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Usman Ansari reports on the biannual Pakistani defence show that
was held in Karachi at the end of November 2006
The
previous
IDEAS defence shows have grown continuously in size and scope, and IDEAS2006,
held in the financial powerhouse that is Pakistan’s coastal city of Karachi,
continued that trend. With daily mobility displays of Pakistani Army vehicles,
an impressive naval display, and culminating in one of Asia’s most impressive
firepower displays, IDEAS2006 was a perfect opportunity to showcase the latest
and best in local Pakistani security technology and military hardware.
In fact it can
be claimed that IDEAS2006 grew significantly from previous exhibitions, and even
after four days it was possible to have not had time to visit all the
exhibitor’s stands. This is a reflection of the resounding success the
exhibition was internationally as many globally renowned companies attended. The
close ties with other countries such as Turkey were apparent with Turkish
companies virtually booking one entire exhibition hall. The proud title above
the door adequately displayed the sentiment, ‘Welcome to Turkey’. Turkish
companies have shown their expertise in a number of areas and have demonstrated
they can compete with more well known companies on the international stage.
Aselsen, Roketsan, MJ Onuk, and TAI were all prominent exhibitors and surrounded
by companies from the well-established Turkish small arms industry. As would be
expected from companies from a country very close to Pakistan, a number of them
have had significant success in winning contracts from Pakistan. TAI, which has
done very well with the Turkish Air Force F-16 fleet, was named as the company
that would handle the mid-life up-grade of the PAF F-16 fleet, in conjunction
with Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), Kamra. TAI has significant expertise
in this area having not only carried out this work but also assembled F-16s for
the TAF. MJ Onuk on the other hand recently won an order from the PN of two of
its MRTP-33 FAC for use with the SSG(N). These are formidable craft that combine
speed with a deadly punch of four Harpoon anti-ship missiles. The company has
had significant success at home producing craft for the Turkish security forces
(not least the coastguard), who rely heavily on MJ Onuk vessels for the fast
interception of suspect shipping in and around Turkish waters.
Lockheed Martin
was also present and is a company that will be doing business with Pakistan for
some time. Its principal product that was of interest during IDEAS2006 was of
course the F-16, a significant order of which is a major plank of the PAF’s
regeneration programme. The F-16C Block-52 will form the ‘tip’ of the spear when
it is inducted into service bringing PAF strength and capabilities into line
with other modern air-forces. Another aspect of this relationship is the
ubiquitous P-3C Orion, and the PN is currently in the process of significantly
boosting its number of this incredibly capable MPA, so as to have a greater
capability to patrol the waters of the Arabian Sea and northern Indian Ocean in
support of the WoT. In this regard Pakistan is an indispensable ally, and the
work of the Pakistani armed forces has been essential in some of the success’
that have been had to date. The PN, as part of CTF-150, and in operations in
territorial waters, is active in this endeavour every day of the year, and
boosting the Orion fleet will allow Pakistan to increase the contribution it
makes. One other area in which Lockheed Martin was hoping to boost Pakistani
capabilities was the area of AEW. Lockheed Martin was clearly hoping to interest
the PN in a P-3 fitted with the Hawkeye 2000 AEW system from what was displayed
at its stand. This would be similar in appearance, but most likely superior in
terms of performance, to the US Customs & Border Patrol Orion AEW aircraft that
patrol the airspace around the American mainland. With the impending
introduction of the Saab Eyrie AEW&C system into PAF service, there is a need
for a similar system to monitor the airspace over the Pakistani littoral. The
number of Eyrie systems on order is not sufficient in number to provide constant
cover throughout a 24 hour period. Whether these efforts will bear fruit is
uncertain, despite there being a clear need. However, Lockheed Martin was also
offering ex-USN S-3 Viking aircraft for use in the maritime environment. It is
unlikely that the PN will opt for such an aircraft (though there is speculation
other South East Asian countries may) as it is being withdrawn for USN service
in 2009, and there is no real requirement at present. If the PN is (as some
analysts speculate) considering expanding the naval air arm to include fast
strike jets in the long-term, it is likely these will be JF-17 or J/F-10
multi-role aircraft, and not a platform such as the Viking, despite its
incredible capabilities. However, with Lockheed Martin assuring the aircraft
will be supported throughout the life of the airframe, it is likely that a
country in need of an aircraft for ASW will eventually opt for this impressive
aircraft.
