Pakistan F-16 Discussions 2

[Last Hope]

Jacobabad is quite far from Kashmir. Indian threat is Punjab, Northern Areas isn't it?

So the point is, Why have we placed the F-16 Block 52s there when Sargodha or Peshawar, or somewhere North West is ideal?

If i had to make a decision, i would place the initial 2 JF-17 Squadrons in Jacobabad and 2 F-16 Block 52 Squadrons in Peshawar...

The Think Tanks must certainly not be fools and must have decided to response. (Sorry cannot mention about this 'response' ).
As for me, I would like to have them somewhere in mid-Punjab, like Sargoda.

Looks like the Lockheed Martin Sniper Pod and its mounting rack to me

Yeah you got that right. A sniping pod. The block 52s got them in the package too, and were used in the fight against militants.

 

[untitled]

Yikes my bad. Appear to be fake CFTs on a aircraft in a museum. Notice the word tourist in the back and an F-15 just behind the F-16

 

[Sapper]

nope they are not single covered tank is inside it sir gee

Dear,

This is the Gun Access/Exhaust Panel on Port/Left side of the F16. It is there because actual Gun-Access-Panel on Port-Dorsal side of viper is covered up by the CFT, when installed, and to allow guns to be fired, cleaned and reloaded, this panel is used.

This specific panel is not present on the Starboard/Right side.

Regards,
Sapper

 

[SQ8]

Looks like the Lockheed Martin Sniper Pod and its mounting rack to me

Lol.. I was looking at something else.. did not even notice the Sniper.
I though Wj was referring to the small protrusion under the radome.

 

[MastanKhan]

well seeing that chinese are developing a 5th gen aircrft, i dont see why j-10 b which is yet in developing phase to be 10-15 years lagging..i think even the most bias US experts will disagree to it.
however, we can say that j-10 a is 10 years lagging, as it was developed a decade ago , at that time chinese were definetly 10-15 years behind.

Hi,

You see, you are assuming now----in a technical field---you cannot assume. When it comes down to material engineering, you either have it or you don't---you maybe be on the road to get it---that is fine---but when! Wars are not fought and won---on the basis of what you are going to get in the future, but rather what you procured five ten years ago.

You kids have developed a bad habbit of comparing and assessing items that are not even in service yet, to those that have been available in form and function for decades.

Does everything needs to be repeated every single time----remember when the JF 17 came out---and all the superstars on this board were talking as if you take on everything in its way the day it came out---till they found that the first batch was for purely for ground strikes---and it has taken them years to see what the aircraft is capable of---.

That process is called integration---and there are many a growing pains in that process---you find out that the radar that you ordered from france and spent years in researching on it is not available----. There are bugs and kinks that needed to be taken outof the system----plus there is the operational manual to be written about the aircraft---.

But that is beyond it---the thing is that simply the J10B neither has bvr's to match the aim 120 nor other electronic capabilities---it does come close----. A 21st century aircraft claiming itself to be better than an aircraft that started its design in the later half of 20th century---.


An operational AIM 120 has totally changed the game and the rules of engagement in our arena against our arch enemy---india---. Another 50 to a 100 aircraft with this capability, will be a big setback for the opponent.

An aircraft by itself is something---but truthfully it is nothing in itself in this day and age---it is the complimentary package that it carries that sets it apart.

 

[SBD-3]

The days of falcon are not over!

SINGAPORE, Feb. 15, 2012 – Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] unveiled a new version of the F-16 today at the Singapore Airshow. The F-16V will feature enhancements including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, an upgraded mission computer and architecture, and improvements to the cockpit – all capabilities identified by the U.S. Air Force and several international customers for future improvements.

With nearly 4,500 F-16s delivered, this is a natural step in the evolution of the world’s most successful 4th generation fighter. The Fighting Falcon program has continually evolved as it began with the F-16 A/B as the lightweight fighter then transitioned to F-16 C/D and Block 60 versions as customers’ requirements changed.

AESA radars offer significant operational capability improvements. Lockheed Martin has developed an innovative solution to affordably retrofit this key technology into existing F-16s. The F-16V configuration is an option for new production jets and elements of the upgrade are available to most earlier-model F-16s. The “V” designation is derived from Viper, the name fighter pilots have called the F-16 from its beginnings.

“We believe this F-16V will satisfy our customers’ emerging requirements and prepare them to better interoperate with the 5th generation fighters, the F-35 and F-22,” said George Standridge, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics’ vice president of business development.

