Pakistan, Russia agree to boost defence cooperation

[TAC]

Pakistan Army’s Chief of the Army Staff, Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kayani, will be visiting Moscow in the coming days, following which Russian President Vladimir Putin will make a two-day official visit to Pakistan starting October 2, during which Putin will meet his Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari during talks that are part of a quadrilateral summit to be hosted by Pakistan on October 3 in which Afghanistan’s and Tajikistan’s Presidents will also take part. The credit for initiating high-level dialogues between Moscow and Islamabad goes to Pakistan’s former President-cum-COAS Gen Pervez Musharraf, following his state visit in February 2003. Next to visit Moscow was President Asif Ali Zardari, who paid a three-day official visit to between May 11 and 13 this year.

*During this meeting, Islamabad had sought Russia’s financial-cum-diplomatic support for the Iran–Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline (for which Germany-based ILF has completed detailed engineering design and according to the interim feasibility report, the cost of the project is between $1.2 and $1.5 billion) after both the US and Saudi Arabia played spoilt-sports last March and forced the world’s largest ban--Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd (ICBC)—to roll back its plans for syndicating funds for the Pakistani side of the IP gas pipeline. Last year, Pakistan’s own state-owned National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) and Oil and Gas Development Company Ltd (OGDC) had walked away from the project last year fearing US sanctions. Faced with no other alternative, Islamabad has turned to Moscow for financial assistance for continuance of the IP gas pipeline project.*

Interestingly, Moscow has signalled its readiness to warm up to Pakistan’s overtures with the proviso that Pakistan accommodates Russia’s concerns regarding the regional security scenario in Central Asia, given the fact that Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan/Khyber Pakhtunkhwa belt is separated from Tajikistan by Afghanistan’s narrow Wakhan Corridor, and that this belt of Pakistan also borders the Kashgar prefecture of China’s troubled Xinjiang province. To this end, Russia is reported to be willing to extend a sizeable quantum of security assistance to Pakistan, which is likely to include up to 12 new-build Mi-171 helicopters (to be built by the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant) and hundreds of RPO-A Shmel (Bumblebee) shoulder-launched thermobaric rockets, items which the Pakistan Army urgently requires for its upcoming counter-insurgency campaign in North Waziristan.*


While in Moscow, Gen Kayani is also likely to canvass for the Kremlin’s approval for three crucial projects: creation of an engine overhaul facility in Kamra for the 84.4kN-thrust Klimov RD-93, whuch powers the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) JF-17 ‘Thunder’ MRCA; another overhaul workshop for the 12 RD & PE Zvezda JSC-built UPAZ-1 aerial refuelling pods in service with the PAF’s four IL-78MKP MRTT transports; continued product-support for the four IL-78MKPs; and most importantly, the export approval for 132kN-thrust AL-31FN turbofans required for powering the initial 40 FC-20 (36-single-seat and four tandem-seat) M-MRCAs that the PAF wants to procure from China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corp (which is also producing the JF-17).

http://www.asian-defence.net/2012/09...islamabad.html

 

[Viper0011.]

Pakistan Army’s Chief of the Army Staff, Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kayani, will be visiting Moscow in the coming days, following which Russian President Vladimir Putin will make a two-day official visit to Pakistan starting October 2, during which Putin will meet his Pakistani counterpart Asif Ali Zardari during talks that are part of a quadrilateral summit to be hosted by Pakistan on October 3 in which Afghanistan’s and Tajikistan’s Presidents will also take part. The credit for initiating high-level dialogues between Moscow and Islamabad goes to Pakistan’s former President-cum-COAS Gen Pervez Musharraf, following his state visit in February 2003. Next to visit Moscow was President Asif Ali Zardari, who paid a three-day official visit to between May 11 and 13 this year.