One other major
American company present of note was Boeing which is one of the world’s most
successful companies. There was much on display from the company including a
model of the C-47 Chinook that made such an impact in the response to the
earthquake that struck the previous year. Such a helicopter may be beyond the
financial means of Pakistan but it would be a very welcome addition to the
military/humanitarian airlift capabilities if procured. Furthermore a company
closely linked with the F-16 deal was Raytheon, another American company that
has been incredibly successful globally. During the exhibition it promoted a
large number of its products and its range of CIWS may yet interest the PN, as
it already operates the Vulcan Phalanx CIWS. Whether the PN will introduce the
RAM, SeaRAM or the FLIR equipped latest version of the Phalanx remains to be
seen, but the main product of note was the AIM-120 AMRAAM. Pakistan has
officially (rumours persist, but until confirmed they are still an object of
speculation) been without an operational BVR capability for two decades despite
its best efforts to induct such a capability. In the aftermath of IDEAS2006 it
was announced that Pakistan had signed a contract for 500 of the latest version
of what is the global benchmark for air-launched BVR missiles. Clearly the past
misfortunes of the PAF are being rectified.
French industry
was also present and in a big way, if not in its own right with companies such
as DCN, then as part of European multi-nationals such as EADS and MBDA. The
inroads the French have made into Pakistan have been impressive, as they are
involved in projects and supporting platforms used by all three services. In the
past the major standard-bearer of French products has been the Mirage series of
aircraft that currently serve the PAF so well, however at IDEAS2006, the main
item the French were being linked with was the ongoing programme for the next
generation PN SSK. Competition is fierce with the French contender being the DCN
Marlin SSK. The submarine is a development of the DCN Scorpene SSK and
incorporates technology from the Barracuda SSN, the French Navy’s next
generation nuclear-powered hunter killer. The design incorporates a new diesel
AIP system as standard, rather than as an optional extra, as with the current
Pakistani Agosta-90B/Khalid class SSK. It has increased range and endurance,
plus greater manoeuvrability for operations in shallow littoral waters. No less
than the chief designer of the Marlin was present at IDEAS2006 to answer any
questions that may be on the minds of the attending media, and the in this
regard the large DCN stand was very busy. If there can be a criticism of the
Marlin at this stage though it is a major one, it is yet to make its way off the
drawing board, and therefore cannot be fully physically evaluated. The DCN
maintained though that this was not a problem as the Marlin being an evolution
of an existing design is actually proven technology. Not everybody was convinced
by this argument, though it was a credible rebuttal of the criticism. The same
criticism cannot be made about the Marlin’s rival, the German Type-214 SSK, as
it has already won export orders from South Korea and Greece. HDW, the producer
of the Type-214, has a major bone to pick with the French. It lost out against
the DCN Scorpene in Chile (admittedly due to its own mistakes), and India (where
it was not even permitted to bid due to - now resolved - legal issues). It would
therefore be a major accomplishment to ‘steal’ a traditional French customer
that has operated no other submarines but French ones since the early 1970s
(Daphne – decommissioned, Agosta-70, and Agosta-90B). A development of the
incredibly successful Type-209 series that incorporates technology from the
deadly Type-212A, the Type-214 is a very potent platform which has already
impressed enough to have won orders. According to the German officials present
at IDEAS2006, the Type-214 was an ‘evolution’ of the Type-212A ‘revolution’. It
appears to be more hydrodynamic than the Marlin, (though that should of course
not be a deciding factor in itself), and incorporates a hydrogen fuel-cell AIP
that is integral to the submarine design. It comes equipped with a formidable
range of weaponry that may include the IDAS submarine launched missile system
that is capable of engaging air or surface threats. Whatever the outcome of the
competition, the PN will find itself equipped with an incredibly capable
platform. One recent addition to the DCN submarine portfolio is the SMX-23, a
small SSK intended for coastal operations or for first-time submarine operators.
Though no such requirement exists for Pakistan to operate such a submarine, it
would, (if inducted), allow the PN to keep a larger number of submarines at sea
for no significant change to the operating costs of the fleet. If the contract
would allow, it would also give Pakistan a product that it could export to
friendly countries in the region such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Gulf
States. All this would likely require a sizable increase in indigenous
industrial capacity, not to mention an increase in finances so it is unlikely to
happen. However, DCN clearly had its eye on a potentially more lucrative prize.
There is a stated requirement with the PN for a number of corvettes, and DCN was
not slow in displaying a model of the Gowind-120. The design incorporates
technology derived from the Aquitaine FREMM programme and is undoubtedly a very
capable vessel that would fully satisfy the PN’s requirements. This decision
will not be made for sometime, (certainly not until the SSK programme has been
finalised), but DCN clearly thought it was better to have their product
established as a potential contender.
