What keeps that navy from induct 1 or 2 sqds of JF-17s? Or perhaps 1 SQD of J-11s from China .. Instead they are relying on loaned pilots from PAF..
Pakistan navy has been maintaining aircraft from the beginning. The only thing is that PAF pilots will have to train Fighter Pilots for the Navy. The transport and helicopter training is done by PN pilots.
This is wiki report so it can not be correct.
Dassault Mirage 5PA
1995
ASuW 34 Operated by
PAF, then transferred to
Navy[
citation n
The
Mirage V belongs to PAF inventory and are operated by PAF pilots, but some Navy pilots operate these too after completing a fighter pilot course at the
PAF Combat Commanders School.
I don't in reality but Pakistan Coast Guards should comes under PN control and must be merged with MSA to form just a single force of Pakistan Coast Guards. Pak Marines might have role of Air and Surface Defence which is a bit similar to Pak Coast Guards.
I think we need to put more money and emphasis on PN too. Increasing the numbers of Men from few thousands to 5 times. Revolving PN Men from regular PN force to Coast Guards and Pak Marines.
The Pakistan Coast Guards is second line of defence, like Pakistan Rangers. The only thing is they are given some more Cutters and MRTP's. This would be enough fire power to get the kind of work they are assigned.
There are two points to consider:
1- Does PN need a modern anti-ship fighter?
2- Should Navy have a completely independent air arm?
Exocet Armed Mirage V’s are now quite old. With IN aircraft carriers now equipped with MIG-29K, ability of the odd squadron of AM-39 armed Mirage V is questionable. PN badly needs a modern aircraft capable of taking on Mig-29’s; I would think that a couple of squadrons of JF-17’s to say the least.
Answer to the 2nd question is not so straight forward.
Pak Navy has complete control over its helicopter fleet. Understand Maritime Patrol aircraft; even though maintained and flown by PAF personnel seconded to PN; are also under the PN command. However Mirages remain under the PAF control and stationed on PAF bases; probably because PAF has abundance of pilots & engineering staff with extensive experience on the Mirage aircraft, and having a separate section in the PN would put too much drain on the PN resources. However, there is a serious possibility that PAF command could employ the fighters dedicated to the anti-ship duties for the air defence of Karachi or for ground attack and the same many not be available when badly needed by the Navy.
Understand a Naval Forces Strategic Command has been in existence in Pakistan since 2004. A possible solution to the above problem could be that defence of the entire coastal region along with the assets in the region including air bases are placed under this command when the country is on war footing.
The Requirement of a fighter aircraft in the Navy is one which is capable of doing what Mirage V's are doing presently. JF-17 does not fulfil the the complete requirement, ie it is limited in air to air supremacy. JF-17 also lacks in the range department though stand off weapons and cruse missile could reduce the gap.
The Navy rightly requested for J-16's but that is a big aircraft.
It would have been interesting if the Navy asked for F-16's later blocks 50-52/60-61 which are capable of similar performance to Mirage V's. Unfortunatly the issue would be
There are two points to consider:
1- Does PN need a modern anti-ship fighter?
2- Should Navy have a completely independent air arm?
Exocet Armed Mirage V’s are now quite old. With IN aircraft carriers now equipped with MIG-29K, ability of the odd squadron of AM-39 armed Mirage V is questionable. PN badly needs a modern aircraft capable of taking on Mig-29’s; I would think that a couple of squadrons of JF-17’s to say the least.
Answer to the 2nd question is not so straight forward.
Pak Navy has complete control over its helicopter fleet. Understand Maritime Patrol aircraft; even though maintained and flown by PAF personnel seconded to PN; are also under the PN command. However Mirages remain under the PAF control and stationed on PAF bases; probably because PAF has abundance of pilots & engineering staff with extensive experience on the Mirage aircraft, and having a separate section in the PN would put too much drain on the PN resources. However, there is a serious possibility that PAF command could employ the fighters dedicated to the anti-ship duties for the air defence of Karachi or for ground attack and the same many not be available when badly needed by the Navy.
Understand a Naval Forces Strategic Command has been in existence in Pakistan since 2004. A possible solution to the above problem could be that defence of the entire coastal region along with the assets in the region including air bases are placed under this command when the country is on war footing.
Pakistan Navy requires a replacement of Mirage V's and is looking towards a similar aircraft that can do the tasks currently done by these aircraft. Mirage V's are both air superiority and anti ship bombers which also carry out nuclear strikes.
PAF would have liked an other French aircraft ie Mirage 2000-9 or Rafale but it is not going to happen.
Hence J-16 was chosen by the Navy which can do both the roles and also complement PAF. Though this was not how PAF was thinking they wanted PN to have JF-17's. JF-17 lacks in some fields.
It could have been interested if PN opted for F-16's block 50-52 /60 but the issue would be integration of weapons.