*During this meeting, Islamabad had sought Russia’s financial-cum-diplomatic support for the Iran–Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline (for which Germany-based ILF has completed detailed engineering design and according to the interim feasibility report, the cost of the project is between $1.2 and $1.5 billion) after both the US and Saudi Arabia played spoilt-sports last March and forced the world’s largest ban--Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd (ICBC)—to roll back its plans for syndicating funds for the Pakistani side of the IP gas pipeline. Last year, Pakistan’s own state-owned National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) and Oil and Gas Development Company Ltd (OGDC) had walked away from the project last year fearing US sanctions. Faced with no other alternative, Islamabad has turned to Moscow for financial assistance for continuance of the IP gas pipeline project.*

Interestingly, Moscow has signalled its readiness to warm up to Pakistan’s overtures with the proviso that Pakistan accommodates Russia’s concerns regarding the regional security scenario in Central Asia, given the fact that Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan/Khyber Pakhtunkhwa belt is separated from Tajikistan by Afghanistan’s narrow Wakhan Corridor, and that this belt of Pakistan also borders the Kashgar prefecture of China’s troubled Xinjiang province. To this end, Russia is reported to be willing to extend a sizeable quantum of security assistance to Pakistan, which is likely to include up to 12 new-build Mi-171 helicopters (to be built by the Ulan-Ude Aviation Plant) and hundreds of RPO-A Shmel (Bumblebee) shoulder-launched thermobaric rockets, items which the Pakistan Army urgently requires for its upcoming counter-insurgency campaign in North Waziristan.*


While in Moscow, Gen Kayani is also likely to canvass for the Kremlin’s approval for three crucial projects: creation of an engine overhaul facility in Kamra for the 84.4kN-thrust Klimov RD-93, whuch powers the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) JF-17 ‘Thunder’ MRCA; another overhaul workshop for the 12 RD & PE Zvezda JSC-built UPAZ-1 aerial refuelling pods in service with the PAF’s four IL-78MKP MRTT transports; continued product-support for the four IL-78MKPs; and most importantly, the export approval for 132kN-thrust AL-31FN turbofans required for powering the initial 40 FC-20 (36-single-seat and four tandem-seat) M-MRCAs that the PAF wants to procure from China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corp (which is also producing the JF-17).

http://www.asian-defence.net/2012/09...islamabad.html

There are two additional items that these guys either failed to look into or failed to understand the significance. One is Russian SAM system and the second one is the BVR missiles for future JFT and FC-20 versions.

 

[Jango]

...second one is the BVR missiles for future JFT and FC-20 versions.

I don't think that would be the area of knowledge for the CoAS, would it?

I personally don't expect a whole lot out of this visit, bar some informal requests for some goodies.

 

[Paan Singh]

You are right, this is about providing jobs to the Americans, Europeans Israelis;making poor people of Indian starve more; and making its politicians and generals richer. India military procurement is worst than most oil rich Arab countries. They are all vanity projects with similar mind-set as noveau rich Indians buying designer goods.

indian poverty is reducing...show me where its increasing and every thing have a price attached.

 

[jnd3x0]

even if nothing comes out of these visits, It is almost good to say that both countries are considering to open doors for each other on international level.

 

[Major Sam]

Time is changing now, no one can say surely what will happen tomorrow its undetermined nature will decide who will be on which side. don't be hurry JUST WAIT & WATCH

 

[fatman17]

230 posts and the MoU's signed before the visit of putin did not include 'defence cooperation'. so IMHO no change in russian policy towards selling heavy defence materials.

 

[Donatello]

When is the Chief visiting Russia?

 

[Jango]

230 posts and the MoU's signed before the visit of putin did not include 'defence cooperation'. so IMHO no change in russian policy towards selling heavy defence materials.

Post 228.

I think we need a little reality check that Russia ain't going to sell us all this stuff this easily and this quickly.

Steel Mill, some energy projects, Mi-17 etc etc might happen, but not SAM's in just a jiffy!

 

[IHK_PK]

Russia will only sell us those arms that get approved by India.

Which will mostly mean unarmed supply helicopters.

EVEN THEN ITS AN ACHIEVEMENT... RIGHT?

 

[Introvert]

Who cares if we're not going to receive weapons; our main priority should be investments from Russia.

 

[Edevelop]

Who cares if we're not going to receive weapons; our main priority should be investments from Russia.

Regarding defence, what more can we ask for when we can build Fighter Jets, Tanks, Missiles, Guns in Pakistan. Just the only thing is helicopters, but i believe that issue will be solved from China and Turkey in the near future.

You are right, our main priority should be investments from Russia. I think the gas pipline, dams, Steel mill, railways and electricity should be the area of concentration.

