Pakistan Military News, Reports, Data, etc.
- Thread starter A.Man
- Start date
timepass
Brigadier
PAKISTAN’S POF REQUESTS $250 M TO MODERNIZE MANUFACTURING FACILITIES
In a to the Pakistani Senate’s Standing Committee on Defence Production on Friday, October 27, the country’s firearms and ammunition manufacturer Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) had requested $250 million U.S. spread over the next five years to modernize its manufacturing facilities. The committee endorsed the request.
POF also reported that its exports for 2016-2017 stood at $67.73 million U.S., while figures for 2017-2018 had reached $60 million U.S. to-date. This is a noticeable drop from 2015-2016 where POF’s exports stood at $100 million U.S., but that was an exceptional year due to a .
However, POF’s mandate is to supply domestic armed forces and law-enforcement agencies with quality small-arms and ammunition, with export being a secondary objective using surplus manufactured goods. That said, POF said it is aiming to reach $100 million U.S. by end of the current fiscal year.
POF outlined that its primary concern is to modernize its manufacturing facilities. POF told the committee that 58% of its machinery is on average of 30 years of age, and that mounting obsolescence is negatively impacting POF’s production cost and production time.
Notes & Comments:
With 14 ordnance factories and three commercial subsidiaries, POF is Pakistan’s primary supplier of small-arms and sole supplier of ammunition. Besides armaments, POF also manufactures commercial products, such as hunting rifles, commercial explosives, brass, chemicals and garments for uniforms and fatigues.
Besides modernizing its facilities, POF had called for modernizing its product range so that it can meet emerging and future armed forces and export requirements. In July, POF’s Chairman Lt. Gen. Umar Farooq Durrani stressed the need for infrastructure modernization, stating, “If we manage to get new machinery we will be able to give better production at cheaper rates.”
In 2016, POF began taking steps for its modernization and long-term needs. These had included a memorandum-of-understanding (MoU) with the Italian company Sir Meccanica, a supplier of machining and other manufacturing equipment. POF also signed letters-of-understanding (LoU) with various foreign companies for business opportunities and developing new products for POF.
In tandem with the Pakistan Army’s , POF had a LoU with Česká zbrojovka (CZ) to “intensively negotiate [the] delivery of complete technology for the production of small arms to [POF].” A CZ official signing this LoU and also reiterating CZ’s willingness to transfer its technology to POF so that POF “can produce the most modern and most advanced assault rifles in the world.” The status of these negotiations is unclear, though it would not be surprising if its progress (or lack thereof) is linked to POF’s ability to secure funding to modernize its facilities.
POF has also introduced new products to its catalogue, such as the POF Light Sniper Rifle (LSR) and PK-16 heavy machine gun (HMG). It is unclear how far either have gone in domestic or overseas adoption. For POF, it appears that indigenously manufacturing new small-arms is contingent on its plant manufacturing efforts. In other words, product development will need to occur in parallel to infrastructure modernization programs. Otherwise, there is the risk of importing components from overseas so as to compensate for gaps in POF, especially in terms of materials and precision-tooling.
In a to the Pakistani Senate’s Standing Committee on Defence Production on Friday, October 27, the country’s firearms and ammunition manufacturer Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) had requested $250 million U.S. spread over the next five years to modernize its manufacturing facilities. The committee endorsed the request.
POF also reported that its exports for 2016-2017 stood at $67.73 million U.S., while figures for 2017-2018 had reached $60 million U.S. to-date. This is a noticeable drop from 2015-2016 where POF’s exports stood at $100 million U.S., but that was an exceptional year due to a .
However, POF’s mandate is to supply domestic armed forces and law-enforcement agencies with quality small-arms and ammunition, with export being a secondary objective using surplus manufactured goods. That said, POF said it is aiming to reach $100 million U.S. by end of the current fiscal year.
POF outlined that its primary concern is to modernize its manufacturing facilities. POF told the committee that 58% of its machinery is on average of 30 years of age, and that mounting obsolescence is negatively impacting POF’s production cost and production time.
Notes & Comments:
With 14 ordnance factories and three commercial subsidiaries, POF is Pakistan’s primary supplier of small-arms and sole supplier of ammunition. Besides armaments, POF also manufactures commercial products, such as hunting rifles, commercial explosives, brass, chemicals and garments for uniforms and fatigues.
