shah1398
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Some of the C-130's have been retrofitted with surveillance features to assist in the FATA operations.
The 'upgrades' were not done with VIP security as the primary goal.
"The [Lockheed Martin] C-130Bs we are operating, retrofitted with the [Star Safire III] FLIRS [forward looking infrared systems] are doing a great job. Not just for their ISR capabilities but to help us carry out precise targeting," said ACM Aman.
When operations started in 2008 the F-16s in inventory - which were acquired in the early-1980s - could only be used for daytime strikes, but this changed with the arrival of more capable aircraft, he added.
"The [Thomson-CSF] ATLIS-II pods were only good for day ops, but when we acquired the [Lockheed Martin] Sniper targeting pods there was a marked increase in our capabilities and we could strike these people day and night," added the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), who was promoted from Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Operations) on 19 March.
"We have put special focus on mapping the areas with the DB-110s. These pods have really helped us," he added. "Sniper used with GBU-10 or GBU-12 is now our standard fit."
New Pakistan air chief hails F-16s' role in North Waziristan campaign | IHS Jane's 360
Sir i wrote so in context with the thread. The VIP thing is very much secondary and that too only implied if there is some specific pre declared high threat level in that area during that very VIP visit. Otherwise we all know the basic aim of that very retrofit.