Defence Sales & Production: Jan - March 2007 [Archive]

SSAAD

01-01-2007, 12:54 PM

Pakistan to get high-tech air defense system
Islamabad, Jan 1, IRNA

Pakistan-Air Defense
As per President Musharraf's directives, Pakistan will acquire a high-tech air defense system, but it must come with the transfer of technology, an official Said.

According to the Pakistani daily 'The News', China and a European country have offered Pakistan high-to-medium-altitude air defense system, low-to-medium-altitude air defense system, medium-altitude air defense system and short-range air Defense system," said an official who did not want his identity revealed.

"The two countries have also offered to set up a project in Pakistan for manufacturing short- medium- and high-range air defense systems," he added.

The official said a former PAF chief had sent a summary to President Musharraf for the purchase of a high-altitude air defense system from a European country without the transfer of technology, but the president rejected it.

"The summary has been rejected because Pakistan's adversary has MiG-25, MiG-29, SU-27 and SU-30 fighter planes which are capable of flying at an altitude of more than 25km," he added.

India has these aircraft since 2002 whereas the PAF has no effective weapon system to save major cities of the country and defense installations from any attack by such planes, the official said.

"Had the organizations engaged in developing nuclear-capable missiles indigenously been tasked with the development of a system to overcome this shortcoming, the country would have until now achieved the capability of hitting planes at an altitude of 25-29 kilometers," he remarked.

"But no attention has been paid towards this aspect of the country's air defense capability."

http://www.irna.ir/en/news/view/menu-235/0701010257192054.htm

AjmalMahmood

01-02-2007, 01:42 AM

Sri Lanka to buy defence equipment from Pakistan

NEW DELHI: Sri Lanka has placed orders of $100 million with Pakistan for tanks, their ammunition, different kinds of bombs and explosives, fuses, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and armoured vehicles, reports said on Sunday.

The journal Janeís Defence Weekly and media reports have confirmed that the arms deal size could go up to $200 million in the next 18 months. Major Colombo newspaper ëIslandí reported earlier that Sri Lanka wants to equip its forces to fight the LTTE. The forces need two UAVs, cluster and fuel air bombs, laser-precision and guided bomb kits, deep penetration bombs, 80MM rockets with fuel explosive warheads, Baktar-Shikan anti-tank guided missile launcher, Tandem warhead missiles, radios, mortars and night vision goggles.

The island nation was looking at Pakistan ìto significantly strengthen its military capabilities amid the increasing prospect of renewed civil war,” Janeís said.

http://thenews.jang.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=5048

yasser

01-10-2007, 07:14 AM

Zim turns to Pakistan army for assistance

Johannesburg, South Africa

10 January 2007 11:17

The cash-strapped Zimbabwe government will fork out hundreds of thousands of United States dollars to pay Pakistani military experts who have arrived in Harare to help train and equip the army, which has been weakened by mass resignations of experienced officers.

Safdara Hayat, the first secretary at the Pakistani embassy in Harare, confirmed the arrival of the first four senior military experts from the Asian country in an interview with ZimOnline on Tuesday. He said they were all seconded to the Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ).

President Robert Mugabe's government routinely sends AFZ helicopter gunships flying above cities to scare anti-government protesters away from the streets.

The Pakistani experts have arrived in the country at a time when the nation faces growing threats of strike action by long-suffering workers. The government fears these strikes might escalate into a bigger social-unrest problem.

The government has been heavily recruiting to replace army and police officers, deserting in droves to find better paying jobs in neighbouring countries and beyond.

Reports from Pakistan suggest that more military experts are on their way to Zimbabwe.

While Hayat professed ignorance at the exact amount the Pakistani officers would be paid, he nonetheless confirmed that the Zimbabwe government would be responsible for paying their salaries.

Pakistani's Daily Times newspaper earlier reported that the experts had been deployed only after Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz approved a revised agreement, which offered improved conditions of service for experts seconded to the Zimbabwean army and air force.

The newspaper said that Pakistani officers from the rank of captain to brigadier and those of equivalent ranks in the Pakistani armed forces would, on their deputation to Zimbabwe, get monthly salaries in the range of $1 500 to $3 300 and other allowances and privileges, such as free accommodation and medical cover.

The report said that the monthly salary of troops in lower ranks would be from $615 to $712, excluding other allowances and privileges.

The amounts are a far cry from the poor salaries paid to Zimbabwean military and police personnel, especially those in the lower tiers of the security forces.

For example, police Commissioner Augustine Chihuri says in a confidential memo shown to ZimOnline this week that at least 10% of the country's 26 000 police officers would leave the force within the first quarter of the year because of poor pay.

Junior soldiers are also said to be leaving the army in their hundreds, a development that should certainly be worrying to Mugabe's government, which has, in recent years, relied heavily on the security forces to keep public discontent in check in the face of worsening food shortages and economic hardships.

But the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party on Tuesday strongly condemned the Harare administration's deal with Pakistani, saying it was all part of Mugabe's attempts to keep power at all costs.

Nelson Chamisa, who is spokesperson of the Morgan Tsvangirai-led MDC, said: "Their pre-occupation is to defend power at all costs at the expense of the livelihoods of their people.

"There is no justification whatsoever to be importing gunmen instead of grain or importing ammunition and bombs instead of fuel. This rogue regime ought to be isolated and we don't understand why Pakistan is doing this."

The experts will stay in Zimbabwe for at least two years, though their tenures can be extended under the military pact.

Safdara said Pakistani had a long history of cooperating with Zimbabwe and there was nothing unusual with the military deal. "In fact there is nothing new about it. It's only that is has been renewed," he said. -- ZimOnline

http://www.mg.co.za/articlepage.aspx?area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__africa/&articleid=295297

H Khan

01-11-2007, 08:55 PM

Daily Times - Site Edition Friday, January 12, 2007

* Pakistanis will stay there for 2 years, will be paid in dollars
* Pakistan has had military, defence ties with Zimbabwe for long time: envoy

Daily Times Monitor

LAHORE: Pakistan has sent several senior military experts to help strengthen President Robert Mugabe’s army, which has been severely weakened by mass resignations, desertions and a Western military embargo, says a report in The Independent.

The secondment of the Pakistanis to retrain and re-equip the Zimbabwean army comes as Mr Mugabe is desperate to beef up his forces as he fears the deteriorating economy may lead to social unrest, the report says.

Mr Mugabe has relied heavily on his army to crush any challenge to his rule. The Pakistanis arrived as annual inflation surged to 1,281 percent, the highest in the world, leaving a majority of Zimbabweans unable to afford the basics for survival, and raising the spectre of mass strife. The Pakistani experts will stay in Zimbabwe for at least two years and will be paid in US dollars by the Zimbabwe government, which is struggling to raise foreign currency to pay for essential imports such as fuel and food, the report adds.

The first secretary at the Pakistani embassy in Harare, Safdara Hayat, said that his country’s experts were brought in under a military cooperation agreement signed with Zimbabwe last week. He confirmed the Zimbabwe government would pay the military experts. Although exact numbers were not available, Mr Hayat said those already in Zimbabwe had been seconded to the air force.

The Zimbabwe air force has played a particularly important role in quelling mass protests by monitoring ground movements of protesters. Asked why Pakistan, a Commonwealth country, was deploying military trainers to Zimbabwe despite human rights abuses that had prompted the Commonwealth to suspend the country, Mr Hayat said only: “Pakistan has been involved in military and defence cooperation with Zimbabwe for a long time. The agreement has only been renewed now.” The last such agreement was signed in 1983.

Zimbabwe said that it had every right to pursue bilateral deals with Commonwealth nations. The opposition Movement for Democratic Change condemned Pakistan’s decision. Party spokesman Nelson Chamisa said the deal proved “the Mugabe regime was in perennial combat with its people,” and accused Mr Mugabe of importing “gunmen, not grain”, The Independent report said.

wasimr

01-15-2007, 12:25 PM

Pakistan Chooses Raytheon's Proven Air Defense Missiles to Secure Bordersadvertisement

TUCSON, Ariz., Jan. 15, 2007 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The country of Pakistan has signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance for the procurement of 500 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) - generating the largest single international AMRAAM purchase -- and 200 AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles.

This is also the first AMRAAM missile procurement between Raytheon Company RTN and Pakistan. Delivery of the AMRAAM missiles will start in 2008 and continue through 2011.

The combined $284 million procurement augments Pakistan's established inventory and will provide the bulk of the air-to-air fire power of the Pakistan Air Force. AMRAAM is a joint U.S. Air Force and Navy program and sets the global beyond-visual-range standard. It incorporates the latest digital technology and microminiaturized solid-state electronics, making this remarkable weapon more reliable and maintainable, resulting in the highest dependability at the lowest cost of ownership.

Thirty-two countries have procured AMRAAM based on its unprecedented air combat flexibility. The AIM-9M Sidewinder missile is a combat-proven, all- aspect, infrared-guided, short-range air-to-air missile employed by more than 20 countries worldwide.

"This is the largest single purchase of AMRAAM missiles in the history of the AMRAAM international program," said Brock McCaman, vice president of Raytheon Missile Systems' Air-to-Air product line. "The combat-proven 'one-two punch' of Raytheon's AMRAAM/Sidewinder technology will give the Pakistan Air Force the necessary firepower to accomplish vital air defense missions."

Raytheon Company, with 2005 sales of $21.9 billion, is an industry leader in defense and government electronics, space, information technology, technical services, and business and special mission aircraft. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 80,000 people worldwide.

link (http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.aspx?Feed=PR&Date=20070115&ID=6340998)

A Khan

01-17-2007, 02:04 PM

Portugese Defence Minister arrives Pakistan

Updated at 2040 PST
RAWALPINDI: A ten-member Portugese defence delegation, led by Professor Doutor Nuno Severiano Teixeira, Minister of National Defence Portuguesa, arrived here on Wednesday on two-day officials visit to Pakistan.