Besides modernizing its facilities, POF had called for modernizing its product range so that it can meet emerging and future armed forces and export requirements. In July, POF’s Chairman Lt. Gen. Umar Farooq Durrani stressed the need for infrastructure modernization, stating, “If we manage to get new machinery we will be able to give better production at cheaper rates.”
In 2016, POF began taking steps for its modernization and long-term needs. These had included a memorandum-of-understanding (MoU) with the Italian company Sir Meccanica, a supplier of machining and other manufacturing equipment. POF also signed letters-of-understanding (LoU) with various foreign companies for business opportunities and developing new products for POF.
In tandem with the Pakistan Army’s , POF had a LoU with Česká zbrojovka (CZ) to “intensively negotiate [the] delivery of complete technology for the production of small arms to [POF].” A CZ official signing this LoU and also reiterating CZ’s willingness to transfer its technology to POF so that POF “can produce the most modern and most advanced assault rifles in the world.” The status of these negotiations is unclear, though it would not be surprising if its progress (or lack thereof) is linked to POF’s ability to secure funding to modernize its facilities.
POF has also introduced new products to its catalogue, such as the POF Light Sniper Rifle (LSR) and PK-16 heavy machine gun (HMG). It is unclear how far either have gone in domestic or overseas adoption. For POF, it appears that indigenously manufacturing new small-arms is contingent on its plant manufacturing efforts. In other words, product development will need to occur in parallel to infrastructure modernization programs. Otherwise, there is the risk of importing components from overseas so as to compensate for gaps in POF, especially in terms of materials and precision-tooling.
timepass
Brigadier
SOUTH AFRICA AND PAKISTAN COMMIT TO STRENGTHENING DEFENCE TIES
Following her meeting with Pakistan’s Minister of Defence Production (MoDP) Rana Tanveer Hussain, the South African Minister of Public Enterprises Lynne Brown called for the two countries to strengthen their defence relations, especially amidst growing bilateral economic trade.
“However, while both our countries have continued to enjoy cordial bilateral and trade relations I believe that the defence sector remains one area in which our countries have more opportunities to explore cooperation. It is for this reason that we met today,” said Minister Brown, adding, “We must be able to come up with a concrete plan on how best we can explore all possible areas of cooperation in the defence industry for the benefit of our countries. The partnerships will enable both countries to share experiences and transfer technology, as well as the know-how.”
Lynne Brown is on a three-day official working visit to Pakistan. Her delegation also includes the Director-General of the Department of Public Enterprises Mogokare Richard Seleke and Denel Group CEO Zwelakhe Ntshepe. The South African delegation is visiting Pakistan on invitation from the MoDP.
According to state-run , the MoDP had “highlighted the importance of defence cooperation between the defence industries of the two countries, including joint production.”
The APP reports in the delegation’s meeting with the MoDP, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) officials had briefed Minister Brown on PAC’s “ongoing defence projects and their potential.” The South African delegation is also expected to visit “strategic sites” in Pakistan in order to explore how Denel Group could engage with the Pakistani defence industry and the Pakistani armed forces.
In March, Pakistan and South Africa signed a memorandum-of-understanding (MoU) committing to boost defence ties, especially through the “acquisition of defence equipment [and] cooperation in Research and Development … Transfer of Technology, Co-production/Joint Ventures in public as well as private sector.”
Denel Group engages in many defence design, development and production activities. Its diverse product range include artillery howitzers, sophisticated air-to-air and guided air-to-surface munitions, unmanned aerial vehicles, small arms, armoured vehicles as well as aircraft maintenance and production work.
In turn, there are many potential areas for technical cooperation between South Africa and Pakistan, such as – among others – producing guided munitions for the JF-17 multi-role fighter (see Quwa’s for additional details on this subject).
Following her meeting with Pakistan’s Minister of Defence Production (MoDP) Rana Tanveer Hussain, the South African Minister of Public Enterprises Lynne Brown called for the two countries to strengthen their defence relations, especially amidst growing bilateral economic trade.
“However, while both our countries have continued to enjoy cordial bilateral and trade relations I believe that the defence sector remains one area in which our countries have more opportunities to explore cooperation. It is for this reason that we met today,” said Minister Brown, adding, “We must be able to come up with a concrete plan on how best we can explore all possible areas of cooperation in the defence industry for the benefit of our countries. The partnerships will enable both countries to share experiences and transfer technology, as well as the know-how.”
