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Afrah Jamal: PAF: Both Sides of the COIN Published In HILAL(Military Mag) Jan 2010
PAF: Both Sides of the COIN Published In HILAL(Military Mag) Jan 2010
..........The Flip Side of the PAF COIN
In order to judge PAFs COIN capability one must consider the following. In the absence of a ground-to-air threat virtually any type of combat aircraft can do the job. But manned fighters are costly to operate. Of the four variables in COIN equation (surveillance, reconnaissance, air attacks and air mobility), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)s or drones as they are affectionately referred to, have been deemed perfect for surveillance, their armed counterparts Predators/Reapers are ideal for their rapid response to emergent threats. But first PAFs sorority sisters, (in this case the USAF) need to be convinced that handing over such an advanced technology is in our joint interest. It would give the PAF 24/7 surveillance capability for one. It would provide the lightning quick ability to react as soon as the target or his hidey hole is identified. And more importantly, it would take the heat off the sovereignty issue.
Analysts agree that dedicated slow speed ground attack aircraft (A-10 Warthog, Marine Harrier), gunship (AC130), would give the much needed loiter time. The Warthog is a rugged COIN bird, cheap to operate, easy to fly, with longer loiter time; and it can take off/land anywhere; the complete opposite of the magnificent F-16, in fact. While preference has been shown for the AC-130 gunship - a potent COIN weapon with accurate direct fire weapons which minimize risk of collateral damage, it is the more powerful gunship helicopter that one defence expert would put at the top of the wish list.
The protracted nature of COIN warfare puts a heavy demand on resources. The continuity of these operations is inextricably tied to a guaranteed logistical support. Heavy reliance on Western assistance can be a double edged sword. PAF Mirages and F-7s already serve as makeshift COIN aircraft. And if the PAF were to completely rely on its own resources, some even believe that an old faithful (A-5) can take over; and if they cannot be equipped with LGBs, they do not need to be for not every target requires an 18,000$ SMART bomb. Sometimes, kinetic weaponry (dud bombs) make just as effective missiles.
Is the PAF COIN capable? According to one PAF personnel, PAF is as COIN capable as the next fella. The F-16 from our current inventory with its dedicated air-to-ground capability comes in handy when the quarry is a fleeting target of opportunity. Lockheed Martin has reportedly been contracted with the upgrade of 34 F-16A/B Block 15 fighters with modern weapons and sensors . The fleet of F-16 Block 52s has been scheduled for delivery. An advanced weapons package has been requested and an indigenously produced, cheaper version of F-16, the JF-17 proudly waits in the wings. Ultimately, the JF-17s will be integrated as the main workhorse.
While the PAF may not be waging a textbook COIN campaign, its presently evolving doctrine is customized around the peculiar operating environment. By making COIN an integral part of its recently held annual war games Saffron Bandit 2009-10, PAF joins in to wrest the initiative away from an enemy that has a clear head start. High Mark 2010 a joint exercise scheduled for next year will take the PAK Army-Air force partnership up a notch. The battle for Pakistan has begun in earnest. And it is a fight to the finish.
Acknowledgement: Air/Cdre (R) Sajad Haider & Air/Cdre(R). Kaiser Tufail
I gave up stethoscope in 1996, I have been "Staring At Goats" since then.
You will ask give me for the proof, and i shall say that it takes something to become a monk and to be able to "Stare At Goats" and for the rest..... there is always a google.
New Recruit
New Recruit
"But first PAFs sorority sisters, (in this case the USAF) need to be convinced that handing over such an advanced technology is in our joint interest."
I'm not entirely opposed to the transfer of PREDATOR to PAF. My concerns are normal-technology transfer of sensitive equipment not yet demonstrated by the PLAAF.
No doubt you'd use this equipment. No reason not to do so. Would it be used to our benefit as well? It benefits us that you fight the TTP. That seems self-evident.
It would also, however, benefit us if this equipment were used against the afghan taliban. That is more problematic. Pakistan may not. Further, having acquired such a capability, Pakistan might cease its intelligence contributions to our efforts. What that might be, however it's been speculated, is unknown by all here. We can presume reasonably, though, its value. Worst, of course, would be Pakistan's active resistance to our continued use over FATAville.
PREDATOR remains our preferred option to assert our right to self-defense in lieu of Pakistan taking firm control over all of its sovereign responsibilities. In the absence of such, we prefer this capability over others at our disposal.
I suspect Pakistan can easily find itself with PREDATOR as part of PAF's air-fleet at anytime after demonstrating a clear intent to eject the afghan taliban leadership and their associates from your lands. The trust which such would generate among ALL Americans (not just our leaders) would be considerable.
I hope that is what you were asking about.
Thanks.
Kahir ba shee Orora Khair ba shee. Zama taqrar sta sara nuh day, ao nuh taqrar kawal may maqsad day
I am just knocking S-2 to see if there is anything in it
In MW2 [i know its a game but...] to shoot down the UAV's they use this weapon:
Its a javelin...
Yeah, I found out the javelin doesn't work on UAV's in the game. Rather the 'stingers' do.its an anti-tank missile