Could the JF-17 Thunder help South Africa?

[The SC]

The JF-17 could play a major role in securing sales for Denel Dynamics and Paramount Group

01 February 2016

By Bilal Khan

It is no secret that Pakistan has been looking to generate market momentum for the JF-17. With a confirmed sale to Myanmar, a probable sale to Nigeria, and a possible (but insecure) lead in Sri Lanka, it seems the JF-17 is beginning to make in-roads in the market of developing world air forces.

But there are challenges. As discussed in an earlier article on Quwa, Pakistan does not have the political and financial clout to displace today’s incumbent defence hardware vendors. In the face of the U.S. and its armada of surplus F-16s or even Sweden with its line-up of second-hand JAS-39s available for lease, the JF-17 runs the serious risk of being shut-out from markets that – while more difficult to attain – are the most rewarding in terms of long-term commercial relationships.

Countries such as Egypt, Morocco and Azerbaijan (among others) could make use of the JF-17, especially as a means to replace legacy lightweight fighters or to build quantitative capacity, but in order to entice them, Pakistan would need to package the JF-17 as a truly serious and worthwhile contender. Yes, the story about not being anywhere near as sanction-prone as a Western platform or not being encumbered by political-strings is a good aspect, but it is only one aspect.

In tandem with attractive cost-savings, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) needs to guarantee the availability of current-day as well as emerging technologies, especially in the areas of air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions. The ideal country to offer the goods and present them with a compatible story — i.e. piercing the limitations of sanctions, managing defence in parallel with structural developmental issues (e.g. poverty), understanding the realities of a developing country — is none other than South Africa.

The benefits South Africa’s support would bring to the JF-17 are obvious (and will be studied in part-two), but the question of how the JF-17 benefits the South Africa, namely its leading defence vendors (e.g. Denel and Paramount Group) ought to be explored. First, it is worth looking at Denel Dynamics’ impressive range of air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions.

The A-Darter is a fifth-generation within visual range air-to-air missile (WVRAAM). According to Air Vice Marshal Arshad Malik (see: “JF-17 Thunder: Pakistan’s Multi-Role Fighter” written by Alan Warnes), the Chief Project Director of the JF-17, the A-Darter is under consideration for use on the JF-17 Block-III. Equipped with an imaging infrared (IIR) seeker and thrust-vectoring nozzles for high-maneuverability, the high-off-boresight (HOBS) AAM is similar in concept to the Raytheon AIM-9X. The A-Darter can be paired with a helmet-mounted display and sight (HMD/S) system, which would allow the pilot to track and engage a target through the use of eyesight.


The Denel Dynamics A-Darter, a 5th-generation within visual range air-to-air missile. Photo credit: Denel Dynamics

The Raptor-II is a stand-off precision-guided glide-bomb. Derived from the 60km Raptor-I, the Raptor II can be guided by a satellite-aided inertial navigation system (INS) or an electro-optical (EO) system, such as IIR. It also uses a rocket-booster, giving it a range of 120km. The improved Raptor-III incorporates the EO seeker alongside satellite-aided inertial navigation system (INS) with mid-course data-link connectivity. The Raptor series is marketed as a solution for attacking high-value targets at extended ranges.

While the Raptor is a compelling solution, it would be interesting if Denel developed a new variant modelled on the concept of the AGM-154 Joint Stand-off Weapon (JSOW). While such a system may not be capable of carrying heavyweight warheads like the Raptor II (which could carry 600kg), this system could be used to deliver guided sub-munitions, making it a good wide area attack munition. Interesting note, the Raptor-I and II are produced under license in Pakistan by the National Engineering and Scientific Commission (NESCOM). They are designated as H-2 and H-4, respectively.


The Denel Raptor II glide-bomb. Photo credit: Denel Dynamics

The Umbani (also known as the al-Tariq in the UAE) is a modular precision-guided bomb (PGB) kit designed for Mk-8x series (e.g. Mk-81, Mk-82, etc) of general purpose bombs (GPB). Through the addition of large tail fins, as well as a guidance system, the Mk-8x GPB becomes capable of hitting targets with a substantially increased degree of accuracy (within 3 metres CEP according to Denel). The user could pair the bomb with a range of guidance systems, e.g. satellite-aided INS, IIR with automatic target recognition (ATR), and laser. Optional glide-wings and a rocket motor could extend the range of the bombs to over 100km, transforming them into precision-guided stand-off munitions.