The delegation was received by Rear Admiral Tanveer Faiz, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Defence, and other senior defence officials of Pakistan at Chaklala Airbase, Rawalpindi.

During his stay in Pakistan, the Portugese Defence Minister will hold meetings with Senior Federal Minister and Minister for Defence, Rao Sikandar Iqbal, and other senior military and civil officials of the Government of Pakistan.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/updates.asp#16302

A Khan

01-17-2007, 07:58 PM

Pakistan-US strike arms package deal

By Muhammad Saleh Zaafir

ISLAMABAD: A deal between Pakistan and the United States involving a billion-dollar arms package, including TOW-2A anti-armour guided missiles and E-2C Hawkeye 2000 air-borne early warning system, has been through from the US Congress.

The supply of state-of-art defence equipment would take shape in a couple of weeks.

Diplomatic sources told The News here that the Congress had gone in its inaugural session in the first week of this month and did not receive any move against the deal until the deadline.

Such an effort by the Indian lobby failed miserably in July last when the Congress approved the multi-role high-tech fighter F-16 planes for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

The TOW-2A missiles, which the Pentagon has said would enable Pakistan to support US operations against terrorist activity along its porous borders, could reach $185 million.

The E-2C Hawkeye 2000 system for three P-3 aircraft which could cost another $855 million will also be provided to Pakistan.

The notification was issued on December 7, less than two days before the outgoing 109th Congress ended its lame-duck session in the early hours of Dec 9. The 110th Congress took office on January 3.

As the deadline for the Congress to block the deal notified by Pentagon ended then, the House of Representatives went into a month-long recess without taking up resolutions by two Democratic lawmakers to block it. The issue never came up before the full Senate.

Just a week before the expiry of the deadline, the House committee on international relations upbraided the Bush administration for what it called a calculated move to diminish Congressional authority over the rushed sale of F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan, but made no move to block it.

Ranking Democrat Tom Lantos, who has taken over as chairman of the panel in the new House and his retiring Republican predecessor Henry Hyde later introduced a bill requiring quarterly updates on the possible upcoming arms sales and enforcing a 20-day consultation period before the State Department formally notifies Congress of a proposed sale.

At the hearing John Hillen, Assistant Secretary of State for Political-military Affairs, admitted that the administration had chosen to waive the 20-day pre-notification period without consulting either Hyde or Lantos, but made no move to end what Democrat Brad Sherman called "this charade" of consultations.

He affirmed that the Congress had no means to stop the deal unless both the House and Senate passed resolutions rejecting it before the 30-day review period ran out and then override a Bush veto.

The sources said the supply according to the deal would begin as early as next month. The supply of the equipment in question would greatly help Pakistan to strengthen its defence, the sources added.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=39344

A Khan

01-19-2007, 12:15 PM

Pakistan, Portugal to enhance defence ties

xMilitary teams to identify areas of cooperation, training

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Portugal have agreed to enhance cooperation in the defence field to the mutual benefit of the two countries.

Agreement in this regard was reached in a meeting between Defence Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal and a 10-member Portuguese defence delegation

led by Portuguese Defence Minister Professor Doutor Nuno Severiano Teixeira here on Thursday.

Both sides exchanged views on matters of common interest and emphasised the need for closer cooperation in the field of defence.

They expressed satisfaction with the cordial and friendly relations between Pakistan and Portugal in all fields.

Both sides also agreed to exchange military delegations with a view to exploring and identifying areas of defence cooperation.

The meeting also agreed to enhance cooperation in the area of military training.

The minister briefed the visiting dignitaries about the defence industry of Pakistan.

He also apprised the Portuguese defence minister about the steps taken by Pakistan against fighting the menace of terrorism and extremism.

Talking to the Portuguese defence minister on Thursday,

Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri said Pakistan was strengthening border control with Afghanistan to prevent cross-border movements and has beefed up sec-

urity along the Pak-Afghan border.

He stressed the need to intensify international reconstruction and reconciliation efforts in Afghanistan.

He hoped that within the framework of the tripartite military commission, security cooperation will further increase between the two countries.

The two ministers discussed ways and means of strengthening bilateral cooperation in various fields, including defence and training exchanges between the defence institutions of the two countries.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=39393

H Khan

01-19-2007, 01:53 PM

U.S. Military
U.S., Afghan NCOs Exchange Ideas, Strengthen Ties With Pakistani Troops
By Tech Sgt. Christopher DeWitt, Special to American Forces Press Service
Dec 30, 2006 - 4:22:39 PM

Pakistan Army Sgt. Usman, right, a Junior Leader Academy instructor, greets U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Wood, command sergeant major Combined Forces Command Afghanistan, and Sgt. Maj. Safi Roshan, command sergeant major of the Afghan National Army in Shinkiari, Pakistan, Dec. 28, 2006
Blackanthem Military News, WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. and Afghan noncommissioned officers toured the Pakistan Army's Junior Leader Academy in Shinkiari, Pakistan, Dec. 28 during the second day of an exchange program tour.

Pakistan officers and NCOs briefed the team on training procedures and processes in an effort to strengthen the ties between the Afghan National Army and the Pakistan military.

"We came to learn," said Sgt. Maj. Mahmodi Shamsudine, the command sergeant major of the ANA's 201st Corps, after asking several questions about the training curriculum and format.

He was one of three Afghan senior NCOs who traveled to Pakistan hoping to take back information that will help them develop their four-year-old army.

"This was very good for (the Afghans) because they discussed training strategies, schools, doctrines, techniques and procedures that can be shared between the two armies," said U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Daniel Wood, command sergeant major for Combined Forces Command Afghanistan.

Staff members from the JLA took the team to a field training area and watched students conduct mission planning. They were also shown classrooms and sat in on a class discussing tactics.

"This visit was very good for our countries," said Sgt. Usman, JLA instructor. "Our door is open, and we want to help the Afghan army because we want peace in Afghanistan."

Wood called the meeting a "very successful engagement with the military of Pakistan." He contributed the success to the "non-threatening and non-political environment" among the NCOs.

"The (Afghans) are very excited about the information they heard," Wood added. "They are excited to hear about the focus on counterterrorism and the amount of effort and attention that they are putting on training. They want to go back and try to put more of a counterterrorism focus in their own training."

The visit also gave the U.S. and Afghan NCOs an opportunity to share information about the progress and accomplishments of the ANA.

"People from the Pakistan military and Frontier Corps did not realize how far ahead the ANA were. They were very surprised, and it made them feel more secure," Wood said.

During a meeting with Col. Rehman, the JLA deputy commandant, he explained that Pakistani soldiers were "giving (their) life to help Afghanistan."

"The world is a global village, and the sooner we have peace, the better it is for the world," he said.

Sgt. Maj. Ahmad Fazel, the command sergeant major for the ANA's 203rd Corps, agreed. "If we work together we will be successful because we have the same goal and the same enemy," he said.

Plans are under way for the next program to take place at Fort Benning, Ga.

A Khan

01-21-2007, 01:58 PM

CJCSC spends busy day in Yemen

SANAA: General Ehsan Ul Haq, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, called on Yemeni Defence Minister, Major General Nassir Ahmed Ali here on Saturday at the Defence Ministry.

Gen Ehsan Ul Haq arrived here on Friday on a four-day official visit.

Earlier, on arrival, a warm red carpet reception was extended to the CJCSC and was received by Maj-Gen Ahmed Ali Al Ashwal, Chief of the General Staff of the Yemeni Armed Forces. A ceremonial honour guard presented salute.

Later in the day, Gen Ehsan Ul Haq visited the Special Forces Headquarters of the Armed Forces and the War Museum.

The first ever visit of the highest ranking military officer of the Pakistan armed forces is being seen here with great interest and step towards further cooperation between the two armed forces and the two friendly countries of the region.

A lunch in the honour of CJCSC was also hosted by the Yemeni Chief of General Staff which was also attended by the Defence Minister and senior military officers.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=5359

H Khan

01-26-2007, 09:23 AM

he Associated Press January 25, 2007, 6:25PM EST text size: TT

WASHINGTON

The U.S. Navy said on Thursday it awarded a $186.5 million contract boost to a unit of Lockheed Martin Corp.

The St. Paul, Minn.-based Lockheed Martin Corp. Maritime Systems and Sensors will produce, integrate and test seven P-3 radar aircraft for government of Pakistan under the foreign military sales program.

The defense firm will also provide electronic, acoustic, communication and infrared systems and install the P-3 mission systems.

The company will perform the work in Greensville, S.C., and Eagen, Minn., by July 2011.

Shares of Lockheed Martin gained 30 cents to finish at $97.44 on the New York Stock Exchange.

H Khan

01-26-2007, 10:16 AM

Lockheed Martin Corp., Maritime Systems and Sensors, St. Paul, Minn., is being awarded $186,500,000 ceiling-priced modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-06-D-0012) for the fabrication, integration and testing of seven P-3 aircraft missions systems for the Government of Pakistan under the Foreign Military Sales Program. This modification includes a fully capable Inverse Synthetic-Aperture Radar ISAR/SAR, Electronic Support Measures (ESM), acoustic system, Electro-Optical/Infra-Red system, communication system and Inter-Communication System (ICS). In addition, this modification includes the installation of P-3 mission systems into the aircraft. Work will be performed in Greensville, S.C. (90 percent) and Eagan, Minn. (10 percent) and is expected to be completed in July 2011. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

ilyas

01-26-2007, 10:42 AM

This modification includes a fully capable Inverse Synthetic-Aperture Radar ISAR/SAR, Electronic Support Measures (ESM), acoustic system, Electro-Optical/Infra-Red system, communication system and Inter-Communication System (ICS).

