Old/New Articles and News item about PAF

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Great Air Battles of Pakistan Air Force

Reviewed by Haris Masood Zuberi

For those familiar with Air Commodore M Kaiser Tufail’s insightful articles featured regularly in military and aviation journals, Great Air Battles of Pakistan Air Force has proven to be an absolute treat. For the rest, the story of PAF’s glory coming from a seasoned fighter pilot who has a captivating knack for storytelling and has himself flown most of PAF’s fighter aircraft operated during the past three decades including F-6, F-7PG, Mirage as well as the F-16, the narration is all the more enthralling.

The book is divided into twelve chapters, each dedicated to an air battle unique in its own right, involving operations during the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars as well as the Middle-East from the late 1960s and 1970s where PAF fighter pilots participated while on deputation. Out of the innumerable aerial encounters from the action-filled history of PAF, the author has chosen to cover those top dog-fights which are examples of supreme airmanship, devotion to duty and valour.

Vivid recreations of combat sequences and the swift maneuvers of a fighter jet in air combat taking one loop after another with a barrel-roll here and a nose dive there, accompany magnificent paintings by PAF’s celebrated aviation artist Group Captain (Retd) S M A Hussaini, British artist Eric Carless and PAF’s younger artist Squadron Leader Adnan Siraj, all which combined sets the adrenaline rushing.

The narration is based on incorporation of views from each side involved. In order to stick to most reliable chronicling the author has intentionally left out few much highlighted dog-fights such as those involving PAF F-16s during the Soviet-Afghan war in the 1980s, for want of further research. This leaves readers longing for more of his work. Perhaps for the first time a history of Pakistan’s wars is presented with such veracity, and credit paid where due to the best man in the duel without reservation. Some beans are spilled for the first time and some myths broken most tactfully, accompanied by valid reasoning and references.

The project took several years of strenuous research and first hand analysis of records, official reports and most interestingly eye-witness accounts not only of those directly involved but also awestruck spectators on ground. Most of which were naïve villagers when the thrilling aerial adventures unfolded in the wartime skies decades earlier. Preserving these personal descriptions and authentic versions is not only a momentous effort but tremendous service to aviation and warfare history.

A significant feature is the short biography of PAF’s most illustrious war hero Squadron Leader Sarfaraz Ahmed Rafiqui Shaheed Hilal-i-Jurat, added as a tribute. The various historic photographs of Pakistani and Indian air warriors, gun-camera films, maps and the appendices offering intricate information on fighter aircraft, official records of kills and losses as well as gallantry awards adds greater significance to the compilation. And no doubt the author and his work both have received wide acclaim surpassing beyond borders.

The chapter Bo Kata covering the famous dog-fight over the city of Lahore is aptly titled after how the Lahoris had cheered PAF as they would kite-flying; an event during the 1965 war which has since become part of the nation’s modern folklore. While the chapters Theirs But to Do and Die about the 6 September 1965 dog-fight over Halwara from which Squadron Leader Sarfaraz Rafiqui did not return after a display of exemplary chivalry, and Speed Shooting Classic about the record kills by the legendary ace fighter Squadron leader M. M. Alam Sitara-e-Jurat (Bar), are those sections of the book which place it not just in the genre of military and aviation history but also certainly literature. For it could inspire many a reader to follow in the footsteps of these valiant men and serve as an epic of human behaviour and triumph, or struggle for it, under the most trying circumstances.

Great Air Battles of Pakistan Air Force
By Air Commodore M. Kaiser Tufail
Ferozsons (Pvt) Ltd 2006
147 pages
Hardcover
Rs. 350
ISBN: 969-0-01892-2

 

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Pakistan to buy 50 F-7MG fighters from China
20 February 1999

LAHORE: PIADS has confirmed from sources inside the PAF and the Ministry of Defence that Pakistan is to purchase at least 50 new F-7MG fighters from China. This will come up during the visit of a senior Chinese military delegation to Pakistan led by the Chinese Defence Minister Gen. Haotian on 19-24 February 1999. The F-7MG is a modified variant of the Chinese J-7/F-7 which is a derivative of the Russian MiG-21. The F-7MG was publically revealed at the Zhuhai International Air Show in 1996 and was most recently displayed again at the same air show in 1998 with a new two-piece canopy.