The Umbani/al-Tariq precision-guided bomb (PGB) kit for Mk-8x general purpose bombs (GPB). Photo credit: Denel Dynamics

The Mokopa anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) is another interesting system, though its connection with a fast jet fighter platform such as the JF-17 may not be clear at first. Equipped with a laser-guided seeker and capable of travelling up to 10km, the Mokopa is Denel Dynamics’ equivalent to the AGM-114 Hellfire II. Denel clearly has the competency to extend the range of the missile and pair it with an IIR or even a millimeter wave (mmW) terminal seeker. This could make it a somewhat similar solution to the Brimstone AGM. Such a munition could enable the user to engage ground targets, including moving vehicles, with a very high degree of precision. A single JF-17 hardpoint could also carry two to three of these missiles.


The Denel Mokopa anti-tank guided missile. Photo credit: Denel Dynamics

The Marlin beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) is currently under development, and it is being aimed as a solution for air, land and sea-based platforms. In other words, it is also being designed to serve as a surface-to-air missile (SAM). The active radar-guided BVRAAM is expected to have a range of 100km. In addition, the Marlin’s seeker has been designed to effectively engage in simultaneous multi-target tracking as well as possess increased electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) capabilities. The latter aspect will help the Marlin withstand the effects of modern radar-jamming and seeker-fooling techniques. While a technology demonstrator, Denel hopes to eventually evolve the Marlin into an actual product.


Mock-up of the Denel Dynamics Marlin technology demonstrator for beyond visual range air-to-air missiles.

While not an openly marketed product (yet), Denel Dynamics’ air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) technology is another area to keep an eye on. In the context of an export-oriented fighter, Denel’s expertise with ALCM technology enables it to develop a sound export-focused solution. Imagine if the company developed a MTCR-compliant ALCM that could double (via an IIR or active radar-seeker) as an anti-ship missile. This would essentially be the Denel equivalent to the Taurus Systems GmbH KEPD 350.


Illustration of the Denel Torgos air-launched cruise missile.

Denel Dynamics has a striking line-up of munitions, but it lacks a ‘native’ platform from which to market those goods. Yes, it could market its munitions in tandem with the JAS-39 Gripen or another platform, but with the exception of specific customers (such as Brazil), Denel would likely have to negotiate space with market incumbents (such as MBDA and Raytheon on the Gripen). The JF-17 on the other hand does not have that kind of attention, which leaves the space open for Denel.

Denel could market itself as the preferred JF-17 munitions vendor. It could inform prospective customers that not only are the weapon systems it has to offer technically sound and up-to-par with the offerings of industry leaders, but that they have already been integrated, tested and green-lit for use on a platform that is ready to be sold with relatively little in the way in terms of cost and other obstacles, such as political-strings and regulatory hurdles.

The availability of the JF-17 as a “ready-to-go” platform enables Denel Dynamics to access a wide set of markets. Not every air force is like the United Arab Emirates, i.e. with the capacity to study and integrate the Umbani onto an existing platform capable of properly using it (e.g. Mirage 2000-9). Air forces considering a new multi-role fighter to replace their MiG-21s, MiG-23s, F-5 Tiger IIs, Chengdu F-7s, Mirage III/5, Mirage F-1 and Kfirs would be delighted to know that they can access advanced munitions as well as a certified fighter off-the-shelf with relatively little hassle and cost.

Paramount Group could benefit from the JF-17 as well. If the JF-17 begins making serious in-roads, especially in Africa, the Paramount Aviation Academy could acquire several JF-17s for use as training and live demonstration aircraft. Not only could the company train new JF-17 customers, but also countries seeking to develop competencies in areas such as precision-strike or network-centric air-to-air warfare could make use of Paramount Group’s facilities and hardware.

As for the JF-17 itself, it is unlikely that the representatives of developing world air forces would find it easy to turn away from a fighter boasting advanced air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions sourced from a highly respectable vendor like Denel Dynamics. The PAF pilots manning the booths at Dubai, Paris and other leading venues could draw parallels with each one of Denel’s offerings (e.g. explain that the “Umbani is the JF-17’s equivalent to the JDAM and Paveway”), and subsequently push the fact that these capabilities are readily available. This will be explored in part-two, which will be published on Wednesday, stay tuned!