The F-16 is the choice of 26 nations. The F-16 program has been characterized by unprecedented international cooperation among governments, air forces and aerospace industries.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 123,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's net sales for 2011 were $46.5 billion.

Lockheed Martin · Lockheed Martin?s Fighting Falcon Evolves With New F-16V

 

[nafsiati]

Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] unveiled a new version of the F-16 today at the Singapore Airshow. The F-16V will feature enhancements including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, an upgraded mission computer and architecture, and improvements to the cockpit – all capabilities identified by the U.S. Air Force and several international customers for future improvements.
With nearly 4,500 F-16s delivered, this is a natural step in the evolution of the world’s most successful 4th generation fighter. The Fighting Falcon program has continually evolved as it began with the F-16 A/B as the lightweight fighter then transitioned to F-16 C/D and Block 60 versions as customers’ requirements changed.
AESA radars offer significant operational capability improvements. Lockheed Martin has developed an innovative solution to affordably retrofit this key technology into existing F-16s. The F-16V configuration is an option for new production jets and elements of the upgrade are available to most earlier-model F-16s. The “V” designation is derived from Viper, the name fighter pilots have called the F-16 from its beginnings.
“We believe this F-16V will satisfy our customers’ emerging requirements and prepare them to better interoperate with the 5th generation fighters, the F-35 and F-22,” said George Standridge, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics’ vice president of business development.
The F-16 is the choice of 26 nations. The F-16 program has been characterized by unprecedented international cooperation among governments, air forces and aerospace industries.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 123,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's net sales for 2011 were $46.5 billion.


Read more: http:/http://www.sacbee.com/2012/02/15/4265773/lockheed-martins-fighting-falcon.html

 

[unicorn]

Lol.. I was looking at something else.. did not even notice the Sniper.
I though Wj was referring to the small protrusion under the radome.

 

[proindian]

PAF more capable to defend motherland after induction of F-16, AVACS – Air Chief
February 14, 2012
By Kashif Munir


Jacobabad - Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman said on Monday that with the induction of F-16 (Block 52) fighter jets and AVACS surveillance aircraft in its fleet, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) was now more capable to counter any external aggression against the territorial integrity of the country.

“We have received the last batch of 18 F-16 (Block 52) jets which have better technical and operational capabilities as compared to our neighbouring air force,” he said while talking to journalists on the occasion of completion of delivery of F-16 (Block-52) and upgradation of Shahbaz Airbase.

He said that the 14 F-16 (Block 15) fighter aircrafts had arrived from the United States after complete overhauling. Rao Qamar Suleman said that the PAF had also acquired one AVACS, out of four aircraft, from China which had enhanced its air surveillance capability.

Under a Mid-Life Upgradation (MLU) agreement, Turkey would upgrade 45 F-16 old version aircraft to the level of F-16 (Block 52) by equipping them with modern avionics and radar systems till 2013.

About upgradation of Shahbaz Airbase, he said that the airbase was fully under the PAF command and control and the reports regarding presence of foreign air force were baseless.

“Some US trainers are imparting training to our pilots and engineering staff under PAF command and control system”, he added.

The PAF Chief said that it was first in the history of the country that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) together flew in the fighter aircraft.

Responding to a question regarding air defence cooperation with Russia, he said that it would take at least two years to purchase any particular aircraft from Russia.

Pakistan, he said, was also manufacturing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) simply known as Drone aircraft but they were not capable to fire missiles or rockets. “We will be able to manufacture UAVs which can have weapon firing capability.”

When his attention was drawn about Indian preparations and purchase of heavy weapons, he said that the PAF was ready to meet challenges and thwart any aggression.

Responding to a question about the US operation in Abbottabad, he said, “The US and allied forces were our partners in war against terrorism and we could not imagine that they would violate our airspace.”

Earlier, briefing a group of journalists who flew from Islamabad to attend the ceremony, Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Operations) Air Marshal Waseem Uddin said the PAF cooperation with the US was still continuing.

About the PAF’s participation in war on terror, he said that the PAF was not conducting operations at its own rather it provided support to the army in Swat and Bajour operations.

He said that the Shahbaz Airbase was upgraded in record two-year time.

Air Marshal Waseem Uddin expressed the confidence that F-16 (Block 52) aircraft would bring a lot of stability in the region and shift the balance of air power in Pakistan’s balance.