The F-7MG is an improved version of the F-7M with a J-7E/F-7E style wing and additional upgrades, including GEC-Marconi/LETRI Super Skyranger multi-mode PD radar (I band, 15km for missiles and 5km for guns), new colour CRT displays, HOTAS control, GEC-Marconi Air Data computer and WP-13F afterburning Turbojet (13,200lb with afterburner). Its maximum climb rate is 38,300ft/min (195m/s) and its combat radius is 850 km (Hi-Hi-Hi Air-Superiority Role) and its maximum load is 1,800 kg. It is also fitted with a new HUD, RWR and a single internal 23 mm cannon. The F-7MG is believed to be more agile and formidable in a dogfight than its predecessor, the F-7MP. Its most notable visible difference from the F-7MP is its leading-edge wing i.e. the wings are cranked outwards towards the edge. The new wing with leading-edge flaps retains the existing leading-edge sweep angle of 57° inboard but reduced sweep of only 42° outboard. This results in a slightly larger wingspan and 8.17% more wing area, which gives the F-7MG more fuel capacity and better maneuverability than the F-7MP or any MiG-21 variant in service anywhere in the world.

Its other more visible difference is its new clear one-piece windscreen i.e. 2-piece canopy instead of the 4-piece one, which gives the pilot a better front view than the F-7MP or the MiG-21. The most important internal difference is that the old-style internal frame has been replaced by a new, more strengthened one.

The F-7MG first flew in 1993. It is believed that Bangladesh has already placed an order for 8 F-7MGs. The Pakistan Air Force already operates 160 F-7MPs. The addition of 50 new F-7MGs will bring the total number of F-7s in the PAF inventory to 210.

Pakistan is also showing interest in the two-seat FBC-1 'Flying Leapord' bomber built by China's Xian Aircraft Co. (XAC) and may send a PAF delegation to evaluate the aircraft in the near future. It is believed that the FBC-1 will also come up during the upcoming talks between Chinese and Pakistani defence officials.

 

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Pakistan may purchase more arms from China

19 February 1999

ISLAMABAD - The bilateral defence cooperation between Pakistan and People's Republic of China was initiated at a time when the US had stopped all military aid to Pakistan and the Chinese connection provided a useful alternative source of military supplies, Now, when the 16-member Chinese Defence team led by General Chi Haotian, Defence Minister and Vice Chairman of China's Central Military Commission arrived in the Federal Capital here on Friday, 19 February 1999 to hold talks with Pakistan defence officials, the country is again in need of supply of arms to arrest the widening gap in conventional capabilities with India.

The conventional imbalance is further widened by recent arms acquisitions agreements worth $16 billions which India has signed with Russia.

In the face of US military sanctions, Pakistan is looking for relatively cheap source for arms supply in order to cope with the inadequacies in conventional weapons inventory. Pakistan's economic situation doesn't permit it to go for expensive weapons systems. Defence collaboration with China started as far back as 1966 when the US military embargo was effectively in place in the wake of 1965 Pak-India war. It was the time when China used to provide military assistance to Pakistan on credit basis. In the 60s and 70s Chinese helped Pakistan in establishing defence production units. Some examples are as follows:

(1) In 1966 Beijing assisted Pakistan in establishing an ordnance factory for the production of Chinese rifles and ammunition at Ghazipur (then East Pakistan). The Chinese also provided a production line for the manufacture of 75 mm recoilless ammunition at Pakistan ordnance factories. Interestingly the cost of these projects was met from Chinese credit given to Pakistan in 1965.

(2 Between 1971-78, China helped Pakistan to establish two major projects, namely the Heavy Rebuild Factory (HRF) for T-59 tanks and the F-6 Aircraft Rebuild Factory (F-6 RF). They also provided assistance for a number of projects such as the double propellant production line for the production of 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machineguns, its ammunition and a plant for production of fuses for artillery ammunition. These projects were funded by Chinese credit given to Pakistan in November 1970.


However, the year 1980 saw a basic change in the Chinese policy of "arms supply support" to friendly countries. The free-aid concept of furnishing arms to Pakistan was replaced by supply through purchase from various semi-autonomous Chinese corporations. A senior retired army official recalled that even after 1980s, the Chinese were considerate when it came to dealing with the Pakistan Armed Forces.

However, this time Pakistani defence planners may find a more business-minded Chinese Defence officials in the bilateral talks on defence cooperation. Although China is perhaps one of those few countries in the world which would like to see the problem of conventional arms imbalance in South Asia's redressed, China now gives more importance to economic progress than military strength. Chinese military analysts in their recent writings have pointed out that Asia financial crisis is the primary threat to China's national security and "they are now searching for a role to play in safeguarding the country against economic turmoil." Chinese government recently published a White Paper on Defence which pointed out that economic security is becoming more important in shaping of national interests. Chinese Armed Forces are undergoing reforms and reorganisation involving huge costs and restructuring.

