BVR missiles. At the time Pakistan was interested in South African Darter series of missiles, which later on fell through due to sanctions imposed, by South Africa when military government took over after a bloodless coup.

No 8 Squadron of PAF was assigned with some of these ex-RAAF Mirages, which also had Thomson-CSF Agave attack radar for use in conjunction with the AM.39 Exocet anti-ship missile.MAESTRO nav/attack system
SAGEM SA has designed the Modular Avionics Enhancement System Targeted for Retrofit Operations (MAESTRO) with flexibility so it can be easily tailored to any customer’s specific requirements and offers capabilities at par with those of current front line fighters. MAESTRO features full inertial and GPS performance provided by SAGEM navigation and mission computer systems implementing the Embedded GPS-Inertia (EGI) concept, Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOR) for stealth navigation and blind attack in combination with the SAGEM high-capacity data transfer system, wide field-of-view FLIR-compatible HUD, glass cockpit, Hands On Throttle And Stick (HOTAS) interface, air-to-ground and air-to-air fire control, including multimode pulse Doppler radar and/or laser rangefinder, full EW suite comprising radar warning, missile launch detection, chaff and flare self-protection and/or jamming systems and the all digital CIRCE 2001 mission planning system. MAESTRO can be adapted to new aircraft of western or eastern origin

Sigma ring laser gyro inertial navigation systems
The Sigma family of inertial navigation systems is implemented through the combination of high-performance laser gyro sensors and a GPS receiver. Such systems are intended for use in combat aircraft equipped with a multiplexed databus. Sigma systems offer all the benefits of tight hybridization between ring laser gyros and a GPS receiver by a multi-sensor Kalman filter for both alignment and navigation. The synergy between these three elements brings the following advantages; reduction in size, weight and power consumption through the integration of inertial and GPS functions; short alignment time on the ground, in the air or at sea; monitoring of sensor performance and integrity for GPS and INS; automatic in-flight calibration of inertial sensors; long-term stability of inertial performance and higher resistance to jamming and improved dynamic behavior of the GPS. Some versions combine the navigation and fire control functions. These versions provide aircraft position, velocity and attitude information, computation of navigation and steering information to waypoints; position updating by navigation fixes; terrain reference updating; weapon delivery computations consisting of ballistics, determination of release point, ripple spacing of weapons, safety pull-up information; head-up display information for target acquisition and commands for the blind release of stores; attack modes; air data computations and multiplex bus control.

Sigma 92G inertial nav/attack system
The Sigma 92G uses three ring laser gyros and three quartz accelerometers. It is fitted with an embedded GPS receiver and performs weapon delivery functions.

SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions:
(navigator) 386 x 194 x 191 mm
(control/display unit) 216 x 116 x 153 mm
(mode selector) 151 x 41 x 135 mm
Weight:
(navigator) 16 kg
(control/display unit) 3.5 kg
(mode selector) 1 kg
Power supply: 115 V AC, 400 Hz, 3 phase, 220 VA
Accuracy: 1 n mile CEP position, 5 mrad weapon delivery

Uliss inertial navigation and nav/attack systems
Uliss modular systems all employ high-accuracy inertial components consisting of two dynamically tuned gyros and three dry accelerometers, a microprocessor-controlled computer working at 1 Mops with EPROM memory and highly integrated and hybrid circuits. As an option, Uliss can be equipped with an embedded GPS receiver for high-performance INS/GPS coupling and a higher-performance RISC processor using Ada language. Uliss systems fall into two categories, in both of which the main inertial navigation unit is contained within a {3/4} ATR short case. In the first category are navigation versions with a position accuracy of better than 1 n mile/h. In the second category the navigation function is combined with the computation necessary for weapon delivery.

Alignment time is 90 seconds for stored heading and 5 to 10 minutes for self-contained gyro compassing. Standard interfaces permit the systems to be linked to other equipment via MIL-STD-1553B databusses or ARINC serial data lines. A failure detection system can detect faults at module level with 93 per cent confidence, isolate them and signal their presence on a magnetic annunciator without external test equipment. More than 80 per cent of the components and subassemblies are common to all members of the Uliss family, the principal differences being in specific interfaces and computation functions. In all, 1,600 Uliss units are in operation on 25 different types of aircraft.

Allocation of these Mirages

PAC Kamra recovered forty-five. Out of eight dual models, seven were recovered and allotted to 5 Squadron (based at Rafiqui AFB). Out of the forty-two single-seat Mirages, thirty-two aircraft with the ROSE configuration were allotted to 7 and CCS (Mirage) Squadrons. Four aircraft belonging to Photo Reconnaissance category and an additional aircraft were recovered and allotted to 5 Squadron. One aircraft had crashed prior to ROSE modifications.

The remaining five aircraft were found beyond recovery and were reduced to spares. PAF Air Headquarters decided to re-equip No. 7 Squadron with ex-Australian Mirages, thus the A-5s with which they were equipped before were transferred to Peshawar. This No Squadron flew the first sorties on 24 November 1991 after they received three Mirages from PAC Kamra. On 15 February 1993, the entire flight line assets were swapped with 22 OCU. The Squadron received the ROSE modified ex-Australian Mirage aircraft during 1997. At present this squadron operates the maximum number of ROSE modified aircraft. In January 1993, the No. 22 Mirage OCU unit was equipped with ex-Australian Mirages and its own aircraft were handed over to 7 TA Squadron.

The No. 15 Squadron, which operated F-7Ps, was number-plated on 31 October 1997 as the consequence of the PAF Force Re-structuring Programme. The F-7P aircraft in its inventory were distributed among other F-7 operating units. This unit is has been equipped with ex-French Mirages aircraft and has been moved to its new location, Rafiqui AFB.

The No. 7 Squadron, which moved to PAF Base Minhas on 25 January 1996 received the ROSE-1 modified aircraft, together with CCS Mirage Squadron (ROSE-1 modified Mirage-3EA). The No. 7 Squadron was re-designated as 25 TA Squadron and assigned the specialist night attack role with effect from March 1997. The first two Mirage-5EF (ROSE-2) aircraft were ferried to Minhas AFB from France. The Squadron become a full-fledged operational Squadron after it received the next batch of ROSE-2 Mirages.

New Mirages
PAF inducted 40-50 Mirages from France and Lebanon. These Mirages were also upgraded to the ROSE standard. Zero time wings of Mirages have been obtained from South Africa, whereas an undisclosed amount of zero time engines have also been inducted from Australia, South Africa and France.

