PAF News - 2004 : Nov - Dec

[Shoaib]

Old thread is here:

http://www.pakdef.info/forum/showthread.php?t=5943

[MohammedA]

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default...-11-2004_pg7_7

200 US troops leave air base at Jacobabad

JACOBABAD: American troops are being withdrawn from Jacobabad Airbase after a three-year stay. Two hundred troops reportedly flew back to the United States on Sunday.

The government had allowed the US to use its Lal Shahbaz Air Base at Jacobabad three years ago to back the invasion of Afghanistan. During this period, the US sent hundreds of troops and tonnes of ammunition to this airbase on the way to Afghanistan. Now there are around 100 American troops left at the airbase. The frequency of US aircraft flights has also been reduced and their flights are rarely seen in the skies over Jacobabad. ppi

[Hasib]

total BS wrt the classification of the F-16 as a "powerful" platform.....I think there is a need to counter the perception that F-16s would change the qualitative/quantative balance of power in the region, actually I challenge any Indian on this forum to disprove me...

We can enlist TOI in our cause. As stated in TOI that IAF needs not to loose sleep over F-16. We should tell U.S administration to read the article and explain that India has clear qualitative edge over PAF.

Hasib

[syed_yusuf]

what does TOI means???

[Usman S.]

what does TOI means???

Time of India I am guessing.

[Murad]

We can enlist TOI in our cause. As stated in TOI that IAF needs not to loose sleep over F-16. We should tell U.S administration to read the article and explain that India has clear qualitative edge over PAF.

Hasib

The Indians opposing the sale of military equipment to Pakistan has more to do with their habit/policy of opposing the sale of ANY euqipment if they can help it and not neccessarily because they believe that F-16 will erode their edge. They had even made big fuss with Australian and French governments over sale of used Mirage-III/Vs.

[Hasib]

Time of India I am guessing.

Yes, you are right.
I was referring to an article that was posted in a different thread. It stated that IAF planes out performed F-16s of RSAF in exercises.
Hasib.

[M Ahmed]

Salam,

US Delegation Calls on CAS
October 26, 2004

A nineteen members delegation of USA, led by Lt General Dunn USAF, President National Defence University of America visited Air Headquarters Chaklala. The delegation included General Williams, USMC (Retd), Ambassador Oakley, former US Ambassador to Pakistan and senior ranking military officers. The senior members of the delegation called on Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Saadat, Chief of the Air Staff Pakistan Air Force and Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Operations), Air Vice Marshal Shahzad A Chaudhry at Air Headquarters Chaklala in their respective offices. They remained together for some time and discussed matters pertaining to professional and mutual interests of both the air forces. The dignitaries exchanged souvenirs on the occasion. Earlier the delegation attended a briefing on the organization, role and functioning of Pakistan Air Force.

Regards

[M Ahmed]

Salam,

Visit of VCAS to Mallam Jabba (Swat)
October 24, 2004

President Ski Federation Air Marshal Tanveer Mehmood Ahmed, Additional Secretary Incharge Tourism M Zaffar Ahmed and Managing Director PTDC, Malik Muhammad Habib Khan with the high officials of TDC and SFP at Mallam Jabba Ski resort (Swat).

Air Marshal Tanveer Mehmood Ahmad, Vice Chief of Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force who is also President, Ski Federation of Pakistan alongwith Additional Secretary Tourism M Zaffar Ahmed and Managing Director Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation Malik Muhammad Habib Khan paid a visit to Mallam Jabba (Swat). The visit was aimed at devising a joint/combined strategy for the promotion of Skiing and winter tourism in Pakistan. An aerial inspection visit of the Malam Jabba site was also carried out by President SFP. A second Ski Slope at Malam Jabba was also identified, the development of which would enable this resort to become a world class multiple Ski Slopes resort.

Mallam Jabba possesses natural snow capped slopes, offering enormous attraction for enthusiasts of the sport of Skiing and winter tourism. President SFP said, “Pakistan has no dearth of talent. A large number of youngsters in the past had been participating in National Ski Championships since the establishment of Ski Federation in 1990. The Pakistani Skiers also participated in international Ski competitions held in Japan, Iran, China Korea, Lebanon and Turkey.” Answering to the questions Air Marshal Tanveer Mehmood Ahmed Said “Development of Ski resort at Mallam Jabba will not only promote Ski at gross root level but will also attract a large number of local and foreign enthusiasts in winters. By improving infrastructure for tourism, poverty will be reduced and it will also help in enhancing the job opportunities in the area.” He further added, “Federal Government has also been approached for the procurement of a snow pressing machine for the Malam Jabba Ski Slope and necessary funding in this regard.”

Mallam Jabba (Swat) ski resort has an easy access and facilities need to be developed further. In this connection a slope expert from international Ski Federation will be visiting Mallam Jabba in the first week of November 2004.