There were also
companies present from many other countries. British defence companies such as
Cobham and Martin Baker were some of the most high profile. Cobham is likely to
supply the in-flight refuelling equipment for the Il-76 aircraft that were
recently ordered from the Ukraine. This capability will significantly enhance
the effectiveness of the PAF frontline fleet, and over time deliver considerable
cost savings through allowing for a greater flight hours/fuel consumption ratio.
IDEAS2006 also saw one of the most famous British companies attending, Martin
Baker, the global leader in ejection seats for fast jets. The company has
recently branched into providing crash resistant seats for helicopters, and has
already built up a considerable range. However, it was its Mk-16LE state of the
art ejection seat that was the hot topic for the company during IDEAS2006 as it
has been selected for the FC-1/JF-17 (termed CN-16LE and PK-16LE respectively).
Over 1000 seats in the series have already been delivered to date having been
selected for service in a wide range of aircraft such as: Typhoon, Rafale,
Lightning II, T-50, T-38, F-5 and T-6. What is perhaps an ultimate irony is that
the seat has also been selected for the Indian HAL Tejas, which was once the
great rival of the JF-17 in South Asia. The slow pace of that project has
resulted in the Tejas as being years away from operational service if at all.
The Mk-16 offers simple, minimal, long internal servicing to provide low cost of
ownership. It has a ‘4th generation’ electronic sequencer, and
features enhanced parachute deployment allowing for an ejecting pilot to be
safely under a fully deployed canopy (even at low speed and low altitude), far
quicker than is currently possible with other ejection seats. There were mixed
fortunes during IDEAS2006, as with the crash of a PAF Mirage, Martin Baker saved
the life of the pilot through having an earlier model of seat fitted, (though
Pakistan lost an aircraft). Romanian industry was represented by the state owned
company Romarm, which secures business for national companies. Over the years of
the Cold War Romania built up considerable expertise in the arms industry, and
has much to offer in the way of joint projects with Pakistan. The Greek company
Sunlight Industrial Complex, makers of batteries for submarines and torpedoes
was also present. Sunlight batteries power the Pakistani Agosta-90B and X-craft
fleets, and according to the company representative offer greater flexibility
over those fitted originally because they are longer-lasting. Though somewhat
low-profile the clients this company has successfully managed to acquire speak
volumes for its products. Not only are Sunlight batteries fitted to Greek
submarines but they also fitted to Egyptian, Ukrainian, Polish, Peruvian, and
South African submarines. Clearly the origin of the platform and therefore
batteries are no constraint for Sunlight; they are plainly able to make their
product fit customer requirements. Saab also displayed a number of its wares,
but perhaps they were overshadowed by the main item of interest, the Saab-2000
AEW&C Eyrie that has been ordered by the PAF. When delivered they will fulfil a
long-standing PAF requirement for an AEW capability. This need was first
apparent in the 1980s when Soviet aircraft were able to bomb Pakistani villages
along the border with Afghanistan that were marshalling areas for mujahideen
forces preparing to enter the occupied the Soviet occupied country. Though the
PAF carried out a number of successful intercepts and managed to down a number
of Soviet aircraft, an AEW/AWACS capability would have denied the Soviets the
relative element of surprise it had in many cases. Though America offered the
E-2 Hawkeye AEW platform, this was deemed unsuitable by the PAF which held out
for the E-3 Sentry AWACS. In the end, it got neither, and its source of high-end
equipment, America, became off limits for just over a decade. The need was
further underlined during the Kargil standoff in 1999. Though two Indian
aircraft were shot down by ground forces, the PAF only played a deterrent role
against IAF intrusion whilst a grim battle was waged across the Line of Control
in Indian occupied Kashmir. Despite the fact Indian aircraft did not intrude
into Pakistani airspace, the situational awareness over the mountainous Kashmir
region was inadequate just as it was when the Soviets were occupying
Afghanistan. Only an AEW/AEW&C/AWACS system would rectify this, and there was
also pressure from the Indian side as the next year the IAF began an extensive
evaluation of the Beriev A-50 AEW. Three years later the IAF ordered three
Israeli Phalcon AEW systems (of the same type that had previously been sold to
China, but the contract was cancelled due to American pressure). These were to
be fitted on the Il-76 Candid, the airframes of which would be flown from the
factory in Uzbekistan to Israel for the installation of the system. The pressure
was therefore on the PAF to match this capability or accept that it would be
totally outclassed in the air over its own territory for the first time. There
had been speculation for sometime that Pakistan was interested in the Swedish
Eyrie AEW&C system and an order was eventually signed for six platforms. More
systems may find their way into Pakistani service either from America in the
form of the P-3 AEW, (see above) or a Chinese system similar to the Eyrie
equipped Saab. In any case the Eyrie AEW&C system was of great interest during
IDEAS2006.