The PAF Mirage fleet has recently been equiped with H-2/-4 [T-DARTER] BVR Missles. Hence a PAF Mirage uses 4-5 AAMs in air defence role. In air to air configuration, a Mirage ROSE-2 can carry 2 AiM-9L/M Sidewinders or Magic 2 SRMs, 2 H-2,-4 BVRAAM and a centreline fuel tank or R-530D AAM. The 30mm DEFA multibarrel cannon is retained.

The performance of these Mirages is currently being tested up to its maximum level in the HIGH MARK 2005 wargame.

PAF Mirage Types and Tail Numbers
Here is the official numbers of PAF Mirage holdings inducted since 1967:

Mirage-IIIEP
Inducted in: 1967
Quantity: 18
Tail Numbers: 101 to 108
Acquired under ‘Blue Flash One’ contract

Mirage-IIIDP
Inducted in: 1967
Quantity: 3
Tail Numbers: 301 to 303
Acquired under ‘Blue Flash One’ contract Given ROSE-1 upgrade

Mirage-IIIRP
Inducted in: 1967
Quantity: 3
Tail Numbers: 201 to 203
Acquired under ‘Blue Flash One’ contract

Mirage-IIIDP
Inducted in: 1970
Quantity: 2
Tail Numbers: 304 to 305
Acquired under ‘Blue Flash Two’ contract. Given ROSE-1 upgrade

Mirage-5PA
Inducted in: 1970
Quantity: 28
Tail Numbers: 401 to 428
Acquired under ‘Blue Flash Two’ contract

Mirage-IIIRP
Inducted in: 1975
Quantity: 10
Tail Numbers: 204 to 213
Acquired under ‘Blue Flash Three’ contract

Mirage-5PA2
Inducted in: 1979
Quantity: 18
Tail Numbers: 429 to 446

Mirage-5PA3
Inducted in: 1979
Quantity: 12
Tail Numbers: 447 to 458

Mirage-5DPA2
Inducted in: 1979
Quantity: 2
Tail Numbers: 306 to 307

Mirage-IIIEA
Inducted in: 1990
Quantity: 10
Ex-Royal Australian AF
Cannibalized for spares

Mirage-IIIEA
Inducted in: 1990
Quantity: 32
Tail Numbers: 500 series
Ex-Royal Australian AF
Given ROSE-1 upgrade

Mirage-IIIDA
Inducted in: 1990
Quantity: 8
Tail Numbers: 800 series
Ex-Royal Australian AF
Seven aircraft were recovered and one cannibalized

Mirage-5EF
Inducted in: 1996
Quantity: 19
Tail Numbers: 700 series
Ex-French Air Force
Given ROSE-II upgrade

Mirage-5EF
Inducted in: 1996
Quantity: 14
Tail Numbers: 700 series
Ex-French Air Force
Being given ROSE-III upgrade (as of 2004)

Mirage-5DF
Inducted in: 1996
Quantity: 6
Tail Numbers: 700 series
Ex-French Air Force

Mirage-IIIEL
Inducted in: 2000
Quantity: 9
Tail Numbers: 900 series
Ex-Lebanese Air Force
3/28/06
Sarmad
contd….
Mirage-IIIDL
Inducted in: 2000
Quantity: 1
Tail Number: -unknown-
Ex-Lebanese Air Force

Mirage-IIIEE/DE
Inducted in: 2002-3
Quantity: 13
Ex-Spanish Air Force
Cannibalized for spares

Mirage-5EL
Inducted in: 2004
Quantity: 50
Tail Numbers: -unknown-
Ex-Libyan Air Force

Note: Dual seaters are always the Mirage-III sub-type; the nomenclature 5DP etc is a sales gimmick, just to complete the Mirage-5 package! Fundamental airframe difference between Mirage-III & 5 is that the latter sub-type has 500 lbs more fuel and two fuselage stations more than the former. Rest are avionics differences that are utterly confusing for a non-Mirage pilot, so they can be spared.

After the re-evaluation of Mirage-2000 in the early 90s, it was deduced that Mirage-2000 is a state of the art, deep strike fighter with BVR technology, but in turning dogfights at medium and low altitudes it was out-manoeuvred by an F-16A.
Thus PAF decided to upgrade its existing Mirage fleets to the standards of a third generation strike fighter. PAF Mirages have an equivalent close combat capability which was of the early model Mirage-2000s i.e. the Griffo-M Radar and AIM-9L/Magic-2 combination.
PAF Mirages are the only Mirages to carry BVR missiles [since all Mirage-3/5 users have replaced them with aircraft having same basic airframe but improved features, avionics and weapon system e.g. South African 'Cheetah', Israeli 'Kfir' and French 'Mirage-2000'], since instead of purchasing a replacement for Mirages PAF decided to upgrade its existing fleet to the third generation standards.
PAF Mirage ROSE are better than IAF’s Floggers and Jaguars in air to air combat role since it has the edge in BVR technology, equivalent close combat capability and state of the art avionics [early Mirage-2000 standards] whereas it is equivalent in terms of strike.

Even if pitted against MiG-21s, MiG-29s, Mirage-2000s and Su-30 MKIs, our Mirages have the capability to defend themselves while exiting the arena using their BVR and close combat techniques. In the case of MiG-21 Bison our Mirages can even give them a tough time in dogfights but it would not come near a MiG-29, Mirage-2000 and Su-30 in dogfights.

PAF Mirages does not possess FBW and HMS technologies as well as thrust vectoring whereas the MiG-29, Mirage-2000 and Su-30s have these advantages.

PAF’s JF-17 Thunder has the BVR, FBW and HMS technology and is a replacement for PAF Mirage fighters. PAF’s fourth generation fighter program is also seeking for an aircraft which has all the ingredients to counter the threat which is posed by the Su-30 MKI. Till the induction of these new aircraft PAF Mirage ROSE have plugged the gap for a dedicated strike aircraft.
Sarmad. Irkut.

JF-17 Thunders
Beyond the JF-17 Thunders. The J-10s etc.
The Y-89 AWACS
Hataf, Ghauri, Babar, Abdali missiles

Su-27s and Su-35 Russia elides India in Flanker Su-30 development

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PAF vs IAF-Defined by IAF

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Pakistan repulses US raid: PAF jets chase away drones.