After the Aerial inspection of the site, the delegate members were given a comprehensive presentation on the preparation of forthcoming Ski Federation championship and the requirement of infrastructure development by the Secretary SFP Group captain Zulfiqar H Khan. The presentation was also attended by Secretary Works and Services, NWFP Mr Arshad Mirza, Managing Director Sarhad Tourism Corporation Mr Khushdil Khan, Secretary Mallam Jabba, Mr Muhammad Sharif, and senior officials of Ski Federation of Pakistan.


Regards.

[M Ahmed]

Visit of Italian Air Chief
October 23, 2004

Lieutenant General Leonardo Tricarico, Chief of Staff Italian Air Force called on Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Saadat, Chief of the Air Staff at Air Headquarters, Chaklala on Monday.

Lieutenant General Leonardo Tricarico, Chief of Staff Italian Air Force, visited Air Headquarters, Chaklala. On arrival, a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented the Guard of Honour. After reviewing the Guard of Honour, he was introduced to Principal Staff Officers of Pakistan Air Force.

Lieutenant General Leonardo Tricarico, Chief of Staff Italian Air Force, called on Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Saadat Chief of the Air Staff in his office. Both remained together for some time and discussed matters of professional interest. Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Saadat, Chief of the Air Staff, presented a crest of his office to the visiting dignitary. Lieutenant General Leonardo Tricarico, also attended a briefing at Air Headquarters on the organization, role and functioning of Pakistan Air Force.

Regards.

[H Khan]

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default...11-2004_pg7_10


Daily Times Monitor

LAHORE: Outgoing US Ambassador to Pakistan Nancy Powell on Tuesday said the F-16 fighter aircraft issue with Pakistan was still alive and a matter for debate in the US administration.

“We are well aware of Pakistan’s desire to have F-16 fighter jets. The debate is not ended in the US and we will continue looking into the matter,” Ms Powell said in an interview with PTV.

Ms Powell hoped that the US and Pakistan would continue cooperating in cracking down on terrorists. Referring to a large number of Al Qaeda terrorists Pakistan had arrested since 9/11, Ms Powell said the world had become a safer place after Pakistan’s action against terrorists. She lamented that Al Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden could not be arrested during her stay in Pakistan but pledged that the US would not end the hunt for him. “We will continue to search for those who are working to disrupt the lives of Americans and Pakistanis and others around the world,” she said.

[SyedA]

since we all kinda know that Bush is gonna win, any possibilities of F-16s

[Usman S.]

PAF BEGINS TO NARROW THE TECHNOLOGICAL GAP AND SOME

by Jamal Hussain

The Early Era

PAF’s reputation as a competent and professional outfit has been built on the concept of a stringent selection criteria and sound training standards. Its superior performance in the two wars against India especially in 1965 was a result of higher proficiency level of its aircrew and a slight edge in technology that it enjoyed till then (1965) because of US military aid.

During the 1965 war, IAF had banked upon its considerable numerical superiority to overwhelm the PAF but the end result was very different. PAF outperformed IAF in all departments, especially in air combat. IAF analysts subscribed PAF’s superiority to the slight technological edge it enjoyed against IAF. They concluded that PAF’s possession of air to air missiles and a single operational squadron of supersonic mach 2 (twice the speed of sound) fighters and their absence with the IAF provided PAF pilots with a tremendous boost and were demoralizing for the IAF aircrew. IAF’s numerical superiority was effectively neutralized and proved of little avail in the conflict.

Since then IAF planners had begun to assiduously narrow the gap and when another war broke out in 1971, IAF had inducted air to air missiles and in addition added a number of supersonic fighter/strike squadrons to its inventory. During the period, PAF had to absorb the crippling impact of total US embargo and it had to resort to emergency measures to maintain PAF’s capability. The two air forces were more or less evenly matched technologically with IAF perhaps enjoying a slight advantage, while it continued to enjoy a pronounced edge in numbers. PAF pilots still outperformed IAF in the air combat role in both the Eastern and Western fronts although it must be admitted that the overall margin of superiority had reduced considerably from the one PAF had established in the 1965 war.

The defeat of Pakistan Armed Forces in the Eastern theatre led to the dismemberment of the country into two. A demoralized nation set about rebuilding itself from the disastrous consequences it had suffered as a result of the follies of its leaders. Although euphoric at their success, IAF realized that despite technological parity and substantial numerical superiority PAF had outfought them again in air combats, where according to independent sources PAF enjoyed a near 2:1 advantage in aerial kills. To subdue PAF in future combats IAF decided to establish decisive technological and numerical superiority over its primary adversary. They have been working to implement this strategy since then.