Lynne Brown is on a three-day official working visit to Pakistan. Her delegation also includes the Director-General of the Department of Public Enterprises Mogokare Richard Seleke and Denel Group CEO Zwelakhe Ntshepe. The South African delegation is visiting Pakistan on invitation from the MoDP.
According to state-run , the MoDP had “highlighted the importance of defence cooperation between the defence industries of the two countries, including joint production.”
The APP reports in the delegation’s meeting with the MoDP, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) officials had briefed Minister Brown on PAC’s “ongoing defence projects and their potential.” The South African delegation is also expected to visit “strategic sites” in Pakistan in order to explore how Denel Group could engage with the Pakistani defence industry and the Pakistani armed forces.
In March, Pakistan and South Africa signed a memorandum-of-understanding (MoU) committing to boost defence ties, especially through the “acquisition of defence equipment [and] cooperation in Research and Development … Transfer of Technology, Co-production/Joint Ventures in public as well as private sector.”
Denel Group engages in many defence design, development and production activities. Its diverse product range include artillery howitzers, sophisticated air-to-air and guided air-to-surface munitions, unmanned aerial vehicles, small arms, armoured vehicles as well as aircraft maintenance and production work.
In turn, there are many potential areas for technical cooperation between South Africa and Pakistan, such as – among others – producing guided munitions for the JF-17 multi-role fighter (see Quwa’s for additional details on this subject).
timepass
Brigadier
PLAAF August 1st Aerobatic Team to arrive in Pakistan for air demonstration
ISLURUMQI: The Chinese Air Force’s August 1st Air Demonstration Team on Monday left for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to take part in the Dubai Airshow, which is scheduled to last from Nov. 12-16.
The team will also visit Pakistan after the airshow and stage aerobatic performances there on Nov. 20, according to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force. Seven J-10 aerobatic fighter jets embarked on the trip.
Shen Jinke, spokesman of the PLA Air Force, said the air force is ready for pragmatic exchange and cooperation in more fields and many levels with air forces of other countries and to make new contributions to peace and development.
The team has staged more than 600 aerobatic shows for delegations from 168 countries and regions. It has also visited several countries for performances, including Russia and Thailand.
ISLURUMQI: The Chinese Air Force’s August 1st Air Demonstration Team on Monday left for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to take part in the Dubai Airshow, which is scheduled to last from Nov. 12-16.
The team will also visit Pakistan after the airshow and stage aerobatic performances there on Nov. 20, according to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force. Seven J-10 aerobatic fighter jets embarked on the trip.
Shen Jinke, spokesman of the PLA Air Force, said the air force is ready for pragmatic exchange and cooperation in more fields and many levels with air forces of other countries and to make new contributions to peace and development.
The team has staged more than 600 aerobatic shows for delegations from 168 countries and regions. It has also visited several countries for performances, including Russia and Thailand.
timepass
Brigadier
PAKISTAN OUGHT TO CONSIDER THE DENEL DYNAMICS MARLIN MISSILE PROGRAM
One of the central driving aspects of Pakistan’s armed forces procurement strategy is the need to avoid risks, complications, and added costs where unnecessary. It is for this reason that the vast majority of the country’s defence equipment – including those produced locally – are of foreign (mostly Chinese) origin.
Some are evidently straightforward imports, such as the , and others are heavily customized and tuned-up off-the-shelf designs, such as the al-Khalid main battle tank (MBT). In exceptional cases, unique designs are developed with heavy Chinese assistance, such as the and potentially the .
To be fair, this is not a bad strategy. A country’s defence requirements are never static, threats will keep changing and requirements will keep escalating. As a result, a developing country with scarce resources for high-tech armaments needs to be very pragmatic in its defence procurement strategies. The prospect of being sunk by a program’s escalating costs and restrained by its delays could be incredibly damaging if the financial cushion to sustain such obstacles are not present.
However, there is a cost to such an approach. It maintains dependency on external suppliers. It threatens disincentives towards domestic development efforts. It pushes the prospect of indigenous work further into the future, and in some cases, threatens to eliminate the incentive to engage in domestic research and development at all. For these reasons it becomes imperative for Pakistan to not take its external suppliers for granted, even in the best of conditions.