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Noticias de Rupia | Nouvelles de Roupie | Rupiennachrichten | ??????? ????? | ????  | Roepienieuws | Rupi Nyheter | ???????  | Notizie di Rupia |  PAKISTAN LEDGER | ???????? ?????  | Moin Ansari | ???? ??????? | DefensebriefsIntellibriefs  Translate to:  | RUPEE NEWS  | September 16th, 2008 | Moin Ansari |  ???? ??????? | ????? ????? |  According to reports, the Bush Administration wants to presen
t the head of Osma Bin Laden on a platter before the end of the presidents reign.

The Bush administration is thought to be in a desperate push for results in Afghanistan and a trophy strike against al-Qaida’s top leadership, which is likely to be based in the tribal area, before the presidential terms ends. CIA agents from all over the world have reportedly been pulled into the Afghan-Pakistan border area.

Cochburn: US Afghan strategy won’t work: No allies in FATA: Analysts believe the new policy risks a confrontation between the Pakistani and US militaries, and threatens to undermine the new democratic government in Islamabad. The Guardian 

Pakistani troops repuls an attack and turned back American troops. Pakistan finally came through with its threat to “defend its territory at all costs”. When American choppers landed on the Afghan side of the border and tried to cross over into Pakistan, the Pakistani forces were ready, and apparently theyfired in the air. After several hours of firing, the US forces left without crossing over into Pakistan. Pakistani jets also chased US drones out of Pakistani territory.

Details of the incident, in South Waziristan, are unclear. According to local security officials and tribesmen, however, two US helicopters breached Pakistani airspace in the early hours but were forced to retreat when they came under fire.

The US forces were likely to have been on a hit-and-withdraw mission against suspected militants in the area, similar to the first documented US ground raid into the tribal territory earlier this month, when choppers flew in commandos. That enraged the Pakistani army and public. One security official in South Waziristan said: “American helicopters came, and there was a space [border] violation. Pakistani scouts [paramilitary troops]) fired artillery as a warning and they left. The helicopters did not land.”

Other reports said troops had directed gunfire at the helicopters, which were just inside Pakistani territory. One official said the fire had come from Pakistani soldiers based at a border checkpoint known as BP-27. Washington Post

Both sides are either bluffing or playing with fire. The US may down a Pakistani aircraft, or firing from the ground may bring down a US drone. In eather case the matter could be escalated. This is not the best way to resolve the situation.

Both sides must stand down, and Pakistani sovreignty has to be respected.

US wants ISI destoryed
By Candace Rondeaux. Washington Post Foreign Service. Tuesday, September 16, 2008; A12

KARACHI, Pakistan, Sept. 15 — Pakistani troops turned back a U.S. attack in Pakistan’s tribal areas on Monday by firing warning shots toward U.S. troops as they attempted to cross from Afghanistan in pursuit of Taliban insurgents, a Pakistani intelligence official said. U.S. and Pakistani military spokesmen denied the report.

A Pakistani intelligence official said several U.S. helicopters were seen hovering near the Pakistani village of Angor Adda in the tribal area of South Waziristan. By the official’s account, the helicopters landed just inside Afghanistan and several U.S. soldiers got out of them.

Pakistani troops fired warning shots in the air as the U.S. troops tried to enter Pakistani territory from Afghanistan, said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak publicly on military operations. The brief standoff ended about 4:30 a.m., the intelligence official said.

Local villagers gave similar accounts, the Reuters news agency reported.

But Maj. Murad Khan, a spokesman for the Pakistani military, denied reports of gunfire. “There was no firing in the area, and there was no violation of Pakistani airspace,” Khan said. “We have heard there were U.S. helicopters hovering at our border area, but they were deep inside Afghanistan.”

Sgt. Chris Peavy, a spokesman for the U.S. military in Afghanistan, said: “We fly everyday missions in that area, all the time. It’s close to the border, but we did not enter that area today. There’s been no firing on our forces.”

Tensions over cross-border incursions by U.S. and Afghan forces into Pakistan’s tribal areas have been rising for months, as U.S. and NATO troops have suffered several major setbacks in Afghanistan.

Those tensions came to a boil early this month when U.S. commandos landed helicopter gunships in another South Waziristan village on Sept. 3. Pakistani officials said at least 20 people were killed after U.S. troops opened fire on a compound in the village of Musa Nika.

The incident prompted outrage from Pakistan’s government and sparked an ongoing debate in the country over Pakistan’s increasingly tenuous alliance with the United States in the fight against Islamist insurgents in the region. The debate was fueled by strikes in the tribal area by U.S. Predator drone aircraft.

U.S. officials have pressured Pakistan to step up its efforts to cut off attacks on coalition troops from Pakistan’s tribal areas. Frustrated by a lack of progress on containing the threat from Taliban and al-Qaeda commanders, President Bush signed an order in July authorizing U.S. troops to conduct ground operations inside Pakistan.

Last week, Pakistan’s army chief, Gen. Ashfaq Kiyani, condemned the attacks, saying Pakistan is prepared to defend its territory “at all cost.” Kiyani’s statement followed comments by Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, that increased U.S. incursions in Pakistan are likely.

Pakistan’s newly elected president, Asif Ali Zardari, is expected to discuss the issue of cross-border strikes with Bush during a visit to the United Nations in New York next week.

Special correspondent Shaiq Hussain in Islamabad, Pakistan, contributed to this report.

Pakistan repulses US raid: PAF jets chase away drones.

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South Asia Air Forces: PAF counters IAF strategy

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The discussion of the IAF vs. the PAF is as old as Pakistan vs. India. The PAF with the induction of the new F-16s and the JF-17 Thunder is in good shape. A new factor that has entered the theater is the induction of missiles. Whereas previous Indo-Pakistan wars depended on aircraft and army mobilizations, now the scene has changed. Missiles have transformed the landscape. First some background of the PAF.

The violation of Pakistani air space by Indian jets recently has given everyone a lot to be excited about. Everyone from every walk of life has had an opinion about it. Still it was when I saw a senior corporate lawyer suddenly transform into a TV expert on international law and its application to military aviation that I decided enough is enough, I need to jump in. After all, in the past I had pursued with some amount of seriousness the dream of joining the ranks of the Pakistan Air Force before I abandoned it for education abroad. Every now and then the PAF Warrior asleep somewhere deep inside yawns and tries to rise up from deep slumber. These are his ramblings.