There are reports that Pakistan is interested in purchasing F-7MG fighters from China. Pakistan already operates 160 Chinese-made F-7MP fighters in service with the Pakistan Air Force. According to reports, Pakistan intends to place an order for at least 50 F-7MG fighter planes, a new version of the F-7MP which the PAF already operates. Pakistan and China are also working to develop the Super-7 (Pakistani designaton of the FC-1) fighter aircraft the agreements for the development of which was signed between the two countries in the late 1980s.

However, due to lack of funds the project has slowed down. However, the two countries have successfully completed the project for the development of the K-8 jet-trainer aircraft. Pakistan has already received 20 of these jet-trainers and has a total order for 80 aircraft. Some other countries, including Myanmar and some Middle Eastern countries, have shown interest in inducting the K-8 jet trainer into their respective air forces. The Pakistan-China Joint venture of manufacturing Mian Battle Tank Al-Khalid has also been highly successful. The agreement on the MBT-2000 (Al-Khalid's) was signed in April 1989. From 1963 to 1980, China provided military assistance worth $1.5 billion to Pakistan for the manufacture of the MBT-2000 at the Heavy Mechanical Complex (HMC), Taxila. From 1980 to 1990 bilateral military transactions between Pakistan and China were worth over 500 million dollars.

 

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Pakistan to test fire Haider-1 ballistic missile in March 2001


ISLAMABAD, Jan 03 (Online): In a bid to further strengthen the defense of the motherland, Pakistan has prepared a ballistic missile 'Haider- 1' with the range of 300 km. Its flight test is expected in a far-flung area of the country in the second week of March. "The Haider-1 will be displayed at the joint services parade on March 23 on the occasion of Pakistan Day and all the arrangements in this connection will be finalized soon," official sources told Online Wednesday. The Haider-1 is capable of carrying nuclear warheads and its accuracy is 100 percent.

The major cities of India are in the range of the missile. It is learnt that the new Haider-1 missile is capable of hitting the targets more accurately as compared to Shaheen Missile. The government has selected site for the proposed test of the new missile. The experts say that the Haider-1 missile has been manufactured completely with indigenous resources, skills and technology. The untiring efforts of Pakistani scientists to acquire self-sufficiency in missile technology are bearing fruition and the indigenous expertise and manpower in the field of missile technology is being used to get the required results.

Pakistani scientists worked on the new technology from three to four years and finally succeeded in inventing Haider-1 missile, which will be really a hallmark in the defense expertise of Pakistan. After testing the new Haider-1 missile in March, Pakistan will join the list of those countries which posses the capabilities to make ballistic missile with indigenous expertise.

The official sources confided to Online that with certain modifications the range of Haider-1 missile, might be increased and it's a hallmark in the defense skills for Pakistan. Its storage would be easy and solid fuel would be used in the missile instead of liquid fuel, the official said, adding that its manufacturing can be ensured with in the specified time and it will help Pakistan in hours of need.

The sources further revealed that the length of the Haider-1 missile is round about 5 meter and it speed is 100 km per minute. It will hit the target within 3 minute after it has been fired. The sources confirmed that the newly made missile could not be detected by other missile or radar system. The radar system cannot check the Haider-1 and this capability will increase the efficiency of the missile to hit the target accurately, they added.

Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf visited the manufacturing site of the Haider-1 missile in the recent past and attended an extensive briefing to get information in this connection. He appreciated the arduous work of the scientists in achieving milestones in the field of defense technology and urged them to continue their efforts to serve the motherland.

The concerned authorities told Online that the draft for approval would be sent to Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf very soon but they insisted that all the relevant things had been already finalized because CE are in close contact with the whole ongoing work.

The Chairman of National Engineering Scientific Commission (NESCOM) Dr Samar Mund Mubarak closely worked for getting success to manufacture indigenous Haider-1 missile for Pakistan and his contribution are too much worthy in this whole achievement.

Kadir Khan Research Laboratories also took active part in achieving the set objective and Pakistan has become invincible after being equipped in the area of modern technology, which can only know only the few nation of this whole arena of universe. After getting success in the modern technology, Pakistan would become in the list of the highly equipped in defense related technologies, and, it would boost the defence of the country.

