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PAF - Update
Assessment
As well as nuclear weapons development, a major source of animosity in relations between Pakistan and the US was the non-provision of F-16s that were paid for more than 20 years ago, for which the money was eventually, and with ill-grace, refunded. In a remarkable volte-face, the US announced in March 2005 that it would supply Pakistan with additional F-16s. Negotiations took place but were put on hold following the devastating December 2005 earthquake. Subsequent negotiations and budget considerations resulted in agreement for the US to supply a further 14 F-16A/B aircraft, all of which were delivered between December 2005 and July 2008. The order for F-16C/D Block 52 aircraft was reduced to 18 from a previously proposed 36, with the first group of three aircraft arriving in Pakistan in July 2010 for assignment to No.5 Squadron at Shahbaz. The current fleet of F-16A/Bs is to be upgraded as part of a gradual programme, with four aircraft to be overhauled in the US and the remainder (originally planned as 42, but since reduced to 41 by attrition) by Turkish Aerospace Industries.
Further diversification was evident with the arrival on 9 December 2009 of the first of four Saab 2000 Erieye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft from Sweden, and on 19 December 2009 of the first Ukrainian-supplied Il-78 'Midas' in-flight refuelling aircraft. A second AEW&C aircraft was delivered in April 2010, with the final two expected to arrive by the end of 2010.
Adaptability
The air force is well prepared to operate against the main air threat, which is perceived to be that of India, although sheer weight of numbers are likely to tell against it in the event of conflict. It is capable of providing air defence over forward army formations, but will probably concentrate on attempting to deny airspace relevant to major strategic installations, including nuclear plants and weapons' facilities. It is unlikely that priorities will alter in the foreseeable future, irrespective of current ground attack requirements supporting counter-insurgency operations in the volatile north- west region of the country, but should there be modification of policy, doctrine or tactics, the PAF is capable of reacting flexibly and adopting whatever approach may be necessary.
Recent and Current Operations
There have been no recent contributions to UN or other multinational peace support operations. The air force has been heavily involved in attacking rebel forces' installations and positions in the Swat region of the North West Frontier Province and in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, in support of major army operations in 2009.
Operational Art and Tactical Doctrine
Pakistan has officially abandoned the pre-emptive strike as doctrine, although in the event of conflict with India, it would have to deal with the Indian advantage in combat airpower. While this has diminished in quantity, the disparity in numbers would still detract from the PAF's ability to conduct effective airspace denial over base facilities and tactical elements.
Recruitment
There are 12 recruiting and information centres, all in major cities, and recruiting standards are high. No category lacks applications, with heavy over-subscription to the pilot stream from which only 15-20 per cent of initial applicants eventually graduate.
Professionalism
The PAF prides itself, with considerable justification, on being a "professional" force, in that it trains hard and operates effectively. Turn-round times for FGA sorties to the North-West Frontier Province, for example, have been judged good to excellent, and although the circumstances are regrettable the air campaign has resulted in systems and tactics being proved operationally. So far as can be judged from open-source reports, air exercises are testing and effective.
Training
The Pakistan Air Force Academy is based at Risalpur, 60 miles east of Islamabad and is the principal training centre. At least 100 aircraft are available to provide ab initio, basic and advanced courses, platforms including the indigenous Super Mushshak, T-37 jet trainers supplied by the US and the Chinese-built K-8 Karakorum. It appears likely that more K-8s will be acquired to ultimately replace the T-37 as well as the FT-5 aircraft of the Fighter Conversion Unit at Mianwali. Eventually, the PAF intends to conduct primary training on the Super Mushshak, then basic jet transition on the Karakorum followed by lead-in fighter training on a two-seat version of the JF-17 Thunder.
Military Exercises
The air force demonstrated its newly acquired mid-air refuelling capability for the first time in March 2010, during the exercise 'High Mark 2010'. Two Mirage fighter aircraft flew formation with the Il-78 and "the refuelling went ahead smoothly. This exercise demonstrates that the refuelling capacity is well integrated," a PAF official told Jane's. The 'High Mark' exercise was previously thought to have fallen victim to operational and economic pressures, as the last was conducted in 2005. The 2010 iteration took place from mid March to mid May, with this two-month period involving an exhaustive and exhausting evaluation of all aspects of the PAF. The opening month was devoted entirely to the PAF and included extensive deployed operations from remote bases such as Mirpur Khas, Murid and Skardu. The opportunity was also taken to demonstrate the capability to operate from a highway strip, with single examples of the Mirage V and F-7PG using the Islamabad-Lahore motorway for this purpose. In contrast, the second month focused on the PAF's ability to conduct joint operations with elements of the army and navy.