There is no Pakistani worth his salt who is not proud of our Air Force–perhaps one of the few institutions that have truly lived up to the finest aspirations of the new nation that was founded in 1947. It is a truly merit-based institution that has served the nation with the devotion and integrity that is becoming of a truly professional fighting force. As was true of the whole country in 1947, RPAF too faced scarce supplies and, at partition, a deliberate kick in the pants from the Indians, who had choked the engines of RPAF planes with sugar. It also survived the great ego battle of two Englishmen, the commander in chief of Pakistan’s Army, General Gracey, and the Air Chief, Air Vice Marshal R L Atcherley, with the former holding the view that the RPAF’s only conceivable role would be to act more or less as the aviation wing of the Pakistan Army–i.e, air support to ground operations. Thankfully, the view of Air Vice Marshal Atcherley prevailed and the PAF became arguably the most efficient fighting arm of our state.

| PAKISTAN LEDGER | ???????? ????? | September 16, 2008  | Moin Ansari | ???? ??????? | | RUPEE NEWS | Moin Ansari | September 16, 2008  | ???? ??????? | ????? ????? |

In 1965, the PAF was able to retain air superiority over India by retaining the element of surprise and scaring the living daylights out of Indian pilots by strategic use of the dozen F-104 Star Fighters in aid of the F-86 Sabres. In 1971, the war that was lost politically and on the ground, the PAF still came out on top with more than three times the number of kills than its Indian rivals. In his autobiography, renowned American pilot Chuck Yeager, the then attaché to Pakistan, wrote, “PAF is second to none… the air war lasted two weeks and the Pakistanis scored a three-to-one kill ratio, knocking out 102 Russian-made Indian jets and losing thirty four airplanes of their own… they were really good aggressive dogfighters and proficient in gunnery and air combat tactics. I was damned impressed. Those guys just lived and breathed flying.” Despite the numerical disadvantage, the PAF managed to keep up with the IAF over the first four decades since Pakistan’s inception through superior pilot training, as well as aircrafts which had qualitative edge over Indian planes. This prompted another American, Lt Gen Charles Horner, the architect of the air segment of the Gulf War, to declare that “Pakistan has one of the best most combat ready air forces in the world… For the Indian war planners, the Pakistan Air Force is their worst fear. Pakistani pilots are respected throughout the world…because they know how to fly and fight.”Saturday, December 20, 2008 Yasser Latif Hamdani. The News

The reduced size of the Indian AIr Force and its decision to place its aircarfts in forward bases in Tezpur (Northeast India), and Ladakh (Indian Occupied Kashmir) shows some sort of frustration on the part of the decision makers. The Northeast and Ladakh placement of Su IAF jets threatens China and attempts to intimidate the Pakistanis. The Pakistan Airforce (PAF) has taken corrective actions and for the first time since 1947 may achieve parity  with the IAF. India attempts to threaten China from Ladakh & Northeast

JF-17 Thunders
Beyond the JF-17 Thunders. The J-10s etc.
The Y-89 AWACS
Hataf, Ghauri, Babar, Abdali missiles

Su-27s and Su-35

Russia elides India in Flanker Su-30 development

Trail of tears and failure: Indian missiles

IAF is down to 30-32 squadrons at present, with many more older MiG variants lined up for retirement

NEW DELHI: At a time when the primacy of airpower in winning wars or at least “shaping” the battlefield for the army to move in is well-established, IAF will not be able to achieve its “sanctioned” strength of 39.5 fighter squadrons even by 2017.

The sheer inability of successive governments to formulate long-term integrated defence plans to progressively build the country’s military capabilities in tune with its geopolitical objectives means the IAF will continue to grapple with a shortage in fighters for the foreseeable future.

The IAF is down to just about 30-32 squadrons (each has 12 to 18 jets) at present, with many more older MiG variants lined up for progressive retirement.

Even with new acquisitions, India will only have 35.5 fighter squadrons by the end of the 11th Five Year Plan (2012), and 37.5 squadrons by end of the 12th one, say IAF projections.

“The depleted air force is a serious risk to national security,” warns the latest report of the parliamentary standing committee on defence.

“There is an imperative need to revise acquisition targets to meet the authorised strength in the shortest possible timeframe,” it adds, calling for “an action plan” by the government in this regard.

This is especially important since IAF itself has held it needs 44 squadrons to meet the “possible contingency” of “a full conflict” with Pakistan, while maintaining “a dissuasive posture” against China.

Moreover, simultaneous conflict with both Pakistan and China, with the capability to hold Pakistan and defend against China, will require 55 squadrons.

Though the IAF is inducting advanced multi-role fighters such as Sukhoi-30MKIs (230 jets have also been contracted from Russia in deals worth $8.5 billion) and force-multipliers like IL-78 mid-air refuellers and ‘Phalcon’ AWACS (airborne warning and control systems), numbers do matter in the ultimate analysis.

Both Pakistan and China, on their part, are rapidly boosting their air forces. Pakistan, for instance, is getting 36 more F-16s from the United States, coupled with its plans to induct as many as 250 JF-17 ‘Thunder’ fighters from China.

The previous IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal S P Tyagi, in fact, had even warned the UPA government that “unless immediate steps are taken to arrest the reduction in IAF’s force levels, the nation will, for the first time in its history, lose the conventional military edge over Pakistan”.

The six-year delay by the government in launching the hunt for 126 new multi-role combat aircraft, under the gigantic Rs 42,000-crore project, will lead to the first lot of these fighters being delivered only by 2012 at the earliest.

By then, IAF would have retired 100 more MiG-21s, which constitute the bulk of its combat fleet, and 40 more MiG-27s.

To counter the sharp fall in numbers, IAF has upgraded 125 MiG-21 ‘Bisons’ and 100 each of the MiG-27MLs and Jaguars with new avionics, weapon systems and life-extension refits.

And now, after signing a Rs 3,840-crore deal with Russia to upgrade its 69 MiG-29s by 2011, IAF is looking for a similar package for its 51 Mirage-2000s with France.

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. rajat.pandit@timesgroup.com

NEW DELHI: Pakistan may be getting more spanking new F-16 fighters from US and JF-17 ‘Thunder’ jets from China but IAF is not scrambling for cover. It remains quite confident of its war-waging capability.