 

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2001


Navy to induct Chinese destroyer

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy is seeking to induct new Chinese-made destroyer into its inventory, the approval for which was given by the Defence Committee of Cabinet (DCC) as back as 1994, said a senior Naval official while briefing newsmen here on Monday. The destroyer was chosen by the Naval experts as the best surface ship for service in the Naval fleet in the early 1990s. Later, the DCC also approved the technical decision. However, due to paucity of funds the procurement project was shelved. Though the approval for the procurement of the Chinese ships still exists, it is expected that the matter may be discussed in the DCC again. According to reports, the construction of the four Chinese destroyers were initially ordered by Pakistan Navy has been completed by Shanghai Naval Dockyard back in 1994. However, the deal never went through due to economic constraints faced by the country at that time.

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Baktar Shikan with new warhead to be inducted in Pak army

ISLAMABAD, Jan 08 (Online): Dr A Q Khan Research Laboratories has confirmed that a new version of its Baktar Shikan anti-tank guided weapon (ATGW) with an improved warhead will be soon inducted in the Pakistani Army in 2001, according to a report published in Jane's Defence Weekly.

According to the report, the Baktar Shikan is a locally produced copy of the NORINCO (China North Industries Corporation) Red Arrow 8. The semi-automatic command-to-line-of-sight ATGW is said to have a maximum range of 3,000 m and a minimum range of 100 m. Weighing 11.2 kg at launch, the missile has a day sight as well as a thermal-imaging night sight.

The Baktar Shikan has a single high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead, which is claimed to be capable of penetrating 800 mm of conventional steel armour. The new tandem HEAT warhead has been developed by Pakistan's National Development Complex (NDC), which has been developing HEAT warheads for missiles and recoilless rifles as well as explosive reactive armours (ERA).

 

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PAKISTAN TO HELP LEBANON CLEAR ISRAELI MINES IN THE SOUTH.

BEIRUT, January 9, 2001 (Xinhua) - Pakistan agreed on Tuesday to help Lebanon clear the mines in south Lebanon left by Israeli troops which had occupied the area for 22 years.

Visiting Pakistani Chief Executive General Pervez Musharaf said in a joint news conference with Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri Tuesday afternoon that his country is ready to "stretch a hand to Lebanon" on this issue. Musharaf said he has agreed to the request from Hariri of sending experts to Lebanon to clear mines in the formerly occupied south Lebanon. He said Pakistan has expertise of removing mines and has performed successfully in the Gulf countries. Pakistan and Lebanon have a history of military cooperation. The South Asia country had trained Lebanese officers and bought France-made planes from it during Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war.

Israel had planted about 130,000 mines in south Lebanon before it withdrew its occupation troops on May 24 last year. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has just dug out more than 1,500 mines since last July. Arab League Secretary General Esmat Abdel-Meguid has asked Arab countries to provide financial aid to Lebanon to help it get rid of the remaining mines. However, so far no one has given a definitely positive answer. Musharaf arrived here Tuesday afternoon for a two-day official visit. Lebanon is the last leg of his three-nation tour, which also includes Syria and Jordan.

 

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Air Chief to visit Beijing from 21st to ink deal
Jan, 2001
Joint production of Super 7 FC-1 with China soon

ISLAMABAD—In view of government’s recent commitment to equip Pakistan Air Force with modern war machines and fighter jets and sensing fully the emerging security situation in the region, Air Chief Marshal Mushaf Ali Mir will visit China from 21st of this month to link a deal for the procurement of at least 40 F-7 MG intercept or fighters to strengthen the second line of air defence and also to sign a formal agreement between PAC Kamara and CATIC for the joint production of much awaited top of the line Super 7/FC-1 fighter.

The two projects have been lingering on for last three years due to inability of former PAF bosses to take necessary decisions about various sub-systems to be installed on F-7MG and Super 7FC-1 fighters. At least 40 F7MGs are ready to be delivered to Pakistan and PAF pilots are believed to have carried out two tests flights of the machine. Tagged with a million US $ per piece, F7MG will be equipped with Italian Grifo-M radar which has been exclusively scaled down to meet the confined space requirement in the F-7 nose. It will also have enhanced fire power with also to carry missiles. It is believed that F-7MGs will soon be flown to Pakistan.

The Air Chief during his ten days visit to China will also finalise deal for the joint production of Super 7-FC-1. The single seat multi-role fighter, developed from Super 7 programme, being designed and developed by Changed Aircraft Industrial Corp with assistance from Mikoyan of Russia. Initially the cost of the aircraft was expected to be less than US $ 1.5 million per copy. Pakistan and China long ago had concluded negotiations for completing development and production of the aircraft with input from the Pakistan Aeronautical complex. Pakistan will continue assembly following delivery of the first few complete aircraft from China.

