Pakistan Military News, Reports, Data, etc.
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timepass
Brigadier
PAKISTAN APPROVES GWADAR SHIPYARD PROGRAM
The Pakistan Navy Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi announced that the Pakistani government approved plans to construct a new shipyard in Gwadar, the country’s new deep-sea port and an integral piece to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Reported by Pakistan’s state-owned , the CNS stated that it would take three to five years to complete the shipyard. Construction will begin in the near-term.
Lauding the step, Adm. Abbasi stated, “Technical know-how and basic industrial infrastructure to support Research and Development (R&D) is available in the country. However, it is time to integrate and optimize these facilities with a view to further strengthen process of self reliance.”
Following up proposals in 2008, plans to construct new shipyards in Gwadar and Port Qasim have been , albeit with the aim of attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and spurring private sector growth in shipbuilding. Pakistan believes shipbuilding would be a good avenue for generating employment and supporting economic growth in the country.
In response to the delays, Pakistani policymakers – such as those in the Senate’s Standing Committee on Defense Production – for green lighting the program.
Under the framework , Gwadar would be the first to have a new shipyard. Initially, Gwadar would offer ship repair and maintenance services, but it would eventually transition to constructing Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCC) and Ultra Large Crude Carriers (ULCC). Gwadar Shipyard was to have two dry docks with the capacity to handle 600,000 DWT (deadweight tonnage).
In 2014, the government had envisaged FDI as the means to fund construction, it is not clear if that is still the case. One alternate scenario could be for the Pakistani government to fund construction initially, but privatize Gwadar Shipyard through domestic and/or overseas investors in the future.
Currently, the entirety of Pakistan’s shipbuilding, maintenance and repair work is undertaken at the state-owned Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW). In parallel to building new shipyards, Pakistan is also modernizing KSEW. In July, it a $30 million U.S. contract to TTS Group for its Syncrolift ship-lift-and-transfer system, which will connect by rail to 13 in-land sites for construction and servicing work.
Notes & Comments:
The long-term viability of Gwadar Shipyard and Post Qasim Shipyard succeeding as private sector entities is contingent on them securing domestic and overseas orders. Otherwise, investors will not secure enough return-on-investment (ROI) to compensate for the cost of constructing and/or acquiring these shipyards. However, to Pakistan’s credit, plans for these new shipyards were made with the realization that KSEW would not have the capacity to support forthcoming domestic demand, such as the Pakistan Navy, which is undertaking a widespread fleet recapitalization effort. Furthermore, commercial/merchant shipowners contracting ship-repair work to Dubai and Singapore indicated that they would have used Pakistan instead had KSEW offered the necessary capacity (). Gwadar will provide that necessary capacity.
Investing in ship design institutes for commercial and naval applications could also enable KSEW, Gwadar and Port Qasim to offer original products for both domestic and overseas markets, further adding to their commercial viability. Pakistan currently consults with foreign firms in China, Turkey, Europe and the U.S. for ship designs, especially for the Pakistan Navy.
If Pakistan’s shipbuilding expansion efforts are being driven by genuine market demands, then these could amount to commercially viable entities. However, with the macro-economic objective of retaining hard-currency/foreign-currency being a factor, the Pakistani government will need to be mindful of FDI as that can result in hard-currency outflows (i.e. with foreign-owned equity resulting in a portion of profit/capital generated in Pakistan to return to the FDI source as ROI). Private investment from domestic firms could see the profit kept within Pakistan, thus saving on hard-currency outflows. It would also provide Pakistan’s indigenous private sector a base upon which to grow.
The Pakistan Navy Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi announced that the Pakistani government approved plans to construct a new shipyard in Gwadar, the country’s new deep-sea port and an integral piece to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Reported by Pakistan’s state-owned , the CNS stated that it would take three to five years to complete the shipyard. Construction will begin in the near-term.
Lauding the step, Adm. Abbasi stated, “Technical know-how and basic industrial infrastructure to support Research and Development (R&D) is available in the country. However, it is time to integrate and optimize these facilities with a view to further strengthen process of self reliance.”
Following up proposals in 2008, plans to construct new shipyards in Gwadar and Port Qasim have been , albeit with the aim of attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and spurring private sector growth in shipbuilding. Pakistan believes shipbuilding would be a good avenue for generating employment and supporting economic growth in the country.