To another query, he said that several countries had shown interest in Pakistan JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft as “this aircraft is cost effective and capable of all manoeuvres”.

Regarding professional capability of Pakistani pilots, he said, “We should be proud of the capability of our pilots as the entire world is appreciative of their skills.”

About refueling of F-16 in mid air, he said the PAF was evaluating a possibility to acquire this technology.

He said that the PAF plans were ready to counter Indian war doctrines and it would not let the nation down in this regard.

To a question, he said that Shahbaz Airbase remained under use of the NATO forces from 2002 to 2004. However, it was got vacated from the NATO forces by the government in 2004.

Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman reviewed a F-16 (Block 52) aircraft and went to its cockpit.

They were briefed by PAF pilots and other officials regarding functions and technical and operational capabilities of F-16 (Block 52) aircraft. Both the chiefs also had 45-minute flight on two separate F-16 (Block 52) aircraft.

The journalists were also taken around different installations and facilities at the PAF Shahbaz Airbase including the runway, tarmac, engineering and maintenance blocks, engine test cells, weapons stores, residential area and base headquarters building.

A PAF official briefed the journalists that all the Pakistani resources, including workforce and firms, were employed to upgrade the airbase which had all the facilities of a frontline airbase.

About security of the airbase, he said that all internal and external security measures had been taken for safety and protection of all the assets and facilities.

Earlier, welcoming the journalists, Director General, ATSC, Air Vice Marshal Ashfaq Arayen briefed them about the reconstruction and development of Shahbaz Airbase into a modern airbase.

He said that 4,000 skilled and unskilled local people had been recruited by the PAF at the airbase.(APP)

 

[soul hacker]

IMP NOTES OF PARA

PAF more capable to defend motherland after induction of F-16, AVACS – Air Chief
February 14, 2012
By Kashif Munir


Jacobabad - Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman said on Monday that with the induction of F-16 (Block 52) fighter jets and AVACS surveillance aircraft in its fleet, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) was now more capable to counter any external aggression against the territorial integrity of the country.

“We have received the last batch of 18 F-16 (Block 52) jets which have better technical and operational capabilities as compared to our neighbouring air force,” he said while talking to journalists on the occasion of completion of delivery of F-16 (Block-52) and upgradation of Shahbaz Airbase.

He said that the 14 F-16 (Block 15) fighter aircrafts had arrived from the United States after complete overhauling. Rao Qamar Suleman said that the PAF had also acquired one AVACS, out of four aircraft, from China which had enhanced its air surveillance capability.

Under a Mid-Life Upgradation (MLU) agreement, Turkey would upgrade 45 F-16 old version aircraft to the level of F-16 (Block 52) by equipping them with modern avionics and radar systems till 2013.

About upgradation of Shahbaz Airbase, he said that the airbase was fully under the PAF command and control and the reports regarding presence of foreign air force were baseless.

“Some US trainers are imparting training to our pilots and engineering staff under PAF command and control system”, he added.

The PAF Chief said that it was first in the history of the country that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) together flew in the fighter aircraft.

Responding to a question regarding air defence cooperation with Russia, he said that it would take at least two years to purchase any particular aircraft from Russia.

Pakistan, he said, was also manufacturing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) simply known as Drone aircraft but they were not capable to fire missiles or rockets. “We will be able to manufacture UAVs which can have weapon firing capability.”

When his attention was drawn about Indian preparations and purchase of heavy weapons, he said that the PAF was ready to meet challenges and thwart any aggression.

Responding to a question about the US operation in Abbottabad, he said, “The US and allied forces were our partners in war against terrorism and we could not imagine that they would violate our airspace.”

Earlier, briefing a group of journalists who flew from Islamabad to attend the ceremony, Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Operations) Air Marshal Waseem Uddin said the PAF cooperation with the US was still continuing.

About the PAF’s participation in war on terror, he said that the PAF was not conducting operations at its own rather it provided support to the army in Swat and Bajour operations.

He said that the Shahbaz Airbase was upgraded in record two-year time.

Air Marshal Waseem Uddin expressed the confidence that F-16 (Block 52) aircraft would bring a lot of stability in the region and shift the balance of air power in Pakistan’s balance.

To another query, he said that several countries had shown interest in Pakistan JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft as “this aircraft is cost effective and capable of all manoeuvres”.

Regarding professional capability of Pakistani pilots, he said, “We should be proud of the capability of our pilots as the entire world is appreciative of their skills.”