Post 1971 Scenario

The decade of the seventies in the 20th century witnessed IAF pulling ahead slowly but surely in the technological field. After the break away of its Eastern wing, Pakistan was reduced to about one seventh the size of India in terms of resources and economy. It could not match the Indian investment in IAF with a similar level for the PAF. The seventies saw IAF equip itself with substantial numbers of Mig-23s/27s, the swing wing supersonic Russian combat planes. The induction of Mach 3 Mig-25s added to its offensive capabilities and combat effectiveness. PAF attempted to counter it through addition of a limited number of Mirage Vs and establishment of sound integrated low level radar network codenamed PAPS 77. The increasing offensive capability of IAF had put PAF on the defensive. IAF had now gone ahead of PAF in the technological field. PAF’s ability to stand up to an enemy which outnumbered it and also enjoyed a pronounced technological edge, rested primarily on higher motivation, better skills, superior leadership and air strategy.

The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1980 provided some respite to the PAF in terms of acquisition of modern combat planes and weapon systems. The US arms embargo that had been slapped on Pakistan since 1965 was partially relaxed as Pakistan became the front line state in combating and expelling the Soviets from Afghanistan. The induction of a fleet of 40 F-16s with the then state of the art avionics and weapons restored technological parity between IAF and PAF briefly. IAF’s response was immediate and massive by comparison. It inducted three times the number of equivalent high tech planes in the shape of Mirage 2000s and the very agile Mig-29s along with their advanced electronics and weapons.

By 1988, Soviet Union had effectively been defeated in Afghanistan and Pakistan’s utility to USA vanished overnight. Embargoes were slapped on again in 1990, this time on the issue of nuclear weapons acquisition programme, a programme USA had known all along but had decided to ignore for as long as Pakistan’s role in defeating USSR in Afghanistan was considered critical. IAF was once again ideally placed to pull further ahead of PAF in technology.

From 1990 till 2001, Pakistan was one of the most sanctioned nations in the world and the sanctions focused primarily on military hardware. To the contrary, the Indian policy and economy finally broke the Russian shackle and opened up to the west. The very size of the Indian economy and the market potential it offered to the advanced nations made India a runaway favourite for trade, investment and technology transfer as compared to Pakistan. Also, forty years of earlier investment in basic industries, electronics and in the education sector had finally prepared India to better assimilate the new frontiers of knowledge both in the social and military fields. They were quick to appreciate the future potential of computer science and their investment in computer education has placed them far ahead of all developing nations in this field. Today, Indian computer based companies and their software engineers have captured a chunk of software development market from the West. Outsourcing of computer related work from USA/Europe to India has resulted in a bonanza for the Indian economy. A resurging economy that could afford to import sophisticated military hardware and an infrastructure that could absorb it placed India in a position where it could further increase the technological gap between IAF and PAF. The period witnessed the induction of Su-30 class of Russian combat jets besides a lot of improvement in the fields of ground and air based electronic sensors. The induction of Beyond Visual Range missiles in 2000 and its absence with the PAF struck at the very heart of PAF’s air strategy – superiority in air combat. The finalization and eventual sale of the Israeli ‘Phalcon’ AEW&C system in 2003 further compounded the matter for the PAF. Once operationally deployed and without a matching response from the PAF, its ability to successfully challenge IAF would be seriously compromised.

The period from 1990 to 2002 was extremely challenging for the PAF. It suffered from a double whammy: a national economy that could not fully support PAF’s modernization plans and a stifling embargo that prevent acquisition of weapon systems that were considered absolutely essential to match IAF’s increasingly offensive potential. Under these very trying circumstances Pakistani leadership in general and PAF in particular came up with stop-gap measures that helped maintain PAF’s capability and deterrence despite the severe constraints it had to operate under.

By the mid nineties, PAF’s fleet of F-16s were more than a decade old, whereas the Mirages and F-6s that formed the bulk of its inventory had already become obsolete elsewhere. The induction of Chinese F-7 fighters (a variant of Russian Mig-21s) allowed PAF to finally retire the obsolescent F-6s. Induction of more F-16s was not possible because of US embargo and the later generation of fighters of the class of French Mirage 2000-5, Rafael and Swedish Gripen were either unaffordable or not releasable due to embargoes, in some cases both. A way had to be found to keep PAF viable against the IAF and with a bit of ingenuity and very hard work PAF managed the impossible.

An embargo notwithstanding, PAF’s F-16 fleet was maintained at full operational readiness. Despite it belonging to the mid 1970 era technology, this wonderful machine is still a very potent weapon system and in the role of air defence, it can hold its own against all aircraft in the IAF’s inventory. Only the BVR missile capable IAF fleet will have an advantage over PAF’s F-16.

PAF Mirages are the workhorse of the fleet and are saddled with both offensive and defensive missions. Their main drawback was the lack of sophisticated airborne intercept (AI) radars and all aspect air to air missiles. Through painstaking research and staff work PAF succeeded in reequipping a substantial portion of its Mirage fleet with AI radar whose performance eclipsed that of the F-16 radar. Modified to carry the all aspect heat-seeking air to air missiles, excellent AI radar, addition of defensive electronic suites and the speed to match the adversary, the PAF Mirages have been converted into potent air defence platforms. In addition, incorporation of specialized electronic sensors has converted a number of them to very effective night strike aircraft, capable of reaching the target and delivering its load with a very high degree of accuracy. For the first time, PAF had developed an effective night strike capability that provided it with an added offensive potential it had lacked hitherto. And to reduce the numerical disparity, a fair number of Mirage airframes and engines were purchased from nations that had mothballed and retired them, at a throwaway price. Many of these were refurbished and made fully serviceable, some through indigenous effort and some through foreign contractors.

