Thank you, I appreciate someone recognizing me. Which country should they buy from in your opinion? Russia or China? In my opinion China would be better for Pakistan because China is actually an ally while Russia is just an arms dealer basically and may sell downgraded SAMs.
Well in terms of SAMs, the undisputed king is Russia, no doubt. I would advise Pakistan Military to purchase from Russia. Not just to acquire advance SAM Systems, but also use it as a pretext to establishing a deeper relationship with Russia. This is important in the context of the larger picture of S.C.O and will be an important step in synchronization of common platform used by China, Pakistan and Russia. As I foresee a much deeper ties between the three countries and anticipate that these ties shall be crucial in the future. Particularly when things go south.
Besides, China is reverse engineering the S-400 pretty soon I think as happened with the S-300 so may be a good opportunity to wait a little bit until than and purchase shorter range SAM systems. HQ-17 the reversed engineered Tor is a good idea you are right and should be seriously looked at. Pakistan has the Buk in a reversed engineered version that apparently has a range of 40 km so they are good there I think. What do you think of the HQ-22? It has a range of 170 km and would make a medium range defense at a cheaper cost for Pakistan.
What I would advise Pakistan Military is for a joint venture between China and Pakistan on indigenous SAM systems designed specifically for long range coastal defence (against ships and aircraft target) and which are based on the cumulative knowledge of both countries. A dual mode single system which can engage both types of threats. Such a precision engagement weapon would serve as Pakistan's Anti-Access/Area-Denial strategy.
As far as protecting high value SAM systems you are right this has to be a top priority and could be done by short, and medium SAM systems near the high value SAMs that can make sure nothing can come near and if something does be prepared to shoot it down. Many MANPADS and other Infrared seeking SAMS should be used in case of jamming and maybe even a land based CIWS like the Phalanx land based(the name I forget) to protect against mortars, artillery, etc;. I assume Pakistan can put their long range SAMs on the more interior part of the country so that if something is detected on radar they have time to react and shoot the thing down.
Well apart from the usual, upgraded decoy technology for SAM Systems. There is a need for a more saturated engagement defense system, able to withstand multiple volleys of tens of incoming sub-super-hyper sonic missiles. This is another area which requires joint-venture between China and Pakistan. The more layered the defense engagement network is, the more likely the chances are for both countries to launch counter-strikes against the attacking force.
The best options are a layered system consisting of CWIS, Laser-Defense Weapons System, Simulating Decoys, along with Short Range SAM System, which followed by Intermediate Range SAM System. Developing these systems would be a tough enough as it is, what's more challenging is for these systems to be networked in such a manner, whereby they instantaneously communicate with each other, cooridating in selecting two engage hundreds of incoming missiles.
A core interface programmed computing based network, that is not just extremely fast in prosecuting incoming threats. But also is invulnerable to jamming emitters, mini-micro UAV swarms and is robust enough to not attenuate in the heat of battle.
Reliable and robust extreme processing speed, is crucial for a comprehensive/layered Anti-Access/Area-Denial Air-Surface Defense Network. Operated from off-shore bases, and or intermediary inland bases.