 

[PiyaraPakistan]

ISLAMABAD: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov is arriving here on Wednesday for bilateral consultations.

He will be in Islamabad for two days (Oct 3-4) on the invitation of Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar.

The announcement of Foreign Minister Lavrov’s visit follows cancellation of President Vladimir Putin’s trip to Islamabad scheduled for Oct 2-3 and coincides with Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani’s visit to Moscow.

Dispelling a perception that Mr Lavrov’s visit had been planned to deal with the fallout of the cancellation of Mr Putin’s visit, Foreign Office spokesman Moazzam Khan said Ms Khar had extended the invitation during her visit to Moscow in February
this year.

But the question remains that had Mr Putin’s visit taken place as scheduled would Mr Lavrov have stayed back for another two days because he would then have been here on Oct 2 accompanying his president.

Some diplomatic observers believe that Russian FM’s visit may have been planned after Mr Putin cancelled his scheduled trip to negate the impression that the reset in Pakistan-Russia ties was in doldrums.

“The forthcoming visit of Foreign Minister Lavrov would provide an opportunity to further expand and intensify the existing mutually beneficial bilateral ties,” the spokesman said.

“The two countries also share the common objective of peace and stability in the broader region and attach importance to regional connectivity both in terms of trade and energy cooperation,” Mr Khan said.

Besides holding bilateral consultations, Mr Lavrov is also scheduled to call on President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf.

Russian President’s pointman for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov, while explaining Mr Putin’s decision on not visiting Pakistan, had said: “Russian-Pakistani relations have been on the rise in recent years but progress has been mostly at political and emotional levels, while economic ties have lagged behind.”

Signing of MoUs
The announcement of Foreign Minister Lavrov’s visit coincided with the signing by Pakistan and Russia of three memoranda of understanding relating to expansion of Pakistan Steel Mills and cooperation in railways and water and power sector projects.

The first memorandum is about modernisation, reconstruction and expansion of production capacity of the Pakistan Steel.

Russia’s Tyazhpromexport company, which had helped Pakistan establish the plant, will carry out technical audit. The financial and technical terms of the project will be finalised during visit to Moscow by a Pakistani delegation.

Under the MoU on railways, Russia will explore opportunities of cooperation with Pakistan Railways, particularly a joint venture for manufacturing passenger carriages. Russia will also participate in a tender to be floated for the supply of carriages.

The third MoU concerns Russian investment in energy sector. The Russian Federation will cooperate in converting Jamshoro and Muzaffarabad thermal power plants from furnace oil into coal.

The Russian delegation led by Dr Alexander Rybas, Director General of Prominvest State Corporation, called on Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf and discussed measures to bolster economic relations between the two countries.

Dr Rybas informed Mr Ashraf that another Russian team would visit Pakistan from Oct 15 to discuss various models of finance for the Jamshoro power project.

The prime minister expressed the hope that cooperation in the energy sector would help Pakistan in overcoming the power crisis.

He stressed the need for streamlining the procedure for issuing visa to Pakistani businessmen in order to enhance business contacts.

Dr Rybas said that besides energy, transportation and steel sectors, the State Corporation of Russian Technologies was also interested in exploring more investment opportunities in Pakistan.


No defence deal?

 

[Arsalan]

ISLAMABAD: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov is arriving here on Wednesday for bilateral consultations.

He will be in Islamabad for two days (Oct 3-4) on the invitation of Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar.

The announcement of Foreign Minister Lavrov’s visit follows cancellation of President Vladimir Putin’s trip to Islamabad scheduled for Oct 2-3 and coincides with Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani’s visit to Moscow.

Dispelling a perception that Mr Lavrov’s visit had been planned to deal with the fallout of the cancellation of Mr Putin’s visit, Foreign Office spokesman Moazzam Khan said Ms Khar had extended the invitation during her visit to Moscow in February
this year.

But the question remains that had Mr Putin’s visit taken place as scheduled would Mr Lavrov have stayed back for another two days because he would then have been here on Oct 2 accompanying his president.

Some diplomatic observers believe that Russian FM’s visit may have been planned after Mr Putin cancelled his scheduled trip to negate the impression that the reset in Pakistan-Russia ties was in doldrums.

“The forthcoming visit of Foreign Minister Lavrov would provide an opportunity to further expand and intensify the existing mutually beneficial bilateral ties,” the spokesman said.

