Pakistan Naval Aviation - Updated

[ghazi52]

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[ghazi52]

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The Pakistan Naval Arm ever since its creation in September 1975 with the commissioning of its home base PNS Mehran, has been a vital part of Pakistan’s naval strategy.

This force is dominated by the PN helicopter fleet, and these helicopters have played a major role in the domains of Anti Submarine and Anti Surface Warfare (ASW & ASuW), maritime patrolling and overall support of the surface fleet. The helicopters with which we are familiar with today, a lot of them have been serving Pakistan as long as up to 47 years now!

These are as given below:
~ Westland Sea king: Being part of the Naval air arms’ 111 ‘Sharks’ squadron since 1975, this helicopter is the linchpin of the naval air arm’s operational capabilities. Its main roles are Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti Surface Warfare (ASuW) operations. Besides that it plays a pivotal role in visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS), Para drop, VVIP/VIP passenger ferry, utility, troop transfer and Medical Evacuation (MEDVAC) duties.

For ASuW operation the helicopter has been armed with AM 39 Exocet Anti-Ship Missiles, while for ASW operations it can be armed with Mk 46 torpedoes or depth charges.

Since its inception in the 111 Squadron, the helicopter has been at the centre-point of PN operations: be it a multi-national exercise e.g AMAN, KAKADU or mass relief operations such as the earthquake of 2005, flood relief operations in Punjab and Sindh in 2010 and 2011, the 111 squadron has always been at the forefront of HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) ops. This squadron has the unique capability to undertake nighttime naval Search and Rescue (SAR).

The squadron is routinely tasked at short notices to undertake challenging and risk-prone helicopter operations. At present, the squadron has up to 11 Westland Sea King Helicopters. Avionics suite of PN Sea Kings is being upgraded to enhance its
sensors capabilities.

~ Aérospatiale SA 316 Alouette III: In 1977 four Alouette III helicopters were acquired from France, leading to the naval air arm’s 333 squadron. Later in 1982 two more Alouette helicopters were added, after being upgraded with radars. In 2008,
2 more SA 316B's Alouettes got added with upgraded instruments. Currently there are reportedly between 5-7 of these helicopters in active service with PN in air arms. The helicopter plays a key role in anti-submarine warfare (ASW), being armed with light torpedoes and Search and Rescue (SAR). The squadron is routinely tasked at short notices to undertake challenging and risk-prone helicopter operations. At present, the squadron has up to 11 Westland Sea King Helicopters. Avionics suite of PN Sea Kings is being upgraded to enhance its sensors capabilities.

~ Aérospatiale SA 316 Alouette III: In 1977 four Alouette III helicopters were acquired from France, leading to the naval air arm’s 333 squadron. Later in 1982 two more Alouette helicopters were added, after being upgraded with radars. In 2008, 2 more SA 316B's Alouettes got added with upgraded instruments. Currently there are reportedly between 5-7 of these helicopters in active service with PN in air arms. The helicopter plays a key role in anti-submarine warfare (ASW), being armed with light torpedoes and depth charges. But with time, these helicopters are becoming obsolete and in dire need of replacement.

~ Harbin Z-9EC: Pakistan received 6 Harbin Z-9EC helicopters from China in 2009, forming the No. 222 squadron of the naval air arm. Currently being the most modern Helicopter in PN, it is equipped with Radar, Sonar and Electronic Support Measures (ESM). The primary roles assigned are ASW and Reconnaissance along with secondary roles such as SAR, MEDEVAC, Command, Liaison and Training etc. The Helicopter can be armed with light-weight laser guided missile, torpedoes and depth charges.

~ Westland Lynx: In 1994 Pakistan brought 3 ex Royal Navy Lynx helicopters from UK and inducted in 222 squadron. But saw short service with PN going only over a decade. by 2008-09 the Lynx had been already got grounded ...

 

[ghazi52]

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[Raja Porus]

Can anyone provide list of all the fixed wing aircraft being operated as well as of future acquisitions.

 

[Mahabahu kaunteya]

Any news of super sultan ?

 

[ghazi52]

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PN Current Fleet ASW :
111 ASW SQUADRON 19 x Westland Sea Kings
222 ASW SQUADRON 6 x Z9Cs
333 ASW SQUADRON 7 x SA-319 Aérospatiale Alouette III -
Primary roles assigned are ASW / Recon. -Sec role -
SAR, MEDEVAC, Command, Liaison, Training

 

[ghazi52]

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[Signalian]

Yes, I felt the need very much.

This goes multi pronged. The needs can be laid down;

1. Provide air cover to PN surface and aerial assets.
2. Air strikes against enemy surface combatants.
3. Provide air support to Marines.
4. CAP responsibility over waters held by PN not PAF. This frees up PAF from a primary role in a major theater of battle.

However, then how would PN employ fighter jets along with other Maritime aircraft like ATR in war scenario.

 

[Raja Porus]

This goes multi pronged. The needs can be laid down;

1. Provide air cover to PN surface and aerial assets.
2. Air strikes against enemy surface combatants.
3. Provide air support to Marines.
4. CAP responsibility over waters held by PN not PAF. This frees up PAF from a primary role in a major theater of battle.

However, then how would PN employ fighter jets along with other Maritime aircraft like ATR in war scenario.

After the sim.

 

[ghazi52]

Submarine Buster ...

 

[air marshal]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1535711794932637699

 

[HRK]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1535711794932637699

so what is the status all 3 are now converted into MPA ???

 

[Tipu7]

so what is the status all 3 are now converted into MPA ???

Three ATR-72s have been converted into RAS-72s. (Serials 77,78,79)

 

[Pakistan Ka Beta]

Three ATR-72s have been converted into RAS-72s. (Serials 77,78,79)

Plan for any others ??? or 3 are enough in this category . Thanks .

 

[air marshal]