In response to the delays, Pakistani policymakers – such as those in the Senate’s Standing Committee on Defense Production – for green lighting the program.
Under the framework , Gwadar would be the first to have a new shipyard. Initially, Gwadar would offer ship repair and maintenance services, but it would eventually transition to constructing Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCC) and Ultra Large Crude Carriers (ULCC). Gwadar Shipyard was to have two dry docks with the capacity to handle 600,000 DWT (deadweight tonnage).
In 2014, the government had envisaged FDI as the means to fund construction, it is not clear if that is still the case. One alternate scenario could be for the Pakistani government to fund construction initially, but privatize Gwadar Shipyard through domestic and/or overseas investors in the future.
Currently, the entirety of Pakistan’s shipbuilding, maintenance and repair work is undertaken at the state-owned Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW). In parallel to building new shipyards, Pakistan is also modernizing KSEW. In July, it a $30 million U.S. contract to TTS Group for its Syncrolift ship-lift-and-transfer system, which will connect by rail to 13 in-land sites for construction and servicing work.
Notes & Comments:
The long-term viability of Gwadar Shipyard and Post Qasim Shipyard succeeding as private sector entities is contingent on them securing domestic and overseas orders. Otherwise, investors will not secure enough return-on-investment (ROI) to compensate for the cost of constructing and/or acquiring these shipyards. However, to Pakistan’s credit, plans for these new shipyards were made with the realization that KSEW would not have the capacity to support forthcoming domestic demand, such as the Pakistan Navy, which is undertaking a widespread fleet recapitalization effort. Furthermore, commercial/merchant shipowners contracting ship-repair work to Dubai and Singapore indicated that they would have used Pakistan instead had KSEW offered the necessary capacity (). Gwadar will provide that necessary capacity.
Investing in ship design institutes for commercial and naval applications could also enable KSEW, Gwadar and Port Qasim to offer original products for both domestic and overseas markets, further adding to their commercial viability. Pakistan currently consults with foreign firms in China, Turkey, Europe and the U.S. for ship designs, especially for the Pakistan Navy.
If Pakistan’s shipbuilding expansion efforts are being driven by genuine market demands, then these could amount to commercially viable entities. However, with the macro-economic objective of retaining hard-currency/foreign-currency being a factor, the Pakistani government will need to be mindful of FDI as that can result in hard-currency outflows (i.e. with foreign-owned equity resulting in a portion of profit/capital generated in Pakistan to return to the FDI source as ROI). Private investment from domestic firms could see the profit kept within Pakistan, thus saving on hard-currency outflows. It would also provide Pakistan’s indigenous private sector a base upon which to grow.
Hendrik_2000
Lieutenant General
by | Published on January 3, 2018 (Edited January 3, 2018)
KARACHI – Pakistan Navy on Wednesday demonstrated its ability to respond to any aggression by conducting a test fire of a cruise missile from its recently commissioned PNS Himmat in Arabian sea near Karachi.
The Fast Attack Craft (Missile) PNS HIMMAT, built at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works Limited (KS&EW), was commissioned at Pakistan Navy Dockyard Karachi last year in July. PNS HIMMAT is a 63 meters long Fast Attack Craft fitted with state of the art weapons and sensor.
The naval craft fired indigenously developed Harbah Naval Cruise Missile, which is a Surface to Surface anti-ship missile with Land Attack capability. The missile accurately hit its target signifying the impressive capabilities of Harbah Naval Weapon System.
Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi witnessed the demonstration from PNS Alamgir. According to the Navy, this successful demonstration of weapon firing is a manifestation of the reliability of Pak Navy firepower.
Speaking on the occasion, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi expressed his satisfaction on the operational preparations of naval fleet.
On this occasion, Chief of the Naval Staff expressed his utmost satisfaction on the operational readiness of Pakistan Navy Fleet units and commended the efforts of all those involved in achieving this significant milestone successfully. He emphasised the need to capitalize on indigenous defence capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign countries.
The naval chief also reaffirmed the resolve of Pakistan Navy to ensure seaward defence of Pakistan and safeguard national maritime interests at all costs.
