China Plans to Sell Pakistan the Liaoning Aircraft Carrier

06 Februari 2019

PLAN Loaning aircraft carrier (photo : The Standard)

An official media report separately disclosed that China has planned to carry out a “large-scale upgrade” of China’s first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, and “sell it to Pakistan to compete with India”! It described Pakistan “as the best destination for it” and said that by then the Liaoning, which was commissioned into the PLAN in September 2012, will have served the Chinese Navy for about 18 years. Gwadar and Karachi are already described by Chinese Navy strategists as a “logistics base” and “PLA Navy (PLAN) base” respectively.

PLA Navy (PLAN) strategists are also emphasising the need for carrier battle formations in the East and South China Seas and have said that at least five to six aircraft carriers are required to meet operational needs. There are now clear indications that China has decided to build five aircraft carriers and launch them by 2025-2030. Two of them will be nuclear-powered. Whether a sixth aircraft carrier will be built is still uncertain but, meanwhile, some strategists are pointing to the huge expense of operating a single aircraft carrier.

China plans to operate five aircraft carriers in the near future, including two nuclear-powered ones that would be launched around 2025 to meet the evolving strategic shifts , according to Chinese military experts. A late entrant into aircraft carrier led naval battleship formations, China launched its first aircraft carrier ‘Liaoning’ in 2012, which was a refit of the former Soviet vessel bought from Ukraine. Subsequently, China launched its domestically-built second aircraft carrier and commissioned it for sea trials last year. The yet to be named ship is expected to be put into service by 2020. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy will have five aircraft carriers in the near future, country’s official media reported, adding that China’s third aircraft carrier is currently being built in Shanghai.

(MilitaryLeaks)

Airborne Radar: Interception, Early Warning & Ground Surveillance Systems (1)

09 Januari 2011


Singapore’s E-2C hawkeye, the radar can detect target to 370 km range, have max operating ceiling 9,4 km and max endurance 6 hours. (photo : XAirforces)

The ability for armed forces to carry out effective self-defence and combat operations relies heavily on aerial defence systems. Central to this is the use of Airborne Early Warning (AEW) systems and Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems (AWACS).

The use of these aircraft as centralised battle command and communication centres is vital for acountry to able to carry out surveillance over land and water, and todirect airborne, ground and naval platforms during operations. Having the most technologically advanced system in the air canmeans the difference between an armed force that is able to defend its own assets, and one that cannot.


Within the Asia-Pacific region, many countries are carrying out major upgrades of their aerial defences, both acquiring technology from foreign manufacturers, and developing indigenous platforms and systems. The race to field the most advanced technology has led to the region becoming one of the fastest growing markets for AWACS solutions in the world, as each country tries to compete with and outdo its neighbours. In particular, as North Korea and China both move towards a future of significant military dominance, the growing imbalance within the region is forcing other nations to update and modernise their early warning, interception and surveillance systems.

The technology currently being fielded and developed within the region is now amongst some of the most capable in the world. The region has seen an influx of Israeli and European technology as the IAI Phalcon and Saab Erieye gain a strong footing in the market, with US interests being maintained by Boeing.

Erieye


Thailand’s Saab 340 Erieye equipped with AESA radar, can detect target to 350 km range, have max operating ceiling 9,4 km and max endurance 7 hours. (photo : Mihalik Andras)

In September, Saab unveiled its new integrated air defence system for the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) at a ceremony at the company’s factory in Linköping, Sweden. The system consists of the Gripen C/D, the ERIEYE airborne early warning system and a Command and Control system that includes data link communication.

The contract forms the foundation for an advanced network based defence system that will see Thailand’s air defences upgraded to amongst the most advanced in the Asia-Pacific region, and bring them in line with recent additions to the air defences of many of their closest neighbours. The first ERIEYE airborne early warning (AEW) system will be delivered in late 2010 aboard a Saab 340 aircraft, along with an additional 340 aircraft.