The lack of effective air to air radar was one of the shortcomings of the PAF’s F-7 fleet. This drawback was overcome by addition of fairly advanced air to air radars in the F-7s. With the addition of defensive electronic suites and more capable air to air missiles on the F-7s the potency of the fleet in the air defence role has been enhanced manifold.

Till 1990, F-16s were the front line air defence interceptors with the PAF: the Mirage and F-7s were less effective. After their successful modifications, IAF now has to contend with equally, and in some cases more potent interceptors. PAF had managed, at a fraction of price, to maintain a credible deterrence despite overwhelming odds.

Two events, one in May 1998 and the other in September 2001 have had a serious impact in the sub-continental balance of power.

The Nuclearization of the Indian Sub-Continent

The last major armed conflict between India and Pakistan was in December 1971. Since then an uneasy peace has prevailed. Sporadic, and on occasions intense shelling along the line of control (LOC) in Kashmir had been a regular feature and only in 2004 a temporary truce is in place. A limited conflict in Siachen was precipitated by the Indian adventurism in the disputed territory that had been under Pakistan since 1948 and a futile battle in what is universally described as a wasteland and the highest battleground in the world rages on with unnecessary losses of men and material on both sides, more to the inclement and hostile element of weather than to enemy action. Aggressive military posturing by India in 1986 and again in 1989-90 had raised tension to a high level leading to heightened alert status of the armed forces on both sides but further escalation was avoided. The Kargil episode in 1998 brought the two nations on the precipice of a major armed conflict and eventually the matter was resolved but not before the Indians had to conduct a large scale joint military operation on their portion of LOC while Pakistani armed forces remained on full alert status on its side prepared for any eventuality. What was the common factor that prevented each of these crises from escalating into another major conflict? The answer may be found in the nuclearization of the sub-continent.

Pakistan’s nuclear weapons programme owes its origin to India. When India exploded its first ‘peaceful’ nuclear explosion in 1974, Pakistani civilian and military leadership realized that nuclear deterrence in the form of possession of nuclear weapons was the only guarantee to keep a belligerent, predatory and powerful neighbour at bay. Despite massive opposition and threats from USA and Europe, Pakistan went brazenly ahead in its quest to acquire nuclear weapons against very heavy odds while publicly denying it with a straight face. The world did not believe Pakistan but could do little to deter it. By 1985, the nuclear threshold had been crossed and Pakistan had in its possession what is normally referred to as ‘crude bomb’ of the Hiroshima/Nagasaki class. Again, outright public denial was followed by planned leakages especially to India to leave them in no doubt that Pakistan did possess nuclear deterrence. From 1985 to 1998 the policy of ‘bomb in the basement’ also referred to as the policy of ‘ambiguity’ was adopted. Most analysts agree that the ‘bomb in the basement’ policy was one of the key factors that had constrained the Indians from taking advantage of its superior conventional strength by what some of their thinkers refer to as the ‘fourth’ and final round to neutralize or marginalize Pakistan.

Much as Pakistan wanted to publicly announce its entry into the nuclear weapons club, in the face of Indian government’s public denial that they too did not have any nuclear weapons programme, Pakistan could not justify its stance. It was afraid of very severe economic political and moral pressures that would mortally hurt its already fragile economy. And then India came to its rescue once again.

The decision of the BJP led government in India to explode a series of nuclear devices on 11 May 1998 paved the way for Pakistan to follow suit on 28 May 1998. There was a universal outcry against the errant nations and sanctions were slapped on both but the world in their heart understood Pakistan’s compulsions and in a couple of years it grudgingly accepted the reality. Thanks to India, Pakistan was able to come out of the nuclear closet and could openly propagate its nuclear doctrine and nuclear deterrence policy. Given the Indian superiority in conventional forces, Pakistan’s demonstrated nuclear deterrence provided it a high degree of security from an all out war with India. The nuclear factor was one of the key elements that were responsible for ultimately diffusing the very explosive Kargil crisis. And then the events of 11th September 2001 occurred bringing about a revolutionary change in the world environment. As a result, Pakistan once again emerged as a front line state, this time against the global war on terror, and its importance in the eyes of USA registered a meteoric rise.