Admiral Abbasi also appreciated the efforts made by the engineers and researchers in making Harbah Naval Weapon System project a success.
timepass
Brigadier
CHENGDU REPORTEDLY ACHIEVES MILESTONE IN JF-17 BLOCK-III DEVELOPMENT
Reports from Chinese news sources indicate that Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG) reached a major milestone in the development of the JF-17 Thunder Block-III – i.e. entering the “preliminary design stage.”
The Block-III is slated as the JF-17’s first major upgrade involving new electronic subsystems, including an active electronically-scanned array (AESA) radar, a new integrated electronic warfare (EW) system, three-axis fly-by-wire (FBW) digital flight control system and helmet-mounted display and sight (HMD/S).
According to , CAIG has successfully determined an optimal configuration for the Block-III’s new subsystems, ensuring that it provides markedly improved capabilities.
Reported changes include modifications to the airframe for an AESA radar – potentially Nanjing Research Institute of Electronics Technology’s (NRIET) KLJ-7A – new transmit/receive modules (TRM) (related to the EW system) embedded in the airframe and change in “orientation of the cockpit ventilation pipe.”
CAIG is carrying out the work on a relatively compressed schedule, potentially aligning with the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) plan to have the Block-III enter production in 2019 or 2020.
Currently, the PAF intends to procure 50 Block-IIIs.
Notes & Comments:
Unless another fighter is procured, it seems that the JF-17 Block-III will be the first fighter platform in the PAF to use an AESA radar. In contrast to legacy mechanically-steered radars, AESA radars use hundreds of individual TRMs, each serving as a radar in its own transmit frequency. With many frequencies in use simultaneously with each pulse, it is more difficult for enemy EW systems to jam an AESA radar.
The cost of an AESA radar comes in its increased weight, which can be a result of increased cooling as well as power requirements. It is unclear how CAIG will compensate for this in the Block-III, but with the twin-seat JF-17B, CAIG supplanted the hybrid flight control system (which used mechanical controls for bank and yaw) with a three-axis digital FBW system. This might have reduced weight and helped with creating space for additional fuel (to compensate for the area lost used by the second seat).
Though speculative, a route for the Block-III could be to mirror the approach taken by Mikoyan with the MiG-29KUB, MiG-29M2 and MiG-35 by using the twin-seat JF-17B as the direct basis for the Block-III. The Block-III’s single-seat variant could use the same airframe as the JF-17B, but with the rear-seat replaced with an extension of the fuselage’s spine. This approach could help reduce development lead-time.
Reports from Chinese news sources indicate that Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG) reached a major milestone in the development of the JF-17 Thunder Block-III – i.e. entering the “preliminary design stage.”
The Block-III is slated as the JF-17’s first major upgrade involving new electronic subsystems, including an active electronically-scanned array (AESA) radar, a new integrated electronic warfare (EW) system, three-axis fly-by-wire (FBW) digital flight control system and helmet-mounted display and sight (HMD/S).
According to , CAIG has successfully determined an optimal configuration for the Block-III’s new subsystems, ensuring that it provides markedly improved capabilities.
Reported changes include modifications to the airframe for an AESA radar – potentially Nanjing Research Institute of Electronics Technology’s (NRIET) KLJ-7A – new transmit/receive modules (TRM) (related to the EW system) embedded in the airframe and change in “orientation of the cockpit ventilation pipe.”
CAIG is carrying out the work on a relatively compressed schedule, potentially aligning with the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) plan to have the Block-III enter production in 2019 or 2020.
Currently, the PAF intends to procure 50 Block-IIIs.
Notes & Comments:
Unless another fighter is procured, it seems that the JF-17 Block-III will be the first fighter platform in the PAF to use an AESA radar. In contrast to legacy mechanically-steered radars, AESA radars use hundreds of individual TRMs, each serving as a radar in its own transmit frequency. With many frequencies in use simultaneously with each pulse, it is more difficult for enemy EW systems to jam an AESA radar.
The cost of an AESA radar comes in its increased weight, which can be a result of increased cooling as well as power requirements. It is unclear how CAIG will compensate for this in the Block-III, but with the twin-seat JF-17B, CAIG supplanted the hybrid flight control system (which used mechanical controls for bank and yaw) with a three-axis digital FBW system. This might have reduced weight and helped with creating space for additional fuel (to compensate for the area lost used by the second seat).
