Italian Defence minister calls on his Pakistani counterpart

[Areesh]

RAWALPINDI, Sep 19 (APP): Sen Roberta PINOTTI, Italian Minister for Defence along with her delegation called on Defence Minister, Pakistan, Khawaja Muhammad Asif here in his office on Monday.

Roberta PINOTTTI, praised Pakistan’s role in peace initiatives in the region, particularly in Afghanistan.

Minister for Defence, Khawaja Muhammad Asif highlighted that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Italy. Minister mentioned that MoU on Defence cooperation with Italy ratified in 2013 will lead to greater cooperation in defence area between both the countries. Federal Minister also expressed that since Italy is an important NATO member so the military experience it has gained may be shared with Pak-Defence Forces who are fighting against the terrorism.
Minister emphasized on the need to explore the areas in the field of joint defence production and to have regular exchange of high level visits between both the countries. Minister also gave an overview regarding methodological approach of Pakistan in clamping down the terror networks under National Action Plan.
Minister said that Pakistan believes in Afghan led and Afghan owned peace process and is ready to play a positive role in the reconciliation process. Minister further mentioned that Pakistan has deployed 202,000 troops along the western border which clearly clarifies the sincere efforts of Pakistan in its campaign against the terror networks.
He also talked about the Indian ceasefire violations and their effects on Pakistan’s sincere efforts against terror networks. He further highlighted the growing imbalance between India & Pakistan’s conventional capabilities, and the ongoing Indian atrocities in Kashmir and growing intolerance towards the minorities.

http://vid.app.com.pk/vid/2016/09/italian-defence-minister-calls-on-his-pakistani-counterpart/

 

[That Guy]

I've been getting this feeling recently that Italy and Pakistan are up to something.

 

[war&peace]

I've been getting this feeling recently that Italy and Pakistan are up to something.

EFT? may be

 

[That Guy]

EFT? may be

Probably not. It could be a hint that the ARX may have a serious chance of winning the rifle competition.

 

[_NOBODY_]

Probably not. It could be a hint that the ARX may have a serious chance of winning the rifle competition.

Or we could be negotiating again for Aster missile family.

 

[That Guy]

Or we could be negotiating again for Aster missile family.

Could be, but my money is on the rifle, as the competition is coming close to ending (I'd wager by november).

 

[Arsalan]

Probably not. It could be a hint that the ARX may have a serious chance of winning the rifle competition.

It is a possibility and frankly, this will be great as well.

ARX is a great gun, modular, light weight, accurate! In short, the “modern” gun that we are actually looking for. Also the Italians are involved in the POF up gradation work. Furthermore, given their economic conditions, Italians might well be the ones that come up with the BEST business proposal, which, as mentioned before will be a key factor in the final decision. Not to mention that they are less likely to be subjected to blackmail!

 

[Dr Shaheryar]

Helos, Guns and SAM's could be on the list.

 

[Bilal Khan (Quwa)]

It is a possibility and frankly, this will be great as well.

ARX is a great gun, modular, light weight, accurate! In short, the “modern” gun that we are actually looking for. Also the Italians are involved in the POF up gradation work. Furthermore, given their economic conditions, Italians might well be the ones that come up with the BEST business proposal, which, as mentioned before will be a key factor in the final decision. Not to mention that they are less likely to be subjected to blackmail!

Indeed. The MODP himself stated that it was his intention to make the defence industry more self-sufficient and less dependent on government subsidies. Getting POF roped into a commercial offset agreement with any of the big gun manufacturers, be it Beretta or some other vendor, should be on the docket.

Probably not. It could be a hint that the ARX may have a serious chance of winning the rifle competition.

I wouldn't put my bets on the Typhoon or SAMP/T either.

However, I do think the Italian defence industry is examining its options in the following areas:

1. Ground-based air surveillance radars;
2. Subsystems for the JF-17 (e.g. Skyward-G IRST);
3. Replacing the PN's Sea King helicopters (4-6 AW-101s?)
4. The PN's corvette program should the work on Turkey's side come to fruition (Leonardo radars and MBDA munitions?)

 

[That Guy]

Indeed. The MODP himself stated that it was his intention to make the defence industry more self-sufficient and less dependent on government subsidies. Getting POF roped into a commercial offset agreement with any of the big gun manufacturers, be it Beretta or some other vendor, should be on the docket.


I wouldn't put my bets on the Typhoon or SAMP/T either.

However, I do think the Italian defence industry is examining its options in the following areas:

1. Ground-based air surveillance radars;
2. Subsystems for the JF-17 (e.g. Skyward-G IRST);
3. Replacing the PN's Sea King helicopters (4-6 AW-101s?)
4. The PN's corvette program should the work on Turkey's side come to fruition (Leonardo radars and MBDA munitions?)

Italy seems to be the only active seller to Pakistan, within Europe (if you don't count Turkey as European). Do you see these links expanding any time in the future? Especially since Pakistan's economy is starting to pick up, and will likely rapidly increase over the next few decades?

 

[PaklovesTurkiye]

EFT with help of Italy.....

 

[Bilal Khan (Quwa)]

Italy seems to be the only active seller to Pakistan, within Europe (if you don't count Turkey as European). Do you see these links expanding any time in the future? Especially since Pakistan's economy is starting to pick up, and will likely rapidly increase over the next few decades?

The problem with our economy is that it is difficult for us to present a solid long-term forecast. The fact that were are caught in an internal conflict and unstable neighborhood, the unpredictable political cycle, the lack of private FDI, etc. Combined, these elements basically make essential tools for acquisitions, such as long-term credit or loans, very difficult to attain. For us to build confidence, we'd need to generate a healthier cash pool for upfront deposits and a network of loaners willing to back our acquisitions. I think some vendors are still marginally hopeful of a positive outcome, so they're keeping tabs on us, and Italy may be among them.

 

[That Guy]

The problem with our economy is that it is difficult for us to present a solid long-term forecast. The fact that were are caught in an internal conflict and unstable neighborhood, the unpredictable political cycle, the lack of private FDI, etc. Combined, these elements basically make essential tools for acquisitions, such as long-term credit or loans, very difficult to attain. For us to build confidence, we'd need to generate a healthier cash pool for upfront deposits and a network of loaners willing to back our acquisitions. I think some vendors are still marginally hopeful of a positive outcome, so they're keeping tabs on us, and Italy may be among them.

I've been doing quite a bit of research on the global economy vs Pakistan, between now and 2050/2099. I've been finding quite a few surprises, as well as confirmations of what I already knew.

I'm debating whether I should make a proper report, and release my findings, or just leave it and see what happens.

 

[Bilal Khan (Quwa)]

I've been doing quite a bit of research on the global economy vs Pakistan, between now and 2050/2099. I've been finding quite a few surprises, as well as confirmations of what I already knew.

I'm debating whether I should make a proper report, and release my findings, or just leave it and see what happens.

An objective report would never hurt.

 

[The Eagle]

Could be, but my money is on the rifle, as the competition is coming close to ending (I'd wager by november).

True that and alongwith Rifle, it is going to be more about many other things like software or hardware for JF-17s. Also, in AAD, Italy introduced new ARX and is appreciated well. Furthermore, as the Rifle made it to PA and many countries acknowledged our quality in battling the WoT as well, it is going to be like paving a way to the countries those praise PA and its weapons, for Italy. COAS visited Italy and tour was very fruitful and adding to that, we have no observations w.r.t Indian influence through defence purchases etc. so most probably it wouldn't be limited to Rifle but many more though time will tell.