About refueling of F-16 in mid air, he said the PAF was evaluating a possibility to acquire this technology.

He said that the PAF plans were ready to counter Indian war doctrines and it would not let the nation down in this regard.

To a question, he said that Shahbaz Airbase remained under use of the NATO forces from 2002 to 2004. However, it was got vacated from the NATO forces by the government in 2004.

Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman reviewed a F-16 (Block 52) aircraft and went to its cockpit.

They were briefed by PAF pilots and other officials regarding functions and technical and operational capabilities of F-16 (Block 52) aircraft. Both the chiefs also had 45-minute flight on two separate F-16 (Block 52) aircraft.

The journalists were also taken around different installations and facilities at the PAF Shahbaz Airbase including the runway, tarmac, engineering and maintenance blocks, engine test cells, weapons stores, residential area and base headquarters building.

A PAF official briefed the journalists that all the Pakistani resources, including workforce and firms, were employed to upgrade the airbase which had all the facilities of a frontline airbase.

About security of the airbase, he said that all internal and external security measures had been taken for safety and protection of all the assets and facilities.

Earlier, welcoming the journalists, Director General, ATSC, Air Vice Marshal Ashfaq Arayen briefed them about the reconstruction and development of Shahbaz Airbase into a modern airbase.

He said that 4,000 skilled and unskilled local people had been recruited by the PAF at the airbase.(APP)

 

[Najam Khan]

PAF more capable to defend motherland after induction of F-16, AVACS – Air Chief
February 14, 2012
By Kashif Munir
“We have received the last batch of 18 F-16 (Block 52) jets which have better technical and operational capabilities as compared to our neighbouring air force,” he said while talking to journalists on the occasion of completion of delivery of F-16 (Block-52) and upgradation of Shahbaz Airbase.

That means 18 aircraft received under the Peace Drive-I.

He said that the 14 F-16 (Block 15) fighter aircrafts had arrived from the United States after complete overhauling. Rao Qamar Suleman said that the PAF had also acquired one AVACS, out of four aircraft, from China which had enhanced its air surveillance capability.

These 14 aircraft have been recieved from Dec 2005 to Jul 2008.

About refueling of F-16 in mid air, he said the PAF was evaluating a possibility to acquire this technology.

It was evaluated in 2007/2008 but the decision was made in favour of IL-78, which can refuel Mirage JF-17 and FC-20(in near future). The bk52s with CFTs solved the range and endurance problem too.

 

[Last Hope]

He said that 4,000 skilled and unskilled local people had been recruited by the PAF at the airbase.(APP)

What? What for? This is disturbing.

 

[SQ8]

What? What for? This is disturbing.

How is it disturbing?
The base needed labour for its renovation and these people were employed for it...and it is a large base.
Basic people to lift bricks.. mortar... carpenters.. truck drivers.. diggers. etc
Then some structural engineers .. etc.
How is it even remotely disturbing?

 

[Last Hope]

How is it disturbing?
The base needed labour for its renovation and these people were employed for it...and it is a large base.
Basic people to lift bricks.. mortar... carpenters.. truck drivers.. diggers. etc
Then some structural engineers .. etc.
How is it even remotely disturbing?

Oscar, I thought of that. But 4,000 in number seems quite large. And as they are locals, skilled and unskilled as the news claims, many of them would be surely living on small wages. No to mention that Shahbaz is now the most important airbase, and 'outsiders' could bribe them to get any work done, including getting information.

You're a smart man and I hope you are getting what I mean. After all, 4,000 is a large number to look after.

 

[proindian]