Though speculative, a route for the Block-III could be to mirror the approach taken by Mikoyan with the MiG-29KUB, MiG-29M2 and MiG-35 by using the twin-seat JF-17B as the direct basis for the Block-III. The Block-III’s single-seat variant could use the same airframe as the JF-17B, but with the rear-seat replaced with an extension of the fuselage’s spine. This approach could help reduce development lead-time.
timepass
Brigadier
PAKISTAN TEST-FIRES ‘HARBA’ ANTI-SHIP CRUISE MISSILE
On January 03, the Pakistan Navy announced that it test-fired the ‘Harba’ anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) from the Azmat-class fast attack craft (FAC) PNS Himmat.
“[PNS Himmat] fired indigenously developed Harba Naval Cruise Missile, which is a surface-to-surface anti-ship missile with Land Attack capability,” said the Pakistan Navy through the state-owned .
The existence of the Harba ASCM was by the previous Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral (retired) Muhammad Zakaullah in his farewell speech in October 2017, who had also mentioned the Zarb coastal ASCM and Babur 3 submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM).
for sea trials in September 2016 and in July 2017, the PNS Himmat is the first of two Azmat-class FACs modified to deploy the Harba ASCM (the second is under construction).
During its commissioning ceremony, Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW) stated that the PNS Himmat was equipped with an “indigenously built (sic) Missiles System.” Unlike the preceding two Azmat-class FACs – i.e. PNS Azmat and PNS Dehshat – the PNS Himmat is equipped with dual-triple (2×3)-cell missile launchers instead of the dual-quad (2×4) launchers enclosing the C-802 ASCM.
It was apparent that the use of 2×3 launchers indicated the deployment of a – then unspecified – heavier and/or longer-range missile. It also appears that the Harba is connected to the missile launcher program assigned to Pakistan’s Directorate General of Munitions Production (DGMP) in 2014-2015.
As per Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) yearbook for 2014-2015, the DGMP was tasked with “the indigenous (sic) developing of ship-borne system with Land Attack Missile [LACM] and Anti ship Missile.” This launch system was due for completion by October 2018, but it aligns with the stated feature-set of the Harba, which is “a surface-to-surface anti-ship missile with Land Attack capability.”
A photograph and video footage of the Harba ASCM’s launch appear to show a variant of the Babur-series LACM, which is deployable from land and has a stated range of 700 km. The Babur is a sub-sonic cruising design capable of low-altitude flight and terrain-hugging. In December 2016, Pakistan that it tested , which Inter Services Public Relations said was capable of engaging “targets … at sea.” In January 2017, Pakistan also tested the 450-km range SLCM.
Notes & Comments:
If the Harba ASCM is a variant of the Babur, then it would essentially be a long-range sea-skimming ASCM. Like the C-802 ASCM, the Harba ASCM would likely rely on an inertial navigation system (INS)-based mid-course guidance system coupled with a terminal-stage active-homing seeker. It is not known what kind of active seeker the Harba ASCM is using, though for anti-ship warfare (AShW) active radar-homing (ARH) is a widespread solution. However, imaging infrared (IIR) could be an alternative, especially involving cases where strong electronic warfare (EW) and electronic countermeasures (ECM) jamming is expected (which can interfere or scuttle an ARH seeker). The key aspect of the Harba is its potential range – 450 km or 700 km (depending on whether it is derived from the Babur 3 or Babur Version 2, respectively).
The Azmat-class FAC is not equipped with a long-range radar for surface target detection, tracking and mid-course guidance. To fully utilize the Harba’s range as an AShW solution, the PNS Himmat will require an off-board sensor, which could be another ship, an aircraft – such as the ZDK03/Karakoram Eagle airborne early warning and control platform – or land/shore-based radar to provide mid-course guidance. However, this would not be necessary if the Harba is used as a LACM against a fixed target, the PNS Himmat crew can simply input target information to the Harba’s INS guidance suite.
It would make sense for the Harba to be a standard ASCM of the forthcoming frigates being bought from China. reported that Pakistan inked a contract in June 2017 for a Type 054A frigate in the same sensor and weapons configuration as the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s ships. As per the Defense News report, Pakistan plans to procure a total of up to three of these frigates.
If correct, this configuration should include the Type 366 OTH radar, which is to be a Chinese variant of the Russian . In fact, in 2014 China had to sell an OTH radar suite to Indonesia under the designation of SLR-66. The SLR-66 could be the export variant of the Type 366. The SLR-66’s passive and active modes have ranges of 500 km and 280 km, respectively. This is close to the stated passive and active mode ranges of the Mineral ME (i.e. 450 km and 250 km, respectively).