In April 2008, five Turkish Air Force F-16s joined in a major exercise with the PAF in Pakistan. During November-December 2009, a number of F-7PGs from No.23 Squadron deployed to Al Dhafra in the United Arab Emirates to take part in the multinational 'Iron Falcon' exercise, with an even more ambitious overseas deployment following in July-August 2010 when several F-16Bs deployed from Pakistan to the USA. Their eventual destination was Nellis AFB, Nevada, where they participated in 'Red Flag' manoeuvres for the first time.
Combat
In July 2008 the US completed the delivery of 14 F-16s to Pakistan under a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) deal signed in 2005. These aircraft were donated except for transportation costs, but were purchased and paid for by Pakistan many years ago only to fall foul of an embargo. Pakistan is also expecting its fleet of F-16A/Bs to be upgraded using US military aid. In addition, Pakistan has ordered 12 F-16C and six F16D Block 52 fighters, delivery of which began in June 2010 with arrival of the first three aircraft for No.5 Squadron at Shahbaz. These are more capable versions of the Fighting Falcon that can execute night-time and precision-strike missions. The first three aircraft were delivered in June 2010. These 'Peace Drive I' aircraft are receiving the AN/ALQ-173 electronic warfare system from ITT Avionics via the US FMS programme. Another FMS contract in April 2007 covers the acquisition of 18 Lockheed Martin Sniper targeting pods for use by these aircraft. These are to be delivered by December 2010 and will markedly enhance the PAF's ability to perform targeting and conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
Pakistan's key aircraft manufacturing facility, the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, and China's CATIC (China Aviation Technology Import-Export Corporation), signed an agreement on 7 March 2009 for serial production of an initial tranche of 42 JF-17 'Thunder' fighter aircraft in Pakistan. The complex in Kamra will produce around15 JF-17s annually, although there is the possibility that it may increase to 30 aircraft a year in order to satisfy the ambitious re-equipment programme. The first JF-17 to be produced in Pakistan was handed over to the PAF in November 2009. The PAF intends the JF-17 to become the backbone of its fleet and plans to acquire at least 150 and probably as many as 240 by 2015. By the end of 2009 the PAF had received at least eight JF-17s, all of which were manufactured in China and one locally produced version. The first squadron to be equipped is No. 26, based at Minhas; No.16 Squadron (currently at Peshawar) will be next but may also move to Minhas. According to PAC Kamra, the unit price is estimated at USD15 million.
China is selling at least 36 of its CAC J-10 multirole fighter aircraft to Pakistan in a deal involving one of its most advanced weapon systems, according to senior Pakistani and Western defence officials. News of the agreement came on 11 November 2009 when the PAF commander, Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, was visiting China. A senior Western defence official based in Islamabad who closely tracks Sino-Pakistani military co-operation told Jane's: "The deal for the J-10 is finally together now."
According to the Western defence official, who declined to be named, China agreed to supply the batch of 36 J-10s (sufficient aircraft for two squadrons) by 2012 or 2013. The two sides have left open the possibility of a future agreement for the sale of more J-10s. The timing of the J-10 deal is significant. The first JF-17 made in Pakistan was rolled out of the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) at Kamra, north of Islamabad, in late 2009 and the first squadron of JF-17s was formally inducted into the air force in February 2010, although this has still to attain full operational capability.
Western defence analysts say the JF-17 airframe is produced at the PAC, while its avionics and weapon systems include items sourced from China and the West. For example, the JF-17 will initially utilise Chinese KLJ-1 radar, although there is a strong possibility that this will eventually be replaced by a Thales system. "This [the JF-17] will be a truly global aircraft, including specs from different sources," one Western defence official based in Islamabad told Jane's.
Transport
In early September 2010, it was announced that The PAF was to receive 10 Aerospatiale SA 316 Alouette III utility helicopters from the Swiss government to help with the search-and-rescue (SAR) efforts that have been ongoing since much of the country was flooded following heavy rains in mid 2010. The Swiss Ministry of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) stated that the helicopters, which were due to be retired by the end of the year, would be transferred to the PAF free of charge. The DDPS also expressed its expectation that the helicopters would be delivered by PAF transport aircraft later in the same month. According to the DDPS, the PAF has been interested in purchasing these helicopters for some time prior to the announcement. As at September 2010 the PAF operated 15 such aircraft which were first procured in the 1960s (the Pakistan Navy also operates about 10 Alouette IIIs that it began to purchase in the mid-1990s).