 

[The SC]

Could the JF-17 Thunder help South Africa? (Part 2)


The availability of South African technology would be a major boost for the JF-17

03 February 2016

By Bilal Khan

Monday’s article introduced the idea of Denel Dynamics partnering with the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) to offer a combined fighter and munitions package using their respective products. In summary, the JF-17 can serve as a native platform of sorts for Denel Dynamics to use as a means to market its munitions, specifically in the context of becoming a preferred vendor for countries unable to acquire sufficient numbers of Western or Russian fighters, or at all. For insight as to how the JF-17 could directly benefit the South African defence industry more broadly, be sure to review part-one.

For Denel Dynamics and PAC, the best time to make a splash would be with the formal unveiling of the JF-17 Block-III, which is currently under-development. The PAF plans to equip the JF-17 Block-III with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, helmet mounted display and sight (HMD/S – for which South Africa could offer technical assistance), and potentially even an infrared search and track (IRST) system. While the jump from legacy platforms to the JF-17 Block-II is already significant, the JF-17 Block-III pushes the leap to a much higher league by embracing the cutting-edge technology (e.g. AESA radar) found on the industry’s flagship competitors, such as the Saab JAS-39E/F Gripen.

In fact, the JF-17 Block-III’s entry would be markedly strong if presented with Denel Dynamics’ range of new munitions, which in turn could be marketed as being comparable in form and function to the systems supplied by Western vendors. For PAC, the benefits are obvious. With Denel’s support it could guarantee the availability of advanced munitions to prospective customers, and in turn, package the JF-17 as a complete ready-to-go solution.

The prospect of presenting the world a fifth-generation high-off-boresight (HOBS) within visual range air-to-air missile (WVRAAM), a set of modular precision-guided bombs (PGB), and potentially even an anti-ship capable air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) as well as next-generation beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) with a readily available AESA radar-equipped fighter without many “ifs and buts” cannot be understated. Factor in the presence of Paramount Group and its capacity to train and potentially assist in the induction process (at least in Africa), then the JF-17 can emerge as a very compelling end-to-end solution.

There are scarcely few – if any – competing vendors who could offer such a package as affordably and readily as Denel Dynamics and PAC. Before continuing further with the market potential, it would be a good idea to look at how each of the aforementioned munitions can benefit the JF-17.

The A-Darter HOBS WVRAAM and Marlin BVRAAM would imbue the JF-17 with a competitive air-to-air profile. As discussed in Monday’s piece, the A-Darter is a fifth-generation system similar to the AIM-9X, which is an industry flagship available to relatively few air arms, especially in the developing world. The A-Darter’s thrust-vectoring nozzle, highly accurate imaging infrared (IIR) seeker, and electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) capability makes the A-Darter a system designed to be used in modern electronic threat environments. When coupled with an HMD/S system, the A-Darter would position the JF-17 as a very credible dogfighter, even against more capable platforms.

The Marlin active radar-guided BVRAAM is being developed as a technology demonstrator which will incorporate improved electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) to handle up and coming radar-frequency ECM techniques (such as DRFM-based decoys). With an expected range of 100km, the final product will be a major gain for the JF-17 in terms of its extended-range air-to-air capability, which in Block-III would accompany an AESA radar (which will hopefully include substantial improvement in range and engagement capabilities). The Marlin platform is also envisaged to be a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system for use on land and sea. In other words, this missile’s inclusion with JF-17 could open those JF-17 users as prospective SAM buyers as well.

The Raptor and Umbani (also known as al-Tariq in UAE service) are modular precision-guided bombs (PGB). Collectively, these munitions would imbue the JF-17 with versatile strike capabilities. The Raptor is a glide-bomb design meant to carry a heavyweight explosive at stand-off ranges. The Umbani is a kit for transforming general purpose bombs (GPB) such as the Mk-8x series into precision-guided bombs (similar to the U.S Joint Direct Attack Munition). In addition to having multiple guidance options, the Umbani could also extend bomb ranges to over 100km. With the capacity to have these bombs equipped for stationary (INS/GPS) and moving targets (laser and IIR), the Raptor and Umbani are versatile strike options. In turn, the JF-17 would present itself as a fully adept platform, i.e. capable of fulfilling the same level of air-to-surface air support and strike engagement offered by more expensive platforms.

