Came across a news article that I know at least two people who will be massively interested in it. Noting confirmed, may well only be rumor but still very interesting.
@Oscar @Donatello
In below quoted posts (from another thread), we had discussed how forward SAM cover is essential for army forward formations and how that is being totally ignored, a few reasons and arguments were brought up where my point was that systems like HQ-16 or HQ-9 do not fit it in this role as they can never keep up with fast moving attack formations. There was a point raised that a long range battery will still be able to provide some sort of cover as it can be securely based in cantonment and still be close enough to the border. Theoretically true but still not a perfect solution.
In light of all that debate, the above news and all these above mentioned systems, they do fit the bill perfectly.
The give a unit level air defence capability, are mounted on fast moving vehicles that can keep up with armored attack formations and provide them decent air defence umbrella. This is something that is not provided by HQ-16 or SPADA or other medium to long range missile systems. While the long range SAM are an integral part of any decent ground based air defence system, it is the options like the above (Specially impressed by Pantsir S-1 and Tor-M2K) that will provide the forward formations much needed air defence umbrella and will decrease PA's reliance on PAF for that role.
For example, Pantsir S-1 provides reasonable regimental level air defence umbrella, can be mounted on a tracked tank chasis so it keeps up with fast moving attach formations, is developed to operate in extreme hostile and jamming environment, good at dealing with any hostile helicopters, UAV's and cruise missiles and other precision attack munitions.
Have no idea how much reality is there in this but if we can get 12 to 18 systems for army, that will be MASSIVE. Then Pakistan can shift focus on medium to long range SAM for base defence duties while the forward formations will be protected by these.