One of the most important aspects of the contract between Sweden and Thailand is the inclusion of the ERIEYE AEW&C system. Saab calls the system a ‘true force multiplier’ that offers significantly greater area coverage than conventional ground-based sensors. The system is capable of air and sea surveillance with an effective coverage of 500,000 sq kilometres horizontally and 20 km vertically. The radar is an active phased array radar and its S-band technology gives operational capability in all weather and light conditions, even under heavy jamming conditions. The radar is capable of detecting small air targets, hovering helicopters, cruise missiles and small surface targets such as inflatable rubber boats, giving a highly enhanced surveillance picture. The Erieye also features remote control operation allowing mission personnel to remain on the ground during operations.

Pakistan’s Saab 2000 Erieye equipped with AESA radar, can detect target to 350 km range, have max operating ceiling 10,4 km and max endurance 8 hours. (photo : PakAF)

The addition of the ERIEYE system will give the RTAF the ability to carry out air and sea surveillance, as well as to control national borders, waters and economic zones, disaster management, search and rescue as well as air traffic control and air policing. Crucially it also provides airborne early warning, alert warning and will enable the RTAF to control its own assets, including airborne and ground-based platforms and control centres.

The Thai sale of the Saab Erieye is a boon for Saab, who is marketing the system heavily in the region against fierce competition from companies including IAI and Boeing. The Saab ERIEYE was also sold to Pakistan as part of a contract that came into effect in 2006. Under the Pakistan agreement, Saab will provide a Saab 2000 turboprop aircraft equipped with the Erieye radar for border security and natural disaster monitoring and search and rescue. Two of these aircraft are believed to have been delivered to date.

Phalcon

India’s Phalcon, the radar can detect target to 400 km range, have max operating ceiling 13,0 km and max endurance 6 hours. (photo : Jetphotos)

India has been looking at enhancing its airborne radar capabilities as part of a comprehensive upgrade of the Indian Air Force (IAF), and in 2004 a contract was signed with IAI for the Phalcon AWACS. India will receive a total of six systems, which will be fitted into the Ilyushin Il-76 military transport aircraft.

The addition of the Phalcon AWACS system to the IAF will significantly enhance the nation’s air defences, and address growing imbalances presented by two of its nearest neighbours — China and Pakistan. The Phalcon AEW provides long range, high performance tactical surveillance for airborne, ground and naval targets, acting as a force multiplier. The system is multi-sensor, integrating radar, IFF, ESM/ELINE and CSM/COMINT technology that gives crosscorrelation of all data generated. The radar system is a phased array radar able to track multiple targets within full 360°degree range, and gives the ability to carry out ‘selectable surveillance’ within certain areas such as a particular battle zone. Optimized detection and tracking also allows the tracking of manoeuvring and high value targets, as well as fast track initiation, extended detection range and a high fault tolerance and redundancy. The system receives UHF, VHF and HF transmissions, and command and control is enhanced by large hi-res display systems and a communications suite that provides long distance secure voice and data links to air, ground and maritime assets, and voice and data relay facilities. India gained the upper hand from China when it successfully acquired the IAI technology. China had previously been involved in discussions with IAI to obtain the Phalcon, but technology transfer laws prevented the deal from going ahead.

(Asian Military Review)

Pakistan Tawari Indonesia Produksi Bersama Pesawat Tempur

21 Juli 2010

Pesawat tempur JF-17 (photo : Militaryphotos)

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Pakistan menawarkan Indonesia untuk memproduksi bersama pesawat tempur JF-17."

Kami menawarkan kerja sama produksi pesawat tempur JF-17 kepada Indonesia. Sebelumnya, kami sudah melakukan kerja sama serupa dengan China," kata Menteri Federal Urusan Pertahanan Pakistan Chaudry Ahmad di Jakarta, Rabu.

Usai penandatanganan nota Kesepakatan Kerja Sama Pertahanan RI-Pakistan, ia mengatakan, pihaknya telah banyak banyak melakukan kerja sama industri pertahanan dengan sejumlah negara seperti China.

Selain pesawat tempur JF-17, Pakistan juga menawarkan kerja sama industri kapal patroli.