“Every country has its own perception of its defence requirements. Pakistan’s acquisitions do not disturb us too much or give us sleepless nights,” said Western Air Command (WAC) chief Air Marshal P K Barbora, talking exclusively to TOI.

If India was so unconcerned why did it try to put pressure on Russia not to sell China-Pakistan WD-93 engines for the JF/17-Thunder? Other press and IAF reports show alarm at the deterioration of the Indian Air Force. Within a few months, the PAF will have parity with the IAF. This should be a cause for concern, and lack of concern on this matter shows incompetence or arrogance or both.

But what about the fact that IAF is haemorrhaging with a free-fall in the number of its fighters, down to a never-before low of around 30 squadrons (each has 12 to 18 jets) from a “sanctioned” strength of 39.5.

“Yes, the numbers have fallen. There have been procurement delays. But, at the same time, induction of advanced fighters like Sukhoi-30MKIs and force-multipliers have compensated for the downslide in numbers,” said Air Marshal

Barbora.
“We have enough assets to ensure that the skies over this part of the country are free from any external or internal threats. What 10 MiG-21s could do in earlier times, a single Sukhoi can do today,” he added.

The Mig 21s were called the Flying coffins where almost every month Indian pilots would go up in flames.

The government, for one, has approved faster induction of the 230 Sukhoi-30MKIs contracted from Russia in deals worth around $8.5 billion.

Pakistan is about to receive the build capability for the Chinese J-11s and should be able to produce 50 per year.

For another, after “upgrades” of the MiG-21, MiG-27 and Jaguar fleets, the go-ahead has been given for new avionics and weapon systems for Mirage-2000s and MiG-29s as well. Then, of course, the gigantic Rs 42,000 crore project to acquire 126 multi-role combat aircraft has kicked off now.

The Flying coffins Mig 21 and Mig 27s are pretty useless planes. They blow up on their own. Investing in junk is like Tata buyng cars that have never shown a profit. Pakistan is not upgrading their versions of the Migs. Pakistan is retiring them altogether

As for “force-multipliers”, IAF has already inducted six IL-78 mid-air refuellers, 30 UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) and a wide array of radars, with more in the pipeline.

Pakistan has indigenous capability to produce UAVs. Pakistan’s own Jasoos, Mukhbar and Uqqab are being updated with the latest Chinese and Israeli technology through Turkey.

It’s also getting ready to get the first of three Israeli ‘Phalcon’ AWACS (airborne warning and control systems), contracted for $1.1 billion in 2004, with a case now being made by IAF to procure three more.

Pakistan has twin and redundant AWAC capability using Chinese and Swedish technology. Local science is also producing a new level of AWACS with components purchased in Europe.

The operationally crucial WAC, which covers virtually the entire western front stretching from Ladakh to Bikaner, in particular has seen the induction of several advanced radars. “They have drastically enhanced our situational awareness,” said Air Marshal Barbora.

Pakistan’s AWAC capability is the finest on the planet. Swedish, Chinese plus Turkish/Israeli and Pakistani technology have countered India’s borders and the entire Subcontinent. Details too sensitive to reveal.

The EL/M-2083 Aerostat radar deployed in Punjab and the Master-T long-range tactical 3D surveillance radar in Jammu region, for instance, can look deep inside Pakistan to keep track of all aircraft movements and other activities. WAC, which controls 18 important airbases ranging from Srinagar, Leh, Thosie, Awantipur to Ambala, Amritsar, Halwara and Nal, has also stepped up “operational synergy” with the Army.

Pakistan’s AWAC and radar capability now covers most of Western “India”, specially the Kashmir, Kutch, Sialkot and Lahore sectors which can peek deep into Gujrat, Kutch, Eastern Indian Punjab and Occupid Kashmir. Plus Pakistan human intel is the finest in the world and has eyes on the ground all over India, Eastern India and Southern India.

This is to ensure an integrated air-land war-fighting machinery to take care of any threat in the entire western theatre. “For the swift, short and high-tech wars of the future, IAF and Army must know each other down to the lowest levels,” he said.

Pretty much lot of huff and puff. Ditto on this

WAC, incidentally, covers three Army commands — South-Western Command at Jaipur, Northern Command at Udhampur and Western Command at Chandimandir — in its area of responsibility.

Map of the IAF South West Command

IAF Western Command

“In fact, planning staff from WAC and the three Army commands will sit together in May to further refine concepts of integrated operations,” said Air Marshal Barbora.
rajat.pandit@timesgroup.com

Northern Command, Central Command and Southern command, Jihad command, Lashkars, Jaish and and armed civilian population keeps enemies out of the border.

The Tamil terrorism was beaten back by Pakistani arms…and the exports to the Maoist friends are taking over a swath of 100 distects from Nepal to Andhra Pradesh. Forget about the 7 sisters, the Indian flag cannot fly there.

Bharat has placed its Mig-29s on advanced Airforce bases at Tezpur in Northeast India near the Chinese border. The Mig 29s have the capability to reach Beijing

India China border dispute. Bharat occupies the territory of Zang Nan (South Tibet) which it calls Arunchal Pradesh. In an era of increased tension, Chinese forces have built a robust network of roads and rails to the border and Bharat has placed SU planes Tezpur to 3200 km or 8500 km with fuel tanks. China took the area in 1962 but gave it back to Bharat. Bharat did not withdraw from the territory and still occupies Chinese territory. For years, Indian strategic elites have argued that Tibet is a card that India must play to offset Chinese irredentism. Much to their chagrin, Indian policymakers in government have avoided reopening the folder on Tibet’s status, inviting a chorus of dissenting voices chiding them for “spinelessness”.

Pakistan Air bases

 

 

“In 1965, the PAF was able to retain air superiority over India by retaining the element of surprise and scaring the living daylights out of Indian pilots by strategic use of the dozen F-104 Star Fighters in aid of the F-86 Sabres. In 1971, the war that was lost politically and on the ground, the PAF still came out on top with more than three times the number of kills than its Indian rivals. In his autobiography, renowned American pilot Chuck Yeager, the then attaché to Pakistan, wrote, “PAF is second to none… the air war lasted two weeks and the Pakistanis scored a three-to-one kill ratio, knocking out 102 Russian-made Indian jets and losing thirty four airplanes of their own… they were really good aggressive dogfighters and proficient in gunnery and air combat tactics. I was damned impressed. Those guys just lived and breathed flying.” Despite the numerical disadvantage, the PAF managed to keep up with the IAF over the first four decades since Pakistan’s inception through superior pilot training, as well as aircrafts which had qualitative edge over Indian planes. This prompted another American, Lt Gen Charles Horner, the architect of the air segment of the Gulf War, to declare that “Pakistan has one of the best most combat ready air forces in the world… For the Indian war planners, the Pakistan Air Force is their worst fear. Pakistani pilots are respected throughout the world…because they know how to fly and fight.”Saturday, December 20, 2008 Yasser Latif Hamdani. The News

NEW DELHI: With Pakistan getting new F-16s from US and JF-17 ‘Thunder’ jets from China, IAF now has plans to progressively deploy its most potent Sukhoi-30MKI fighters on the western front.