When it comes to
a nation that is synonymous with partnership and Pakistan though, it has to be
China, and Chinese military enterprise was a considerable presence at IDEAS2006.
The relationship between Pakistan and its ‘all weather friend’ is extensive, and
in the military field it covers all three services. The most prominent
Sino-Chinese co-operation was of course the JF-17 Thunder, which seems to have
captured the imagination of the public much like the F-86 Sabre and the F-16
Fighting Falcon have done so previously. This is despite the fact that the
aircraft was at the time of the event yet to fly in Pakistani airspace, let
alone wear PAF roundels and fight a war. Whether it was the CATIC stand, the
PAC, or the PAF stand, there was always a throng of visitors wanting to know
more about the latest exciting development in the PAF. The JF-17 promises to be
a lightweight multi-role fighter that will replace the A-5, Mirage-III/V, and
F-7 aircraft in the PAF inventory. It is also aimed at customers wanting to
replace aircraft such as the F-5 Freedom Fighter, MiG-21 Fishbed and other such
aircraft, or acquire an affordable (both in terms of initial cost and operation)
fighter aircraft with modern capabilities for the first time. The fact that it
is likely to be relatively sanction free platform from a reliable source, will
no doubt interest a great many potential clients. The aircraft will be
co-produced in China and Pakistan, so there will be plenty of scope for
potential export orders to be met, as well as the PAF obtaining a ‘sanction
proof’ frontline aircraft that can be fully supported by indigenous industry.
The officials at PAC were quite open about their plans for the development of
the aircraft, with an in-flight refuelling capability (perhaps even conformal
fuel tanks), and other such improvements envisaged. The main task at present
though is to get the aircraft flying in PAF colours and fully operational, and
worry about these things once this has been accomplished. One cloud that seems
to cast a shadow over the project is the engine. The Russian RD-93 (a derivative
of the RD-33 that powers the MiG-29) is currently powering the prototypes, and
is set to power the Chinese aircraft. It is unclear however, if this deal allows
for the engines to be exported to third parties such as Pakistan, and Russian
officials are on record in saying that an ‘end user certificate’ would have to
be given (presumably for their approval) by the Chinese in the case of export
orders. With Russia’s longstanding relationship with India there has been much
pressure from New Delhi in making sure this does not happen. However, both PAF,
and PAC officials, were absolutely confidant there would be no problems, and the
JF-17 would fly in Pakistani colours as planned. If this means they will not be
powered by the RD-93, then the only other option at present is the WS-13 engine
being developed by the Chinese. The performance of this engine is stated to be
superior in terms of reliability and power, to the RD-93, so there is a silver
lining to this cloud. The only issue may be that the PAF may have to wait a
short while longer for the JF-17 to enter operational service. A more tangible
display of Sino-Pakistani aircraft collaboration was the K-8 Karakorum that was
on display at the PAF outdoor display. The K-8 advanced/basic jet trainer that
has sold very well overseas, particularly in Africa where the Egyptian Air Force
is its biggest customer and is building the aircraft under license. Parts of the
aircraft were built by PAC, but the decision was made early on not to opt for a
Pakistani construction line, as it was thought that there was insufficient
indigenous experience at the time to make this realistic, or even practical.
Instead, it was decided that some parts for the aircraft would be made in
Pakistan to help build up more experience in aircraft manufacture before taking
on full assembly/production of an aircraft, a decision that has directly led to
the JF-17 programme. In PAF service it is thought the K-8 will completely
eventually replace the T-37 in the training role, where it is already more
popular due to the tandem seating arrangement for pilot and instructor. This
layout helps boost trainee confidence due to the isolation from the instructor.
The K-8 is likely to remain in service for a considerable time yet.