Menanggapi itu, Menteri Pertahanan Purnomo Yusgiantoro mengatakan, pihaknya masih menjajaki kemungkinan kerja sama dengan Pakistan tentang pembuatan pesawat tempur JF-17.

Ia mengatakan, Pakistan telah melakukan produksi bersama pesawat temput JF-17 dengan China. "Produksi bersama mereka mencapai 500 unit, dari jumlah itu, 350 unit untuk Pakistan dan sisanya untuk China. JF-17 merupakan pesawat tempur generasi 4+ atau lebih canggih dari Sukhoi dan F-16 yang kita punya," ujar Purnomo.

Sementara itu, Wakil Menhan Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin menambahkan, kedua pihak akan membicarakan kemungkinan produksi bersama pesawat alat utama sistem senjata seperti pesawat tempur JF-17 dan kapal patroli setelah terbentuk kesepakatan produksi bersama (joint production agreement).

"Setelah itu terbentuk pada Oktober mendatang, kita baru akan mendata apa saja yang bisa dikembangkan kedua pihak. Namun, selama ini Indonesai telah membeli sejumlah amunisi kaliber besar. Jadi terlalu dini, jika kita langsung membuat kesepakatan," ujarnya.

Pesawat yang diproduksi Pakistan-China JF-17 telah dipesan antara lain Azerbaijan dan Zimbabwe sedangkan negara lain yang telah menunjukkan minatnya adalah Bangladesh, Myanmar, Mesir, Iran, Lebanon dan Malaysia.(T.R018/P003)

(Antara)

Pakistan and China Eye Export JF-17 Customers

19 Juli 2010

Pakistan Air Force's JF-17 (Photo : APG)

China and Pakistan are eyeing international customers for their Chengdu/ Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) JF-17 fighter, which is making its Western air show debut at Farnborough.

The countries jointly developed the aircraft, with the Pakistani air force receiving its first Chinese-manufactured examples in 2009. PAC also began indigenous assembly of the aircraft last year, and could incorporate western avionics, radars and other systems into the fighter from 2012.

Pakistan could have around 28 JF-17s in service by year-end, and eventually induct up to 250.

Both Pakistan and China are keen to export the fighter, which they tout as a low-cost alternative replace aged Northrop F-5s and Lockheed Martin F-16s. China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corp, which markets Chinese-made military aviation products globally, is in talks with around six potential customers, while the Pakistani government has also held initial discussions with others.

"China wants to use the JF-17 as part of its plan to become a significant player in the global military aviation market, while Pakistan is keen for exports that will help it to reduce its unit cost at its indigenous assembly plants," says an industry source. "Negotiations have been ongoing for a while now and they will continue at Farnborough, which is a great opportunity to show off what the aircraft can do."

Industry sources add that China has held talks with countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Venezuela, while Pakistani officials have held discussions with Egypt and Turkey.
A customer that commits to a "significant number of aircraft" could get help to set up an indigenous assembly plant if it is keen to help its domestic industry, say officials. This is similar to the arrangement with Pakistan for the JF-17 and a Chinese deal with Egypt for the Hongdu K-8 trainer and light attack aircraft several years ago.

Getting a suitable engine could be a potential hurdle, however, with Russia unwilling to allow China to use the Klimov RD-93 engine beyond the aircraft's current buyers. China's Guizhou Aircraft has been developing the WS-13 Taishan for the fighter for the past 10 years, and a JF-17 reportedly made a test flight using the new powerplant in March 2010. However, industry sources say the company is still not ready for mass production of the engine.

(Flight International)

Pakistan Begins Domestic Fighter Avionics Production

05 Juni 2010

JF-17 Cockpit diagram (photo : ggpht)

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan said it has commenced domestic production of avionics for the Sino-Pak JF-17 Thunder combat aircraft.

The announcement came May 28 at a ceremony attended by Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) in Kamra, just outside Islamabad.

To date, the majority of avionics produced in Pakistan have been manufactured under license from foreign companies, most notably Selex Galileo radars for the Air Force's Mirage III and F-7P Fishbed fighters. However, this looks set to change.