This comes after IAF identified Tezpur and other bases in the North-East to also base the multi-role Sukhoi-30MKIs as a safeguard on the eastern front against China, which has gone in for a massive upgrade of airbases in Tibet and other areas near the Line of Actual Control.

At present, IAF has just about 60 of the 230 Sukhoi-30MKI fighters contracted from Russia at an overall cost of over $ 8.5-billion. Of the 230 jets, 140 are to be produced under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in India.

The government, incidentally, has directed HAL to complete the ongoing Sukhoi project by 2013-2014 since IAF is grappling with both a severe shortage in the number of its fighter squadrons, down to 32 from the “sanctioned” strength of 39.5, as well as “poor serviceability” of its MiG-21, MiG-27 and Jaguar fleets.

India has so far based its Sukhois — which can be jury-rigged to carry nuclear bombs — only at Pune, Jodhpur and Bareilly, though they have operated from as diverse places as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Halwara.
With fresh deliveries of the “air superiority” fighters in the pipeline, the earmarking of important airbases to position future squadrons is taking place in full flow.

The operationally crucial Western Air Command (WAC), which covers virtually the entire western front stretching from Ladakh to Bikaner, in particular, figures high on these plans.

“Our assets have to be distributed all over the country in line with our operational thinking. After the East, the planning is to base Sukhois in our area of responsibility,” WAC chief Air Marshal P K Barbora told TOI.

WAC controls as many as 18 important airbases ranging from Srinagar, Leh, Thosie, Awantipur to Ambala, Amritsar, Halwara and Nal. But several of them need new inductions to maintain their operational readiness. Halwara, for instance, houses the old and accident-prone MiG-23s which are in the process of being phased out.

The basing of Sukhois at new bases will, of course, require new infrastructure.

The Tezpur airbase, for instance, is currently undergoing a huge revamp to house two Sukhoi squadrons.

The move is significant since the Sukhois, which have a cruising speed of 3,200 km and can carry eight tonne of armaments, can strike targets deep inside China after taking off from Tezpur. Their radius of operation, of course, can be cranked up to around 8,000 km with air-to-air refuelling by IL-78 tankers.

Interestingly, Bareilly, which already has two squadrons, has been earmarked as the “hub” for Sukhoi operations in the eastern sector. Some of the fighters have even been fitted with Israeli reconnaissance systems to enable them to “look” 300 km into China without crossing the border.

The Sukhois and the 3,500-km-plus nuclear-capable Agni-III missile, which will be ready for operational deployment by 2010 or so, constitute a crucial part of the “affordable nuclear deterrence” posture against China. rajat.pandit@timesgroup.com

Pakistan Air Force Bases

For the time being it appears that the credibility of Pakistan’s nuclear deterrent depends not on its limited-range missiles, but on the survivability of its strike aircraft. In peacetime the bulk of Pakistan’s combat aircraft are concentraed in seven air bases. However, there are roughly 30 airfields at which Pakistani nuclear-equiped aircraft could be based, vastly complicating Indian counterforce attack planning.

The two units operating the Chinese-built A-5 [No. 16 Sqn and No. 26 Sqn], an aircraft believed to be a leading candidate for the aerial delivery of nuclear weapons, were reportedly stationed at PAF Masroor in early 1998. By late 1999 they had reportedly been re-deployed to PAF Peshawar. The Pakistani Air Force currently operates some 180 Mirage aircraft of various configurations, equiping four operational squadrons [No. 5, No. 7, No. 8, No. 22 (OCU)] and a Combat Command School training squadron. Pakistan obtained 43 used Mirage IIIOs and 7 Mirage IIIODs from Australia in 1990, and purchased another 40 reconditioned Mirage IIIEs from France in 1996. The allocation of these 90 aircraft is not evidently reflected in published order of battle tables, and is only estimated here.

• Major Operational Bases are fully functional bases from which aircraft operate during peacetime.
• Forward Operational Bases are active during peacetime and become fully operational during wartime.
• Satellite bases are used for emergency landing and recovery of aircraft during both peacetime and wartime.

In addition there some two dozen other civilian airfields in Pakistan that could be used for landing and recovery of military aircraft during both peace and war. While some are full-fledged civilian airports, others consist of little more than a single runway and modest support facilities. Most are can be used by jet-fighter aircraft, and all can handle medium-sized tactical transports.

Pakistan Air bases

75 with permanent-surface runways
 1 with runways over 3,659 m
30 with runways 2,440-3,659 m
43 with runways 1,220-2,439 m