While the removal of the civilian government in Pakistan by the military on 12 October 1999 might have been welcomed by the people of Pakistan, the world’s reaction was negative. Democracy being the buzzword in the present era, any form of military dictatorship/leadership is frowned upon as a matter of principle. The new leadership in Pakistan found the national economy in shambles and the country was on the verge of defaulting on its international loan repayment schedules. The mismanagement and rampant corruption of just over a decade of civilian rule had made such a mess of the country that its resurrection without international support was very difficult, if not impossible. And international support to a ‘military’ ruler was not forthcoming. Despite the best intentions of the new government rescuing Pakistan from the abyss it had fallen into would need a miracle. It came in the form of the attack on New York’s twin towers on 11 September 2001, which changed the entire complexion of international relations from the point of view of Pakistan.

Post 9/11 Scenario

Without getting into a debate on the morality of the act of the suicide bombers of 11th September, the decision taken by Pakistan to join USA on the ‘war on terror’ was based on the policy of ‘Pakistan first’. Failure to do so would have put the nation into the way of extreme harm and Pakistan most likely would have suffered the fate of Afghanistan under the Taliban. This realignment with USA and the West led to substantial economic benefits in the shape of grants, loan write offs and loan rescheduling. In addition, massive inflow of foreign exchange by expatriate Pakistanis from abroad, especially USA and UK boosted up Pakistan’s reserve from a fraction of a billion dollars to a double digit figure. Improvement of governance and sensible fiscal policies revitalized the moribund economy of the nation. All macro economic indicators have started to register a positive trend.

On the political front, both economic and defence related sanctioned were lifted and promises of much needed conventional defence equipments for the armed forces were made. While the economic aid did start to flow, military embargoes were lifted on paper only. Nothing of substance materialized and when the next serious crisis with India erupted in 2002, Pakistan Armed Forces in general and PAF in particular found themselves with the same vulnerabilities that had existed before 2001.

The eight month period from March to October was a severe test of the resolve and determination of Pakistan’s armed forces which it passed with flying colours. By April 2002, the entire Indian armed forces had been mobilized and placed on the border ready to launch a joint offensive on a short notice. Pakistan too mobilized fully and was ready to meet the challenge head on. PAF deployed to its war time locations in what has since been codenamed as ‘Operations Sentinel’ and remained on full alert status till the Indian forces pulled back to their peace time locations and the threat of war was averted.

By April 2002, IAF had undergone substantial modernization both in terms of number of advanced combat planes and types of weaponry. IAF’s possession of BVR missiles and its absence with PAF was a cause of serious concern as it gave a major advantage to IAF pilots in air combat, an area PAF has traditionally excelled in and considers it as the linchpin of its air strategy. It goes to the credit of the young and brave pilots of the PAF that they did not let this serious drawback affect their morale and will to fight. Tactical solutions were evolved and PAF remained confident and was willing to pay a price but not let the enemy prevail. The aggressive spirit and readiness status of the PAF was one of the principal factors amongst many others that eventually made India blink first and withdraw without any preconditions.

Having averted the crisis, the government realized that a strong PAF able to hold its own against IAF was an essential element of deterrence. The technological gap created by IAF’s massive modernization plans had to be reduced. The improved economy and the more conducive international environment made it possible for the PAF to implement some of its key modernization programmes.

Cognizant of IAF’s increasing offensive and defensive capability with the inductions of SU-30 aircraft, an array of BVR and fire and forget missiles together with the finalization of the sale of Israeli ‘Phalcon’ AEW&C system, PAF air staff has assiduously worked out a prioritized list, keeping the economical and geo-political constraints in mind. Although lifting of US arms embargo has not yet led to any substantial procurement benefit for the PAF, Europeans have shown a greater understanding of PAF’s defence requirements. In addition, the Chinese defence production capability especially in the field of military aviation has taken a quantum leap. In collaboration with the PAF China has developed a jet trainer, the K-8 Karakorum. The programme of development of a joint fighter the JF-17 Thunder is in full swing.

PAF’s current modernization programme is based on past experience and pragmatism. Diversification and indigenization to the extent possible are its two key elements. While details of the on-going programmes are classified, an analysis of the broad spectrum of the areas being addressed will be in order.

The four most urgent requirements of the PAF are:

(a) Acquisition of BVR missiles for its fleet
(b) Suitable replacement of F-7/Mirage fleet within a decade
(c) Acquisition of suitable AEW&C platforms
(d) Air Defence sensors/Ground air defence weapons

Much progress has been made on the first two items. The nation is aware of the joint production of JF-17 Thunder in collaboration with China. The programme is on course and on target and is expected to meet all specifications. Its induction will provide a very capable swing role plane to the PAF. The Thunder may be classified as a ‘Medium Tech’ plane when compared to USAF’s F-22 and French Rafael, but in the India – Pakistan scenario especially in the air defence role it should serve the nation well for at least two decades. Its advanced AI radar, avionics, defensive suites and BVR capability would make it a very potent aircraft against any IAF can field. In addition to the Thunder, PAF is in the market for a limited number of high tech planes from USA or any other Western source. Their induction would enhance PAF’s ability to threaten the adversary’s key economic and infrastructure targets. Such capability is considered essential to deter India from attacking Pakistan’s strategic and economic assets.