Are these modifications on P-3Cs any different from what is generaly expected on a regular model? If not then why are they showing it as a separate order?

Mazhar

01-28-2007, 11:47 AM

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\01\28\story_28-1-2007_pg7_23

Meeting at GHQ

RAWALPINDI: The 8th meeting of the Counter Improvised Explosive Devices’ (IED) Working Group was held at General Headquarters on Saturday, to discuss measures for countering the threat posed by improvised explosive devices on both sides of the Pak-Afghan border.

Delegates from the Pakistan Army, Afghan Army and International Security Assistance Force participated in the meeting.

At the end of the meeting, participants said they were pleased with the progress made since the establishment of the working group as a subcommittee of the Tripartite Commission. app

Home | National

H Khan

01-28-2007, 10:41 PM

ALGERIA (January 29 2007): Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Ehsan-ul-Haq called on Abdelmalek Guenaizia, Defence Minister Delegate of Algeria on Sunday. General Ehsan-ul-Haq concluded his five-day official tour of Algeria.

The meeting with the Algerian Defence Minister reflected the warmth and friendship between Algeria and Pakistan.

It dwelled upon enhancing mutual cooperation between the two countries which shared a common view on international and regional issues. The main focus of the discussion included issue of global terrorism, measures for enhancing defence industry and military to military cooperation amongst the two brotherly countries.

During the first ever-official visit by the senior most officers of the Pakistan Armed Forces to Algeria, Chairman JCSC highlighted the role and perspective of Pakistan in the fight against terrorism, the importance of sharing experience and information for a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism. The two leaders also shared views on regional and global issues.

Earlier, General Ehsan Ul Haq visited the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism. He was received by the Director of the centre, Abdelhamid Boubazine.

The director explained that the centre was officially established by the African Union in Algiers, in October 2004 and provides technical expertise on the prevention of terrorism to the Commission of the African Union, as well as facilitating international cooperation to enhance African States' capacity to address the threat of terrorism.

Copyright News Network International, 2007

Mohammed Ali

01-30-2007, 10:06 PM

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/01/29/211769/first-galileo-avionica-falco-uav-set-for-delivery-launch-customer-remains.html

First Galileo Avionica Falco UAV set for delivery, launch customer remains undisclosed
By Luca Peruzzi

Italy's Galileo Avionica is ready to deliver its first production example of the Falco unmanned air vehicle to an undisclosed customer, after recently completing factory acceptance tests.

The 420kg (930lb) UAV has a 7.2m (23ft) wing span and endurance of up to 14h with a 70kg-plus payload, and can operate at altitudes up to 19,700ft. Each Falco system ordinarily comprises four UAVs with electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) payloads, a ground control station (GCS) and communications and support equipment. However, the manufacturer's first customer is believed to have ordered four systems of five UAVs each.

The production platform differs from development examples by using a modified UAV Engines rotary powerplant providing 80hp (60kW) and driving a three-blade propeller. It carries additional fuel in its inner wing section to boost endurance, and has a miniaturised avionics mission package that has freed fuselage space for extra payload.

The UAV can be operated from semi-prepared strips or catapult-launched from a naval vessel, and an automatic take-off and landing system and vehicle-mounted GCS are now in development.

Galileo Avionica is also working on new EO/IR sensors, and on integrating new payloads including the Selex PicoSAR synthetic aperture radar, a laser illuminator, hyperspectral camera and a nuclear, biological and chemical agent detector to boost Falco's reconnaissance capabilities.

The company declines to provide details on the sale of Falco air vehicles. However, it has previously received authorisation to sell the system to two countries including Pakistan, which military sources have identified as the likely launch customer.

Zain Abbass

01-30-2007, 10:25 PM

A picture has been attached!:D

faz

01-31-2007, 09:16 AM

Boota

01-31-2007, 09:22 AM

i don't follow...are we getting this?

Yes, this was annouced a long time ago

A Khan

02-02-2007, 06:28 AM

US hands over eight Cobra copters to Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: US envoy to Pakistan Ryan C Crocker has praised Pakistan’s role in war against terrorism.

He was addressing a ceremony of handing over eight Cobra helicopters to Pakistan, the first consignment after 9/11 incident. The function was held at Qasim Aviation base in Rawalpindi.

Crocker in his brief address said that US would try to fulfill the defence needs of three armed forces of Pakistan and F-16 planes would soon reach Pakistan.

Pakistan is friend of US and such deals would strengthen these ties, he added.

Defence Secretary Tariq Wasim Ghazi in his address said that Pakistan had started negotiations with US for obtaining 20 cobra helicopters for the armed forces in 2003. This was the first squad delivered to Pakistan after the agreement between the two countries.

He thanked the US government and said that other equipments would also be delivered to Pakistan soon under different defence deals.

http://www.geo.tv/geonews/details.asp?id=1591&param=1

does anyone know what versions?

SSAAD

02-02-2007, 10:20 AM

AH-1Fs. C-nited. New Camouflage as well.

As per Washington Post, we now have 19+8 Cobras. Eventually we will probably have 40 Cobras as per the plan.

U.S. gives eight Cobra helicopters to Pakistan

Reuters
Friday, February 2, 2007; 8:12 AM

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) -The United States handed over eight Cobra attack helicopters on Friday to Pakistan, which is under growing pressure to stop Taliban guerrillas crossing into Afghanistan to fight NATO forces.

Pakistani army helicopters, including Cobras, struck a suspected Taliban and al Qaeda hideout in the South Waziristan tribal region last month, killing up to 20 militants, according to intelligence sources.

Around 80 men and boys were killed in October by a similar strike on a militant-linked madrasa, or Islamic school, in another tribal agency on the border.

The eight AH1-F Cobras, equipped for night flying, are part of a $50-million foreign military sales program that will provide 20 refurbished helicopters to the Pakistani army.

"These helicopters are important weapons in our common fight against terrorism," U.S. Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker said at the handing-over ceremony in the garrison town of Rawalpindi.

Pakistan had already acquired 19 Cobras from the United States, a U.S. embassy statement said.

Crocker said the Cobras and the sale of F-16 warplanes to Islamabad agreed late last year "demonstrated the long-term commitment of the United States to all aspects of our strategic partnership with Pakistan."

In June 2004, the United States declared Pakistan to be a major non-NATO ally, making it easier to supply arms.

Relations between the United States and Pakistan have once again come under scrutiny, because of comments by U.S. and Afghan officials that the Taliban has bases in Pakistan.

A U.S. bill which was passed in the House of Representatives and is due to go to the Senate has proposed linking military aid to Pakistan to its efforts to tackle Taliban.

The U.S. embassy said this week the Bush administration was opposed to provisions in the bill on linking military aid.

Pakistan concedes there are Taliban fighters on its soil, but insists the insurgency is based in Afghanistan.

*******************

The Pakistani army took possession of the Cobra AH1-F helicopters at Qasim air base, near the capital, Islamabad, the U.S. Embassy said. Another 12 Cobras are to be delivered later in a military aid package worth a total of US$50 million (€38.4 million), it said.
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/02/02/asia/AS-GEN-Pakistan-US-Helicopters.php

Murad

02-02-2007, 11:08 AM

[QUOTE=SSAAD;100110]..............Pakistan had already acquired 19 Cobras from the United States, a U.S. embassy statement said...................[/B]

Why 19? did one crash or was cannibalised or something?

SSAAD

02-02-2007, 11:10 AM

Possibly used up for spares. I am not aware of any Cobra losses in the recent PAA history. I am sure at the end, we will have 40 air worthy machines.

SSAAD

02-02-2007, 11:17 AM

And now the good stuff from ISPR. Note the PAA formation sign.
http://www.ispr.gov.pk/Archive&Press/CurrentMonth/press.htm

Can see the C-nite scope in the last picture.

Usman S.

02-02-2007, 11:30 AM

Possibly used up for spares. I am not aware of any Cobra losses in the recent PAA history. I am sure at the end, we will have 40 air worthy machines.

We had 20 Cobra's. One crashed few months ago after having engine trouble - crew survivded the crash landing.

wasimr

02-02-2007, 11:43 AM

US hands over 8 Cobra helicopters to Army Aviation

Friday, 02 February 2007
ISLAMABAD, Feb 2 (APP): The United States on Friday handed over first batch of eight gunship Cobra helicopters to Pakistan Army Aviation at a ceremony held at Qasim Aviation Base in Rawalpindi.
Secretary Defence Lt. Gen (R) Tariq Wasim Ghazi was the chief guest who was formally handed over the keys of the refurbished fleet of the gunships by the US Ambassador Ryan C. Croker.
These gunships are the first shipment out of total 40 lethal choppers to be supplied to Pakistan on gratis basis.
Speaking on the occasion, the US Ambassador said that Pakistan would soon be delivered F-16 aircraft as committed by the US. He said the US is fulfilling its commitment with Pakistan to meet its security needs under Security Assistance Programme.
In the naval sector, he said the US is carrying out the PC-3 Orion aircraft programme.
He said the lot of Cobra is being handed over to Pakistan as part of
the 5 years assistance programme as indicated by the US President George W Bush earlier in 2003.
He said the US is not only assisting Pakistan in the defence sector
but also in the socoi-economic and other development sectors.
He said Pakistan is an important strategic partner of the US and hoped that this long-term partnership would continue in future as well. "We are partners in war on terror. We support each other as we are strategic partners," he said.
He appreciated the role of Pakistan's security forces and said their
role in peace keeping as part of the United Nations has attracted accolades not only at national but also at the world level. "The international community is highly appreciative to their role," he said.
He said Pakistan has emerged as regional power due to its moderate and progressive approach.
Secretary Defence thanked the US for providing the assistance in
defence sector. He said a modernization plan of the country's security forces is being carried out.
He said the delivery of Cobra Helicopters is a manifestation of our
mutual long-term relationship.
He expressed gratitude to the US government for extension of their substantial support to Pakistan. The mutual cooperation will continue with great strength to bring about peace and stability, he added.
He felicitated Army Aviation for their role in various challenges, may
it be war on terror or during the hard times of earthquake.
In his address of welcome General Officer Commanding Aviation Corps Major General Javed Aslam Tahir highlighted the role of Cobra gunships and hoped the induction of the batch would go a long way in fortifying the country's defence.

