AFM INTERVIEW WITH ACM-T.MAHMOOD

[fatman17]

Something interesting to note is that Chinese fleet will use the Chinese AEW&C systems and not the Erieye. Does this rules out F-7, JF-17, and J-10?

Depending on avionics of the later production models of JF-17.. PAF might have the plans to move JF-17s with western avionics to link with the Erieye?

that should be their intention!

 

[IceCold]

So two different versions of AWACS? Doesn't seem to be a cost effective solution to me.

 

[fatman17]

So two different versions of AWACS? Doesn't seem to be a cost effective solution to me.

icecold - its not un-common. check the AWACS directory which has been posted in the aviation section for reference.

 

[fatman17]

The interview ends with a note on Pakistan's time tested close relationship with China etc etc and a small footnote to say Alan Warnes is writing a ook on the ''Modern PAF'', due out in early 2009. One can assume that he has been offered the opportunity to continue from where PAF Shaheen book club left off with its two books covering PAF history from 1947-1998, whereby Alan will likley write from 1998 to present.

cant wait for this book to be published!

 

[Munir]

So two different versions of AWACS? Doesn't seem to be a cost effective solution to me.

The Chinese version is a lot cheaper and with TOT and less depending on good weatherfriendship it is the only logical step... Besides that the opponent will have to analyse a lot more if 2 planes with different setup are up in the air...

And they surely will fuse the data... So?

 

[Munir]

The interview ends with a note on Pakistan's time tested close relationship with China etc etc and a small footnote to say Alan Warnes is writing a ook on the ''Modern PAF'', due out in early 2009. One can assume that he has been offered the opportunity to continue from where PAF Shaheen book club left off with its two books covering PAF history from 1947-1998, whereby Alan will likley write from 1998 to present.

cant wait for this book to be published!

It means finally the follow up of the two paf history books and besides that hopeful better stories and pctures cause the old books sucked a bit in that respect. We will see finally more modern paf bu i is still a few years to early... within 1,5 yesrs paf will see flying JF17, F16mlu, Block52 and maybe the final version FC20... In that respect it is awful better then F7p and PG, outdated mirages or A5...

 

[JK!]

GOT IT!!!!!!

Okay first of some from the regular news section plus an interesting tidbit from the Farnborough Air show section:

1) Confirmed on July 24th by US State department spokesman Gonzalo Gallegos that $226.5 million in FMF has been shifted to help the PAF F16 MLU whereas previously it was for use on refurbishment of 2 P3C Orions and AH1F cobra overhauling.

2)Turkish Aerospace Industries has been selected and is expected to sign a contract to upgrade all PAF F16A/Bs by the end of the year.

This piece from the Farnborough section was probably the most exciting for me. Regarding the Italian Army Aviation who will recieve new CH47Fs through a joint manufacture scheme between Boeing and AgustaWestland.

The AVES (Italian army aviation) first took chinook deliveries in 1973 acquiring some 40 CH47Cs. Currently of these 40 two were lost in accidents, 14 were retired and are in storage with 24 flying. The news item then goes on to say this:

Some potential customers for the surplus CH47Cs have already been identified: reports suggest that at least 6 have been allocated for re-sale to the Pakistan Army.

 

[JK!]

And now for details from the interview with ACM Tanvir Mahmood first of all regarding orders and the PAF by 2015:

By 2015 the PAF will be operational with about 240 JF17s, 60 F16s, 40 FC20 and 50 F7PGs backed up by AWACS and air to air refuelers.

Currently on order are 150 JF17s, 32 F16s, 4 AEW&C Erieyes and 4 IL78 air to air refuelers.

A frontline strength of around 15 Squadrons (similar to now) is envisaged for 2015 but with more high tech aircraft.

 

[JK!]

Regarding FC20:

It is decide in PRINCIPLE to procure the FC20 with the contract likely to come by the end of the year.

Reasons for procuring the FC20 were given as its a big platform, it has a large nose for a decent sized radar and it can carry a big payload due to lots of hardpoints.

An AESA radar is being sought for FC20 but whether it can be acquired is another matter and has not been settled.

The reason no contract has been signed is that the current PAF budget covers the next 12 to 15 years and thus cannot be spent all at once on one big ticket item. The contract will not be made in this financial year.

There is a little time available for the PAF to decide on FC20s final configuration so no final decision has been made yet. The ACM will use the next 12 months to decide all this in terms of all options ie. radar, variants etc.

The requirement is for at least 2 squadrons conssiting of both single and dual seat types

There are no plans for conformal fuel tanks due to FC20s large internal fuel load and its ability for air to air refueling.