Even if the path to buying a readily available solution is present, in some cases it may be a viable practice to trust in the riskier and costlier route. This is especially true in areas that are technologically sensitive in nature, especially for vendors who are looking to maintain dependency in their markets as a means for recurring income, or to keep their cards as close as possible to their chests, so as to ensure enemies do not have access to sensitive information. Others will simply demand a high price for valuable technology and expertise, so as to offset the cost of losing a customer who may use that expertise to develop domestically sourced solutions. Of course, that is assuming the technology transfer is comprehensive.
One such area is missile technology for air-to-air and surface-to-air applications. On the surface, it may seem like Pakistan has no shortage of options, at least from China anyways. The SD-10 has reportedly emerged as a good solution for use on the JF-17, and the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) could bank on its long-enduring relationship with Beijing to acquire next-generation designs, such as an export variant of the PL-15.
But the truth is that there is no export version of the PL-15, at least for the time being. There probably will be, but that is an assumption, and not necessarily a fact. Not every Chinese system has an export variant. From China’s point of view, the PL-15 would be its premium air-to-air missile, and potentially a valuable asset that ought to be sat on for a few years before made available for export. Meanwhile, India has the nearing prospect of acquiring the MBDA Meteor, a next-generation BVRAAM with a particularly high kill-probability rate. Granted, one can argue that China has a strategic interest to specially equip Pakistan, so as to enable Pakistan to relieve some of the pressure India is trying to apply on China. Even if this were to occur (a possibility), it does not negate the underlying problem – i.e. the fact that Pakistan has to anxiously wait for an external source in order to pursue its own needs. Even if one were to accept this line of reasoning, the prospect of actually sourcing next-generation BVRAAMs domestically would be a much more preferable outcome.
One of the central driving aspects of Pakistan’s armed forces procurement strategy is the need to avoid risks, complications, and added costs where unnecessary. It is for this reason that the vast majority of the country’s defence equipment – including those produced locally – are of foreign (mostly Chinese) origin.
Some are evidently straightforward imports, such as the , and others are heavily customized and tuned-up off-the-shelf designs, such as the al-Khalid main battle tank (MBT). In exceptional cases, unique designs are developed with heavy Chinese assistance, such as the and potentially the .
To be fair, this is not a bad strategy. A country’s defence requirements are never static, threats will keep changing and requirements will keep escalating. As a result, a developing country with scarce resources for high-tech armaments needs to be very pragmatic in its defence procurement strategies. The prospect of being sunk by a program’s escalating costs and restrained by its delays could be incredibly damaging if the financial cushion to sustain such obstacles are not present.
However, there is a cost to such an approach. It maintains dependency on external suppliers. It threatens disincentives towards domestic development efforts. It pushes the prospect of indigenous work further into the future, and in some cases, threatens to eliminate the incentive to engage in domestic research and development at all. For these reasons it becomes imperative for Pakistan to not take its external suppliers for granted, even in the best of conditions.
Even if the path to buying a readily available solution is present, in some cases it may be a viable practice to trust in the riskier and costlier route. This is especially true in areas that are technologically sensitive in nature, especially for vendors who are looking to maintain dependency in their markets as a means for recurring income, or to keep their cards as close as possible to their chests, so as to ensure enemies do not have access to sensitive information. Others will simply demand a high price for valuable technology and expertise, so as to offset the cost of losing a customer who may use that expertise to develop domestically sourced solutions. Of course, that is assuming the technology transfer is comprehensive.
One such area is missile technology for air-to-air and surface-to-air applications. On the surface, it may seem like Pakistan has no shortage of options, at least from China anyways. The SD-10 has reportedly emerged as a good solution for use on the JF-17, and the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) could bank on its long-enduring relationship with Beijing to acquire next-generation designs, such as an export variant of the PL-15.