Senior officers of Aviation Corps were also present.
APP (http://www.app.com.pk/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3174&Itemid=2)
__________________________________________________ ________________________

According to APP there is 32 more comming. Alittle off topic but its too bad Crocker is leaving for Iraq, hes been a good friend of Pakistan.

Munir

02-02-2007, 03:50 PM

We had 20 Cobra's. One crashed few months ago after having engine trouble - crew survivded the crash landing.

One has to admire the level of knowledge by some posters...

U.S. Delivers Eight Cobra Attack Helicopters to Pakistan Army

ISLAMABAD: The U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Ryan C. Crocker, handed over on Friday eight night capable Cobra attack helicopters, AH1-F, to the Pakistan Army at the Qasim Airbase, near Islamabad. These helicopters are part of a $ 50 million foreign military sales program that will provide the Pakistan Army with 20 refurbished helicopters.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Crocker recounted Pakistan’s contribution to the War on Terror and reaffirmed a long-term and strategic U.S. commitment to Pakistan. "We understand and appreciate the very real sacrifices that Pakistan is making in the War on Terror. The majority of important al Qaeda arrests have occurred because of Pakistan’s cooperation," the Ambassador remarked.

Ambassador Crocker said that Pakistan has posted 80,000 troops to the Afghan border and has killed more than 700 militants in anti-terror operations and has regrettably lost more than 400 brave Pakistanis in actions related to the War on Terror.

These completely refurbished Cobra AH1-F Attack helicopters will provide the Pakistan Army with a superior capability to conduct night operations. The Cobra is a modern and versatile helicopter with a fully integrated weapon system, capable of delivering a variety of weapons. These eight Night Capable (C-NITE Equipped) cobras will augment Pakistan’s current fleet of 19 Cobras previously acquired from the U.S.

The Ambassador said that these helicopters are important weapons in our common fight against terrorism. He said that the U.S. is also committed to Pakistan’s security. The sale of F-16s to Pakistan late last year and the delivery of these Cobra helicopters demonstrate the long-term commitment of the United States to all aspects of our strategic partnership with Pakistan, he added.

Ambassador Crocker reiterated that because the governments of Pakistan and the United States have cooperated closely on counter-terrorism, the U.S. Administration opposed provision in legislation currently in the U.S. Congress that could restrict assistance to Pakistan based on a certification requirement. Such conditionality would be counterproductive to the strategic relationship between the United States and Pakistan, he added.

H Khan

02-06-2007, 03:48 PM

Athena Technologies Selected to Provide Guidance and Navigation to EMT’S LUNA Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

UAV Conducting Surveillance in Kosovo, Macedonia, Afghanistan and Pakistan
PhotoLogo
Smart Multimedia GalleryView full gallery
Click here to see downloadable versions LUNA UAV in use in Afghanistan (Photo: Business Wire)
Click here to see downloadable versions

WARRENTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Athena Technologies, Inc. today announced its GuideStar™ inertial navigation system and global positioning system (INS/GPS) has been selected to provide guidance and navigation to the LUNA UAV developed by Germany’s EMT.

Under the contract, Athena will provide EMT with its GuideStar 111m integrated INS/GPS and air data sensor suite systems. The GuideStar 111m is an advanced, miniaturized solution, weighing only 0.5 lbs (227g) and specifically designed for small, high-performance UAV applications.

LUNA is an all-weather, lightweight, easy to operate UAV used for real-time surveillance, reconnaissance and target location at ranges exceeding 80 km and with an endurance of 4 hours. The UAV has been in service with the German Army since March 2000 and is successfully performing reconnaissance missions in Kosovo, Macedonia and Afghanistan. Early in 2006, the Pakistan Army acquired LUNA UAVs for monitoring the Pakistan borders.

“With well over 100,000 operational flight hours, Athena’s GuideStar has proven performance that is unique in the UAV industry,” said an EMT spokesperson. “In addition, Athena’s track record for delivering affordable, high-quality solutions will contribute to the ongoing success of our program.”

“We are very pleased to provide our products and expertise to EMT,” said Dr. David Vos, Athena’s CEO. “As a high-performance tactical UAV conducting ongoing missions in harsh environments, LUNA is the ideal aircraft to utilize our GuideStar 111m all-in-one, miniaturized guidance and navigation system.”

A Khan

02-09-2007, 06:52 AM

Azerbaijan, Pakistan to cooperate in defence industry

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan expressed its readiness to share its experience in creating a defence industry in Azerbaijan. Adviser to the Azerbaijan Embassy in Pakistan Sabir Rzayev told an Azeri magazine that agreement was reached at a meeting between visiting Azeri Minister of Defence Industry Yaver Jamalov and Pakistan Secretary Ministry of Defence Industry Siddiq Tirmizi on Wednesday in Islamabad. The meeting highlighted huge potential for cooperation of the two countries in this sphere. Rzayev said the Azeri defence industry minister plans to pay an official visit to Pakistan for broader consultations and get familiarised with activities of Pakistani enterprises of the defence industry.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=42111

H Khan

02-11-2007, 01:40 AM

Dawn 02/10/07

By Our Reporter

ISLAMABAD, Feb 10: The K-8 advanced jet trainer rolled out of the F-6 Rebuild Factory, PAC Kamra, after its general overhaul at a ceremony on Saturday.

The K-8 Advanced Jet Trainer, a co-production of Pakistan and China began its journey with the PAF in 1994. It is a backbone of the PAF's jet training fleet.

The aircraft was sent for overhaul after completing 2,000 hours. The Rebuild Factory has the capabilities to overhaul all Chinese origin fighters and transport aircraft operating in the PAF.

H Khan

02-13-2007, 04:24 PM

EAGAN, Minn., Feb. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Navy's Naval Air Systems
Command has awarded Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) a $186.5 million Foreign Military Sale contract to continue providing mission system upgrades and sustainment work for seven P-3C Orion maritime surveillance aircraft for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

"This program represents an important expansion of the U.S. Navy, Pakistan Navy and Lockheed Martin P-3 relationship," said Tom Pillion, U.S. Navy Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft director for International Programs. "It provides a world-class maritime surveillance capability to the Pakistan Navy, and will be an important contributor to allied operations."

Lockheed Martin will continue to support the Pakistan Navy's P-3C Upgrade Program, which began in March 2006. Lockheed Martin has delivered one upgraded surveillance aircraft, which was inducted into the Pakistan Navy in January. A second aircraft is expected to join the fleet in March.

The modified P-3Cs will further enhance the Pakistan Navy's capabilities to
conduct maritime surveillance in littoral and deep water environments, supporting anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare operations. "Lockheed Martin is pleased to have delivered the first aircraft to the Pakistan Navy and we continue our work on mission system upgrades to the remaining aircraft for Pakistan," said Richard Udicious, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin's Eagan, MN-based Tactical Systems business. "We continue our commitment to sustain, refresh and support the P-3 aircraft around the world in order to meet the operators' current and future needs."

"With 91 percent of all active-duty P-3's now carrying Lockheed Martin's integrated mission system, we know these aircraft will provide Pakistan's Navy with world-class performance," added Udicious. "The enhanced capabilities of these P-3's will allow Pakistan to further expand its role in both humanitarian and military operations."

As prime contractor to the U.S. Navy's Naval Air Systems Command, Lockheed Martin is the mission system integrator for the P-3C aircraft's mission avionics, including surveillance sensors, acoustic sensors, weapons control, communications, survivability, displays, and controls. The P-3C weapons system is the primary maritime surveillance aircraft operated by the U.S. Navy and 17 international allies.

Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin employs more than
140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research,
design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced
technology systems, products and services.
For additional information, visit our web site:
http://www.lockheedmartin.com

H Khan

02-13-2007, 09:22 PM

Daily Times - Site Edition Wednesday, February 14, 2007

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and France reiterated a desire to establish long-term defence cooperation between the two countries. These views were expressed at a meeting between Defence Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal and visiting French Naval Chief Admiral Alain Oudot de Dainville, here on Tuesday.

The minister told the visiting dignitary that Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with France. He admired the assistance being provided by France in the construction of Agosta submarines and hoped that France would continue to assist Pakistan in the area of defence. The meeting agreed to increase training programmes between the naval forces of both countries.

The meeting underscored the need for close cooperation between the Navies of the two countries, which was vital for curbing human trafficking and terrorist activities at sea. The minister highlighted the steps taken by the government against the war on terror. He lauded the assistance provided by the French government in the wake of the October 8, earthquake. The French chief apprised the minister about his meeting with Pakistani Naval Chief Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir and was optimistic that his visit to Pakistan would further strengthen defence cooperation between the two countries. app

H Khan

02-14-2007, 07:55 PM

Abizaid arrives

ISLAMABAD: Commander of US Central Command General John Abizaid arrived here on Wednesday evening on a three-day official visit to Pakistan. Lt Gen Sallahuddin, the chief of the Pakistan Army General Staff, received Abizaid at the PAF Chaklala airbase. app

Hasher

02-16-2007, 10:21 AM

Sri Lanka asking Pakistan for swift military assistance: Jane’s

LONDON: Sri Lanka is looking to Pakistan for help to bolster its military capabilities as the ceasefire between the government and rebels appears increasingly fragile, specialist publication Jane’s Defence Weekly said on Thursday.