The Type 054A can utilize the Type 366/SLR-66 OTH radar to provide mid-course guidance to targets for the Harba ASCM. In the capacity of a command ship, the frigate could also provide mid-course guidance support to other Harba-equipped ships, such as the Azmat-class FAC. Granted, the SLR-66’s active mode (280 km) would not be able to guide the Harba’s full range in AShW (assuming it is identical to the Babur), while the passive sensor is primarily meant for building OTH situational awareness. However, this might not be a concern for the Pakistan Navy as the Harba’s intended role is to be a dual-ASCM/LACM, the higher range envelope was likely intended for its deployment as a LACM.
Footage of the Harba’s test-firing:
On January 03, the Pakistan Navy announced that it test-fired the ‘Harba’ anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) from the Azmat-class fast attack craft (FAC) PNS Himmat.
“[PNS Himmat] fired indigenously developed Harba Naval Cruise Missile, which is a surface-to-surface anti-ship missile with Land Attack capability,” said the Pakistan Navy through the state-owned .
The existence of the Harba ASCM was by the previous Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral (retired) Muhammad Zakaullah in his farewell speech in October 2017, who had also mentioned the Zarb coastal ASCM and Babur 3 submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM).
for sea trials in September 2016 and in July 2017, the PNS Himmat is the first of two Azmat-class FACs modified to deploy the Harba ASCM (the second is under construction).
During its commissioning ceremony, Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW) stated that the PNS Himmat was equipped with an “indigenously built (sic) Missiles System.” Unlike the preceding two Azmat-class FACs – i.e. PNS Azmat and PNS Dehshat – the PNS Himmat is equipped with dual-triple (2×3)-cell missile launchers instead of the dual-quad (2×4) launchers enclosing the C-802 ASCM.
It was apparent that the use of 2×3 launchers indicated the deployment of a – then unspecified – heavier and/or longer-range missile. It also appears that the Harba is connected to the missile launcher program assigned to Pakistan’s Directorate General of Munitions Production (DGMP) in 2014-2015.
As per Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) yearbook for 2014-2015, the DGMP was tasked with “the indigenous (sic) developing of ship-borne system with Land Attack Missile [LACM] and Anti ship Missile.” This launch system was due for completion by October 2018, but it aligns with the stated feature-set of the Harba, which is “a surface-to-surface anti-ship missile with Land Attack capability.”
A photograph and video footage of the Harba ASCM’s launch appear to show a variant of the Babur-series LACM, which is deployable from land and has a stated range of 700 km. The Babur is a sub-sonic cruising design capable of low-altitude flight and terrain-hugging. In December 2016, Pakistan that it tested , which Inter Services Public Relations said was capable of engaging “targets … at sea.” In January 2017, Pakistan also tested the 450-km range SLCM.
Notes & Comments:
If the Harba ASCM is a variant of the Babur, then it would essentially be a long-range sea-skimming ASCM. Like the C-802 ASCM, the Harba ASCM would likely rely on an inertial navigation system (INS)-based mid-course guidance system coupled with a terminal-stage active-homing seeker. It is not known what kind of active seeker the Harba ASCM is using, though for anti-ship warfare (AShW) active radar-homing (ARH) is a widespread solution. However, imaging infrared (IIR) could be an alternative, especially involving cases where strong electronic warfare (EW) and electronic countermeasures (ECM) jamming is expected (which can interfere or scuttle an ARH seeker). The key aspect of the Harba is its potential range – 450 km or 700 km (depending on whether it is derived from the Babur 3 or Babur Version 2, respectively).
The Azmat-class FAC is not equipped with a long-range radar for surface target detection, tracking and mid-course guidance. To fully utilize the Harba’s range as an AShW solution, the PNS Himmat will require an off-board sensor, which could be another ship, an aircraft – such as the ZDK03/Karakoram Eagle airborne early warning and control platform – or land/shore-based radar to provide mid-course guidance. However, this would not be necessary if the Harba is used as a LACM against a fixed target, the PNS Himmat crew can simply input target information to the Harba’s INS guidance suite.