During the May 28 ceremony, the PAC's chairman, Air Marshal Farhat Hussain Khan, outlined the JF-17 avionics, in which he stated, "four indigenously designed and developed avionics systems were also being produced," and that the "production scope would be progressively broadened to include the production of a complete JF-17 avionics suite at the complex."

Officials at PAC could not provide any details on the announcement, and Air Force officials declined to answer any queries.

It is believed, however, that at least two of the domestically designed and produced systems include a head-up display and a weapons and mission management computer.

Past indigenous avionics projects have included a radar homing system in the 1960s for the F-104 fighter jet; an IRST pod and modifications to the GEC 956 HUD (Head Up Display); and the HUDWAC (HUD Weapon Aiming Computer) for the F-7P in the 1990s.

Efforts to sustain avionics design in Pakistan have not succeeded.

Retired Air Commodore Kaiser Tufail said he believes the reason is because it has "not been a viable proposition so far."

However, large-scale indigenous production of the JF-17 and potential export sales mean such a move is now more economically viable, he said.

Tufai said the Air Force has the potential to succeed because it has "a very large pool of highly qualified avionics engineers at the bachelor's, master's and even doctorate level, both serving and retired."

If that potential does result in a focused effort, "the next decade may well see Pakistan establish itself as one of the leading Asia-Pacific producers of avionics hardware and software," he said.

(DefenseNews)

Pakistan Strengthens Relations with Indonesia and China

3 Maret 2010

CN-235 of the Pakistan Air Force (photo : XAirforces)

Pakistan has extended defence ties with Indonesia and China as part of its strategy to diversify military suppliers and industrial co-operation partners.

Statements issued by the Pakistan government on 25 and 26 February said that meetings between Pakistan defence officials and representatives from Indonesia and China would strengthen strategic relations.

The focus of meetings between Indonesian and Pakistani defence officials in Islamabad on 25 February centred on "resolving maintenance problems" with the CN-235 transport aircraft that the Pakistan Air Force purchased from Jakarta in 2004. Closer industrial collaboration on other projects was also discussed, said the statement.

Talks with Chinese officials took place in Beijing a day later as part of the 30th anniversary of the formation of state-owned Chinese defence prime China North Industries Group (Norinco).

A statement said that Pakistan and Norinco had entered "joint venture and joint production projects" in recent years, such as the production of the Al Khalid main battle tank.

Masood Khan, Pakistan's ambassador to China, said that Pakistan and Norinco were also "investing into areas of exploitation of mineral resources, petroleum, defence products, marketing, and research and development".

Pakistan's ties with Indonesia are indicative of an emerging trend that has seen Islamabad establish close defence relations with a number of largely predominantly Muslim nations over the past few years. Similar ties have been forged with Brunei, Jordan, Malaysia, Turkey, Uzbekistan and Yemen.

China, meanwhile, remains Pakistan's closest industrial partner with joint collaboration continuing on a number of platforms, including the Al Khalid tank, the JF-17 fighter and F-22P frigates.

Defence diversification is regarded as an important defence strategy in Islamabad because it remains wary of its relationship with the US, from which it currently procures the majority of defence equipment. The US has previously imposed sanctions on Pakistan throughout the 1960s and again in the 1990s.

(Jane's)

First Pakistan-Made JF-17 Roll Out

24 November 2009

JF-17 Thunder of the PAF (photo: top81)

JF-17 Thunder : PAF Gets Indigenously Manufactured Fighter Aircraft

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday formally joined the international community of fighter aircraft manufacturers as JF 17 Thunder, the first ever multi role state of the art rolled out of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra and was included to the fleet of Pakistan Air Force.

Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani was the chief guest at the ceremony that marked a milestone in the Sino Pak joint venture in air defence system. Senate Chairman Farooq H. Naik, Federal Minister for Information Qamar Zaman Kaira, Defence Minister Ch Ahmed Mukhtar, Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Luo Zhaohui, Pakistan ambassador to China Masood Khan and three services chiefs attended the ceremony.