Sri Lanka has asked Pakistan to facilitate the purchase of military equipment worth around 60 million dollars, according to high-level discussions detailed in documents seen by the defence magazine.

Jane’s Defence Weekly said Sri Lanka had asked that their requests be treated with the “utmost priority” given the deteriorating security situation. The report was published as violence surged on the island, with at least 16 people reported killed, hours before talks opened in Oslo between the Colombo government and Tamil Tiger rebels on ensuring protection for ceasefire monitors.

According to the magazine, the Sri Lankan army’s shopping list has a combined value of 20 million dollars, while the air force’s requirements are worth a further 38.1 million dollars. The weekly said that Sri Lanka was looking to build up its military capacity and had also issued a plea to Pakistan to provide swift technical assistance for its T-55 main battle tanks (MBTs) and C-130 transport aircraft.

In a document dated March 1, Sri Lanka wrote: “It would be greatly appreciated if arrangement could be made to invite a technical team to Colombo to carry out an immediate survey of T-55 main battle tanks and C-130 aircraft.”

It added: “Since a number of MBTs and C-130s are in need of urgent technical repairs it is earnestly requested that this be given utmost priority and a suitable technical repair team be arranged to carry out immediate inspection.”

Friday, February 16, 2007, Muharam 27, 1428 A.H.

ndad

02-16-2007, 02:11 PM

Hasher

02-17-2007, 04:20 AM

Right you are ndad. It is dated and made it through a bad filter.

H Khan

02-18-2007, 06:43 PM

Border forces of both States agree to resolve problems

Wagah—Calling it a tradition, Pakistan has refused to reciprocate the Indian gesture of toning down the aggressive postures during the daily Retreat Ceremony at the Wagah joint check post. The Border Security Force jawans had earlier toned down their aggressive postures at the impressive ceremony held daily at sun set on the joint border post, which is also a tourist destination. “Daily retreat is not hostility but a tradition to pay utmost respect to the flag and it will continue,” Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) Director General Maj Gen Javed Zia told mediapersons here Sunday after the bi-annual meeting between Pakistan Rangers and Border Security Force (BSF) concluded.

During the four-day deliberations, both BSF and Pakistan Rangers resolved to build mutual trust and understanding to dispassionately analyse different cross-border problems and to evolve workable solutions for ensuring peace and tranquility along the India-Pakistan border. Both the border guarding forces are entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining peace on their side of the boundary and ensuring safety and security of respective border populations. Both sides took stock of the prevailing situation on the border and deliberated upon various issues afflicting the India and Pakistan border at length to evolve mutually agreeable procedures for effective and smooth management of the international border.Discussions were also held on the issue of illegal border crossings and other border-related matters and both the sides agreed to exercise control by initiating positive steps.

Mr Zia said, “Both the forces are making increasing efforts to reduce complications for the release of prisoners languishing in each others’ jails.” On the issue of Prisoners of War (POWs), Mr Zia said that if any POW was lodged in any Pakistani jail, he would be released after verification. Both sides resolved to extend full cooperation and facilitate sorting the issues concerning inadvertent border crossing from either side by verifying credentials at the field commander-level amicably and promptly so that civil population on both sides feel safe and secure. The issue of fishermen from both India and Pakistan crossing the territorial waters was also discussed and it was decided to share information for identification of such persons and also to educate them how to avoid
crossing the international border, Mr Zia said.

On the issue of illegal trafficking of narcotics, Mr Zia said, “We have identified certain measures to curb illegal trafficking of narcotics,” he said expressing hope that smuggling would end gradually. The Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) initiated vigorously by both the countries had helped in maintaining normalcy at the border and providing quick solutions to local problems, Maj Gen Zia said adding that both sides had earlier benefitted from such bi-annual sessions, which were also part of CBMs.

The issue of repair of damaged border pillars and reconstruction of missing boundary pillars was discussed between the surveyors and the PWD officials of both the countries. They also took stock of the progress made followingthe last bi-annual meeting held at Lahore.

BSF Special DG, NPS Aulakh informed that Maj Gen Zia had assured the Indian delegation to personally look into Chandra Bai’s case for her early release.
Mr Aulakh thanked Pakistan delegation for their excellent spirit of cooperation and understanding during discussions. Maj Gen Zia also appreciated the “warm hospitality extended to the delegation” and making their visit “purposeful and successful”.
The delegation which earlier visited the New Delhi and also went to see the world famous Taj Mahal at Agra, paid a visit to the Golden Temple in Amritsar before leaving for Pakistan.

The Pakistan delegation, led by Maj Gen Javed Zia, comprised senior official from Pakistan Rangers, Anti-Narcotic Force, Survey of Pakistan and PWD, whereas Indian delegation headed by BSF Special Director General (West) NPS Aulakh, also included senior official from the BSF and representatives of Survey of India, Narcotics Control Bureau and PWD.—SANA

Boota

02-18-2007, 10:18 PM

List of Pakistani exhibitors for IDEX 2007 and I bet the guys in the picture are not from AWC but still impressive:D

Afrid, Cavalry Arm & Darra Rifle & Cartidges
ATCOP
Aviation Times
AWC - Air Wipons Complex
Azams and Sons
Defence Export Promotion Organisation - DEPO
ETS Group
HMC-3
Institute of Industrial Control Systems (IICS)
International Arms
MVRDE
MTC
NDC
NESCOM - National Engineering & Scientific commission
Pakistan Ordnance Factories
PMO

Alam

02-19-2007, 03:26 AM

PMO is at IDEX? Since when has this organization has been declassified? Also, Boota sahib, if you can kindly confirm if it is exhibiting as 'Project Management Organization'?

Boota

02-19-2007, 12:46 PM

This is interesting especially in context of the RD-93 saga. Russian Colonel General is equivalent to a Lieutenant General so a pretty senior delegation in the Pakistani context at least.

RAWALPINDI, February 19: Colonel General Morozov AS, First Deputy of the Commander-in-Chief of the Land Forces of the Russian Federation alongwith three members defence delegation arrived in Pakistan on a six-day long visit.
On arrival at Islamabad International Airport, Lieutenant General Ijaz Ahmed Bakhshi, Director General Weapons and Equipment and other senior military officials received the delegation. During its stay the delegation is scheduled to call on senior officials of the Armed Forces

Behjat

02-19-2007, 08:49 PM

Salaam,

Why is Col General Morozov in a civilian suit while on official visit?

yasser

02-20-2007, 05:28 AM

Salaam,

Why is Col General Morozov in a civilian suit while on official visit?

Thats no big deal, just the other day Abizaid arrived in a suit as well. Whats more important is the protocal being followed.

Abizaid is usually met by VCOAS or someone important, while Prez may even meet him. All of this is imporant, who actually meets you at the airport says alot about the status of relations with that country. The fact we send a mere Lt General to meet the head of Russian Land forces says alot. Its just one up from having a Divisional commander meet him......

Mazhar

02-20-2007, 07:23 AM

Abizaid is usually met by VCOAS or someone important, while Prez may even meet him. All of this is imporant, who actually meets you at the airport says alot about the status of relations with that country. The fact we send a mere Lt General to meet the head of Russian Land forces says alot. Its just one up from having a Divisional commander meet him......

i do not think he is the head of land force. he is the first deputy of CinC land forces...sounds like somebody one down to the chief. Hence a Lt Gen greets him. I think proper protocol is very much adhered to in the armed forces and there is no reason to assume otherwise.

yasser

02-20-2007, 07:40 AM

i do not think he is the head of land force. he is the first deputy of CinC land forces...sounds like somebody one down to the chief. Hence a Lt Gen greets him. I think proper protocol is very much adhered to in the armed forces and there is no reason to assume otherwise.

Your wrong, proper protocal is often not followed if it is a close friend/ally of Pakistan, for instance Musharaff and Aziz both met Saudi King at airport. Additionally thsi guy is a Colonal General, and was met by a Lt General

Boota

02-20-2007, 09:14 AM

Salaam,

Why is Col General Morozov in a civilian suit while on official visit?

The picture is from the VIP lounge of the Islamabad Airport and the Colonel General most probably flew on a commercial airline hence the the civilian cloths. He has donned in uniform for the official rounds and as you can see he is getting all the protocol.

RAWALPINDI, February 20: Colonel General Morozov AS, First Deputy of the Commander-in-Chief of the Land Forces of the Russian Federation alongwith three members defence delegation currently on a six-day official visit to Pakistan visited General Headquarters and met General Ahsan Saleem Hyat, Vice Chief of Army Staff. Matters of professional interest were discussed during the meeting.
Earlier on arrival at the General Headquarters Colonel General Morozov was presented a guard of honour. He reviewed the parade and took salute from a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Army. He was also introduced to the Principal Staff Officers at the General Headquarters.
During its visit to General Headquarters, the delegation attended briefings on Regional Situation, War on Terror and Training in Pakistan Army by Director Generals of different Directorates at the General Headquarters

H Khan

02-21-2007, 12:32 AM

http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/02/20/front/03.asp

President talks to Pakistani Defence Secy

By Sunil Jayasiri

Pakistani Defence Secretary Tariq Waseem Ghazi yesterday held extensive discussions with President Mahinda Rajapaksa on several matters including defence cooperation.

A spokesperson for the Pakistani High Commission said the visiting Defence Secretary who arrived on Sunday was here following a special invitation extended by Sri Lanka Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa. “The visit was aimed at boosting bilateral ties between the two countries, especially on defence matters,” the spokesperson said.