It would make sense for the Harba to be a standard ASCM of the forthcoming frigates being bought from China. reported that Pakistan inked a contract in June 2017 for a Type 054A frigate in the same sensor and weapons configuration as the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s ships. As per the Defense News report, Pakistan plans to procure a total of up to three of these frigates.
If correct, this configuration should include the Type 366 OTH radar, which is to be a Chinese variant of the Russian . In fact, in 2014 China had to sell an OTH radar suite to Indonesia under the designation of SLR-66. The SLR-66 could be the export variant of the Type 366. The SLR-66’s passive and active modes have ranges of 500 km and 280 km, respectively. This is close to the stated passive and active mode ranges of the Mineral ME (i.e. 450 km and 250 km, respectively).
The Type 054A can utilize the Type 366/SLR-66 OTH radar to provide mid-course guidance to targets for the Harba ASCM. In the capacity of a command ship, the frigate could also provide mid-course guidance support to other Harba-equipped ships, such as the Azmat-class FAC. Granted, the SLR-66’s active mode (280 km) would not be able to guide the Harba’s full range in AShW (assuming it is identical to the Babur), while the passive sensor is primarily meant for building OTH situational awareness. However, this might not be a concern for the Pakistan Navy as the Harba’s intended role is to be a dual-ASCM/LACM, the higher range envelope was likely intended for its deployment as a LACM.
Footage of the Harba’s test-firing:
timepass
Brigadier
PAKISTAN BREAKS GROUND ON AIR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS IN KAMRA
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi addressing the audience at the ground-breaking ceremony of the Air University’s Aerospace and Aviation Campus. Photo source: Associated Press of Pakistan
On January 02, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, along with the Pakistan Air Force (PAF)’s leadership, performed the ground-breaking ceremony of Air University’s Aerospace and Aviation Campus in Kamra, the reports.
Air University, which was established in Islamabad, is raising an expansion campus in Kamra as part of the PAF’s Kamra Aviation City initiative, which is envisaged to facilitate the PAF’s objective of sourcing its next-generation combat aircraft domestically instead of off-the-shelf imports.
Lauding the event and the wider initiative, Prime Minister Abbasi stated, “I am confident that this Campus will play a central role beyond the academics to integrate technology, training, operations, maintenance and management of our national assets.”
The PAF Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Sohail Aman outlined the objectives of the Kamra Aviation City initiative, stating, “I believe that we have stepped into a path which will ensure indigenization of civil and military aircraft, weapons and avionics.”
Pakistan inaugurated the Kamra Aviation City complex in July 2017 with the aim of having it serve as a key conduit for aircraft design, development and manufacturing. Besides markedly reducing Pakistan’s use of overseas original equipment manufacturers (OEM) for aircraft, the Pakistani government hopes that the initiative would also contribute to Pakistan’s human capital development, increase its high-value exports and spur wider industry activity, especially in Pakistan’s private sector.
Project Azm
In July 2017, the PAF CAS “Project Azm”, a program aimed at securing a domestically produced medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a fifth-generation fighter (FGF) for the PAF. The newly established Aviation Design Institute (AvDI) at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) was with the “designing, production and evaluation” work for the FGF.
In December 2017, the PAF CAS that Pakistan was “engaged with Chinese experts in manufacturing the next generation aircraft,” while adding that the MALE UAV and FGF will enter production in 18 months and five years, respectively. As per the CAS, 60% of the staff involved in Project Azm are civilians.
Civilian Commuter Aircraft
At the 2017 Dubai Air Show, PAC Chairman Air Marshal (AM) Ahmer Shahzad told the that PAC was interested in producing a with a seating capacity of 10-30 passengers. Citing a in domestic and regional air travel, AM Shahzad believed that a commuter aircraft that is “cost-effective, with sustained logistics and maintenance” would be a viable and attractive prospect for the domestic Pakistani market and foreign markets, namely Africa and Central Asia.
Private Sector Engagement
In September 2017, ACM Sohail Aman called upon Pakistan’s private sector to participate in the country’s aviation sector. Although a start has been made with sourcing some inputs for the JF-17 from the private sector (starting with “non-technical” components such as rubber and cables), the intention to expand that scope through Kamra Aviation City and, ostensibly, Project Azm. In July 2017, the PAF CAS stated, “…the plan of Aviation City has sponsorship of the Government of Pakistan for including the country’s industry as a downstream body … let Pakistan’s aviation industry grow and thus support the country’s economy.”