“The two countries also share the common objective of peace and stability in the broader region and attach importance to regional connectivity both in terms of trade and energy cooperation,” Mr Khan said.

Besides holding bilateral consultations, Mr Lavrov is also scheduled to call on President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf.

Russian President’s pointman for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov, while explaining Mr Putin’s decision on not visiting Pakistan, had said: “Russian-Pakistani relations have been on the rise in recent years but progress has been mostly at political and emotional levels, while economic ties have lagged behind.”

Signing of MoUs
The announcement of Foreign Minister Lavrov’s visit coincided with the signing by Pakistan and Russia of three memoranda of understanding relating to expansion of Pakistan Steel Mills and cooperation in railways and water and power sector projects.

The first memorandum is about modernisation, reconstruction and expansion of production capacity of the Pakistan Steel.

Russia’s Tyazhpromexport company, which had helped Pakistan establish the plant, will carry out technical audit. The financial and technical terms of the project will be finalised during visit to Moscow by a Pakistani delegation.

Under the MoU on railways, Russia will explore opportunities of cooperation with Pakistan Railways, particularly a joint venture for manufacturing passenger carriages. Russia will also participate in a tender to be floated for the supply of carriages.

The third MoU concerns Russian investment in energy sector. The Russian Federation will cooperate in converting Jamshoro and Muzaffarabad thermal power plants from furnace oil into coal.

The Russian delegation led by Dr Alexander Rybas, Director General of Prominvest State Corporation, called on Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf and discussed measures to bolster economic relations between the two countries.

Dr Rybas informed Mr Ashraf that another Russian team would visit Pakistan from Oct 15 to discuss various models of finance for the Jamshoro power project.

The prime minister expressed the hope that cooperation in the energy sector would help Pakistan in overcoming the power crisis.

He stressed the need for streamlining the procedure for issuing visa to Pakistani businessmen in order to enhance business contacts.

Dr Rybas said that besides energy, transportation and steel sectors, the State Corporation of Russian Technologies was also interested in exploring more investment opportunities in Pakistan.


No defence deal?

This is nice build up and great progress in Russia-Pakistan relations. Forget that we will be seeing Mig and Sukhoi guarding our skies any time soon but the pace at which relations are improving is impressive.

We need to engage Russia in development projects in Pakistan, develop a financial interest for them in Pakistan and only this will lead to closer ties that might eventually lead to defense relations as well.

Expansion of Pakistan Steel Mills, investment in energy sector etc show that things are n right track and as Russia gets in Pakistan market, they will develop interests here and this will help build relations.

At time, defense relations, at best will mean go ahead for Russian hardware via China, like jet engines etc. It will be mostly restricted to some delegations, joint exercises and expert cross postings. Pakistan is in no position to buy military hardware directly fro Russia and the Russians, know this will be reluctant.

WE NEED TO DEVELOP THERE DIRECT INTEREST IN PAKISTAN FIRST AND FOREMOST!
Goodies will follow eventually!

 

[Bobby]

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Russia have decided to enter into new phase of defence cooperation as Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafiq Butt has concluded his trip to Russia where he visited various air force related defence installations and had meetings with defence high-ups, including his Russian counterpart.

It was the first-ever visit of any chief of Pakistan Air Force to that country. Air Chief Marshal Butt who has returned to the Air Headquarters has termed the visit a great success. In a brief chat with The News, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafiq Butt on Tuesday said ‘it was excellent visit with positive outcome and we can expect greater cooperation with Russia in the field of defence, particularly in air defence.’ Without going into details, he said that Russian authorities are forthcoming and they have agreed for further interaction between the two countries on the question of defence cooperation.

Pakistan is already using Russian made helicopters but the relationship is required to be diversified and expanded. The Russian choppers are providing useful service, he said. He said that Pakistan is interested in acquiring Russian machinery and equipment but it must be done under a streamlined system. The CAS stayed in Russian capital Moscow for four days and he will submit report pertaining to the trip to Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf.

Pakistan, Russia agree to boost defence cooperation - thenews.com.pk

If you have money.....go buy Russian stuff.

what happen... no to Chinese stuff.

Dont worry you will have limited access to Russian stuff unlike India...