The Mokopa has the potential to be Denel’s equivalent to the much-appraised MBDA Brimstone. Even in its current form the Mokopa would make for a good tactical munition, but with a millimeter wave seeker and range-extension, the Mokopa could be a highly precise fire-and-forget air-to-ground missile, especially against moving vehicles. For prospective buyers interested in better time-sensitive targeting and low-yield precision-strike capabilities, the JF-17 and improved Mokopa could make for an attractive package.

While not on Denel’s roadmap at this time, an air-launched cruise missile that could double as an anti-ship missile (AShM) would offer air forces long-range strike capabilities. In turn, this would present the JF-17 as more than simply a tactical fighter. A developing country has very limited resources, hence the idea that a relatively affordable fighter offering limited or quasi-deterrence value (in conventional terms) makes for a value-added proposition. The added anti-ship aspect (which is an industry-wide trend) would position the ALCM and JF-17 as a versatile package. Moreover, Denel and PAC can market the ALCM as their equivalent to the KEPD 350 and MBDA SCALP.

Collectively, these munitions will give the JF-17 a strong chance of entering high-value markets such as Egypt and Morocco, and potentially those which had closed their doors, such as Argentina. It could also raise interest in markets that were not on PAC’s radar in the first place. To readily secure a sale with certain customers, Pakistan and South Africa could come to an agreement where the munitions are sold to a customer directly by Pakistan (under a paid license to South Africa). This is similar to the idea of having Paramount Group serve as a reseller of the JF-17 in certain markets; Pakistan could be a single-source vendor for a specific set of markets.

Due to budgetary constraints, Denel Dynamics will require Pakistan’s financial support in developing some of the aforementioned weapons, such as the Marlin BVRAAM. Although risky, this would be a worthwhile opportunity for the PAF to acquire incredibly strong insight into the development of munition technology, and perhaps even tailor systems currently under development (such as the Marlin) to meet its own specific needs. Besides strengthening PAC’s position in the market, the PAF’s investments in the above programs could also meet the PAF’s long-term requirements. The technology and competency injection would also enable the PAF to have access to advanced locally sourced munitions, thus giving Pakistan further control over its defence supply chain, and thus, more autonomy.

For these reasons the PAF needs to value the development of munitions as seriously as it does the JF-17. Of course, this should occur in conjunction with further localization of the JF-17, such as gradually producing the entirety of the airframe, directly establishing and maintaining strong ties with external vendors (for engines, radars and avionics), and showing enthusiasm for further indigenization where possible. Not only would work in each of these areas strengthen the PAF’s strategic position militarily, but it would enable it to command considerable respect from the commercial market.

This is not to say that China is an unreliable vendor, but Pakistan must carve out for itself autonomy and self-dependence, and in pursuit of that, it needs to branch out and establish ties with players that could (at least in some respects) be its peers, such as South Africa, Brazil and Ukraine. In regards to South Africa specifically, Pakistan has an opportunity to form deep-rooted defence ties, i.e. engage in cooperation that could be spread across many areas, especially commercial, education, industry, and research and development.

The idea that defending one’s borders with contemporary weapon systems that do not have to cost an inordinate amount of money and political integrity is a key message Pakistan is conveying with the JF-17. The JF-17 Block-III, with its AESA radar and HMD/S, would be a decisive step forward in this regard; but to present the JF-17 Block-III with the latest in munitions technology, such as the A-Darter, Raptor-II/III, Umbani and hopefully the Marlin and others, would be a true leap. Together, Denel Dynamics, PAC, and other possible partners (such as those involved in supplying radars and avionics for the JF-17) could show the practical manifestations of this idea, and in turn, generate market-share for their respective offerings.

http://quwa.org/2016/02/03/could-the-jf-17-thunder-help-south-africa-part-2/

 

[HypocriteHunter]

Quwa articles are always interesting and knowledge worthy, however there seems to have some kind of obsession in author with A Darter in particular, its hard to find many article without A Darter

 

[zebra7]

Could the JF-17 Thunder help South Africa? (Part 2)


The availability of South African technology would be a major boost for the JF-17

03 February 2016

By Bilal Khan

Monday’s article introduced the idea of Denel Dynamics partnering with the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) to offer a combined fighter and munitions package using their respective products. In summary, the JF-17 can serve as a native platform of sorts for Denel Dynamics to use as a means to market its munitions, specifically in the context of becoming a preferred vendor for countries unable to acquire sufficient numbers of Western or Russian fighters, or at all. For insight as to how the JF-17 could directly benefit the South African defence industry more broadly, be sure to review part-one.