Under the terms of the agreement, the Pakistan authorities have provided written guarantees to the Swiss government that these helicopters will not be armed and will be used exclusively for SAR and other non-combat duties.
In March 2009, the PAF took delivery of the first of four Embraer Phenom 100s from Brazil, followed by the second in June 2009. These and the following aircraft are to be used as staff transports and will replace a similar number of Cessna 172s. All four had been delivered to No.41 Squadron by the end of December 2009.
The first Il-78MP 'Midas' refuelling aircraft was delivered to the PAF by Ukraine in December 2009 and is now in service with No.10 Squadron at Chaklala, where it will be joined by a second example during 2010. The II-78 is able to refuel Mirage and JF-17 combat aircraft, which are fitted with probes, but is not compatible with the F-16, which has a different in-flight refuelling system. Fuel tanks located in the hold are removable, permitting use as a general strategic transport.
C4ISR
Roll out of the first aircraft took place at Linköping, Sweden in March 2008, with the maiden flight following on 29 April 2008. The aircraft was in December 2009 and is operated by No.13 Squadron from Minhas. Delivery of the second Saab 2000 took place in April 2010. According to Saab, the aircraft was then to undergo final tests in Pakistan, mainly focusing on verifying the PS-890 Erieye radar system, which is fitted to the aircraft as a dorsal 'plank' antenna. The Erieye features an electronic-warfare suite that includes electronic support, threat-warning and countermeasures dispensing subsystems, an identification friend-or-foe subsystem, command-and-control (C2) capabilities and a ground-based mission trainer.
An unmodified training systems aircraft has been in service with No.3 Squadron at Chaklala since October 2008. The Erieye will data-link with the F-16s but not the Mirage fleet.
In January 2009, Pakistan's defence minister informed parliament that a USD278 million order had been placed for the Chinese ZDK-03 AWACS system. The aerial platform for this is based on the Y-8 aircraft, with delivery of the first aircraft anticipated in November-December 2010. They are intended to be compatible with Chinese-origin combat aircraft.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
In 2007, the PAF acquired the Falco UAV designed by Selex Galileo of Italy for use in the ISR role. The system is being part-produced at the Kamra factory and is likely to be followed by a missile-armed UAV in due course. In-country assembly of the Falco UAV was launched in August 2009.
Trainer
A further eight K-8 Karakorum trainer aircraft were delivered to Risalpur in January 2009, raising the number received to 28, comprising 12 original K-8 and 16 improved K-8Ps. An upgrade/modernisation project involving the original aircraft is being undertaken by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex at Kamra to bring them to the latest K-8P configuration.
Most recently, in May 2010, China and Pakistan concluded a number of defence agreements, including one involving the provision of four trainer aircraft. No details of type of aircraft or delivery schedule have yet emerged. This forms part of a CNY60 million (USD8.8 million) package to fund training that is believed to encompass all branches of Pakistan's armed forces.
MODERNISATION
The deal is one of several FMS contracts that Pakistan officials have recently urged to be accelerated by Washington. Meetings between the defence officials of the two sides earlier in May 2010 focused on "more rapid delivery" of on-order equipment and services, as well as identifying additional requirements to be funded by Washington's Foreign Military Financing programme, under which Pakistan receives around USD300 million a year.
Notes:
1...In July 2007, the US agreed to deliver 28 additional F-16 fighter aircraft (13 F-16As and 15 F-16Bs) to Pakistan, following service with the USAF and US Navy. All of the USAF machines (3 F-16As and 11 F-16Bs) were handed over, but the US Navy has not agreed to release its aircraft (10 F-16As and 4 F-16Bs). It is intended to subject all remaining F-16A/B aircraft to an upgrade programme, comprising four pattern examples now receiving attention in the US, with the remainder (originally planned to be 42, but likely to be reduced to 41 because of recent attrition) to be done by Turkish Aerospace Industries during 2010-14. A total of 12 F-16Cs and six F-16Ds will be delivered to No.5 Squadron at Shahbaz in 2010-11.
2....Current orders. Up to 250 to be acquired; delivery in progress.
