Salam.
In my opinion, the major weak link in the PAF at the moment is logistics. A US military report describe the Pakistan air force as suffering from a 'long-term airlift shortfall'.
Currently the C-130 forms the backbone of the PAF transport fleet with 20-30 aircraft, all of which are the earliest models. Many of these aircraft are 30+ years old, and both airframe and powerplant will have amassed a lot of cycles and hours. During their service, they have seen little in the way of upgrade apart from the basic necessities of overhaul at PAC Kamra.
The C-130 has a role that no other aircraft in the PAF fleet can perform. It can take off from short unprepared runways, whether they be in the mountains of the north or the deserts of baluchistan whilst carrying a 20 ton payload. It has proved its worth time and time again, ferrying supplies to earthquake hit zones, flooded areas, and when the need has taken it, as a bomber!
Despite the crucial role the transport aircraft plays in maintaining logistical support for troops an civilians, the Pakistan govt. and in my opinion the Air force have neglected and even ignored the need for a replacement and have instead focused on the offensive/defensive capability. The last transport aircraft to join the PAF was the C-235. This aircraft can barely carry 4 tons, and even then only 4 were ordered!
Some may say, that the IL-78 with fill this niche in its dual role as air refueler and cargo. Incorrect. The IL-78 lacks the flexibility the C-130 offers. It requires longer runways and has longer turn around times. Even so, the IL-78 the PAF will receive are, surprise surprise used airframes!
In order to fill this gap, the PAF needs to prioritise acquiring transport aircraft in order to meet this shortfall, even if that means putting the J-10 on hold.(Not the F-16. That's too important!)
What are the options?
1. More C-130. New-built C-130s are out of the question. They have a fly-away cost of $40m. However, Pakistan could try and persuade the US to extend support and spares through the Excess defence Articles program, seeing how the US is in the process of acquiring newer C-130s and C-17s. Being an "ally" in the "war on terror" we should be able to twist her arm and get a good deal.
2. AN-70. An aircraft like this would be ideal. 40 ton payload, it would do everything plus more than the c-130. However, it's still under development, and considering the financial constraints the Pak govt is facing, this is not on.
3. A400M. Engine problems. Suffering long-term delays. Very capable but very expensive. Ruled out.
4. C-235. Would have an advantage over others due to commonality. However limited payload, makes this a weak alternative.
5. C-295. good range/payload capabilities and it's smaller variant is already in service. Good price. Still not good enough uplift capabilities. (P.S Should the crap hit the fan and you have engine problems, you can easily strip the Pratts off PIA ATR42s ;-) )
6.C-27J. Excellent price and short takeoff performance. Can also lift slightly more than the C-295. However still a big range/payload gap between this and C-130.
I haven't included any jet powered transport purely because of the cost in terms of maintenance and acquisition. They also generally tend to be more susceptible to FOD and have poorer short field performance.
In conclusion, PAF should try and go for excess C-130s from the US as a short-term replacement of the work horses already in service due to commonality and minimal training and maintenance costs. If not possible then a dozen of C-27J or C-295 would be ideal.
Your comments, opinions are welcome.
I'll stop dreaming now!
P.S I just noticed that in the past 2 years, this thread has had just 33 replies, many of which are totally off topic. Goes to show the importance of logistics in eyes of the public. Compare that to the F-16/JF-17 threads. Shame really :-(