According to official sources, China started the F-7FC-1 programme from scratch after the withdrawal of US support for the Super-7 programme in 1989. The Super-7 programme was itself derived from the Chengdu F-7. Discriminatory Pressler law and ban on the delivery of PAF’s F-16s drew Pakistan and China closer to under take the programme of Super 7FC-1. The aircraft is a single engine, single seat, multi-role design fitted with seven weapon stations in roughly the same class as the US F-16. The engine would be a Russian RD-93 version, a version of the Kimov RD-33 fitted to the Mkoyan MiG-29.

The PAF, prime customer of the Super-7FC-1, was to specify the radar, avionics and weapons to China long ago but the PAF bosses could not take timely decisions due to various pulls and pushed by wheeler dealers. A tough competition between GEC-Marconi and FIAR for the supply of the sub-systems and inability of the force to take a final decision has delayed the project for at least two years. It is believed the new PAF boss has taken a final decision in this regard and Super-7 FC-1 may join the service by end of 2002. Originally the front line fighter was to be inducted into PAF by year 2000. Short and long-range missiles will be fitted on Super-7, along with a 23 mm gun. Pakistan is also believed to have developed a missile system to be fitted on these fighters. When inducted Super-7 will give PAF the much required air superiority to its enemy.

Meanwhile PAF will receive its last batch of upgraded Mirages from France later this month. With the arrival of new Chief, the PAF has embarked upon a number of up-gradation programmes. Chief Executive General Pervez Musharraf will be the chief guest at the prestigious ceremony of rolling out of 500th overhauled F6 on the 10th of next month. PAC Kamara will celebrate the successful 500th overhaul of Chinese F6 aircraft. Although obsolete, F6s have given strong air defence to PAF for the last three decades. F6s are still believed to be the most secured fighters which are fitted with ejection seats that ejects the pilot in less than five seconds.

 

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500th rebuilt Mirage F-6 to roll out of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex after Eid

ISLAMABAD: March, 2001 : The roll out ceremony of 500th Chinese-made Mirage (F-6) would be held at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra after Eid-ul-Azha.

The F-6 Rebuild Factory of PAC, is in the process of overhauling 500th F-6 aircraft that will roll out after Eid, said PAF sources. The F-6 rebuild project is the largest of four factories of the PAC and is entrusted with indigenously rebuilding of Chinese-origin aircraft in Pakistan Air Force inventory.

The rebuild of a fighter aircraft is a very complex and sensitive task. In this process, the entire aircraft is totally disassembled followed by a thorough structural inspection of the main structure and complete overhaul of its components, pipes, hoses, electrical looms and various systems is carried out. The factory was established in 1974 and rolled out its first F-6 aircraft in 1991, followed by F-6 aircraft in 1994.

The Pakistan Air Force had to initially send these aircraft to China for rebuilding which not only affected its operational capabilities due to non-availability of aircraft for 19 to 20 months but also resulted in a huge expenditure in foreign exchange.

The setting up of facilities at the F-6 rebuild factory has reduced the turn-round time by almost 45 percent. The flawless performance and total satisfaction of the PAF speaks of the outstanding professional excellence achieved by F-6 rebuild factory.-APP

 

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PAF has highest flight safety record
March, 2001


ISLAMABAD—Against heavy odds and sailing through all kinds of embargoes and sanctions, the prestigious Pakistan Air Force has been able to attain the unique distinction of being one of the top airforces of the world to have highest flight safety record and that too without compromising on its operational and combat preparedness. The PAF has achieved this distinction through sheer professionalism, singleness of purpose coupled with preventive and proactive approach to cut down risk factors while flying country’s precious assets of air defence.

The PAF as compared to many modern airforces of the world had only six major accidents in year 2000 while its adversary India had 31 major accidents in the same period. The PAF had only one fatal accident last year and its F-16s have not met any accident for past six years.

Briefing defence correspondents at Air Headquarters on Wednesday Assistant Chief of the Air Staff Flight Safety Air Commodore Safdar Khan said that the PAF has attained highest flight safety record without cutting down peace time training sorties. In fact, flight safety programmes and PAF’s training and combat missions go hand in hand. “My success is truly reflected in every successfully completed combat mission,” says Safdar who took great pride from the fact that PAF was capable to compete with the USAF when it comes to flight safety standards.

He said in the prevailing geo-strategic situation the PAF is not only to safeguard the air borders of the country, it is also assigned to combat all embargoes and sanctions. For us it is a big challenge to keep the modest fleet of the PAF in excellent state of operational preparedness. Day to day combat training missions involve risks and losses. “Executing missions have always been our top priority and to achieve excellence force invests heavily in men, equipment, training and most importantly discipline”.