Though it may
not be so obviously stated the Al-Khalid also has its roots in a Chinese design,
the Type-90II, but there has been considerable improvement of this type that
took nearly a decade. In this time a number of prototypes were presented to the
PA, including a 120mm model equipped with mainly Western systems, and one with
fully Chinese systems. What was selected chose the best from what was available,
including its powerful Ukrainian engine, which is the key factor in its
excellent agility. This was apparent for all to see during the daily mobility
display that showcased various PA vehicles, of both indigenous and foreign
design. The Ukrainian connection did not end there as the Al-Khalid displayed at
the HIT outdoor stand (billed as a ‘product improved Al-Khalid’) included the
‘Varta’ optronic countermeasures system. ‘Varta’ is capable of decoying ATGMs,
and also countering laser designators and laser rangefinders by making them give
false readings. The Al-Khalid is therefore fast, agile, and it also packs a
punch with its 125mm smoothbore gun. The ‘hunter-killer’ capability it has is
due to the commander’s independent thermal sight, and the Battle Management
System (BMS). These allow the tank to track targets and also share information
with other tanks in the formation. Such sharing of information would be a key
asset in quickly getting to grips with and enemy and winning an encounter. The
commander can identify targets and lay fire as he sees fit, with the capability
to override commands made by the gunner. The gunner is also equipped with a high
quality thermal sight, meaning the Al-Khalid is fully capable of night action,
(in this respect the driver is equipped with a passive night sight). The Al-Khalid
has been extensively promoted by its producer, Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT),
and the first export order has been secured with Sri Lanka placing an order for
a small number. The Al-Khalid’s ‘stable-mate’ from HIT, the Al-Zarrar (an
upgrade of the Chinese Type-59), was also heavily promoted, and took part in
both the static, and mobile displays. Though not as advanced as the Al-Khalid,
it has a crucial part to play in PA service in maintaining numbers whilst the
Al-Khalid provides the ‘mailed fist’ of the PA armoured strike arm. Suspension,
transmission and the power-pack are all new, as is the armoured package that
covers the frontal arc of the tank. The turret has been up-armoured with an
additional layer of composite armour, and there has also been a layer of ERA
placed over the turret and the frontal part of the hull. The 125mm necessitated
the turret be raised to accommodate the additional bulk, but this is not so
apparent due to the added armour. There is no auto-loader like the Al-Khalid, so
the turret is rather cramped for three people, but the philosophy behind the
Al-Zarrar was that it would provide a tank capable of surviving on the modern
battlefield at an affordable price. The Al-Zarrar continues to enter PA service
in large numbers where the Type-59 forms the backbone of the MBT fleet. The main
target in terms of export attention has been Africa and Asia where the Type-59
and early T-series tanks are present in large numbers. The potential customers
are unlikely to have the financial resources to purchase more modern types, so
the outlook is favourable. The Al-Zarrar has already been ordered by Bangladesh
as an upgrade for its Type-59 fleet. HIT’s products do not stop at tanks though
as it also offers a range of vehicles based off the M-113 and indigenous
Saad/Al-Talha tracked APCs. These were exhibited at the HIT static display, and
put on an excellent show during the mobility display. A variant of the M-113
produced by HIT that is of particular note, despite no customer having yet come
forward, is the Hamza IFV. Armed with an unmanned turret that packs a 25mm
cannon and co-axial 7.62mm, the Hamza is definitely well armed, and being based
on the basic M-113 chassis, it is tough and versatile. There is no requirement
for such a vehicle in the PA, but it is readily available should any customer
place an order, or even request a similar armament on the Saad or Talha APC. The
Al-Talha and Saad are essentially the same but the Saad is slightly longer with
an extra road wheel. The Saad has been linked with a possible sale to the
Saudis, (along with the Al-Khalid), but the deal may not now take place. The Al-Talha
has however been sold to Iraq along with another HIT product, the Mohafiz
internal security vehicle. The Mohafiz is based on the Land Rover Defender but
has a much altered aluminium body. It is in service with Pakistani security
forces and has proved itself to be a valuable asset. The most interesting (and
newest) HIT vehicle at IDEAS2006 though was the Discreet Armoured Vehicle (DAV)
that is based on a normal Toyota saloon/sedan. It is the first time that such a
vehicle has been made on so light a chassis, and it comes at a time when there
is soaring requirement for such vehicles, for both government and private use.
It is capable of withstanding fire from 7.62mm NATO ball ammunition, has an
armoured undercarriage to protect against hand-grenade explosions, and can
travel for a considerable distance on its ‘run-flat’ tyres. Externally the
vehicle has no differences to an unmodified vehicle, and there is currently no
comparable level of security on a vehicle of this size available. Other armoured
vehicles on the market are based on larger, more expensive models such as
Jaguars, Range Rovers, or the ubiquitous Mercedes. These are far from discreet
though, and attract a great deal of attention, especially in less well developed
countries. Therefore HIT has clearly identified a niche in the market, and the
DAV is certain to be an export success. It was during IDEAS2006 that the
Lebanese Minister of Industry, Pierre Amine Gemayel, was assassinated in Beirut
after his car was ambushed by gun wielding assailants. Had he been in the DAV,
he would clearly have survived.
The Military
Vehicle Research Defence Establishment, (MVRDE), has a come a long way since it
was founded in the aftermath of the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war where sanctions had
an adverse effect on the defence capabilities of Pakistani forces. At IDEAS2006
it had a number of its very wide selection of products displayed at its static
display, with some of these vehicles also taking part in the mobility display.