Airbase	Locale	Lattitude	Longitude	Facility	Command	Wing	Squadron	Aircraft	AC #
PAF Bhagtanwala				sat
PAF Chaklala	Rawalpindi			MOB		No.35 (Composite Air Transport) Wing
							No. 6 Sqn	C-130	14
							No.12 Sqn	B707, Falcon, F-27	6
							No.41 Sqn	Cessna, Aero, Beach	3
							No.455 Sqn	Crotale SAM
							No.??? Sqn	HQ-2B SAM
PAF Chander				sat
PAF Chuk Jhumra				sat
PAF Faisal	Karachi			MOB	Southern Air Commander HQ
PAF Gwadar				sat
PAF Kamra [Minhas]	Kamra			MOB	Northern	No.33 (Fighter/Multi-Role) Wing
							No.14 Sqn	F-7P	~24
							No.15 Sqn	F-6, FT-6	~24
PAF Kohat				sat
PAF Lahore	Lahore			FOB
PAF Masroor	Karachi			MOB	Southern	No 32 (Fighter Ground Attack) Wing
							No. 2 Sqn	F-7P	~24
							No. 7 Sqn	Mirage 5PA, III	24+45
							No. 8 Sqn	Mirage 5PA, III	24+45
							No.22 Sqn	Mirage 5PA, IIIDP	14 + 2
							No.84 Sqn	Alouette III	2
							No.453 Sqn	Crotale SAM
							No.??? Sqn	HQ-2B SAM
PAF Mianwali	Mianwali			MOB		No. 37 (Combat Training) Wing
							No. 1 Sqn	FT-5	25
							No.19 Sqn	F-7P	~24
							No.25 Sqn	F-7 & FT-7	~24
							No.86 Sqn	Alouette III	2
PAF Mirpur Khas				FOB
PAF Multan	Multan			FOB
PAF Murid				FOB
PAF Nawabshah				FOB
PAF Ormara				sat
PAF Pasni				FOB
PAF Peshawar	Peshawar			MOB	Northern Air Command HQ
						No.36 (Tactical Attack) Wing
							No.16 Sqn	A-5	25
							No.26 Sqn	A-5	24
							No.81 Sqn	Alouette III	2
PAF Rafiqui	Shorkot			MOB	Central	No. 34 (Fighter) Wing
							No. 5 Sqn	Mirage IIIEP/RP	30
							No.18 Sqn	F-7P	~24
							No.20 Sqn	F-7P	~24
							No.83 Sqn	Alouette III	2
PAF Rahim Yar Khan				sat
PAF Rajanpur				sat
PAF Risalewala	Faisalabad			FOB
PAF Risalpur	Risalpur			MOB
PAF Samungli	Quetta	30?14′N	66?55′E	MOB	Southern	No. 31 (Fighter) Wing
							No.17 Sqn	F-6, F-7P, FT-6	~24
							No.23 Sqn	F-6	~24
							No.85 Sqn	Alouette III	2
PAF Sargodha	Sargodha	32?03′N	72?39′E	MOB	Central Air Command, HQ
						No.38 (Multi-Role) Wing
							No. 9 Sqn	F-16A	16
							No.11 Sqn	F-16 A/B	16
							No.24 Sqn	Falcon 20 F/G	2
							No.82 Sqn	Alouette III	2
							Combat School	F-7	~24
							Combat School	Mirage 5PA
PAF Shahbaz	Jacobabad			FOB
PAF Sindhri				sat
PAF Sukkur				FOB
PAF Talhar				FOB
PAF Vihari				FOB

Analysis of the PAF vs. IAF – Air Combat Over the Subcontinent

by M. Hussain

Pakistan and India. Two regional powers, frequently at war, armed to the teeth, possessing nuclear weapons and with no end in sight to their mutual animosity. War in the Subcontinent today has very high stakes. But none higher than in their respective air arms. Given the importance of air combat to modern warfare, a crucial factor to analyze the outcome of any conflict between them becomes analyzing the viability of each air force. For wars today always begin in air combat, and the successor there often has Fate decide in its favor.

The Pakistan Air Force has traditionally been known as one of the most professional air forces in the world. But the 1990s was a tough decade for the PAF and much of their prestige was lost. Pakistan chose to invest in nuclear weapons and diverted resources there. Damaging sanctions against Pakistan also hurt the PAF more than any other armed service. Thus, a decade was lost and PAF was left behind.

The Indian Air Force meanwhile, found the 1990s most fruitful. They progressed in leaps and bounds, as the Indian economy expanded, military equipment from the West and Russia opened up, and the IAF started learning and incorporating Western standards of air combat. Yet, there were times when India’s political environment forced itself upon the IAF. Forced to wait for a local replacement for its MiG-21s that has been in development for over 20 years, and forced to abandon purchases because of political interference from within India, the IAF, on the turn of the century, found itself restrained.

Pakistan meanwhile gained momentum. Years of sanctions led to the development of a joint project with China – the JF-17. Unlike the Indian effort, this bore fruit quickly, under the able leadership of the PAF and astute decision making on the part of their military leader Musharraf. And after 9/11, the doors to Western equipment and military aid opened up again. But constant stalling plagued them such that little of concrete and operational value has been inducted. The PAF is nevertheless modernizing, and by 2012 would have caught up with the IAF. With induction in numbers of JF-17s and J-10s by the end of 2009, the PAF will see the gap vis-à-vis the IAF close rapidly.

Yet, in the Winter of 2008/2009, the PAF is yet half-made and the threat of war is thrust upon her. The PAF and IAF are on their highest alert, as the IAF sees its last opportunity to break the PAF, and the PAF holds strong and does not back down. The vital question thus becomes, what will happen if war broke out now? Today? Would the PAF collapse? Such a question cannot be answered without looking carefully at the assets and capabilities of both air forces.

The first salients we notice is that the IAF is far larger, with about 740 combat aircraft versus the PAF’s approximate 400 aircraft. We see that the IAF has over 100 FLANKERs that are modernized and top-rate against the PAF’s handful of early block F-16As. The IAF fields BVR missiles in platforms ranging from the MiG-21 Bisons to the Su-30 MKI against a PAF which officially does not have BVRs.

Yet, everything is not as it seems. What at first glance seems overwhelming odds against the PAF, on closer examination, do not seem as overwhelming. The IAF has far lower serviceability of its aircraft, their pilot training, as evidenced by recent Red Flag exercises with the US is also not yet up to par with the PAF, their maintenance crews are not as diligent, their mainly Russian/Soviet technology is generally less reliable and less effective than advertised, and a large part of their fleet of MiG-21s and MiG-27s are outdated. PAF aircraft are either of Western stock or Chinese and are far more maintenance friendly. Pakistan has also been upgrading their aircraft massively and have incorporated a complex combination of technology from across the globe – from China to Brazil, from South Africa to the US. PAF also very likely has BVRs that are not advertised of South African and Chinese origin. PAF pilot training is on par with the best in the world, and its maintenance crews are trained on the level of Western maintenance crews. Lastly, fighting an air war over Pakistan gives the PAF a home advantage and makes their radar and SAM infrastructure very relevant.