He said a number of flight safety agencies assist the force to avoid accidents and related complications. Directorate of Flight Safety evolves air safety policy and ensures its effective implementation. Regular lectures are held at various bases by experts on regular intervals. Flight Safety Review is held every year under the chairmanship of the Air Chief. Institute of Air Safety holds various technical and investigation courses for PAF men and officers from other airforces of the world. At least 15 countries have been sending their officials to the PAFs Institute of Air Safety for training and this includes some very advanced air forces. The most important aspect of PAF’s Air Safety Programmes is the Human Factor Cell where five top of the line experts carry out regular physiological analysis of every pilot and technicians involved in flying. This is done to rule out any human error in air accidents.

In the past birds strikes have caused many fatal accidents but for past three years there has not been any bird stricken accident. The PAF has achieved it through effective media campaign and also by removing garbage dumps around air-bases.

Air Commodore Safdar admitted that many accidents take place due to manufacturer fault but there is no remedy for this. Most of the time the company involved would not accept the fault in components. Much actually depends on our own technicians who remove these faults and keep a close vigil on the performance of the fighters.

He pointed out that way back in 1974 China supplied F-6s to Pakistan which had some manufacturer’s fault. Our technicians not only removed those faults but also assisted Chinese to help remove these production anomalies. F-6s are still being flown by Pakistan and has excellent flight safety record. In fact they are known to be the safest fighters. PAF has a great role in the success story of Chinese aeronautical industry.

 

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First Pakistani-built JF-17 Rolled Out.

Alan Warnes, Editor of Air Forces Monthly, was the only foreign journalist allowed to visit PAC Kamra as anothe historic JF-17 programme milestone was reached.

On November 23, 2009, only five months after final assembly commenced, the Kamra-based Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, located 60 miles (100km) West of the Pakistan capital, Islamabad, rolled out its first locally produced JF-17 Thunder. It was another milestone for the Sino-Pak developed fighter that is set to become the backbone of the Pakistan Air Force inventory over the coming years, with up to 250 aircraft expected to be delivered.

Increasing Output


In March 2009, the PAF signed a contract with CATIC for the purchase of 42 JF-17s, with 40 being built in Pakistan. The first aircraft 09-111, was manufactured with 20% of the parts made in Pakistan, however by the time the 40th aircraft emerges from the production line, in 2012, this should have risen to 58%. As technology transfer increases and the manufacturing process stepped up, so JF-17 output will increase. PAC Kamra will produce another four aircraft by the end of the year, rising to 8-12 in 2010 and 14-16 each subsequent year.

A National Project


This project was formally launched in June 1999, when Pakistan and China signed an agreement at the ceremony to formally announce the JF-17's rollout, with personnel from both China and Pakistan in attendance. The Cheif Guest, Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani, spoke of his Government's support for the JF-17, which he made clear was a national project being run by the PAF.


"This day will be remembered as a landmark in the history of Pakistan and its ongoing efforts for self-reliance. The role of the PAFhas become vital in combating the forces of extremism and militancy. Under these circumstances a modern air force is a national requirement and for this reason I firmly believe in a strong and well supported PAF. The PAF is working side by side with our Army in rooting out the extremists".

He also thanked the Chinese Government and its people for the support it has provided over the years, adding: "Our friendship with China is not just about economics. China has always stood by us in our hour of need, providing us unflinching support and the willingness to go that extra mile fo Pakistan. They have also helped us in the socio-econimic developement of our country. I thank the Chinese people for providing the PAF with the personnel and systems for the JF-17. China's willingness offers us hope for stabilty in the future. I'm confident that as the aircraft matures, it will become the mainstay of the PAF and satisfy the defenc needs of the country."

PRIDE

Other speakers included the PAF Chief, Air Cheif Marshall Rao Qamar Suleman, Air Marshall Farhat Hussain Khan (PAC Chairman) and the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, Mr Luo Zhaohui.

The JF-17, serialled 09-111 sat behind a large pair of black curtains as the PAC chairman made his speech, in which he told the audience that air forces do not get involved in building their own aircraft: "The PAF is the only air force to take on the task of developing a modern fighter and with Chinese technology transfers, the Pakistan aerospace industry is set to be revolutionised. in doing so, it will provide Pakistan with self reliance and the production of the JF-17 is a gift to the nation."