Assessment
As well as nuclear weapons development, a major source of animosity in relations between Pakistan and the US was the non-provision of F-16s that were paid for more than 20 years ago, for which the money was eventually, and with ill-grace, refunded. In a remarkable volte-face, the US announced in March 2005 that it would supply Pakistan with additional F-16s. Negotiations took place but were put on hold following the devastating December 2005 earthquake. Subsequent negotiations and budget considerations resulted in agreement for the US to supply a further 14 F-16A/B aircraft, all of which were delivered between December 2005 and July 2008. The order for F-16C/D Block 52 aircraft was reduced to 18 from a previously proposed 36, with the first group of three aircraft arriving in Pakistan in July 2010 for assignment to No.5 Squadron at Shahbaz. The current fleet of F-16A/Bs is to be upgraded as part of a gradual programme, with four aircraft to be overhauled in the US and the remainder (originally planned as 42, but since reduced to 41 by attrition) by Turkish Aerospace Industries.
Further diversification was evident with the arrival on 9 December 2009 of the first of four Saab 2000 Erieye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft from Sweden, and on 19 December 2009 of the first Ukrainian-supplied Il-78 'Midas' in-flight refuelling aircraft. A second AEW&C aircraft was delivered in April 2010, with the final two expected to arrive by the end of 2010.
Adaptability
The air force is well prepared to operate against the main air threat, which is perceived to be that of India, although sheer weight of numbers are likely to tell against it in the event of conflict. It is capable of providing air defence over forward army formations, but will probably concentrate on attempting to deny airspace relevant to major strategic installations, including nuclear plants and weapons' facilities. It is unlikely that priorities will alter in the foreseeable future, irrespective of current ground attack requirements supporting counter-insurgency operations in the volatile north- west region of the country, but should there be modification of policy, doctrine or tactics, the PAF is capable of reacting flexibly and adopting whatever approach may be necessary.
Recent and Current Operations
There have been no recent contributions to UN or other multinational peace support operations. The air force has been heavily involved in attacking rebel forces' installations and positions in the Swat region of the North West Frontier Province and in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, in support of major army operations in 2009.
Operational Art and Tactical Doctrine
Pakistan has officially abandoned the pre-emptive strike as doctrine, although in the event of conflict with India, it would have to deal with the Indian advantage in combat airpower. While this has diminished in quantity, the disparity in numbers would still detract from the PAF's ability to conduct effective airspace denial over base facilities and tactical elements.
Recruitment
There are 12 recruiting and information centres, all in major cities, and recruiting standards are high. No category lacks applications, with heavy over-subscription to the pilot stream from which only 15-20 per cent of initial applicants eventually graduate.
Professionalism
The PAF prides itself, with considerable justification, on being a "professional" force, in that it trains hard and operates effectively. Turn-round times for FGA sorties to the North-West Frontier Province, for example, have been judged good to excellent, and although the circumstances are regrettable the air campaign has resulted in systems and tactics being proved operationally. So far as can be judged from open-source reports, air exercises are testing and effective.
Training
The Pakistan Air Force Academy is based at Risalpur, 60 miles east of Islamabad and is the principal training centre. At least 100 aircraft are available to provide ab initio, basic and advanced courses, platforms including the indigenous Super Mushshak, T-37 jet trainers supplied by the US and the Chinese-built K-8 Karakorum. It appears likely that more K-8s will be acquired to ultimately replace the T-37 as well as the FT-5 aircraft of the Fighter Conversion Unit at Mianwali. Eventually, the PAF intends to conduct primary training on the Super Mushshak, then basic jet transition on the Karakorum followed by lead-in fighter training on a two-seat version of the JF-17 Thunder.
Military Exercises
The air force demonstrated its newly acquired mid-air refuelling capability for the first time in March 2010, during the exercise 'High Mark 2010'. Two Mirage fighter aircraft flew formation with the Il-78 and "the refuelling went ahead smoothly. This exercise demonstrates that the refuelling capacity is well integrated," a PAF official told Jane's. The 'High Mark' exercise was previously thought to have fallen victim to operational and economic pressures, as the last was conducted in 2005. The 2010 iteration took place from mid March to mid May, with this two-month period involving an exhaustive and exhausting evaluation of all aspects of the PAF. The opening month was devoted entirely to the PAF and included extensive deployed operations from remote bases such as Mirpur Khas, Murid and Skardu. The opportunity was also taken to demonstrate the capability to operate from a highway strip, with single examples of the Mirage V and F-7PG using the Islamabad-Lahore motorway for this purpose. In contrast, the second month focused on the PAF's ability to conduct joint operations with elements of the army and navy.