But the truth is that there is no export version of the PL-15, at least for the time being. There probably will be, but that is an assumption, and not necessarily a fact. Not every Chinese system has an export variant. From China’s point of view, the PL-15 would be its premium air-to-air missile, and potentially a valuable asset that ought to be sat on for a few years before made available for export. Meanwhile, India has the nearing prospect of acquiring the MBDA Meteor, a next-generation BVRAAM with a particularly high kill-probability rate. Granted, one can argue that China has a strategic interest to specially equip Pakistan, so as to enable Pakistan to relieve some of the pressure India is trying to apply on China. Even if this were to occur (a possibility), it does not negate the underlying problem – i.e. the fact that Pakistan has to anxiously wait for an external source in order to pursue its own needs. Even if one were to accept this line of reasoning, the prospect of actually sourcing next-generation BVRAAMs domestically would be a much more preferable outcome.
timepass
Brigadier
Cont...
Of course, Pakistan does not have the foundation nor expertise to engage in such a program on its own. But it does have an opportunity to build that necessary groundwork. Fate would have it that there is an experienced vendor in the world willing to develop next-generation air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles (SAM), and to part ways from the technology and expertise used to develop them.
That vendor is Denel Dynamics, a South African firm. In exchange for funding the development of the Marlin, a program seeking to develop next-generation BVRAAM as well as SAM technology and solutions, the end-user could receive a heavy infusion of valuable technology and technology expertise. Above that, the buyer would acquire a design that it could freely integrate and use with the platforms of its choice.
By investing in the A-Darter 5th-generation , Brazil was able to push forward with its own seeker and electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) technology. It will also produce the A-Darter domestically. At this time, the A-Darter is also in the running for the PAF’s requirement of a 5th-generation WVRAAM for use on the JF-17 Thunder.
The is expected to have . The design’s dual-pulse rocket will also be purposed for SAM applications as well, likely along the trajectory of the Israeli-Indian Barak-8, which will equip various surface combatants in service with India and Israel. Given that Denel Dynamics already has a 60km-range SAM under development (i.e. Umkhonto-R), it is reasonable to project the Marlin SAM to at least begin as a short to medium-range (25-40km) system. But it is important to note that the dual-pulse rocket technology the Marlin uses could be further developed over time, thus opening up the prospect of a medium to long-range (60-90km) system.
It is evident that engaging in such a program would not only benefit the PAF, but it would be of value to the and the . In fact, there are layers of results that could be accrued: First, the PAF would have a next-generation BVRAAM. Second, the Navy would have access to a SAM system that it could use aboard surface combatants such as frigates and corvettes. Third, the Army would have a SAM system as well, one that could be developed over time into a medium to long-range system. Fourth, Pakistan would be in possession of valuable dual-pulse propulsion, seeker, and ECCM technology, which it can use as a foundation to indigenously develop next-generation solutions.
There is a cost. The A-Darter program cost Brazil and South Africa India and Israel agreed to in order to develop the Barak-8 SAM. Investment in the Marlin could amount to several hundred million dollars. It would be unfair and disingenuous to suggest that the amount required would be minor or inconsequential.
However, does Pakistan have to be the sole funding partner? Not necessarily. It is possible that Pakistan’s funding could serve as motivation for others, such as Turkey, to co-fund as well. Turkey has a higher incentive at this point to acquire the same technology for its own uses, and it would not necessarily be averse to having Pakistan as a co-funding partner. Each partner could emerge with total access to the technology as well as the means to produce the systems domestically and to use them on their respective platforms. In fact, given the benefits that could be accrued from the program, the PAF does not have to be the sole backer within Pakistan. Each of the service arms ought to have an interest in the program, as should the country’s R&D players (e.g. NESCOM, AWC, SUPARCO, etc). There is potential here for cost-distribution, even within Pakistan (which would be helpful if Pakistan has to fund the program alone).
There are several ways to detract this idea.
First, it is an expensive idea, one fraught with substantial risk and complexity. However, the payoff of acquiring highly valuable technology that could be scaled for a wide range of strategically important applications. Moreover, Denel Dynamics is a seasoned vendor, it has the Marlin is actually a culmination of development going back 15-20 years, and the company has just proven that it could deliver the A-Darter – a 5th-generation WVRAAM akin to the AIM-9X and IRIS-T – if given the funding.