For Denel Dynamics and PAC, the best time to make a splash would be with the formal unveiling of the JF-17 Block-III, which is currently under-development. The PAF plans to equip the JF-17 Block-III with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, helmet mounted display and sight (HMD/S – for which South Africa could offer technical assistance), and potentially even an infrared search and track (IRST) system. While the jump from legacy platforms to the JF-17 Block-II is already significant, the JF-17 Block-III pushes the leap to a much higher league by embracing the cutting-edge technology (e.g. AESA radar) found on the industry’s flagship competitors, such as the Saab JAS-39E/F Gripen.

In fact, the JF-17 Block-III’s entry would be markedly strong if presented with Denel Dynamics’ range of new munitions, which in turn could be marketed as being comparable in form and function to the systems supplied by Western vendors. For PAC, the benefits are obvious. With Denel’s support it could guarantee the availability of advanced munitions to prospective customers, and in turn, package the JF-17 as a complete ready-to-go solution.

The prospect of presenting the world a fifth-generation high-off-boresight (HOBS) within visual range air-to-air missile (WVRAAM), a set of modular precision-guided bombs (PGB), and potentially even an anti-ship capable air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) as well as next-generation beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) with a readily available AESA radar-equipped fighter without many “ifs and buts” cannot be understated. Factor in the presence of Paramount Group and its capacity to train and potentially assist in the induction process (at least in Africa), then the JF-17 can emerge as a very compelling end-to-end solution.

There are scarcely few – if any – competing vendors who could offer such a package as affordably and readily as Denel Dynamics and PAC. Before continuing further with the market potential, it would be a good idea to look at how each of the aforementioned munitions can benefit the JF-17.

The A-Darter HOBS WVRAAM and Marlin BVRAAM would imbue the JF-17 with a competitive air-to-air profile. As discussed in Monday’s piece, the A-Darter is a fifth-generation system similar to the AIM-9X, which is an industry flagship available to relatively few air arms, especially in the developing world. The A-Darter’s thrust-vectoring nozzle, highly accurate imaging infrared (IIR) seeker, and electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) capability makes the A-Darter a system designed to be used in modern electronic threat environments. When coupled with an HMD/S system, the A-Darter would position the JF-17 as a very credible dogfighter, even against more capable platforms.

The Marlin active radar-guided BVRAAM is being developed as a technology demonstrator which will incorporate improved electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) to handle up and coming radar-frequency ECM techniques (such as DRFM-based decoys). With an expected range of 100km, the final product will be a major gain for the JF-17 in terms of its extended-range air-to-air capability, which in Block-III would accompany an AESA radar (which will hopefully include substantial improvement in range and engagement capabilities). The Marlin platform is also envisaged to be a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system for use on land and sea. In other words, this missile’s inclusion with JF-17 could open those JF-17 users as prospective SAM buyers as well.

The Raptor and Umbani (also known as al-Tariq in UAE service) are modular precision-guided bombs (PGB). Collectively, these munitions would imbue the JF-17 with versatile strike capabilities. The Raptor is a glide-bomb design meant to carry a heavyweight explosive at stand-off ranges. The Umbani is a kit for transforming general purpose bombs (GPB) such as the Mk-8x series into precision-guided bombs (similar to the U.S Joint Direct Attack Munition). In addition to having multiple guidance options, the Umbani could also extend bomb ranges to over 100km. With the capacity to have these bombs equipped for stationary (INS/GPS) and moving targets (laser and IIR), the Raptor and Umbani are versatile strike options. In turn, the JF-17 would present itself as a fully adept platform, i.e. capable of fulfilling the same level of air-to-surface air support and strike engagement offered by more expensive platforms.

The Mokopa has the potential to be Denel’s equivalent to the much-appraised MBDA Brimstone. Even in its current form the Mokopa would make for a good tactical munition, but with a millimeter wave seeker and range-extension, the Mokopa could be a highly precise fire-and-forget air-to-ground missile, especially against moving vehicles. For prospective buyers interested in better time-sensitive targeting and low-yield precision-strike capabilities, the JF-17 and improved Mokopa could make for an attractive package.

While not on Denel’s roadmap at this time, an air-launched cruise missile that could double as an anti-ship missile (AShM) would offer air forces long-range strike capabilities. In turn, this would present the JF-17 as more than simply a tactical fighter. A developing country has very limited resources, hence the idea that a relatively affordable fighter offering limited or quasi-deterrence value (in conventional terms) makes for a value-added proposition. The added anti-ship aspect (which is an industry-wide trend) would position the ALCM and JF-17 as a versatile package. Moreover, Denel and PAC can market the ALCM as their equivalent to the KEPD 350 and MBDA SCALP.