In April 2008, five Turkish Air Force F-16s joined in a major exercise with the PAF in Pakistan. During November-December 2009, a number of F-7PGs from No.23 Squadron deployed to Al Dhafra in the United Arab Emirates to take part in the multinational 'Iron Falcon' exercise, with an even more ambitious overseas deployment following in July-August 2010 when several F-16Bs deployed from Pakistan to the USA. Their eventual destination was Nellis AFB, Nevada, where they participated in 'Red Flag' manoeuvres for the first time.
Combat
In July 2008 the US completed the delivery of 14 F-16s to Pakistan under a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) deal signed in 2005. These aircraft were donated except for transportation costs, but were purchased and paid for by Pakistan many years ago only to fall foul of an embargo. Pakistan is also expecting its fleet of F-16A/Bs to be upgraded using US military aid. In addition, Pakistan has ordered 12 F-16C and six F16D Block 52 fighters, delivery of which began in June 2010 with arrival of the first three aircraft for No.5 Squadron at Shahbaz. These are more capable versions of the Fighting Falcon that can execute night-time and precision-strike missions. The first three aircraft were delivered in June 2010. These 'Peace Drive I' aircraft are receiving the AN/ALQ-173 electronic warfare system from ITT Avionics via the US FMS programme. Another FMS contract in April 2007 covers the acquisition of 18 Lockheed Martin Sniper targeting pods for use by these aircraft. These are to be delivered by December 2010 and will markedly enhance the PAF's ability to perform targeting and conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
Pakistan's key aircraft manufacturing facility, the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, and China's CATIC (China Aviation Technology Import-Export Corporation), signed an agreement on 7 March 2009 for serial production of an initial tranche of 42 JF-17 'Thunder' fighter aircraft in Pakistan. The complex in Kamra will produce around15 JF-17s annually, although there is the possibility that it may increase to 30 aircraft a year in order to satisfy the ambitious re-equipment programme. The first JF-17 to be produced in Pakistan was handed over to the PAF in November 2009. The PAF intends the JF-17 to become the backbone of its fleet and plans to acquire at least 150 and probably as many as 240 by 2015. By the end of 2009 the PAF had received at least eight JF-17s, all of which were manufactured in China and one locally produced version. The first squadron to be equipped is No. 26, based at Minhas; No.16 Squadron (currently at Peshawar) will be next but may also move to Minhas. According to PAC Kamra, the unit price is estimated at USD15 million.
China is selling at least 36 of its CAC J-10 multirole fighter aircraft to Pakistan in a deal involving one of its most advanced weapon systems, according to senior Pakistani and Western defence officials. News of the agreement came on 11 November 2009 when the PAF commander, Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, was visiting China. A senior Western defence official based in Islamabad who closely tracks Sino-Pakistani military co-operation told Jane's: "The deal for the J-10 is finally together now."
According to the Western defence official, who declined to be named, China agreed to supply the batch of 36 J-10s (sufficient aircraft for two squadrons) by 2012 or 2013. The two sides have left open the possibility of a future agreement for the sale of more J-10s. The timing of the J-10 deal is significant. The first JF-17 made in Pakistan was rolled out of the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) at Kamra, north of Islamabad, in late 2009 and the first squadron of JF-17s was formally inducted into the air force in February 2010, although this has still to attain full operational capability.
Western defence analysts say the JF-17 airframe is produced at the PAC, while its avionics and weapon systems include items sourced from China and the West. For example, the JF-17 will initially utilise Chinese KLJ-1 radar, although there is a strong possibility that this will eventually be replaced by a Thales system. "This [the JF-17] will be a truly global aircraft, including specs from different sources," one Western defence official based in Islamabad told Jane's.
Transport
In early September 2010, it was announced that The PAF was to receive 10 Aerospatiale SA 316 Alouette III utility helicopters from the Swiss government to help with the search-and-rescue (SAR) efforts that have been ongoing since much of the country was flooded following heavy rains in mid 2010. The Swiss Ministry of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) stated that the helicopters, which were due to be retired by the end of the year, would be transferred to the PAF free of charge. The DDPS also expressed its expectation that the helicopters would be delivered by PAF transport aircraft later in the same month. According to the DDPS, the PAF has been interested in purchasing these helicopters for some time prior to the announcement. As at September 2010 the PAF operated 15 such aircraft which were first procured in the 1960s (the Pakistan Navy also operates about 10 Alouette IIIs that it began to purchase in the mid-1990s).