As his speech ended, the music came on and the curtains were slowly drawn. Then, emerging slowly through the dry ice, the JF-17 appeared, in the colours of Pakistan's national flag. Cheif of Staff, Air Cheif Marshall Rao Qamar Suleman, spoke of his pride and praised everyone for their efforts on a project that has started back in 1992. He spoke of how the JF-17 symbolises a landmark acheivement in Pakistan's national history and how in the 1980's, the PAF grabbed a chance of developing a lightweight, low-cost modern fighter aircraft that could serve as the backbone of it's fighter fleet in the 21st century.

"Sanctions and spiralling costs were the main reason for the idea to develop an aircraft that would replace our ageing inventory and working with China seemed to be the most prudent and economical way forward. Our historice friendship with the Chinese aviation industry, CATIC and CIEC has been vital and crucial in its success."

The Road Ahead

The aircraft, which has been flown four times since leaving the final assembly line in late-October, will be the first of the four delivered to the PAF by the end of the year . By mid-2010, the PAF's first JF-17 Thunder unit, 26 squadron, is expected to stand up, by which time around 14-16 aircraft will have been delivered. Today there are ten aircraft already flying in Pakistan.

Inside the cockpit was a Martin Baker PK16LE Mk 16 ejection seat, currently being retrofitted to all of Pakistan based JF-17s, to replace Chinese TY-6 seats. Discussions are still ongoing with MDBA over the aquisition of weapons, which is said to include the Mica IR BVR air-to-air missile. The author was also told that until a deal is done with Thales for an avionics system, the first 42 JF-17s will be fitted with Chinese designed KLJ-1 radar and radar warning reciever.

JF-17 Project Milestones

February 1992 - First Proposal for a Joint Venture by CATIC

January 1994 - PAF acceptance of Proposal

January 1995 - Memorandum of Understanding signed

June 1999 - Contract signed for development of Super-7 aircraft

January 2003 - Avionics contracted for prototype aircraft

July 2003 - Aircraft renamed JF-17 Thunder

August 2003 - First un-official flight of JF-17

September 2003 - First Official flight of JF-17 (No PT-1)

April 2004 - Maiden Flight of JF-17 prototype No PT3

June 2004 - Avionics contract for JF-17 prototype aircraft

April 2005 - Ground breaking ceremony for JF-17 Co-production at PAC Kamra

May 2006 - Maiden flight of JF-17 Prototype No PT-4

September 2006 - Maiden flight of JF-17 Prototype No PT-6

March 2007 - Arrival of Serial batch Production (SBP) 1-2 aircraft in Pakistan

March 2007 - Commissioning of Avionics Integration Capability at Kamra Avionics Repair Factory at PAC Kamra

January 2008 - Start of JF-17 sub assembly at AMF PAC

February 2008 - Arrival in Pakistan of three SBP aircraft

March 2008 - Arrival in Pakistan of three more sbp aircraft

June 2009 - Start of JF-17 Final Assembly and flight testing at AMF PAC

November 2009 - First JF-17 rolled out from PAC Kamra

 

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LINK:https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/03/world/asia/india-military-united-states-china.html

 

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Early warning aircraft inducted into PAF

By Iftikhar A. Khan & Yaqoob Malik

Friday, 01 Jan, 2010

ISLAMABAD / ATTOCK: Pakistan Air Force (PAF) took a major step forward in transforming itself into a modern force by inducting the first Saab-2000 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Aircraft into its fleet.

The ERIEYE radar system mounted on a turboprop aircraft will enable the PAF to detect all aircraft taking off from and landing at all forward Indian airbases adjacent to Pakistan and also to identify the type of aircraft, their weapons systems, vector and altitude.

The radar capabilities and range of the system enable the operator to receive an early warning in case of pre-emptive attacks from across the border.

Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman was the chief guest at the induction ceremony at PAF’s Minhas Airbase in Kamra. The ceremony was attended by the Swedish ambassador.

Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar said PAF’s long-standing requirement for airborne early warning capability had been met with the induction of the Swedish surveillance system which would make air defence more effective and bring about a major change in its operational concept and employment.

With the induction of the AEW&C aircraft, the PAF has become one of a few forces in the world to have an airborne early warning and control capability.The air chief assured the nation that the PAF would not spare any effort to make the defence of the country impregnable.

The induction of Saab-2000, he said, would help counter any threat to the country’s sovereignty.Talking to reporters after the ceremony, he said the aircraft had the capability to detect anything moving in the air, including drones.

He said the PAF would get three more AEW&C aircraft in 2010 under a $866 million deal. He said Pakistan would also start receiving four IL-76 AEW&C aircraft from China in 2011.


He said negotiations were under way with China for J-10 fighter jets.