Second, one will argue that it would be more affordable to simply wait for China and the PL-15, or perhaps even an upgraded variant of the SD-10. To be frank, to suggest such an idea would mean making the assumption that the PL-15 would be exported in some shape or form. At this point, there is nothing to suggest that it will, not every Chinese system is made available for export. Granted, China could make some exceptions on the basis of pursuing its strategic interests, but this does not resolve the issue of having to depend on an external source. Alternatively, China could also offer a heavily upgraded version of the SD-10, and that would be a great option for the interim, but it does not compensate for having a next-generation design – i.e. a design that can be developed upon for decades into the future.
Third, one will note that Pakistan is a relatively risk-averse entity, one that will prefer to wait it out for the Chinese. In many cases, being risk-averse is a virtue, but there are situations where certain technology will not easily be acquired. The MBDA Sea Ceptor would be an ideal short to medium-range SAM system for use on the Pakistan Navy’s F-22P frigates. Unfortunately, one can without a doubt expect regulatory hurdles to get in the way of making such an acquisition feasible, and if not that, then certainly expect cost. Why not utilize Denel’s expertise to develop a comparable solution without any artificial limitations to performance? Why not call upon Denel to enable Pakistan to actually produce the system? The JF-17 has given the PAF a measure of freedom and authority that it has not had with any other platform, so why is this idea not being expanded to other critical aspects of the armed forces?
Fourth, South Africa requires funding and time to develop, others already have solutions available on the shelves. This argument completely omits the fact that in-exchange for the funding, Pakistan would receive a measure of technology transfer that Denel’s competitors will not offer. Pakistan can optionally tie its funding to achieve specific objectives, such as having a SAM system similar to the Barak-8, i.e. a medium to long-range system that is compact and light enough to be fit on the F-22P. Pakistan’s national funds are limited, why not use them to not only acquire a product, but acquire the means to produce it, to design it for multiple mission roles, and build expertise that can be used to indigenously source future solutions?
The late 2000s had put a dampener on Pakistan-South African defence relations (for multiple reasons with both sides being responsible). However, when the Chief Project Director of the JF-17 program noted the A-Darter as a contender for the Thunder’s WVRAAM requirement, it lent hope that ties between the sides could finally be returning. It is our hope that long-term interests are put ahead of short-term expediency.
Of course, Pakistan does not have the foundation nor expertise to engage in such a program on its own. But it does have an opportunity to build that necessary groundwork. Fate would have it that there is an experienced vendor in the world willing to develop next-generation air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles (SAM), and to part ways from the technology and expertise used to develop them.
That vendor is Denel Dynamics, a South African firm. In exchange for funding the development of the Marlin, a program seeking to develop next-generation BVRAAM as well as SAM technology and solutions, the end-user could receive a heavy infusion of valuable technology and technology expertise. Above that, the buyer would acquire a design that it could freely integrate and use with the platforms of its choice.
By investing in the A-Darter 5th-generation , Brazil was able to push forward with its own seeker and electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) technology. It will also produce the A-Darter domestically. At this time, the A-Darter is also in the running for the PAF’s requirement of a 5th-generation WVRAAM for use on the JF-17 Thunder.
The is expected to have . The design’s dual-pulse rocket will also be purposed for SAM applications as well, likely along the trajectory of the Israeli-Indian Barak-8, which will equip various surface combatants in service with India and Israel. Given that Denel Dynamics already has a 60km-range SAM under development (i.e. Umkhonto-R), it is reasonable to project the Marlin SAM to at least begin as a short to medium-range (25-40km) system. But it is important to note that the dual-pulse rocket technology the Marlin uses could be further developed over time, thus opening up the prospect of a medium to long-range (60-90km) system.
It is evident that engaging in such a program would not only benefit the PAF, but it would be of value to the and the . In fact, there are layers of results that could be accrued: First, the PAF would have a next-generation BVRAAM. Second, the Navy would have access to a SAM system that it could use aboard surface combatants such as frigates and corvettes. Third, the Army would have a SAM system as well, one that could be developed over time into a medium to long-range system. Fourth, Pakistan would be in possession of valuable dual-pulse propulsion, seeker, and ECCM technology, which it can use as a foundation to indigenously develop next-generation solutions.
There is a cost. The A-Darter program cost Brazil and South Africa India and Israel agreed to in order to develop the Barak-8 SAM. Investment in the Marlin could amount to several hundred million dollars. It would be unfair and disingenuous to suggest that the amount required would be minor or inconsequential.