The induction of BVR missiles are at an advanced stage. There are indications that USA has hinted at the release of a later batch of F-16 aircraft along with their more advanced BVR class missiles. Their release would be very welcomed as it would add substantially to PAF’s capabilities but PAF has wisely decided to keep other options open to avoid the repetition of the 1965 war experience when an abrupt US embargo had a grievous impact on the sustainability of the force.

A number of AEW&C platforms have been evaluated and the final selection would be made keeping the economic and geo-political constraints in mind. Once inducted AEW&C would form a vital component of PAF’s air strategy.

In any future conflict with India, a strong air defence becomes absolutely essential for Pakistan. Impregnable air defence is a utopian concept and the main mission of Pakistan’s air defence system would be to inflict very heavy and unacceptable losses on the intruders. Acquisition of fresh radar sensors, their automation, security of command and control systems, a larger and varied inventory of surface to air missiles and more cohesive inter-service co-ordination are some of the areas that figure high in the priority list of the Air Staff.

Superior weaponry by itself cannot amount for much without a high standard of training. PAF has always laid great emphasis on this aspect and to a large extent PAF’s excellent track record despite severe limitations can be explained because of this approach. With the increasing sophistication of modern fleet of combat planes, sensors and weapon systems advanced training aids and modern training techniques have become essential. A substantial investment has been made and further planned in this field in the shape of simulators, some that have been inducted and a number of them are in the process of being procured. Sensors that help in realistic air combat training are included in the prioritized list.

Summary

For the PAF, fighting outnumbered is taken for granted and it has always planned and so far achieved success despite this drawback. During the 1965 war PAF’s slight technological edge against the IAF resulted in a clear victory for the former. In the 1971 conflict the two sides were evenly matched on the technological front with IAF enjoying a substantial numerical advantage. PAF pilots still outperformed their vastly numerically superior adversary albeit not with the level of ascendancy it had established in 1965. Since 1971, IAF has pulled ahead in technology and in the 1990s, the gap had widened to a dangerous level where PAF’s superior skill, motivation and leadership might not have been enough to overcome IAF’s marked superiority both in numbers and technology. The gap had to be narrowed.

The critical role of air power in the modern battlefield has been amply demonstrated in the past two decades. The lesson had not been lost on the government of Pakistan and on the Indian government too as is evident from the massive investment in modernization of the IAF. Economic and political constraints in the pre 2001 era handicapped Pakistan in modernization of PAF to the desired level. PAF leadership managed to maintain its cutting edge through a combination of ingenuity and efficiency.

While the all encompassing embargoes on military sales did hurt the service in its modernization and up gradation programmes, it provided a very strong fillip in the country’s efforts towards indigenization and self-reliance. Thanks to the embargoes substantial progress has since been made towards self-reliance which gives the nation the confidence on its ability to absorb modern technology and sustain the weapon systems during crisis even if faced with fresh sanctions.

There has been a tectonic shift in the geo-political environment since September 2001 and Pakistan’s relevance in the fight against terrorism and its respect in the eyes of the developed world has risen manifold. The strengthening of the economy has also provided the nation the leverage to purchase its defence needs from a variety of sources to avoid over dependence on one. PAF is utilizing this window of opportunity to make up for the lost decade of the nineties. Substantial progress has been achieved in a number of areas and at the given rate of progress IAF would soon find itself confronting a small but even more formidable adversary.

October 2004

[Harisz]

Usman,
exellent post above!

SyedA,
thats what ive been thinking...now that the chimp is here to stay, why not start hoping for the best again. i think gen Mush andhis colleagus i.e the air chief and others will and should corner Bush on this. it will be a great achivement if they make him have the falcons. and moreover i think bush himself is not far from giving in, maybe he was just holding till th elections. so not to disturb indian and israeli support. now he has no fear to pamper us for his motives.

[abbasi]

Good post Usman! Enjoyed it a lot.

Harisz
I have been thinking on the same lines. Actually from where I see, both the older versions and later versions of F-16s are helpful to Pakistan (latter being preferable). The older will help the PAF flight operations while the later while help in narrowing the technological gap between the two nations.

Falcons, for me are a good option but if we see from technical point of view, then they are not of much help (unless they are of higher block). PAF would do better by using Thunder as it is quite same as Falcon in performance and stats.

[Aliph Ahmed]

Assalam alaikum.

Why cant we buy US avionics and other high technological gadgets to fit in Thudner and make it way better then newer models of F-16s and be less dependent on US?

It is to my understanding that we can hold off India for a little while due to our supriority in nuclear arms. Why not take advantage of this time and depend on ourselves becasue I believe that there is nothing Pakistan can not do!

[Aziz]

Aliph, I think you should be a little bit more considered when you post next time.

How would Pakistan purchasing US avionics suites lessen our dependence on the USA? Furthermore do you think the US is going to just hand over the technology to us? I'm sure that to match the capability of Block 60 F-16's we'd have to make a 'few' more changes.