Currently, there is a significant gap between Pakistan’s stated aspirations and the reality – be it its aviation design, development and manufacturing capabilities or the willingness of the private sector to participate. However, by strongly tying its next-generation fighter program to domestic sourcing, the PAF appears to be raising the possibility of sustained and long-term high-value work for prospective Pakistani suppliers. Granted, Pakistan’s fiscal state will be the main guarantor or determiner of viability, but the FGF could potentially spur private sector investment in materials, aerostructure and electronics development and manufacturing. This is contingent on both domestic orders and ensuring that a sizable portion of the FGF supply work is open to the private sector (instead concentrated in the public sector).
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi addressing the audience at the ground-breaking ceremony of the Air University’s Aerospace and Aviation Campus. Photo source: Associated Press of Pakistan
On January 02, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, along with the Pakistan Air Force (PAF)’s leadership, performed the ground-breaking ceremony of Air University’s Aerospace and Aviation Campus in Kamra, the reports.
Air University, which was established in Islamabad, is raising an expansion campus in Kamra as part of the PAF’s Kamra Aviation City initiative, which is envisaged to facilitate the PAF’s objective of sourcing its next-generation combat aircraft domestically instead of off-the-shelf imports.
Lauding the event and the wider initiative, Prime Minister Abbasi stated, “I am confident that this Campus will play a central role beyond the academics to integrate technology, training, operations, maintenance and management of our national assets.”
The PAF Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Sohail Aman outlined the objectives of the Kamra Aviation City initiative, stating, “I believe that we have stepped into a path which will ensure indigenization of civil and military aircraft, weapons and avionics.”
Pakistan inaugurated the Kamra Aviation City complex in July 2017 with the aim of having it serve as a key conduit for aircraft design, development and manufacturing. Besides markedly reducing Pakistan’s use of overseas original equipment manufacturers (OEM) for aircraft, the Pakistani government hopes that the initiative would also contribute to Pakistan’s human capital development, increase its high-value exports and spur wider industry activity, especially in Pakistan’s private sector.
Project Azm
In July 2017, the PAF CAS “Project Azm”, a program aimed at securing a domestically produced medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a fifth-generation fighter (FGF) for the PAF. The newly established Aviation Design Institute (AvDI) at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) was with the “designing, production and evaluation” work for the FGF.
In December 2017, the PAF CAS that Pakistan was “engaged with Chinese experts in manufacturing the next generation aircraft,” while adding that the MALE UAV and FGF will enter production in 18 months and five years, respectively. As per the CAS, 60% of the staff involved in Project Azm are civilians.
Civilian Commuter Aircraft
At the 2017 Dubai Air Show, PAC Chairman Air Marshal (AM) Ahmer Shahzad told the that PAC was interested in producing a with a seating capacity of 10-30 passengers. Citing a in domestic and regional air travel, AM Shahzad believed that a commuter aircraft that is “cost-effective, with sustained logistics and maintenance” would be a viable and attractive prospect for the domestic Pakistani market and foreign markets, namely Africa and Central Asia.
Private Sector Engagement
In September 2017, ACM Sohail Aman called upon Pakistan’s private sector to participate in the country’s aviation sector. Although a start has been made with sourcing some inputs for the JF-17 from the private sector (starting with “non-technical” components such as rubber and cables), the intention to expand that scope through Kamra Aviation City and, ostensibly, Project Azm. In July 2017, the PAF CAS stated, “…the plan of Aviation City has sponsorship of the Government of Pakistan for including the country’s industry as a downstream body … let Pakistan’s aviation industry grow and thus support the country’s economy.”
Currently, there is a significant gap between Pakistan’s stated aspirations and the reality – be it its aviation design, development and manufacturing capabilities or the willingness of the private sector to participate. However, by strongly tying its next-generation fighter program to domestic sourcing, the PAF appears to be raising the possibility of sustained and long-term high-value work for prospective Pakistani suppliers. Granted, Pakistan’s fiscal state will be the main guarantor or determiner of viability, but the FGF could potentially spur private sector investment in materials, aerostructure and electronics development and manufacturing. This is contingent on both domestic orders and ensuring that a sizable portion of the FGF supply work is open to the private sector (instead concentrated in the public sector).