IAF aircraft are mainly of Soviet/Russian origin and are not designed for easy maintenance. The Soviets designed aircraft for mass production and on the view that combat aircraft would have short lives in a full scale conflict. As such, ease of maintenance was the last item on their mind. Even the latest Indian acquisition of Russian aircraft, the Su-30 MKI is known for being highly maintenance intensive and extremely fragile. Modifications to the FLANKERs have made them even more difficult to maintain – and example being that IAF sometimes faces tire shortages because the increased tonnage of the Indian FLANKERs make their tires burn out very rapidly.
Indian maintenance crews are also not up to par – at least compared to Western air forces. The large number of IAF crashes is indicative of this, one of the highest rates amongst air forces of the world. What compounds this problem is the age of large sections of the Indian fleet which has large numbers of MiG-21s and MiG-27s that are, besides the Bisons, highly outdated and are sometimes referred to as “Flying Coffins” by their pilots. It is no wonder that India has a hard time recruiting and retaining pilots .

Pakistan on the other hand has no problems recruiting pilots – the PAF has one of the highest rejection rates amongst air forces in the world. The PAF also has a better pilot to aircaft ratio than the IAF, meaning it could sustain a greater sortie rate over a protracted conflict. PAF aircraft are also “pimped” in that they have been extensively modified. Thus, while on paper PAF is flying ancient Mirages that were bought second hand from the Australians, when one actually examines any such model, one is surprised at how extensively they have been rebuilt – almost from scratch and the hardware is extremely lethal. Other than the secretive BVR AAMs, the PAF has extensively incorporated the strike element into its Mirages, at a level only matched by the IAF’s Mirage-2000s and Su-30 FLANKERs, and even then, some of the equipment has no IAF equivalent.

Let us also remember than any conflict between the two forces would last a maximum of 2 weeks as neither side has either the logistics or the political will to fight a longer war. This means that the smaller air force can sustain itself on a more equal footing for the briefer period of time.
The IAF’s fleet of MiG-21s are very short legged. the PAF’s F-7s have better ranges and also don’t need to fly as far given that they would be defending. Considering how large the IAF’s fleet of MiG-21, this becomes a rather relevant point. It would be hard to imagine IAF’s MiG-21s being able to sustain a presence over Pakistani airspace. Meanwhile, Pakistani cruise missiles and ballistic missiles are significantly more developed, effective and numerous than their Indian counterparts. This means that many of the forward Indian air bases would effectively be discounted, further compounding the problem for the IAF.

All these factors suggest a far more complex and mixed picture of the balance between the two air forces. To quantify military power in a more concrete way and to see how this balance plays out, let us look at a model of the PAF and the IAF.
Let us consider three main elements – number of aircraft, how valuable each aircraft is in battle and aircraft serviceability. We have the number of aircraft as a given. We assign percentages for serviceability, and assign a value between 0 and 1 for how effective each aircraft is. To get a broadly accurate picture, these numbers do not have to be absolutely accurate, but relatively accurate.

We find the aggregate combat value by multiplying each of the factors and the number of aircraft. As you notice, I have not included factors such as home advantage to the PAF, PAF’s higher pilot ratio or PAF’s better training. I have also not included the short-legged nature of the MiG-21s and India’s likely inability to lose (or risk not losing) their forward air bases, effectively rendering them nonoperational. These factors are more intrinsic and are harder to quantify, so I will leave the reader to judge by how much to upgrade the PAF’s score on these parameters, or discount the IAF’s.

I am assuming that Air-to-Ground capabilities will also be an important aspect as destroying enemy aircraft on the ground or important installations is a significant element of the air war. I therefore am holding higher numbers of effectiveness for aircraft on both sides that otherwise would be completely redundant such as the IAF MiG-27. Of course, Air-to-Air is more important generally but strike missions should also be considered relevant. As such the model is only moderately biased towards air-to-air capabilities.

Conclusion
It would appear that the IAF is still the superior force. And while accounting for the exogenous items in this model would further lower the gap than the massive 37% gap shown in the table, depending on how it is discounted, it is still decidedly in India’s favor. However, given the short nature of any conflict between India and Pakistan, the gap does not lend credibility to India attaining air superiority over Pakistan under any scenario as could be concluded if we took the 82% gap in numbers. The PAF would likely sustain significant causalities but would likely be able to deny the IAF any semblance of air superiority over Pakistan, at least for any conflict lasting up to a few weeks. As long as PAF can deny the IAF air superiority, it can be considered to have done its job and would be ready to pick the pieces up from where it left it in the last conflict over Kargil.

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Pakistan indigenous Satellite launch Vehicle & PakSat launch in 2011

Pakistan’s Augusta Subs, Orion P3Cs, Mirage fighters, & now Tiger choppers

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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

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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 deploymentSerial 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?

Hamza: Pakistan’s Augusta class Subs made in Karachi

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Pakistan’s F-22 Frigates made in Karachi

Chinese SAMs S-300s for Pakistan

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

China achieves techonological independence in arms productionRussian Arms–Made in ChinaWith $30 Billion China building Jxx 5th Generation Fighter

Indian missile failures

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

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SOURCES and METHODS

• PAF Order of Battle @ Pakmilitary.com
• Beyond the Pakistani made JF-17 Thunder Fighter Plane, Chinese made J-10s. When will PAF acquire the J-11s
• Pakistan defense based on missile nuclear deterrent hataf shaheen babar and abdali
• Pakistan’s 500 Al-Khalid tanks have been in production since 2001. Newer generation tanks now being exported via IDEAS 2008
• The declining Indo-Russian relationship. Delhi scrambles for new arms sources but they come with strings
• GANDHI
• Gandhi condones Zulu massacres and defends the British. Aug 4 1906
• The sex life of Mr. Gandhi, and his failures as a politician
• The myth of Mohandas K. Gandhi debunked. He gets an “F” on South Africa, Salt Match, Non-Violence, and independence
• Which war did Mohandas Gandhi support. All of them. There wasn’t a war that the prophet of Non-Violence did not support. He was Sergeant Major in the British Army and won a medal for his war duties
• Gandhi’s racism. The truth behind the mask. Behold Sergeant Major Gandhi who supported the British during the Boer war, Zulu rebellion. Behold the prophet of peace who worked to stratify the South African society.
• Gandhi did not bring the British Empire down.
• Gandhi’s letter to his friend Hitler.
• Sex life of Mohandas Gandhi, his failures and sexual perversion
• ” INDIA”
  A fit from the Gods to Hindus. Bottled Cow Urine. Story reported by Daily Telegraph of UK
• Kashmir and Junagarh is Pakistani territory
• Kashmir: Does the article of accession exist?
• US resolutions, and Nehru speeches on disputed nature of Kashmir

South Asia Air Forces: PAF counters IAF strategy

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