He also said Lieutenant General (Retired) Ghazi, accompanied by a top defence delegation from Pakistan – a key supplier of arms to Sri Lanka - had already held discussions with Defence Secretary Rajapaksa, Chief of Defence Staff Donald Perera, and the Commanders of the armed forces.

Besides the official itinerary, the visiting Secretary is scheduled to tour several historic places during his stay here before he flies back home on Friday.

Pak eyes larger share of SL's arms market
[ 18 Feb, 2007 1155hrs ISTPTI ]

NEW DELHI: With an eye to corner a major share of Sri Lanka's military imports primarily aimed at countering the LTTE, a high-level Pakistani team led by Defence Secretary Tariq Waseem Ghazi will visit the island nation on Monday.

The visit comes in the wake of reports of alleged sleaze and bad quality arms received by Sri Lankan forces from Pakistan.

Colombo has placed orders worth up to 100 million dollars with Pakistan for tanks, armoured vehicles, different kinds of bombs, explosives, ammunition and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), premier journal Jane's Defence Weekly and Sri Lankan media reports have said, confirming that the value of the deals could go up to 200 million dollars in the next 18 months.

During his four-day visit, Ghazi is slated to discuss issues like supply of 22 second-hand armoured personnel carriers, while Colombo is likely to raise the issue of faulty weapons supplied to it.

The reports said a major problem faced by Sri Lankan forces was that of electronic fuses for bombs supplied by Pakistan.

Of the 500 fuses of types AB-103 and AB-104 supplied by Pakistan earlier, 200 were found faulty because of which Sri Lankan forces suffered huge reverses against the LTTE. Islamabad had agreed to take them back, the reports said.

Sri Lankan daily Island has reported that the country's forces need two UAVs, cluster and fuel air bombs, laser- precision and guided bomb kits, deep penetration bombs, 80mm rockets with fuel explosive warheads, Bakhtar-Shiken anti-tank guided missile launcher, Tandem warhead missiles, mortars, radios and night vision goggles.

The reports said that alleged commissions or kickbacks paid to defence agents representing Pakistan were as high as 20 to 25 per cent, with 15 to 20 per cent allegedly going to Sri Lankan officials. The alleged kickbacks would amount to about 15 to 20 million dollars, they said.

The Pakistanis were sourcing supplies from third countries like Ukraine and re-exporting them to Sri Lanka at inflated costs, the reports said.

Zain Abbass

02-21-2007, 01:14 AM

What is this about bad quality and inflated prices?

Boota

02-21-2007, 09:32 AM

What is this about bad quality and inflated prices?

Indian misinformation. If we upgrade their T-59s we will use some Ukrainian stuff there is no secret about it and the Indians are using it in the wrong context as usual. The fact that Srilankan have had some major success against the Tamil Tigers in recent months shows that whatever we are providing seems to working.

Rahman AU

02-21-2007, 03:45 PM

The fact that Srilankan have had some major success against the Tamil Tigers in recent months shows that whatever we are providing seems to working.
I second to the above comment. The notable scholar, She-Re-Bangla once said, " When a West Bangali Dada praises you it means you are going down and when he dislikes you it means you are doing fine".

H Khan

02-22-2007, 05:51 PM

http://www.menewsline.com/stories/2007/february/02_23_3.html
ABU DHABI [MENL] -- Pakistan has sought to expand its stake in the Gulf Arab defense market.

Islamabad has discussed a range of weapons and upgrade offers with such countries as Bahrain , Kuwait, Oman , Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Officials said the offers have focused on the sale of armored systems and overhauls of the F-16 multi-role fighter.

"We are trying to promote armaments, services and training," Maj. Gen. Sayed Absar Hussein, director-general of Pakistan 's Defense Export Promotional Organization, said. "We have made a huge headway in the area of training."

Hussein said Pakistan expanded its marketing drive in the Gulf by establishing its first pavilion at IDEX-2007. He said Islamabad has been offering Western-type upgrades and training for a fraction of the price in Europe and the United States.

Boota

02-23-2007, 10:30 PM

Pakistani Defense Industry seeks International Alliances
Date: 22-02-07
A senior Pakistani official said on Wednesday that the defense industry of Pakistan is keen to seek international alliances.

Director General of Pakistan’s Defense Exports Promotion Organization Sayed Absar Hussain said his country’s “robust defense manufacturing industry is in perpetual quest for seeking international alliances to meet both the requirements of its armed forces and the following needs of the regional defense forces, provide an ideal platform for defense collaboration.”

Hussain made the remark at the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX) 2007, the eighth edition of the largest arms fair in the Middle East which is currently held in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

“The changing international security milieu has brought governments and militaries closer together to share their ideas and plans to meet the requirements to maintain regional and global peace,” he said. Hussain added that many potential purchasers have shown interest in Pakistani defense products, including assorted caliber ammunition, small arms, Al Khalid tanks, Baktar Shikan anti–tank missile, Anza mark II anti–aircraft missile, etc.

“Orders worth 100 million U.S. dollars are expected to be materialized after IDEX 2007,” Hussain said.

companies participating in IDEX–2007 are bullish on fetching good business from Middle eastern and African buyers.

“We are exhibiting ammunition, small arms, battle tank, anti tank missiles, Anti aircraft missile, laser products, Sonars, PCB’s, bombs, electronic fuzzes, Air combat instrument systems, tactical simulators to train naval personnel, ERP systems and magnetic ranging and other products manufactured in Pakistan,” said Syed Absar Hussain DG Defense Export Promotion Organization (DEPO),while briefing reporters at Pakistani pavilion.

He said Pakistan is eyeing Middle east, African and Asian markets for its whole range of products. Pakistan’s robust defense manufacturing industry is seeking international alliances to meet both the requirements of its armed forces and the following needs of the regional defense forces, provides an ideal platform for defense collaboration. Pakistan’s own defense products present a perfect mix of indigenous and foreign technologies, he said. Major General said in order to promote and market its defense industry, Pakistan for the first time, has participated in IDEX 2007 as national pavilion.

Pakistan Pavilion consists of 11 companies both for public and private sectors, who have attracted a large number of delegations and visitors. Many potential buyers have shown their keen interest to purchase to purchase Pakistan made products. The important developments at IDEX this year was Lyra’s signing of MOUs for export of Flying Coverall as per USAF MIL Specification for a potential worth of $0.8 million. DEPO chief said that Pakistan also holds a biannual international defense exhibition and seminar (IDEAS) which has achieved a place in the comity of international defense exhibitions.

The next IDEAS 2008 is schedule to be held from November 24 – 28, 2008 at Karachi, Pakistan.

H Khan

03-01-2007, 06:24 PM

Posted on: 1-Mar-2007

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) on Thursday boosted the country's defence posture with the commissioning into service of two Chinese-manufactured K-8 fighter/trainer aircraft.

The acquisition would not only enable the Ghana Air Force to resume the training of its fighter pilots, but would also restore its fighter-ground-attack capability.

Most of the Air Force's fighter aircrafts have been grounded for a while due to technical and logistics-related issues, thus inhibiting the service's ability to train its fighter pilots locally.

The K-8 is a subsonic advanced trainer with ground attack capability developed by the China Aero-Technology Corporation (CATIC) in collaboration with the Pakistan Aircraft Complex.

The commissioned aircraft are the first two of four trainers to be delivered to the Ghana Air Force. The controversial Presidential Gulf-Stream III was traded-in for the four K-8 trainers and a K-8 simulator.

The aircraft is powered by a Honeywell TFE 731-2A turbofan engine. The K-8s boast a maximum level speed of 800 kilometres per hour, a service ceiling of 40,000 feet, a built-in range of 400 kilometres and a maximum endurance of three hours in the air.

Over 500 of the K-8s have been produced and sold to more than 11 countries, including the Chinese Air Force and more than 3,000 pilots have flown or are flying the trainer.

Defence Minister, Kwame Addo-Kufuor said the commissioning marked another milestone in government's effort at enhancing the capability of the air force.

He said it was the ministry's aim to ensure that the air force had the capability to respond swiftly to any challenge that would threaten the security of the nation.

Dr. Addo-Kufuor added that the commissioning formed part of government's determination to resuscitate the Ghana Air Force and adequately equip the Armed Forces.

The Minister said it was the hope of government that the country's territorial air space would be adequately policed and that ground troops would have the offensive air support required to facilitate their operations.

He tasked engineers, technicians and those who would be handling the aircraft to do so with care and exhibit the same level of professionalism, efficiency and ingenuity that had been the hallmark of the service.

The Minister assured all service personnel of government's continued support in their quest to achieve optimum operational efficiency.

The Chinese Ambassador in Ghana, Mr Zhang Kenyuan said, with the commissioning of the aircraft, relations between both countries had been pushed to another high level and expressed the hope that the aircraft would help the Ghana Air Force train many pilots in the country.

An impressive test flight to show the K-8's capabilities was carried out by Chinese test pilots. This received a tumultuous applause by Air Force personnel.

Source: GNA

Sammy K

03-04-2007, 09:56 AM

RE: Sri Lanka to buy defence equipment from Pakistan
Could not help but notice that included in the list of purchases from Pak was Fuel Air Bombs. Does that mean that Pak is producing Fuel Air Explosives (FAE's)? One does not hear much about them but I remember the US tried to use them to clear jungle in Vietnam (mainly to create "instant helipads") and they may have been used in Iraq in '91 to clear mine fields. The pressure per square inch exerted by the explostion was supposed to be close to that of a nuclear weapon. However the wind and atmospheric conditions have to be ideal for the thing to work.