F-16s: Mending Strained Ties
February 8, 2012
By Shumaila Raja
Exclusive Article

In a fresh sign of thaw in the Pak-US strained relations, the US delivered three F-16 aircraft to Pakistan, which included a new fighter plane and two that were returned after being refurbished. One F-16 D Block 52 and two F-16 Block 15 MLU (Mid Life Upgrade) aircraft arrived at PAF Shahbaz Base. The arrival of last F-16 D Block 52 aircraft marked the completion of delivery of 18 aircraft of this category. According to the PAF spokesman, “the other two F-16 Block 15 aircraft, which arrived on Feb 6, were earlier sent to USA for Mid Life Upgrade and have been delivered to PAF on time.”
The F-16 C/D Block 52 aircraft is a high-tech fighter aircraft equipped with state-of-the-art avionics suite and latest weapons with Night Precision Attack capability.
Reportedly the US has also been working with the PAF to modernize 45 F-16s from its existing fighter fleet through the US foreign military financing security assistance program. This would obviously help ease the already existing serious tension between the two countries in the wake of NATO airstrikes on Pakistan’s Salala border posts in Mohmand Agency on November 26 last year. The delivery of three F-16s reflects clear signs of thaw in relations as it seems the two sides have covered major ground in their behind-the-scene talks through military and diplomatic channels and both of them were now on the verge of settlement of contentious issues like the blocking of NATO supplies, drone strikes and presence of US military trainers in Pakistan.
According to a background detail, the US in the 1990s sold a number of F-16s (Fighting Falcons) to Pakistan for about $463 millions. But Pakistan never received them due to the Pressler amendment. The planes were never delivered. The amount refunded was $140 million less than the amount paid by Pakistan. Part of it was considered “service charges” by the supplying company. Now the US has sold 18 new and 26 old F-16s to Pakistan at a total cost of about $3 billion. It also upgrade about 34 old F-16s that Pakistan already had. Lockheed Martin, the builder of F-16s and other principal contractors like Boeing CO., Raytheon Co., Northrop-Grumman Corp., and General Electric Corp. were the main beneficiaries of the deal. The US may be hoping that this sale might help Pakistan to democratize and modernize and make it a better neighbor to India and transform the Pak-India relationship into something mutually constructive, yet it has also been in the air that Pakistan has been made agreed to that it would not use the warplanes against India. This also helps assume that the US is willing to understand Pakistan’s security concerns with regard to its ability to continue with the war against terrorism.
Besides, the US had sought unusual guarantees to prevent the technology of these very advance planes from falling into the hands of countries such as China with whom Pakistan has good military relationship. The Russian MiG-29s that India has and started mass-producing them soon is equally advanced and in some respects supposed to be even better. Analysts believe that the US has been withholding unspecified F-16 technologies so that it could not be used in any “offensive” way to penetrate air space of another country. Pakistan’s F-16 fleet and munitions would be segregated from aircraft supplied by other countries so that third country or unauthorized engineers could not get access to the planes. US personnel would carry out inventories and their associated systems every six months. They question that Pakistan’s known “enemy” is India and if the planes cannot be used against them in times of war then what is the use of buying them? Also, India is vastly superior to Pakistan in military numbers. What would a handful of F-16s do in the case of a prolonged war if, God forbid, it ever happens?
Frank Jack Daniel’s article “India’s military build-up may be too little too late?” published on Feb 4 clearly refers to India’s threats and defence priorities shifted from Pakistan to China. India’s is the world’s largest arms importer with plans to spend $100 billion on weapons over the next decade. “The Indian military is strengthening its forces in preparation to fight a limited conflict along the disputed border, and is working to balance Chinese power projection in the Indian Ocean,” US Director of National Intelligence James R Clapper told the US Senate last week. The “balance” includes a strategic alliance with Washington that in turn has stoked Chinese fears of containment. It is due to test-fire its nuclear capable Agni V rocket in the next few weeks, with a strike range reaching deep into China. In 2009, the Indian air force reopened a high-altitude, landing strip in Ladakh last used during a 1962 border war with China.
Along with other Himalayan bases, India is now upgrading the strip for fighter operations. India’s military modernization plans are focused on the navy and air force, more than the army, which has traditionally squared off with Pakistan. But with Pakistan’s air force also modernizing fast, India risks losing its edge on two fronts. Last week’s exercises were being held on the Andaman Islands, where India is spending $2 billion to set up a military command and from where the contested and congested South China Seas is only a short hop away. Last year, India’s INS Airavat, an amphibious assault vessel that sailed from the Andamans was challenged in the South China Sea by a radio caller indentifying himself as an official of the Chinese navy. Both sides later played down the incident.
However, the notion that India is building up arms and ammunition that is China-specific seems to be wrong, because all the deployments India has made are not close to its China borders but near to Pakistani border areas. The war exercises and periodic drills which Indian military conducts is also usually near the Pakistan Rajesthan border. In the comparison, Pakistan, despite acquiring the F-16s, lags far behind India in terms of balance of power in the region. It is also interesting to note that the American air force has replaced its F-16 fleets with the high-tech F-18s.
The writer is a freelance columnist and a regular contributor to pkarticleshub.com