The sophisticated JF 17 Thunder, painted green in the colour scheme of national flag appeared with grandeur as the Prime Minister unveiled the fighter jet before the audience. Manufactured with the cooperation of China, the event has been termed as a beginning of new era of Pak China friendship.

Addressing a select gathering of local and foreign dignitaries and PAF officials, the Prime Minister said the goals of progress and prosperity could not be achieved without achieving self reliance in the defence production. He termed the manufacturing of JF 17 Thunder aircraft as the - achievement of an important milestone - in the government’s ongoing efforts to attain self reliance.

The Prime Minister assured full cooperation, support and patronage to the PAF in its projects and congratulated the entire nation, adding the national project would be remembered as a landmark in the country’s history.

Referring to present challenges, the Prime Minister said the fast changing technology intensive battle arena required intense involvement of air power which had emerged as a major player in conflict scenarios.He said the role of air force also becomes vital in tackling the threat posed by the forces of extremism and militancy.

Under these circumstances, he said, a modern air force was a national requirement adding the government was making sincere efforts for a strong and well equipped Pakistan Air Force. He said the PAF had repeatedly proved equal to the task even in most challenging times, measuring up to the expectations of the nation in safeguarding the sacred soil and skies of the country.

In the recent drive against militants, PAF side by side with Pak Army was endeavouring to root out terrorism from the country, he added. The Prime Minister said; The PAF has been able to achieve, both in the form of meeting its operational requirement by co developing a fighter aircraft and developing Pakistan’s Aviation Industry.

He said following the example of Kamra, there should be more similar centres of excellence in other fields, to attract youth towards a more constructive approach to life that leads to a better and more prosperous future. He appreciated that the JF 17 programme had provided employment to about 5,000 people.

The Prime Minister also reiterated the government’s firm resolve in eradicating ignorance, illiteracy and backwardness to carve a respectable place for the country in the comity of nations.

JF-17 in a Pakistan's colour scheme (photo : Defencetalk)

Referring to long and trust worthy relations between Pakistan and China, the Prime Minister said, It is not trade or economics that we collaborate and cooperate for, but our association and fraternal ties bind us in the everlasting embrace of friendship. He said; China has always stood by us in our hour of need its unflinching support and willingness, to go an extra mile for Pakistan, has been a source of great strength for the people of Pakistan.

The Prime Minister said there has been significant contribution by China towards the socio economic development of the country. Gilani thanked the Chinese friends for providing PAF the required technical assistance for the programme.

The Prime Minister said the Chinese calm sagacity, futuristic thinking and willingness to stand by its friends, even in the era of terrorism and extremism promised not only hope and stability but also acted as an example for others.He also mentioned the Chinese cooperation in many other projects in the country and said it was a pride for the nation.

He especially highlighted the projects including Gwadar Deep Sea Port, Korakoram Highway, Heavy Mechanical Complex, Heavy Electrical Complex and Saindak Copper Project where China is helping the country.He lauded the PAF’s initiative for appreciating and putting to use the tremendous potential of Pakistan and jointly developing the industrial infrastructure.

Chief of the Air Staff Rao Qamar Suleman highlighted the efforts of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra in establishing itself as a hub of aviation industry.He lauded the support of Chinese government and Aviation Industries of China without which, he said the project would not have succeeded.

He said that 40 JF 17 Thunder aircraft would be produced by PAC Kamra within next three years and would be inducted in PAF replacing the existing aircraft. He added that the first JF 17 Squadron would be established shortly.

China’s ambassador Luo Zhaohui on behalf on the Chinese government appreciated the technical acumen of PAC Kamra in acquiring complex skills and expertise in fighter aircraft manufacturing.He said the collaboration between the two peace loving countries in air defence was a major step for the regional peace.

Earlier Air Marshal Farhat Hussain Khan, Chairman PAC Board Kamra in his welcome address gave an overview of the JF 17 project and highlighted the benefits of co production in terms of incorporation of modern technologies of manufacturing and skill enhancement of personnel.