Collectively, these munitions will give the JF-17 a strong chance of entering high-value markets such as Egypt and Morocco, and potentially those which had closed their doors, such as Argentina. It could also raise interest in markets that were not on PAC’s radar in the first place. To readily secure a sale with certain customers, Pakistan and South Africa could come to an agreement where the munitions are sold to a customer directly by Pakistan (under a paid license to South Africa). This is similar to the idea of having Paramount Group serve as a reseller of the JF-17 in certain markets; Pakistan could be a single-source vendor for a specific set of markets.

Due to budgetary constraints, Denel Dynamics will require Pakistan’s financial support in developing some of the aforementioned weapons, such as the Marlin BVRAAM. Although risky, this would be a worthwhile opportunity for the PAF to acquire incredibly strong insight into the development of munition technology, and perhaps even tailor systems currently under development (such as the Marlin) to meet its own specific needs. Besides strengthening PAC’s position in the market, the PAF’s investments in the above programs could also meet the PAF’s long-term requirements. The technology and competency injection would also enable the PAF to have access to advanced locally sourced munitions, thus giving Pakistan further control over its defence supply chain, and thus, more autonomy.

For these reasons the PAF needs to value the development of munitions as seriously as it does the JF-17. Of course, this should occur in conjunction with further localization of the JF-17, such as gradually producing the entirety of the airframe, directly establishing and maintaining strong ties with external vendors (for engines, radars and avionics), and showing enthusiasm for further indigenization where possible. Not only would work in each of these areas strengthen the PAF’s strategic position militarily, but it would enable it to command considerable respect from the commercial market.

This is not to say that China is an unreliable vendor, but Pakistan must carve out for itself autonomy and self-dependence, and in pursuit of that, it needs to branch out and establish ties with players that could (at least in some respects) be its peers, such as South Africa, Brazil and Ukraine. In regards to South Africa specifically, Pakistan has an opportunity to form deep-rooted defence ties, i.e. engage in cooperation that could be spread across many areas, especially commercial, education, industry, and research and development.

The idea that defending one’s borders with contemporary weapon systems that do not have to cost an inordinate amount of money and political integrity is a key message Pakistan is conveying with the JF-17. The JF-17 Block-III, with its AESA radar and HMD/S, would be a decisive step forward in this regard; but to present the JF-17 Block-III with the latest in munitions technology, such as the A-Darter, Raptor-II/III, Umbani and hopefully the Marlin and others, would be a true leap. Together, Denel Dynamics, PAC, and other possible partners (such as those involved in supplying radars and avionics for the JF-17) could show the practical manifestations of this idea, and in turn, generate market-share for their respective offerings.

http://quwa.org/2016/02/03/could-the-jf-17-thunder-help-south-africa-part-2/

@Quwa have you researched on the Israeli tech in the Daniel A-darter and R-darter, its seeker and various components of Rafael's Phython A2A missile before speculated the future customer such as Egypt.

 

[Quwa]

Quwa articles are always interesting and knowledge worthy, however there seems to have some kind of obsession in author with A Darter in particular, its hard to find many article without A Darter

Well it really boils down to what is available to Pakistan and whether the PAF is interested in it, and the A-Darter fell into both criteria, so I give it a lot of attention. It's worth it to obsess over something that could potentially be a reality than something that is just a fantasy. That's why I'll talk about A-Darter for JF-17, it's something that could genuinely happen.

@Quwa have you researched on the Israeli tech in the Daniel A-darter and R-darter, its seeker and various components of Rafael's Phython A2A missile before speculated the future customer such as Egypt.

Yep - Denel's technology owes quite a bit to COTS components from Israel and even to an extent the U.S., but the dependence level isn't high enough to make it a no-go for the PAF. As a matter of fact, the PAF has bought quite a few pieces of Israeli technology via various third party vendors. In some cases, Denel is in the process of deepening its domestic supply pool, e.g. swapping out Israeli missile radomes for locally designed ones, etc.

 

[Sage]

I wish the PAF would listen to you @Quwa ...One thing I have noticed in those guys is that they are too conventional ....their upper echelon specially ...I don't want PAC to become POF ...!