I think you'll find that Pakistan is working towards self sufficiency at a fast pace but you also have to allow for factors such as international pressure, finances and technological availablity when gauging progress made.

Aziz

[Iqbal Zafar]

True. But the only point I believe you have to weight is are the Americans dependable? If I am not wrong the Air Force Plans to Acquire 150 F-17s and add 60+ F-16 to have the qualatative edge. But what if there is a repeat of the Pressler Amendment? What if again we have to run around trying to keep these aircrafts flying. As a personel view I would still try to look towards the Eurofighter or Rafael. I hope the PAF has learnt it's lesson. You can never be sure when the honeymoon with Washington can be over.

[SSAAD]

Air commodores promoted to air vice marshal

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: The government has promoted Air Commodore Faisal Tariq and Air Commodore Inamullah Khan to the rank of air vice marshal.

Air Vice Marshal Faisal Tariq was commissioned in Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on December 21, 1975 in the Flying branch. During his career he has commanded a fighter squadron, a fighter wing and an operational base. He is a graduate of the Combat Commanders? School, Air Command and Staff College USA and the Armed Forces War Course. His key staff and diplomatic duties include directing staff at the National Defence College and at the PAF Air War College. He has also served in the Abu Dhabi Air Force on deputation. He is a recipient of Sitara-e-Imtiaz and Sitara-e-Basalat.

Air Vice Marshal Inamullah Khan was commissioned in the PAF on December 21, 1975 in the flying branch. During his career he commanded a fighters? squadron, a fighters? wing and an operational base. He is a graduate of the Combat Commanders? School, Pakistan Navy Staff Course and Armed Forces War Course. His key staff and diplomatic duties include directing staff at the National Defence College and Defence attaché in UAE. He is also acting as the assistant chief of the air staff (Evaluation) at the Air Headquarters.
Daily Times

[Aliph Ahmed]

Assalam alaikum.

US avionics are least demanding when it comes to spares as compared to US jets that requires a constant supply of spares. I would love Pakistan to have the Block 60 F-16s only IF the supply of spares is guaranteed!

Plus, if we can have enough numbers of JF-17s that even come close to atleast 80% of block 60 and and do not require a constant supply of spares then No, we should not chose F-16s!

The $1.5 billion military aid is only usable to purchase US made equipment. We should buy stuff that requires minimal amount of spares like avionic suites, structural enhancement equipment to make JF-17 carry more payload, target acquiring pods and sensors, some help to modify and upgrade the engines at PAC and so on....

USA is not trustable! We have had extremely bad experiences by depending on them in the past and there is NO guarantee that they will not desert us again in the future. Unfortunately we dont have much choice otherwise either. but we do have a choice when it comes to chosing a medium tech jet but reliable and a high tech jet but unreliable subject to political changes.

[aslam u]

Assalam alaikum.
USA is not trustable! We have had extremely bad experiences by depending on them in the past and there is NO guarantee that they will not desert us again in the future. Unfortunately we dont have much choice otherwise either. but we do have a choice when it comes to chosing a medium tech jet but reliable and a high tech jet but unreliable subject to political changes.

I agree with your last Para... Self dependence is always better.

[Harisz]

Air commodores promoted to air vice marshal

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: The government has promoted Air Commodore Faisal Tariq and Air Commodore Inamullah Khan to the rank of air vice marshal.

Air Vice Marshal Faisal Tariq was commissioned in Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on December 21, 1975 in the Flying branch. During his career he has commanded a fighter squadron, a fighter wing and an operational base. He is a graduate of the Combat Commanders? School, Air Command and Staff College USA and the Armed Forces War Course. His key staff and diplomatic duties include directing staff at the National Defence College and at the PAF Air War College. He has also served in the Abu Dhabi Air Force on deputation. He is a recipient of Sitara-e-Imtiaz and Sitara-e-Basalat.

Air Vice Marshal Inamullah Khan was commissioned in the PAF on December 21, 1975 in the flying branch. During his career he commanded a fighters? squadron, a fighters? wing and an operational base. He is a graduate of the Combat Commanders? School, Pakistan Navy Staff Course and Armed Forces War Course. His key staff and diplomatic duties include directing staff at the National Defence College and Defence attaché in UAE. He is also acting as the assistant chief of the air staff (Evaluation) at the Air Headquarters.
Daily Times

sSaad,
thanks for this post.
isnt it a bit strange that only 2 ACs were made AVM? why is that? is this normal?
and, would you, or anyone have info about where these 2 officers were stationed and what their last appointments as ACs were? and what appointmenrs they have now as AVMs?
thanks!

[Harisz]

Article by AC retd. Jamal Husain on the F-16 issues.

http://www.dawn.com/2004/11/08/op.htm#3

Dawn 8 Nov 2004

Should the US supply F-16s?



By Jamal Hussain


The failure of the United States to honour its commitment of delivering the first batch of 28 F-16s that the PAF had contracted (in 1988) and paid for is a sensitive issue for Pakistan.