He said Pakistan would get 18 Block-52 F-16s from the US by July 2010 and ground to air missiles from Italy by the end of the year.

He said the first squadron of JF-17 Thunder planes would be operational by June.

Swedish Ambassador Ulrika Sundberg said the ERIEYE offered solutions to secure timely flows of information and protect infrastructure. She said Saab’s was one of the most advanced surveillance systems in the world and could serve both military and civilian purposes.

The system could be a force enabler as well as multiplier in efforts to ensure security and stability, she said.

“It is the result of very innovative thinking by both parties on how surveillance systems can contribute to enhancing overall human security, not only in Pakistan and the region, but also worldwide.”

She praised the professional insight of PAF officers involved in the project and the valuable inputs given by them towards the development of the system.

Saab’s Executive Vice-President Dan Ake Enstedt and the Chief Project Director of project Horizon, Air Commodore Perci Edul Virjee, also spoke.The aircraft was placed on display on the occasion.

 

[peagle]

I would request members to post old or New Articles related to PAF in this thread, I have search few articles would post them here

An old article from Flightglobal Archive-Year 1969
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Brother, you are a prolific source of information about our country, stay blessed.
May Allah keep you away from harm, Ameen.

 

[ghazi52]

DATE :..... 21/03/11

SOURCE:Flight International

Pakistan forges ahead with new fighters, upgrades

by Greg Waldron

Pakistan has inducted its new Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 52+ fighters, while its first two full-strength squadrons of Chengdu/Pakistan Aeronautical Complex JF-17 Thunders are also on the verge of becoming fully operational.

The Pakistan air force inducted 17 F-16 Block 52+ fighters into its 5 Sqn on 11 March, the service says. The final aircraft in the 18-unit deal is still in the USA undergoing testing and will arrive in another month.

Pakistan's new batch of aircraft comprises 12 single-seat C-model versions and six two-seat F-16Ds. The air force says it is also in negotiations with the USA for additional Block 52+ aircraft, with its original deal having contained an option for another 18.

Pakistan's new F-16s are powered by Pratt & Whitney F100-229 engines, with other systems understood to include Northrop Grumman's mechanically scanned APG-68(V)9 radar and ITT's ALQ-211(V)9 advanced integrated defensive electronic warfare suite.

A proposed weapons package outlined by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency in 2006 included 500 Raytheon AIM-120C5 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles and 200 short-range AIM-9M-8/9 Sidewinders, plus 500 Boeing joint direct attack munitions, 1,600 enhanced GBU-12/24 laser-guided bombs and 700 BLU-109 penetrator bombs.

A mid-life upgrade of 34 F-16A/B Block 15 aircraft is also under way, with some being upgraded in Pakistan and some in Turkey. The project is likely to be completed next year, and will see the aircraft equipped with modern sensors and weapons.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's first full-strength squadron of 18 JF-17s is likely to become operational next month, with a second unit of the same strength likely to follow within two months.

At Air Show China in Zhuhai last November, Zeng Wen, vice-president of the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC), said Pakistan had 50 firm orders for the JF-17, but could end up buying 200.

Pakistan will use the JF-17 to replace a number of types, such as the Chengdu F-7, Dassault Mirage III and Mirage 5 and the Nanchang A-5. All A-5s will be decommissioned by early April, says the Pakistan air force.

China and Pakistan jointly developed the JF-17. Pakistan began indigenous assembly in 2009, and could incorporate Western avionics, radars and other systems into the type from 2012.

 

[ghazi52]

PAF Mirages undergoing upgrades


PARIS: 'Elements of SAGEM's MAESTRO (modular Avionics Enhancements System targeted for Retrofit Operations) digital package, installed some years earlier in 20 belgian Mirage 5BA/BDs, and applied to the PAF's Mirage 5s include the SAGem ULISS 92 INS/GPS, with the TRECOR terrain-matching system and UTR-90 computer, Honeywell radar altimeter, multifunction cockpit and wide-angle stroke and raster head-up displays, hands-on throttle-and-stick, SAGEM Circe 2001 mission planning system, provision for night-vision goggles, plus thermal-imaging forward looking infrared (FLIR) and laser rangefinder in a forward ventral fairing.

Smart weapons capabilities may be further exploited by the navigation/targeting pod shown SAGEM's Mirage 5F at Le Bourget.

Although described as the dart, this appears identical to Rafael's LITENING pod. Other Mirage 5F upgrades included an integrated electronic warfare suite, on-board oxygen generation system (OBOGS), and single point pressure refuelling. Delivery of the last upgraded 5F from SAGEM to Pakistan was expected in mid 1999.