However, does Pakistan have to be the sole funding partner? Not necessarily. It is possible that Pakistan’s funding could serve as motivation for others, such as Turkey, to co-fund as well. Turkey has a higher incentive at this point to acquire the same technology for its own uses, and it would not necessarily be averse to having Pakistan as a co-funding partner. Each partner could emerge with total access to the technology as well as the means to produce the systems domestically and to use them on their respective platforms. In fact, given the benefits that could be accrued from the program, the PAF does not have to be the sole backer within Pakistan. Each of the service arms ought to have an interest in the program, as should the country’s R&D players (e.g. NESCOM, AWC, SUPARCO, etc). There is potential here for cost-distribution, even within Pakistan (which would be helpful if Pakistan has to fund the program alone).
There are several ways to detract this idea.
First, it is an expensive idea, one fraught with substantial risk and complexity. However, the payoff of acquiring highly valuable technology that could be scaled for a wide range of strategically important applications. Moreover, Denel Dynamics is a seasoned vendor, it has the Marlin is actually a culmination of development going back 15-20 years, and the company has just proven that it could deliver the A-Darter – a 5th-generation WVRAAM akin to the AIM-9X and IRIS-T – if given the funding.
Second, one will argue that it would be more affordable to simply wait for China and the PL-15, or perhaps even an upgraded variant of the SD-10. To be frank, to suggest such an idea would mean making the assumption that the PL-15 would be exported in some shape or form. At this point, there is nothing to suggest that it will, not every Chinese system is made available for export. Granted, China could make some exceptions on the basis of pursuing its strategic interests, but this does not resolve the issue of having to depend on an external source. Alternatively, China could also offer a heavily upgraded version of the SD-10, and that would be a great option for the interim, but it does not compensate for having a next-generation design – i.e. a design that can be developed upon for decades into the future.
Third, one will note that Pakistan is a relatively risk-averse entity, one that will prefer to wait it out for the Chinese. In many cases, being risk-averse is a virtue, but there are situations where certain technology will not easily be acquired. The MBDA Sea Ceptor would be an ideal short to medium-range SAM system for use on the Pakistan Navy’s F-22P frigates. Unfortunately, one can without a doubt expect regulatory hurdles to get in the way of making such an acquisition feasible, and if not that, then certainly expect cost. Why not utilize Denel’s expertise to develop a comparable solution without any artificial limitations to performance? Why not call upon Denel to enable Pakistan to actually produce the system? The JF-17 has given the PAF a measure of freedom and authority that it has not had with any other platform, so why is this idea not being expanded to other critical aspects of the armed forces?
Fourth, South Africa requires funding and time to develop, others already have solutions available on the shelves. This argument completely omits the fact that in-exchange for the funding, Pakistan would receive a measure of technology transfer that Denel’s competitors will not offer. Pakistan can optionally tie its funding to achieve specific objectives, such as having a SAM system similar to the Barak-8, i.e. a medium to long-range system that is compact and light enough to be fit on the F-22P. Pakistan’s national funds are limited, why not use them to not only acquire a product, but acquire the means to produce it, to design it for multiple mission roles, and build expertise that can be used to indigenously source future solutions?
The late 2000s had put a dampener on Pakistan-South African defence relations (for multiple reasons with both sides being responsible). However, when the Chief Project Director of the JF-17 program noted the A-Darter as a contender for the Thunder’s WVRAAM requirement, it lent hope that ties between the sides could finally be returning. It is our hope that long-term interests are put ahead of short-term expediency.
timepass
Brigadier
VECTOR AEROSPACE RESTORES SEA KING HELICOPTERS FOR PAKISTAN
Vector Aerospace will soon deliver three refurbished Sea King – i.e. two HC.4 and one HAR3A – helicopters to the Pakistan Navy (PN), reports.
“Many manhours have gone into returning each aircraft to the air … you have to remember that these helicopters had not flown for around two years, so they had suffered from some corrosion, perished seals, shock-absorber issues and various other age-related defects,” said Steve Tamblyn, project manager of the PN Sea King program at Vector Aerospace.
Pakistan seven ex-Royal Navy and ex-Royal Air Force Sea King helicopters in May of this year. Three of them have been restored and two were stripped for spare parts, with the remaining two will be sent to Pakistan as-is, likely to serve for spare parts (currently unclear).