These included its AVLB mounted on an M-47M Patton MBT chassis. The bridge is of
aluminium construction and capable of spanning a 21.58m gap, and supporting
weights of 60 tons; it also capable of being tandem launched with similar
short/medium span bridges. MVRDE also displayed two of its anti-mine vehicles
the ‘Troll Anti-Mine’ and the ‘Dragon Engineer Mine Plough’. Both are based on
the chassis of the T-55 MBT, but whereas the Dragon rolls anti-tank mines out of
the path of the tank and advancing forces, the Troll deliberately detonates
them. The Dragon uses two sets of ploughs, the tines of which dig out buried
mines and roll them away from the tank. A roller assembly is fitted to the rear
to deal with anti-personnel mines in the ploughed area. The Troll’s clearing
rollers can withstand up 12 anti-tank blasts and sweeps two 90cm lanes at up to
12kmh. The assembly is controlled by the driver, and the mechanism can be fitted
or removed using the jib that is also fitted. MVRDE’s mine clearing devices have
been a real success story, and the most notable foreign customer has been
Kuwait, which is still dealing with a legacy of war and invasion. MVRDE also
displayed one of its mobile workshops, tankers, an Al-Khalid simulator,
semi-trailer, and Track Launch Assembly (TLA). The Class-60 hydraulic TLA allows
for tracked or wheeled vehicles up to the weight of 60 tons to cross soft
terrain. It is mounted on two 6-ton Yasoob 6x6 trucks, spans 45m, and can laid
or retrieved in 7-10 minutes. The 60-Ton Semi-Trailer can carry any vehicle
weighing up to 60 tons over metalled, dirt, and shingle tracks. The trailer
provides uniform payload support for vehicles carried. MVRDE continues to work
on a number projects for a wide variety of applications and is likely to have a
number of new products on display at IDEAS2008.
One other area
in which Pakistani industry has made significant advancements is in the
manufacture of UAVs. There are a number of companies working the field but the
four major companies are Albadeey Technologies, Advanced Computing & Engineering
Solutions (ACES), Integrated Defence Systems (IDS), and Integrated Dynamics
(ID). All have considerable experience, and between them have won a number of
domestic and foreign contracts. Integrated Dynamics’ products are certainly not
conventional in appearance, and it has perhaps been the most successful in terms
of a high profile foreign sale, when its ‘Border Eagle Mk2’ was ordered by the
American authorities for border patrol duties. It is a low altitude, border and
perimeter monitoring UAV, with a top speed of 160km/h, 50km range, and an
enhanceable endurance of 4 hours. The payload is relatively light at 5kg, but it
is interchangeable, with various payloads capable of being carried. With
technology rapidly shrinking UAV sensors, this will undoubtedly not hold the
Border Eagle back. Three other ID products of note displayed at IDEAS2006 were
the ‘Nighthawk’ High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAV, the ‘Desert Hawk’ UAV,
and the ‘Tornado’ UAV. The Nighthawk is a 100 mile range, 15hr endurance
platform with a 125mph max speed. It can carry a 6kg payload in a combination of
daylight/IR TV and still cameras that are activated as required. It is equipped
with a UHF data-link. The Desert Hawk is a low altitude and perimeter monitoring
UAV. It has a carbon-composite platform equipped with micro gyro-stabilised
payloads in its payload bay. It has a 100mph max speed, 18.75 mile range, and an
enhanceable 3hr endurance. The ‘Tornado’ on the other hand is not a surveillance
UAV but rather an expendable drone designed to confuse the enemy into thinking
it is a real attacking aircraft, and expend valuable SAMs in an effort to
destroy it, (or at least turn on a dormant air defence radar so it can be
attacked with SEAD aircraft). As the name would suggest it is a perfect replica
of the one of the best strike aircraft currently available, the Panavia Tornado,
which is in service with the RAF, German air force, Italian air force, and the
RSAF. IDS on the other hand exhibited its ‘Huma-1’ tactical UAV. It is a
composite UAV that performs a wide range of remote sensing tasks. Range is
500km, max speed 180km/h, endurance 5-6hrs, and it has a 100km operational
radius. It carries a 20kg payload and includes a real-time video transmission
system. ACES displayed its ‘Eagle-Eye-P1’ UAV and also exhibited the ground
Control Station (GCS) from which it is controlled. The ‘Eagle Eye-P1’ tactical
UAV has an 80km range, 3hr endurance, and 120km max speed. Tracking is GPS
based, and it carries a 30kg payload of a 'pan, tilt & zoom' video camera for
real time digital video surveillance. One of the most established Pakistani UAV
companies, Albadeey Technologies, was also present. It has a vast amount of
experience and has produced a number of high quality UAVs and target drones. The
most eye-catching is undoubtedly the ‘ABJT Target Drone’. The ABJT is a high
speed, jet powered, target drone. It is a medium range expendable target for
air-to-air, AAA and SAM training. It is available in autopilot (5km), and BVR