Boota

03-04-2007, 10:45 AM

Aziz

03-07-2007, 07:14 PM

SALE NOTICE (BEECH BARON AIR CRAFT)

Last updated: 2007-03-07

BEECH BARON CRAFT
SALE NOTICE

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE PRODUCTION DIRECTORATE GENERAL DEFENCE PURCHASE, (DGDP) INTENDS DISPOSAL OF ONE BEECH BARON AIRCRAFT S NO TC-1887 AS IS WHERE IS BASIS. SEALED TENDERS ARE INVITED FROM INTERESTED PARTIES / PERSONNEL. TENDER DOCUMENT CAN BE PURCHASED FROM THE OFFICE OF DGDP (DISPOSAL WING) UP TILL 04 MAR 2007 BY HAND / POST ON PAYMENT OF RS.1200.00 OR US$ 20.00 PLUS POSTAL CHARGES IN SHAPE OF BANK DRAFT / PAY PRDER IN FAVOUR OF DGDP, PAK SECT NO II RAWALPINDI , AS TENDER FEE (NON REFUNDABLE). TENDERS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED WITH EARNEST MONEY VALUING RS.0.2M IN SHAPE OF BANK DRAFT FROM ANY SCHEDULED BANK, IN PAK RS/US$ IN FAVOUR OF DGDP. TENDER MUST BE DEPOSITED TO THE UNDERSIGNED BEFORE 1000 HOURS ON 06 MAR 2007 SEALED IN DOUBLE ENVWELOPES. THE TENDERS WILL BE OPENED AT 1100 HOURS ON 06 MAR 2007 IN THE PRESENCE OF THE BIDDERS WHO WISH TO ATTEND. THE AIRCRAFT CAN BE INSPECTED, AFTER PURCHASE OF TENDER, FROM 20 FEB 2007 TO 04 MAR 2007 DGDP HAS NOT APPOINTED ANY AGENT. IN ALL CONCERNED MATTERS UNDER MENTIONED OFFICER BE CONTACTED DIRECTLY. DGDP RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ACCEPT OR REJECT ANY OR ALL THE OFFERS WITHOUT ASSIGNING ANY REASONS. OFFERS RECEIVED WITHOUT EARNEST MONEY WILL NOT BE ENTERTAINED.

LT COL MUHAMMAD ASHRAF
DEPUTY DIRECTOR DISPOSAL
DIRECTORATE GENERAL DEFENCE PURCHASE PAK SECTT NO II, ADAMJEE ROAD, RAWALPINDI
TELEPHONE : 0519271910
FAX : 0519270964
E-MAIL: dgdpmail@hotmail.com

Aziz

Aziz

03-07-2007, 07:20 PM

For a detailed look at all of Pakistan's military industrial activity in 05/06:-

http://www.pakistan.gov.pk/divisions/defenceproduction-division/images/yearbook2006-07.pdf
Aziz

SSAAD

03-09-2007, 05:24 PM

H Khan

03-14-2007, 01:01 AM

This from a very reliable source:

All three branches of Pakistan's armed forces have set up to have joint SAM systems in their respective inventory. The SAM system which is the front contendor is Surface-Launched AMRAAM market jointly by Raytheon and Kongsberg of Norway.

SL-AMRAAM has been extensively simulated in Pakistan and meets all the premeters requirements of three branches. The system is backed by ground-based and elevated early-radar-warning sensors.

Raytheon has also offered PAC-3 and HAWK XXI SAM systems but for high-altitude engaments Pakistan is working with two undisclosed countries. ;) ;)

SyedA

03-19-2007, 02:48 PM

Source acknowledged that China and Pakistan shared the US “Tomahawk” cruise missile
technologies. When the US military attacked the Taliban targets in Afghanistan in 2001, two
“Tomahawk” cruise missiles fell on the territory of Pakistan and neither of them exploded.
As a result, these two cruise missiles had no damages at all, and one of them was sent to
China. Pakistan and China shared the research of “Tomahawk” technologies so that the two
sides had very active cooperation in the following design, research and finalization of their
own cruise missiles. However, the source pointed out that BABUR’s engine and TERCOM
technologies were developed by Pakistan independently, and they were all produced in
Pakistan.

KDR predicted before that the cruise missiles developed by China also used TERCOM
technology, and the Chinese cruise missiles may also turn to use GPS/GLONASS or BD
satellite guidance system. Thus, the CEP of the China-made DH10 cruise missile could be
higher than the Pakistani missiles. BABUR did not use satellite guidance technology, mainly
because that the Chinese and Pakistani strategic missile forces have different understandings
on the application of satellite guidance technologies.

Both the Pakistani Air Force and the experts from the Pakistani strategic missile forces
believe that GPS technologies are not reliable, since they can be easily interrupted by the US
military at time of confrontation. Pakistan’s mistrust upon the US, though very much reduced
over the past years of cooperation in anti terrorism operations, still exists obviously. As for China, since it has both BD positioning system and access to the GLONASS system, the
Chinese experts are not resistant to the application of satellite positioning technologies in the
development of their new cruise missiles. In addition, they believe that in a short-lasting and
local warfare, there is very little possibility for the US to shut down all civil GPS services.

The experts from the Pakistani strategic missile forces believe that there is great potential for
Pakistan and China to initiate further cooperation in jointly developing active BD satellite
positioning system, or even developing Pakistan’s own regional satellite positioning system.
As a consequence, Pakistan has started to study the possibility of launching domestic-made
satellite with indigenous carrier rocket.

For the same reason, the ground-to-ground missiles deployed at the Pakistani Army do not
use satellite guidance technology. Most of its ground-to-ground missiles adopt inertia
guidance and have achieved very impressive CEP. The experts from the Pakistani strategic
missile forces told KDR that liquid-fuel Ghauri ground-to-ground missiles had an ECP of
0.01%, strike error under 150m, and launch preparation time approximately 3 hours. The
strike range of Ghauri ballistic missile is 1,500km. The towed launch vehicle of this missile
system is also designed and manufactured in Pakistan. In order to reinforce the anti ballistic
missile (TMD) defense capability, the warheads of Ghauri and Shaheen II medium-range
ballistic missiles all employ liquid gas direction change technology, which can correct the
missile trajectory in the course of launching attacks.

An authoritative source from the Pakistani Army told KDR that they only received
technological assistance from China in the beginning phase of designing the 290km-ranged
Ghaznavi ballistic missile. As a result, the exterior structure of Ghaznavu is basically the
same as that of DF11. On the basis of this technology, Pakistan has gradually developed a
whole series of ballistic missiles including Shaheen-I, Ghauri, and Shaheen-II. Except for
Ghauri, the design of the launch vehicles of the Pakistani ballistic missiles received
technological assistance from Ukraine, but they are all manufactured within Pakistan.

KDR speculates that the series of ballistic missiles developed by Pakistan have all originated
from the design concepts of Ghaznavi. All of Pakistan’s ground-to-ground missiles adopt gas
rudder technology. Shaheen-I has a range of 750km and there are no traces of Chinese DF15
design concept. The source just said that during the design phase of Shaheen-I, they received
some consultation assistance from China, but the production of the missile and the
corresponding parts were all undertaken in Pakistan.

In terms of the overall course of Pakistan’s ballistic missile development, the country seemed
to have first developed Ghaznavi. This missile has a total weight of 5,256kg, length 9.64m,
and diameter 0.88m. On the foundation of this basic model, Pakistan has achieved the goal of
improving the effective range through increasing the measurements and the amount of fuel
on the missile. Shaheen-I has a length of 12m, diameter 1m, total weight 9,500kg, and reentry
vehicle mass 850kg. The weight of the Ghaznavi warhead is not revealed. The weight
of the warheads of the above two missiles is relatively light, and thus 4 stabilized fins are
fitted on them.
_
Through increasing the measurements and the fuel capacity and switching to use liquid fuel,
the propulsion power of the missile is greatly enhanced. As a result, Pakistan has developed
Ghauri SSM on the basis of Shaheen-I. Ghauri has a total weight of 15,852kg, re-entry
vehicle mass 900kg, and is no longer fitted with the stabilized fins. The missile has an
increased length of 15.895m and a diameter of 1.35m. The design of Shaheen-II is
monumental for Pakistan. This missile switches back to use solid fuel and the total weight is
increased to 25,000kg, re-entry vehicle mass 1,050kg, length 17m, and diameter 1.5m.

All the above missiles can be armed with both conventional and nuclear warheads
simultaneously.

As to how Pakistan looks at India’s development of TMD technology, the experts from the
Pakistani strategic missile forces point out that TMD technology is perhaps effective in
dealing with ballistic missiles armed with conventional warheads, but TMD would be
redundant when dealing with nuclear warheads, and may even help further expand the
destructive radius of nuclear radiation. In addition, when a large amount of ballistic missiles
are fired simultaneously, TMD will simply become totally ineffective. Pakistani experts say
that the full-scale service of the above ballistic missile in the Pakistani military forces
symbolizes that Pakistan now has sufficient capability to contain any possible attacks from
India. The unit’s commander of the Pakistani strategic missile forces stresses that Pakistan
will never use nuclear weapon to attack its opponent first, and it will only resort to strategic
weapons when the country is under intense attacks and large-scale invasion.

The missile expert from the Pakistani Army also says that they do not have plans to further
develop Shaheen-II, since Pakistan has only one enemy, and the Shaheen-II project is already
sufficient to implement the country’s strategic defense objectives._

Munir

03-19-2007, 03:24 PM

Yep. Babur is not using GPS. It uses digital terrain maps and snall radar. Pakistan knew that disturbing GPS signal is not only an option when one has sattelite power but there are transmitters that can counter GPS signal in the area so missiles cannot follow certain trajectory. Since they missiles fly at low altitudes they are more vulnerable to that. Neagtive part is that missiles need certain waypoints to calculate location so they can not alter course as easy when using GPS. So the desert area's are no go for Babur...