The Sea King helicopters will join the PN’s No. 111 Squadron, which operates six Sea King Mk45 and Mk45B in troop transport, search-and-rescue (SAR), anti-ship warfare (AShW) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW).
Although a modest acquisition, it is reflective of Pakistan and the U.K.’s push to strengthen defence ties.
In September, the two countries the Defence Technical Cooperation agreement, a bilateral memorandum-of-understanding (MoU). The MoU was first signed in 2005, it had called for “new avenues in the area of defence cooperation between Pakistan and the UK and facilitate procurement of defence equipment and transfer-of-technology.”
Notes & Comments:
Currently, the PN’s Sea Kings are shore-based assets. The previous Chief of Naval Staff had announced that new Chinese frigates were on order, it is not known if these will have hangars and/or flight decks that are large enough for deploying the Sea King. However, the forthcoming STM Pakistan Navy Fleet Tanker, which is currently undergoing sea trials, will be able to deploy the Sea King.
The forthcoming HC4s can each deploy up to 27 fully-equipped troops or 2,700 kg in internal payload. The HC.4 can also carry 2,200 kg externally using a sling. These helicopters will provide a capability increase to the PN Marines and Special Service Group (SSG) Navy. The HAR.3A is a specialist SAR variant.
According to , Pakistan’s serving Sea King helicopters were upgraded with Leonardo’s SeaSpray 5300 active electronically-scanned array (AESA) radars. This would indicate that the Pakistan Navy’s Sea King helicopters will continue serving for the foreseeable future, a successor has not yet been identified.
The Pakistan Navy also operates six Harbin Z-9 ASW/AShW helicopters from onboard its Zulfiqar-class F-22P frigates and seven SA316/319 Alouette III lightweight utility helicopters for SAR and transport (Flight Global World Air Forces 2017).
Vector Aerospace will soon deliver three refurbished Sea King – i.e. two HC.4 and one HAR3A – helicopters to the Pakistan Navy (PN), reports.
“Many manhours have gone into returning each aircraft to the air … you have to remember that these helicopters had not flown for around two years, so they had suffered from some corrosion, perished seals, shock-absorber issues and various other age-related defects,” said Steve Tamblyn, project manager of the PN Sea King program at Vector Aerospace.
Pakistan seven ex-Royal Navy and ex-Royal Air Force Sea King helicopters in May of this year. Three of them have been restored and two were stripped for spare parts, with the remaining two will be sent to Pakistan as-is, likely to serve for spare parts (currently unclear).
The Sea King helicopters will join the PN’s No. 111 Squadron, which operates six Sea King Mk45 and Mk45B in troop transport, search-and-rescue (SAR), anti-ship warfare (AShW) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW).
Although a modest acquisition, it is reflective of Pakistan and the U.K.’s push to strengthen defence ties.
In September, the two countries the Defence Technical Cooperation agreement, a bilateral memorandum-of-understanding (MoU). The MoU was first signed in 2005, it had called for “new avenues in the area of defence cooperation between Pakistan and the UK and facilitate procurement of defence equipment and transfer-of-technology.”
Notes & Comments:
Currently, the PN’s Sea Kings are shore-based assets. The previous Chief of Naval Staff had announced that new Chinese frigates were on order, it is not known if these will have hangars and/or flight decks that are large enough for deploying the Sea King. However, the forthcoming STM Pakistan Navy Fleet Tanker, which is currently undergoing sea trials, will be able to deploy the Sea King.
The forthcoming HC4s can each deploy up to 27 fully-equipped troops or 2,700 kg in internal payload. The HC.4 can also carry 2,200 kg externally using a sling. These helicopters will provide a capability increase to the PN Marines and Special Service Group (SSG) Navy. The HAR.3A is a specialist SAR variant.
According to , Pakistan’s serving Sea King helicopters were upgraded with Leonardo’s SeaSpray 5300 active electronically-scanned array (AESA) radars. This would indicate that the Pakistan Navy’s Sea King helicopters will continue serving for the foreseeable future, a successor has not yet been identified.
The Pakistan Navy also operates six Harbin Z-9 ASW/AShW helicopters from onboard its Zulfiqar-class F-22P frigates and seven SA316/319 Alouette III lightweight utility helicopters for SAR and transport (Flight Global World Air Forces 2017).