(20km) versions. Normal range is 2km. A less sophisticated target drone, the ‘Shahzore’,
is also available. It is a medium range, propeller powered target drone for AAA
and SAM training with an endurance of up to 90 minutes. It is available in
autopilot (5km), and BVR (20km) versions. Normal range is 3km. The most basic
Albadeey target drone is the ‘Ababeel’. It is used by PAF/PA and a number of
other customers, and is a cheap, effective, and expendable solution for training
personnel in ground based air defence. Its manoeuvrability allows it to simulate
any attack profile. Albadeey also displayed two surveillance UAVs, the ‘Hud Hud
II’ and ‘Hud Hud III’. The ‘Hud Hud III’ is an enlarged version of the ‘Hud Hud
II’ with greater endurance (6hrs) and range (100km). It can carry a 40kg payload
which is usually a high resolution CCD camera, GPS, and frequency modulated L
Band video transmitter. The Pakistani UAV industry continues to improve and
there a number of new exciting projects in the pipeline that will be targeted at
the Pakistani armed forces, and increasingly, foreign customers, as the industry
branches out to secure more overseas clients.
One of the most
well patronised displays by far though was the ‘Army Strategic Forces Command’ (ASFC)
display, where indigenous missile technology was present for all to see. The
missiles were strictly not for sale but for display purposes only. A separate
tent was made available for those who wished to meet the ASFC officers present.
It can safely be said they were amongst the most open and welcoming of any of
the personnel at IDEAS2006, whereas the nature of their work in being
responsible for the operation of the nation’s nuclear deterrent, may have
suggested this may not have been the case. The display was certainly impressive
with nearly the full range of missiles on display. The missiles displayed
consisted of: Shaheen-I/II, Ghauri, Babur, and Ghaznavi. All bar Babur are
ballistic missiles with the Shaheen-I/II and Ghaznavi missiles being solid
fuelled, and Ghauri liquid fuelled. Babur is a land-attack cruise missile
closely resembling the American Tomahawk. It is the newest addition to the ASFC
arsenal, and is a 500km range, 1500kg, weapon with a 300kg payload, and 10m CEP.
It is currently land-based but like the Tomahawk there is no reason why it could
not be modified to be fired from a submarine if the requirement arises. An
air-launched version is also a possibility, but merely being possible does not
mean it is likely to happen. A requirement has to exist first for this to take
place and currently Pakistan is content with what it regards as its ‘minimum
deterrent’ of land based strategic missiles. All in all ASFC showed they were
approachable and helpful, but at the same time displayed the exceptionally high
level of dedication and professionalism as would be expected from them.
When the
decision was made to produce military equipment indigenously, Pakistan produced
little more than small-arms and ammunition. This has expanded considerably and
now Pakistan produces increasingly sophisticated weaponry and equipment.
However, despite the growing sophistication Pakistani industry has maintained
what it is known for, quality at an affordable price. The main standard bearer
for weaponry and ammunition of varying calibres is Pakistan Ordinance Factories
(POF). Everything from small-arms to artillery ammunition is produced by the
company, and it continues to make great strides in producing for Pakistani armed
forces and increasingly, for export. The small arms are aimed primarily at the
African and Asian markets where there is not really the requirement for the
latest technology, only that what is on offer is affordable and reliable. This
is the reason weapons like the RPG-7 and 106mm recoilless rifle are still
produced and exported. During IDEAS2006 agreements were signed with French and
South Korean companies for 155mm artillery ammunition. This calibre is the
global standard for heavy artillery and POF will no doubt make great efforts to
secure export customers after having established itself as a supplier of high
quality and reliable products. POF also produces tank ammunition in varying
calibres from 100mm to 125mm. The POF 125mm APFSDS-T is naturally offered for
export with the Al-Khalid and Al-Zarrar, ensuring there is as much reliability
as is possible in the supply of materials for a potential customer.
This reliability
of supply can be extended to include a great deal of other systems for the tanks
including the night vision systems and laser range finders thanks largely due to
ATCOP. The Al-Zarrar gunner’s night sight is produced by the company and as is a
laser range finder for T-series tanks. The night sight in particular is of
particular interest for customers as the capability to fight at night is crucial
on a modern battlefield. Night vision equipment for personal soldiers is
produced by the Institute of Optronics, which produces a number of night vision
devices from a monocular to weapon-based sights, and NVG goggles for pilots.