 

[JK!]

Regarding F16s:

The MLU of existing aircraft has started with four aircaft currently in the US going through the process with plans to continue till all A/B models complete the process.

The new C/D Block 52s will be based at PAF base Shabaz where basic infrastructure is in place to replace air interdiction Mirages in the air to air role. A coordinated Pakistani US effort is in place to ensure the F16 related facilities coform to DSCA standards.

 

[JK!]

Regarding JF17 Thunder:

Phase two of the JF17 test and evaluation in place is primarliy geared around weapon qualification and testing.

The first unit will be in place by 2009 at Peshawar to replace A5IIIs that have been in service there. The first unit to convert will be 26 Sqn followed by 16 Sqn.

Regarding the avionics package and weapons fit for the second batch a final decision has been taken on the various configurations. Decision on the make and origin are still being considered whilst a final decison on an AESA radar has not been made yet.

Deliveries of JF17 have already begun and the pace of induction will increase as more assembly lines are completed at AMF. Around 25 to 30 aircraft will be added each year until 2015 until the desired strength is reached.

A total of 7 to 8 Squadrons will be equiped from the initial 150 aircraft.

 

[JK!]

On AWACs, AEW&C and Air to Air Refuelers:

The Saab 2000 Erieyes will enhance the existing air defence capability. It will be integrated into the airborne fleet, coastal and ground defence networks to provide early warning coverage in the area of operations.

The first Saab will arrive by late 2009 followed by the rest within two years.

The PAF regards Network Centric Warfare as the future of air power employment and has a phased programme in place to achieve this capability.

The Chinese AWACs has been selected to meet PAF requirements for aerial surveillance. The ops and tech negotiations are in the final stages with deal expected shortly.

The PAF will be able to and have given input to the chinese to develop the system and have defined PAF technical requirements. An example is that initially the aircraft was too noisy and uncomfortable for PAF requirements.

The platform to be used is the ZDK-03 (the chinese Y8) with a blade on top not a rotating dome. Around 4 will be sought after to complement the 4 Erieye aircraft.

The Chinese AWACs will be used in Pakistani airspace for self ptrotection and there is no intention to use them abroad.

The Chinese AWAC will be used with Chinese aircraft and the Erieye with Western aircraft though as of yet there is no datalink on the mirages.

The IL78 deliveries is expected to commence in early 2009 and will be able to refuel all non western types as well as the mirages until their retirement.

Refueling of F16s is being considered with one option being KC135s depending on US clearance.

 

[JK!]

Regarding UAVs in PAF service:

UAVs are regarded as force multipliers for the PAF and are recognised as a need for future operations. Rapid progress is being made to achieve this ability.

Currently the PAF operates Falco, Bravo+ and a couple of other small platforms (not mentioned as to what specifically)

Currently there are two UAV squadrons undergoing conversion and operations at Mushaf and Peshawar. The PAF is planning to operate around 5 to 6 sqaudrons due to future inductions.

 

[JK!]

Thats all folks if I've missed out anything I apologise maybe Fatman can sort it out in September.

 

[IceCold]

Regarding FC20:

It is decide in PRINCIPLE to procure the FC20 with the contract likely to come by the end of the year.

Reasons for procuring the FC20 were given as its a big platform, it has a large nose for a decent sized radar and it can carry a big payload due to lots of hardpoints.

An AESA radar is being sought for FC20 but whether it can be acquired is another matter and has not been settled.

The reason no contract has been signed is that the current PAF budget covers the next 12 to 15 years and thus cannot be spent all at once on one big ticket item. The contract will not be made in this financial year.

There is a little time available for the PAF to decide on FC20s final configuration so no final decision has been made yet. The ACM will use the next 12 months to decide all this in terms of all options ie. radar, variants etc.

The requirement is for at least 2 squadrons conssiting of both single and dual seat types

There are no plans for conformal fuel tanks due to FC20s large internal fuel load and its ability for air to air refueling.

The only thing is that i have my doubts over the AESA radar for this jet unless of course the Chinese could come up with a version of their own. But as they say that the contract might get finalized by the end of this year, deliveries will start well within 2009 or perhaps by 2010 and by that time i do not think that the Chinese will have an operational AESA radar of their own. I do agree over the budget part and we need to be careful with this choice as whatever jet we finaly choose, likely J-10 will form a back bone of the PAF. Just because its Chinese and does not come with strings attached does not mean that we should stop considering the alternatives and specially when they are available.