Under the terms of the agreement, the Pakistan authorities have provided written guarantees to the Swiss government that these helicopters will not be armed and will be used exclusively for SAR and other non-combat duties.
In March 2009, the PAF took delivery of the first of four Embraer Phenom 100s from Brazil, followed by the second in June 2009. These and the following aircraft are to be used as staff transports and will replace a similar number of Cessna 172s. All four had been delivered to No.41 Squadron by the end of December 2009.
The first Il-78MP 'Midas' refuelling aircraft was delivered to the PAF by Ukraine in December 2009 and is now in service with No.10 Squadron at Chaklala, where it will be joined by a second example during 2010. The II-78 is able to refuel Mirage and JF-17 combat aircraft, which are fitted with probes, but is not compatible with the F-16, which has a different in-flight refuelling system. Fuel tanks located in the hold are removable, permitting use as a general strategic transport.
C4ISR
Roll out of the first aircraft took place at Linköping, Sweden in March 2008, with the maiden flight following on 29 April 2008. The aircraft was in December 2009 and is operated by No.13 Squadron from Minhas. Delivery of the second Saab 2000 took place in April 2010. According to Saab, the aircraft was then to undergo final tests in Pakistan, mainly focusing on verifying the PS-890 Erieye radar system, which is fitted to the aircraft as a dorsal 'plank' antenna. The Erieye features an electronic-warfare suite that includes electronic support, threat-warning and countermeasures dispensing subsystems, an identification friend-or-foe subsystem, command-and-control (C2) capabilities and a ground-based mission trainer.
An unmodified training systems aircraft has been in service with No.3 Squadron at Chaklala since October 2008. The Erieye will data-link with the F-16s but not the Mirage fleet.
In January 2009, Pakistan's defence minister informed parliament that a USD278 million order had been placed for the Chinese ZDK-03 AWACS system. The aerial platform for this is based on the Y-8 aircraft, with delivery of the first aircraft anticipated in November-December 2010. They are intended to be compatible with Chinese-origin combat aircraft.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
In 2007, the PAF acquired the Falco UAV designed by Selex Galileo of Italy for use in the ISR role. The system is being part-produced at the Kamra factory and is likely to be followed by a missile-armed UAV in due course. In-country assembly of the Falco UAV was launched in August 2009.
Trainer
A further eight K-8 Karakorum trainer aircraft were delivered to Risalpur in January 2009, raising the number received to 28, comprising 12 original K-8 and 16 improved K-8Ps. An upgrade/modernisation project involving the original aircraft is being undertaken by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex at Kamra to bring them to the latest K-8P configuration.
Most recently, in May 2010, China and Pakistan concluded a number of defence agreements, including one involving the provision of four trainer aircraft. No details of type of aircraft or delivery schedule have yet emerged. This forms part of a CNY60 million (USD8.8 million) package to fund training that is believed to encompass all branches of Pakistan's armed forces.
MODERNISATION
The deal is one of several FMS contracts that Pakistan officials have recently urged to be accelerated by Washington. Meetings between the defence officials of the two sides earlier in May 2010 focused on "more rapid delivery" of on-order equipment and services, as well as identifying additional requirements to be funded by Washington's Foreign Military Financing programme, under which Pakistan receives around USD300 million a year.
Notes:
1...In July 2007, the US agreed to deliver 28 additional F-16 fighter aircraft (13 F-16As and 15 F-16Bs) to Pakistan, following service with the USAF and US Navy. All of the USAF machines (3 F-16As and 11 F-16Bs) were handed over, but the US Navy has not agreed to release its aircraft (10 F-16As and 4 F-16Bs). It is intended to subject all remaining F-16A/B aircraft to an upgrade programme, comprising four pattern examples now receiving attention in the US, with the remainder (originally planned to be 42, but likely to be reduced to 41 because of recent attrition) to be done by Turkish Aerospace Industries during 2010-14. A total of 12 F-16Cs and six F-16Ds will be delivered to No.5 Squadron at Shahbaz in 2010-11.
2....Current orders. Up to 250 to be acquired; delivery in progress.