These devices are in increasingly wide spread use in the Pakistani armed forces,
and have been used extensively along the border with Afghanistan as the security
forces tackle the Al-Qaeda and Taliban menace. Pakistani industry is also
branching out into new areas such as air deliverable weapons such as the
Durandal anti-runway bomb, Combined Effects Munition (CEM), and the Mk-15
Retarder Tail Unit (RTU) for Mk-82 bombs. The first two items are produced by
Nescom and offer potential customers devastating weapons that have till recently
only been available from more developed nations. The Durandal can be used
against any hardened target such a runway or bunker and works by detonating
after the warhead has burrowed into the target, thereby increasing the level of
devastation. The CEM is a general purpose weapon that is packed with 247
bomblets for use against troops and armour. The Mk-15 RTU allows for Mk-82 bombs
to be released during a high speed low-level pass by retarding the fall of the
bomb, and allowing the attacking aircraft to safely depart the scene prior to
detonation. In this respect it works in a similar fashion to the Durandal,
though this weapon is first parachute retarded, and then boosted by a rocket
motor into the target surface. Clearly these are just the beginnings for
Pakistani industry’s venture into more sophisticated weaponry and there is a
clear line that can be drawn from retarding simple dumb bombs and unguided
munitions, to something more substantial. The next stage will undoubtedly be PGM,
and with experience that has been gained with such systems as the Babur LACM,
these developments may be apparent by as early as IDEAS2008.
One area of
Pakistani military industry that has been overlooked until recently has been the
maritime sphere. However, there has been a great deal of progress made with
indigenous Pakistani products that have a naval application. Karachi based
Marine Systems Limited (MSL) has manufactured a number of products including a
training simulator capable of simulating any sensor system, on any naval
platform, under any climatic and sea state conditions. This will increase the
amount of training done on land, easing the burden on operational assets
considerably. MSL also produces a number of display units that can be used in
various applications on board naval platforms, which was the one of the steps it
took before producing its training simulator. The main MSL breakthrough though
has been its Towed Array Sonar (TAS) for submarines. Systems already in service
with the PN were found to be too bulky, heavy and based on old technology. MSL’s
TAS is not only lighter and more compact, but was found to have a performance
superior to designs currently available to the PN. The system will be installed
on current PN submarines (where on the Agosta-90B it will be integrated with the
SUBTICS combat management system), and also the winner of the submarine
contract. The system is being offered for export to friendly countries, in
particular those in the Gulf States. Also present at IDEAS2006 was Karachi
Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSEW). It is Pakistan’s major shipbuilder and
has built a number of warships for the PN. These have included the Shujaat FAC,
replenishment ships, and also the Agosta-90B class SSK. The next big projects
for the shipyard will be the new SSK for the PN and also the F-22P. The pattern
the shipyard has been following is to have slowly built up key experience in
building various types of warships in terms of size and complexity, and will
move to the next stage with the F-22P as it will obtain some experience in major
warship design as well as construction. Only the final ship of the batch of four
will be built by KSEW, but the hope is that the experience will be put to good
use in building the PN corvette fleet when a decision is made, and also a
proposed follow-on class from the F-22P. The ultimate aim is for the shipyard to
be a designer and exporter of such vessels, and the experience gained is slowly
leading in that direction.
Not all the
companies present were concerned with the manufacture of weapons though as some,
such as Australian company Aerostructures Technologies deal with ensuring the
structural integrity of aircraft. This is an increasingly important service as
aircraft remain in service longer, and therefore the fatigue experienced by the
airframe is greater. The company has helped the PAF maintain its fleet of FT-5
training aircraft, but also works on many other airframe types (it has worked on
the RAAF Orion and F-111 aircraft) from fast jets to helicopters. For
helicopters and MPA in particular the maritime environment has a harsh effect on
aircraft, so ensuring structural integrity of MPA and helicopters is big
business. The representatives from the company seemed to have been in great
demand, and were kept busy talking to a number of visitors representing foreign
governments.
It is clear
therefore that IDEAS2006 was one of Asia’s major defence exhibitions, and with
current trends it is likely to expand yet further over the coming years. As an
opportunity for Pakistani companies to display their products and the advances
they have made, it is an invaluable event. Past exhibitions have helped to raise
the profile of local industry and win orders from foreign customers. IDEAS has
also proved itself to be an unrivalled networking event for industry and
government officials from around the world. When it comes to defence exhibitions
and the wider defence industry, Pakistan has shown it knows how to handle
things.
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