The F-16s have a special place in the psyche of the people of Pakistan and the question has military, financial, psychological and political dimensions. With President George Bush back for a second term, the issue needs to be revived.

The PAF had contracted for 71 F-16s from General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin) in 1988 and paid about $658 million in cash as advance for the batch of the first 28 planes. In 1990, the US president refused to certify that Pakistan was not engaged in development of nuclear weapons and the Pressler Amendment was invoked where all military sales to Pakistan, including the partially paid for F-16s, were stopped.

General Dynamics went ahead with the production of the planes, assuring Pakistan that a way around the embargo would eventually be found. Pakistan was asked to continue paying the instalments, which it did, making full payment of the 28 planes by around 1995.

The 28 planes were manufactured, but permission for delivery by the US government was not forthcoming and the aircraft were kept in storage. When finally it became apparent that the US would not allow Pakistan to receive the airplanes, the Pakistan government asked for a refund of the money paid in advance.

After protracted negotiations, Pakistan was coerced into accepting payment refund partly in cash and partly in the form of soya beans that it had neither asked for nor wanted.

To add insult to injury, the company deducted storage charges for the period from the $658 million paid in hard cash. Despite the effort of the US to sell these planes to other nations at a throwaway price of as little as $3 million a piece, there are to date no takers. Pakistan on the other hand is still interested in acquiring them.

From the military point of view, the F-16s fall in the class of the French Mirage 2000s and the Russian MiG-29s. The French Rafale, Russian SU-30 and the Swedish Gripen are supposed to be superior.

Nevertheless, the addition of 28 F-16s in the PAF's inventory would have an immediate and substantial impact on its capability, especially in the air defence role.

With the availability of established in-country first, second and third line maintenance facilities for F-16s and of trained pilots and maintenance staff, the assimilation of these aircraft would be smooth and rapid. The planes (hopefully followed by another 43: 71 F-16s had been originally ordered by the PAF in 1988) would help reduce the current yawning technological imbalance and greatly improve Pakistan's conventional deterrence - a factor very critical now that both Pakistan and India are nuclear weapon states. And this enhancement of the PAF's deterrence will be achieved at a fraction of the cost of purchasing a new weapons system of a similar class like the French Mirage 2000-5s.

For the people of Pakistan, stoppage of the delivery of the paid-for F-16s has been an emotive issue. It has heightened their perception that the US befriends and helps Pakistan when it suits it, ditching them as soon as its purpose has been served.

Now that Pakistan has once again become America's close ally and is a key figure in its fight against global terror, releasing the F-16s can demonstrate to the people of Pakistan that the United States is also committed to their country's long-term security interests.

The current US-Pakistan relationship is delicately poised. The Pakistan government has gone many extra miles in helping the US-led war on terror in Afghanistan, even to the extent of waging a campaign against a portion of its own population residing adjacent to the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in South Waziristan - an action that has not gone down well with a majority of its people. Pakistanis continue to be wary of America's intentions and feel that the present goodwill being displayed by the US will evaporate once their objectives are achieved.

The US needs a stable Pakistan. While the government is cooperating fully with America, the people are not very supportive of their government's actions as on the one hand they have witnessed the strengthening of the IAF offensive capability, with American approval, of the sale of the sophisticated Israeli Phalcon AEW&C system to India while on the other hand it refuses to strengthen the PAF's air defence capability by unblocking the F-16s.

Winning the hearts and minds of the Pakistani public is in the larger interest of the US as only then will the government's effort in wiping out the remnants of Al Qaeda from the Pakistan/ Afghanistan border become truly effective. A $3 billion economic and military assistance package has already been approved and its disbursement is in progress, but it has not had the desired effect on the public mind as most people never see direct evidence of US aid. The release of the 28 F-16s that would cost a mere $280 million approximately would have a far greater impact. It will be a visible manifestation of the USA's commitment to a long-term relationship with Pakistan.

The American approval of the sale of the Israeli Phalcon radar systems to India was despite Pakistani protests and apprehensions. A similar policy should be adopted for the release of the beleaguered F-16s.

The writer is a retired air commodore of the Pakistan Air Force.

[Murad]

Article by AC retd. Jamal Husain on the F-16 issues.
................ The release of the 28 F-16s ....................... A similar policy should be adopted for the release of the beleaguered F-16s. .......................The writer is a retired air commodore of the Pakistan Air Force.

This constant talk about "release of the 28 F-16s" is VERY annoying, specially coming from an ex-PAF official. It shows either ignorance on his part or just the inability to get over the issue. The matter of the 28 F-16s is SETTLED. Any further delivery of F-16 will be a new deal, new contract and (most likely) different planes. That will serve our purpose just fine. We really need to move past the mentality of getting hung up on issues.

[aliyusuf]

I see no purpose re-opening the issue of the 28 undelivered F-16s. Those planes are quite obsolete and would require MLU all over again ... and I thought that issue was settled??!!