The parts are indeed fully produced by Pakistan. There are parts available on the market but no nation would risk getting bad parts when the weapon is this important.

About TERCOM: Less flexible but reliable...

Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM) navigation system uses an on-board contour map of the terrain that a cruise missile will be flying over. The system "sees" the terrain it is flying over using its radar system and matches this to the map stored in memory. A Tercom system considerably increases the accuracy of a missile compared to the older and simpler inertial navigation system (INS). A Tercom system also allows a missile to fly lower, making it harder to detect by ground radar.

SSAAD

03-19-2007, 03:43 PM

Syed can you paste the source of this article too please? I am assuming it is Kanwa Defence Review, right?
Thanks

SyedA

03-19-2007, 03:48 PM

yep it was kanwa.

SyedA

03-19-2007, 03:55 PM

General Ehsan-ul-Haq, Chairman of Joint Staff of the Pakistani Military Forces, accepted an exclusive interview on November 24 with KDR’s reporter Andrei Pinkov.

General Haq said that Hu Jintao’s visit to Pakistan has uplifted China-Pakistan relations to a new height. He claimed that Pakistan would continue to develop a unique “all-weather” friendly relationship with China. General Haq also disclosed that China and Pakistan would further reinforce all-new cooperation in national defense areas. He formally confirmed that Pakistan and China would jointly develop AWACS, and these joint R&D plans would meet Pakistan’s needs for national defense. “For this purpose, a Chinese-made AWACS aircraft visited Pakistan just several months ago, and two Pakistan teams conducted a whole series of tests on the AWACS. The two sides have decided to jointly develop AWACS.” This was the very first time that a top military officer of Pakistan confirmed to a Western reporter that a Chinese-made AWACS visited Pakistan.

The remarks of General Haq indicate that China will transfer some of the AWACS
production technologies to Pakistan. At the same time, the Swedish SAAB Company is also actively promoting to Pakistan the SAAB2000 AEW&C aircraft. In May 2006, Sweden and Pakistan signed the agreement of purchasing SAAB 2000AEW&C, and the first 2000AEW&C is expected to put into service in early 2009.

KDR has also learned through other channels that No.38 Research Institute of China has developed a KJ200P AWACS specifically for Pakistan. This AWACS uses mechanical scanning radar system. The AWACS aircraft still uses Y8 Platform III serial transport aircraft body, and the whole series is now called Y9. KJ200P AWACS visited Pakistan in July, and flight tests were conducted at Chaklala Air Force Base.

General Haq called the earlier warning aircraft to be jointly developed by Pakistan and China AWACS, suggesting that Pakistan intends to have high-low coordination between SAAB2000 AEW&C and the Chinese AWACS. The Chinese-made AWACS may have more functions.

KDR mentioned about the significance of JF17 for the Pakistani Air Force during the interview. saying that, with respect to the revolutionary changes in the military aviation industry today and current air power balance in the region, JF17 is not the type of fighter that can fully meet the needs of the Pakistani Air Force’s strategic development in the 21st century. To this comment, General Haq said Pakistan has already been talking with China on the possibility of introducing J10A to Pakistan, which has been officially named FC20. This FC20 is positioned as a “high-tech combat aircraft”. At present, corresponding assessment work is under way. He stressed that Pakistan would not restrict the sources of its weapon systems to one country, meaning that Pakistan would at the same time consider importing F16 Block 52 fighters.

This was the first time that the top officer of the Pakistan military confirmed to a Western reporter that China and Pakistan have started negotiating on the export of J10A fighter. KDR learned that the Pakistani Air Force officers have paid field visits to Chengdu on several occasions to directly inspect J10A.

This also shows that, for Pakistan, the combat aircraft that can compete with F16 Block 52 is J10A, rather than JF17.

When talking about future exchanges between the Chinese and Pakistani militaries, General Haq disclosed that the two countries would enter a new round of cooperation in armament technologies. Meanwhile, joint military exercises have also been under planning. “China and Pakistan have conducted joint exercises on the sea before, and in the near future, we will also consider holding joint exercises involving the air forces and armies of our two countries,”

M S Baig

03-19-2007, 07:47 PM

sorry KDR?

Mohammed Ali

03-19-2007, 09:23 PM

Kanwa Defense Review

Munir

03-20-2007, 05:57 PM

AFM

Pakistani unmanned air vehicle (UAV) manufacturer Integrated Dynamics has supplied a small number of its Border Eagle II UAV's to Libya.

yasser

03-22-2007, 04:59 AM

:D

Pakistan tests nuclear-capable cruise missle ISLAMABAD, March 22 (Reuters) Pakistan successfully tested on Thursday a nuclear-capable cruise missile with a range of 700 kilometres, the military said in a statement. The Hatf V11 Babur missile is a terrain-hugging, radar avoiding cruise missile capable of carrying a variety of warheads including nuclear, it said. “The flight data collected validated the design parameters set for the flight test,” the military said. “It is a highly manoeuvrable missile with pin-point accuracy.” The missile was first tested in 2005. Since then, its range has been enhanced to 700 km, from 500 km previously, the military said. President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz congratulated scientists and engineers involved and assured them of complete support in development plans of all strategic projects, the military said. (FirstPosted @ 10:00 PST, Updated (Posted @ 10:30 PST)

pshamim

03-25-2007, 08:54 PM

Interesting news. What you think it means:

Khurshid terms meetings with Chinese leaders very productive

BEIJING, March 21 (APP) - Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri has said that his meetings with Premier Wen Jiabao and Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing were very productive and successful, as both the sides agreed on the need of strengthening economic underpinning to their existing very strong political and defense relationship.

In an interview with APP at the end of his official visit to Beijing he said, his tour was a success, reflecting the feelings of the close brotherhood and friendship between Pakistan and China.

Kasuri said that he was touched by the fact that the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao during his meeting on Tuesday has particularly recalled memorable visit to Pakistan and felt the sort of affection he had received.

During his meeting with Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, he thanked for the singular honour being the first foreign leader provided oppurtunity to visit the China's highly safeguarded space facilities.

Kasuri said that Premier Wen Jiabao during his meeting remarked not many leaders in China had been allowed to visit that space facility.
The fact that he was allowed to visit the China's top facility in space exploration was an indication of the closeness of the relations between the two countries, he said.
Khurshid Kasuri expressed the hope that during the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, the process for cooperation for peaceful use of space would be carried further.

http://www.app.com.pk/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6323&Itemid=2

A Khan

03-26-2007, 10:28 AM

‘Pakistan listed in aircraft manufacturing countries’

By Muhammad Farooq

SWABI: With the manufacturing of JF-17 Thunder aircraft, Pakistan has entered in the list of those countries that are producing aircrafts. The aircraft has been jointly manufactured by Pakistan and China.

This was stated by the officials of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra while addressing the concluding ceremony of Design, Build and Flying Contest (DBFC) at Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Science and Technology here Sunday.

PAC Chairman Air Marshal Khalid Chaudhary was chief guest on the occasion while Squadron leader Raza Haidar and judges from the PAC also attended the ceremony.

Chaudhry said that 21st century is extremely competitive but the habit of reading and desire to become great man could lead the youths to attain their goal.

He said that our youth could excel even in the limited sources available to them.

Squadron leader Raza Haidar said that JF-17 project would lead the country towards increased technological self-reliance and indigenisation, which is key to an assured defence capability.

The milestones in indigenisation were the manufacturing of Super Mushak aircraft, K-8 advanced jet trainer aircraft, Ougusta submarine, Al-Khalid, Al-Zarar tanks, armed personnel carriers and a series of long and medium-range missiles.

He said that it was really encouraging and appreciable to see the excellent design, build and flying efforts made by young engineers.

“The level of professionalism and design was really attractive,” said Raza.

“We want to have close links with the industry.

The experts from PAC Kamra could visit the GIK Institute to guide our students,” said Rector of the institute Dr Abdullah Sadiq.

The coordinator of the contest Dr Muhammad Abid said that the contest provided an opportunity to the young engineers to exercise and exhibit their skills.

The contest, he said, was aimed to provide a platform to the undergraduate engineering students from all over Pakistan to participate in a multi-disciplinary field of Aero-modelling, with a view to increase awareness, promote creativity, learn practical implementation of designs and improve presentation skills.

http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=48439

H Khan

03-29-2007, 10:22 PM

ISLAMABAD (updated on: March 29, 2007, 20:33 PST): Pakistan and Indonesia on Thursday reiterated their desire to intensify and increase co-operation in the area of defence production for mutual benefit of the two brotherly countries.

This was agreed at a meeting held in Ministry of Defence Production, here.

The Pakistan side was led by Secretary Defence Production, Lt. General Shahid Siddiq Tirmizey (R), while the Indonesian side was led by Lt General Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Secretary General Defence, Republic of Indonesia.

A detailed and comprehensive presentation was given to the Indonesian defence delegation highlighting the capability and potential of Pakistan's defence equipment manufacturing units.

The Indonesian side highly appreciated the indigenous efforts made by Pakistan for the establishment and re-strengthening of its defence Industry.

The meeting agreed to undertake joint ventures in the area of defence production so as to benefit from each other's experience.

It was also agreed to increase co-operation in the areas of training, exchange of visits by both sides and enhance interaction between defence officials of the two countries.

This would tremendously contribute towards consolidating the defence ties between Pakistan and Indonesia. Both sides emphasised the need for translating the existing sentiments of co-operation into reality.

The meeting was also attended by Major General Ali Baz, Pakistan's ambassador to Indonesia, Major General Tariq Salim Malik, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Defence Production and other senior Military officials of Government of the Pakistan.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2007