Pakistan Should Get a Light Anti-Ship/Cruise Missile

[Mutakalim]

Which ones?

Search the forum there are tens of threads ruining.

 

[randomradio]

Search the forum there are tens of threads ruining.

You didn't have to reply to my post if you didn't know.

 

[Mutakalim]

You didn't have to reply to my post if you didn't know.

Ok

 

[MastanKhan]

Hi,

Paf needs to focus on what they already have---it is a very potent mix of inventory---. Untless there is something unique that come along---till then they need to keep things stable.

 

[Quwa]

Hi,

Paf needs to focus on what they already have---it is a very potent mix of inventory---. Untless there is something unique that come along---till then they need to keep things stable.

Well a "Ra'ad Lite"-type ALCM (e.g. SOM-J or NSM) could be useful in a number of scenarios where a heavier munition may not cut it. For example, a JF-17 could carry up to 4 light-ALCMs, enabling it to hit a larger number of targets at stand-off range. That is very useful in SEAD/DEAD (e.g. taking out missiles, launch systems, etc). Think long-term too, a 'Ra'ad Lite' could also be the right dimensions for FC-31's internal storage.

 

[Tank131]

While I agree with @MastanKhan that the current A2G/AShM munitions of PAF are quite robust, one must always be looking for the next best thing. In this sense I agree with @Quwa that working towards Pakistan's next gen stand off weapons is important. You need to have something that will be versatile and universal across various services and platforms. A low observable missile with 1/3 less weight (and may be 1/3 less range) than Ra'ad (but potentially faster velocity) which can strike land and Ships and can be air, surface, and submarine launched will be huge for Pakistan. If you have AWC, Denel, and Tubitak working together, this is achievable. Additionally, I would shoot for not only lighter than Ra'ad, but possibly C-802 (715kg). NSM is only 410 with equal range (185km) whereas JSM has a 290km range. I think a 250km missile with terminal supersonic speed and ~450kg would be ideal. If launched from surface, must have at least 180km range, and submarine launch at least 125-150km.

 

[Quwa]

While I agree with @MastanKhan that the current A2G/AShM munitions of PAF are quite robust, one must always be looking for the next best thing. In this sense I agree with @Quwa that working towards Pakistan's next gen stand off weapons is important. You need to have something that will be versatile and universal across various services and platforms. A low observable missile with 1/3 less weight (and may be 1/3 less range) than Ra'ad (but potentially faster velocity) which can strike land and Ships and can be air, surface, and submarine launched will be huge for Pakistan. If you have AWC, Denel, and Tubitak working together, this is achievable. Additionally, I would shoot for not only lighter than Ra'ad, but possibly C-802 (715kg). NSM is only 410 with equal range (185km) whereas JSM has a 290km range. I think a 250km missile with terminal supersonic speed and ~450kg would be ideal. If launched from surface, must have at least 180km range, and submarine launch at least 125-150km.

Fully agreed. I think the general trajectory of development for such an ALCM would follow from a joint-project with either Denel or Tubitak. There is no need to have both since the competencies between them are comparable, one would be sufficient. I would prefer Denel, they're farther away from the possible export controls and technology IP concerns Tubitak may face. Denel's expertise in airframe and seeker technology would be key, propulsion can be had from China.

As for Ra'ad, I'd beef that program up by extending the range and payload, and by incorporating a sub-munitions dispenser. One could then basically use Ra'ad and 'Ra'ad Lite' together, one could even consider configuring the latter as an ARM (using expertise drawn from the MAR-1).

 

[Zarvan]

Fully agreed. I think the general trajectory of development for such an ALCM would follow from a joint-project with either Denel or Tubitak. There is no need to have both since the competencies between them are comparable, one would be sufficient. I would prefer Denel, they're farther away from the possible export controls and technology IP concerns Tubitak may face. Denel's expertise in airframe and seeker technology would be key, propulsion can be had from China.

As for Ra'ad, I'd beef that program up by extending the range and payload, and by incorporating a sub-munitions dispenser. One could then basically use Ra'ad and 'Ra'ad Lite' together, one could even consider configuring the latter as an ARM (using expertise drawn from the MAR-1).

We need Cruise Missiles which can carry 250 KG to 500 KG warheads