The Prime Minister was presented two souvenirs, including a painting of JF 17 Thunder made by Squadron Leader Adnan Siraj and a handmade carpet weaved with the impression of the same fighter aircraft.

In visitors remarks, Gilani termed the production of the aircraft as - a testimony of the time tested all weather Pakistan China friendship.

The JF 17 Thunder, the light weight and low cost multi role fighter aircraft has high maneuverability and BVR capability. It has advanced aerodynamics configuration and high thrust. The JF 17 Thunder will replace the ageing fleets of A 5s, F 7Ps and the Mirages in the PAF inventory thus fulfilling a multi role task.

(Pakistan Times)

Seea Also :

Pakistan Receives First Block 52 F-16s
14 Oktober 2009

F-16D block 52 of the PAF (photo : Lockheed Martin)

Pakistan received its first Block 52 F-16D yesterday as part of ambitious plans to refurbish its air force's fighter fleet.

The PAF, however, is doing this with a combination of both western fighters, and help from its traditional supplier China through the JF-17 and potentially the J-10B.

J-10B (photo : pakdef)

Tactically, that will be facinating in the future - using both Chinese and US fighters in tandem is gonna be interesting and I am sure there will be be many people watching the service closely in the coming years.

Politically, is this a case of keeping your friends close and enemies closer? If so, who is who in this instance? Your guess is as good as mine.

The bigger question, however, is where this leaves Lockheed Martin in India's $12 billion 126-fighter medium multi-role combat aircraft competition. New Delhi has never been happy about the sale of the F-16 to Pakistan, and this will not help Lockheed's cause in that lucrative competition. Watch this space.

(Flight International)

Pakistan in Chinese Fighter Jet Deal

11 November 2009

AVIC's J-10 fighter (photo : China Defense Mashup)

China has agreed to sell Pakistan at least 36 advanced fighter jets in a deal worth as much as $1.4bn, according to Pakistani and western officials.

Beijing will supply two squadrons of the J-10 fighter jet in a preliminary agreement that could lead to more sales, said a Pakistani official. The official said Pakistan might buy “larger numbers” of the multi-role aircraft in the future, but dismissed reports that Islamabad had signed a deal to purchase as many as 150 of the fighter jets.

Defence experts described the agreement with China as a landmark event in Pakistan’s defence relationship with the military power. China’s transition from a manufacturer of low-fighters to more advanced jets comparable to some western models is seen as evidence of Beijing’s increasing strategic clout in Asia.

“China is developing a real capacity to produce and export its arms. At one point, the Chinese were dependent on imported Russian technology, but obviously China has advanced significantly beyond those days,” said Marika Vicziany, Professor of Asian studies at Monash University in Melbourne.

“This agreement should not simply be seen in the narrow context of Pakistan’s relations with China,” said Abdul Qayyum, a retired Pakistani general.

“There is a wider dimension. By sharing its advanced technology with Pakistan, China is ... also saying to the world that its defence capability is growing rapidly.”

China has supplied Pakistan with fighter jets for more than three decades. But Beijing has seldom supplied Pakistan’s air force with advanced fighter aircraft. Islamabad turned to France for Mirage fighter jets in the 1970s and to the US for F-16s in the 1980s.

Pakistan has a fleet of 45 F-16s built by

Lockheed Martin. The Pakistani air force is using the fighter jet in its campaign against militants in South Waziristan.

The US has agreed to sell Islamabad another 18 new F-16s and Pakistani officials also expected the US to supply about a dozen older versions of the aircraft.

Over the past decade, China and Pakistan have collaborated on building their first jointly produced advanced fighter jet, known as the JF-17, or “Thunder”. Pakistan is expected to roll out the first domestically built version of the Thunder within weeks.

Pakistan’s air force plans to purchase at least 250 of the Thunder fighters over the next four to five years.

Experts see the new Pakistani focus on China as evidence that Beijing is trying to expand its military power.

“Countries like Iran and possibly some of the Middle Eastern countries would be keen to deal with China if they can find technology which is comparable to the west,” said one western official in Islamabad.

“Pakistan will work as the laboratory to try out Chinese aircraft. If they work well with the Pakistani air force, others will follow.”

AVIC emerges as a big exporter

China’s Aviation Industry Corporation has undergone so many restructurings during the past decade that it has become almost impossible for outsiders to understand its structure. But one thing is clear: the $21.7bn (€14.5bn, £13bn) group is rapidly emerging as a big military goods exporter, writes Kathrin Hille in Beijing.

Pakistan, where AVIC is seeking to sell 36 of its J-10 fighter jets, is an old partner. But AVIC is also marketing light fighter jets to Indonesia and the Philippines. It has attracted interest as an alternative to Russia in eastern Europe.

Several African countries are also on the customer list for heavy equipment such as helicopters, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Since the group is also involved in China’s civilian aircraft programme and gives only total revenue figures, the scope of its defence-related exports is unknown. But experts believe that the remerger late last year of two parts split out in 1998 is directed at creating a bigger player that will be more capable of competing internationally.

(Financial Times)

Final Tests of First Erieye AEW&C Aircraft for Pakistan Have Started

23 Oktober 2009

The first Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C aircraft for Pakistan has begun its final tests in Sweden. (photo : Saab)

In a ceremony in Linköping today Saab and the Pakistan Air Force celebrated the start of the final tests of the new Erieye AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) aircraft. The aircraft is currently undergoing system tests in Sweden and will continue with follow on testing in Pakistan later this year.

The tests aim is to evaluate the complete system including aircraft, radar, C2 system, communication and live situation picture including integration into the Pakistan Air Force’s Command & Control Ground Environment.

Saab signed a contract in October 2005 to supply an airborne surveillance system for Pakistan. The contract came into effect in June 2006. The system consists of three parts; an airborne segment, a ground based segment and logistics and support service. The airborne segment includes Saab 2000 aircraft equipped with the airborne early warning radar system Erieye.

Pakistan has had a long standing requirement for an airborne system to perform continuous surveillance of air territory, borders and the sea. The new airborne surveillance system will, together with existing ground based radars, provide a more detailed picture to decision makers in order to conduct more efficient rescue operations as well as to counter potential threats to national security.

Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents and constantly develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs.

(Defense Aerospace)

China Delivers Warship to Pakistan

31 Juli 2009

F-22P general purpose frigate (photo : DefencePK)

Karachi: China on Thursday delivered the first of four state-of-the-art frigates commissioned by nuclear-armed Pakistan from top ally Beijing, a naval spokesman said.

"The first F-22P Frigate constructed for the Pakistan navy at the Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai was delivered to Pakistan on Thursday," said Lieutenant Commander Shakeel Ahmed.

In keeping with contracts signed between China and Pakistan in 2005, the frigates will be equipped with anti-submarine helicopters, surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles and other defence systems.

The Zulfiqar (sword) class equipped with AK-176M 76.2mm main gun (photo : DefencePK)

"The F-22P frigates will not only enhance the war fighting potential of the Pakistan navy but will also strengthen the indigenous ship-building capability of the country," said Ahmed.

The announcement came two days after Pakistan hit out at India, branding its rival's first nuclear-powered submarine "detrimental" to regional peace and vowing to take "appropriate steps" to maintain a "strategic balance".

Relations between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan have plummeted since Islamist gunmen killed 166 people in Mumbai last November, attacks that New Delhi blamed on banned Pakistani group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

The frigate will equipped with Z-9EC helicopter (photo : DefencePK)

India on Sunday launched the first of five planned submarines by naming the 6,000-tonne INS Arihant (Destroyer of Enemies), powered by an 85-megawatt nuclear reactor that can reach 44 kilometres an hour (24 knots).

China is Pakistan's strongest ally and Islamabad relies heavily on Beijing for its defence needs.

Many Chinese companies operate in Pakistan and China is involved in the construction of a deep-sea port at Gwadar on the Arabian Sea.

(Defence Talk)