Some inside info… PAF did change the specifications for the radar. The Grifo did alter the servo’s behind the dish so so the size could increase a bit… Anyway. They seem to alter the avionics specifications continously. I think that this is the advantage for the jf17. It is plug and play and if they see something nice AND it is available then it is easy to add. The only thing I don’t understand is the fact that it will replace the Mirages. I think they only mean the air defence version. Not the strike…

Well, it is almost getting a never ending soap. At the time PAF bought 40 F16’s it was a very good move. After they decided to get 70 more the fiasco started. At this moment it is flying only structural upgraded F16A/B. No advanced avionics or BVR weapons. They have been able to talk about getting some planes for their Afghanistan period. And they will get some to replace a few accidents. Whether they shoudl buy more is a difficult question. They have enough capacity to fill those extra planes. They know the plane. But what plane are we talking about. The block15? And what will the MLU include? Every time the press releases some stories we as aviation lovers tend to ask more questions…

The bigger the plane the more it costs to operate. But you have more room (internal weight and external payload) to use. The disadvantage of bigger size is the visibility. Smaller planes are less easy to spot. And smaller plane have less room for fuel so often less range.

here some new pics… Thanks to pakdef.

MODERATED

anyway:
US forces operating from PAF forward bases: CAS

Sa’adat optimistic about acquiring F-16s after US election

By AH Khanzada

KARACHI: Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Sa’adat on Tuesday said US forces were present at few forward bases in Pakistan and they would remain their as long as they desire.

The PAF has two types of bases, the main operating bases, which are being used round the clock, and the forward operating bases, which can be used in emergency or war situation. “The US forces are present at a few of our forward operating bases where they will stay as long as they like,” said the air chief, while briefing newsmen at the Expo Centre, where the International Defence Exhibition And Seminar (IDEAS)-2004 is under way.

Responding to a question the air chief expressed optimism about getting F-16 fighter jets for the Pakistan Air Force. “We are an ally in the ongoing war against terrorism and owing to our performance, the US has changed its attitude toward us. We hope that after (November presidential) elections in the US, we will succeed in acquiring the withheld F-16s,” Sa’adat said. “Every country has its own national interests and the American interest is to help us, but financially, not militarily,” he said, adding that after the 9/11 incidents America helped Pakistan a lot but that was only financial support.

When asked that India was equipping its air force with the latest fighters, the air chief said: “The PAF wishes to acquire the latest technology and is struggling for it, but the Western world is not cooperating with us in this regard due to some political and other reasons.” He, however, added that day-by-day developments in the avionics sciences there were several difficulties being faced by the PAF but “it does not question our capabilities”.

About the India-Israel military cooperation, he said: “We have no right to object to close relations between India and Israel, but we have concerns over and we are fully aware of our defence needs.”

Responding to a question about Wana operation, Sa’adat said the PAF was a part of the Pakistan Armed Forces and, whenever needed, the PAF took part in the operation against the terrorists to support the Army.

Earlier, briefing newsmen, he said that despite limited resources, the PAF had achieved excellent results in self-reliance and indigenous defence productions. “Performance of the PAF is satisfactory and we are meeting successes,” he said. The Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) has given outstanding results not only in manufacturing of Karakoram-8 and Super Mashaq but also in overhauling and redeveloping of Mirage fighters, and several other areas, he said. “It is a matter of great honour for us that Oman, Syria and Saudi Arabia have placed orders for our Super Mashaq, while Egypt, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are taking interest in the Karakoram-8. At least 35 aeroplanes have been delivered to various private companies, he said, adding: “With the collaboration of China, we have redeveloped JF-17, developed the shape of Mirage-III and Mirage-V.”

Pak desires to purchase 70 F-16s: Kaleem

John Thakur Das

Karachi—Pakistan has sent a letter of request to the United States for the purchase of 70 F-16 high tech fighter aircrafts, disclosed Pakistan Air Force chief, Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Saadat here Tuesday saying that the request will be processed in the US State Department and forwarded to Pentagon for final approval.

Addressing a media conference at the defence exhibition ‘IDEAS 2004’ the air chief said it was unfortunate that the delivery of 110 F-16s ordered two decades ago met with political hurdles. Pakistan is badly in need of high tech aircraft to modernize its air force. This time he was confident that the United States will concede to the request by Pakistan. He indicated that delivery of the aircraft was possible after the November US presidential elections.

Air Chief Marshal said, Pakistan is also considering to purchase high tech fighters from Sweden and F10 from China but “we are still working on selection formalities”. But whichever plane is selected Pakistan will make sure that it will meet high tech requirements.

He pointed out that according to American interests they have decided to support Pakistan economically but not militarily. “Their policy can only change when they want it and nothing can be done from our side”, he said. Now the Americans have understood the real situation and are expected to deliver F-16s to Pakistan.

When asked whether Pakistan is safe from outside threats, the PAF chief said “nobody can guarantee that a country is safe from outside dangers but I am sure the Pakistan is capable to defend itself.”

Talking about the defence exhibition he said, “I am satisfied with the progress as 160 stalls have provided the much needed exposure to the products both local and foreign for the benefit of sellers and buyers.”

“Pakistan Air Force has a role to play in achieving self-reliance, indigenisation and modernisation of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex which has helped us in reducing the defence budget,” he pointed out. Their biggest achievement was the production of 400 Mashaks including super Mashaks enabling exports to Oman, Syria and most recently Saudi Arabia with local consumption by Pakistan army and PAF. The production of Karakurram-8 in 1994 has picked up exports to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Egypt. PAF’s latest venture is the production of JF17 with the collaboration of China and the first prototype flew last September while two of them are under manufacture. By December 2006 16 planes will be ready, 8 for Pakistan and 8 for Chinese Air force.

He said the deal with Royal Saudi Air Force has yielded US$ 34 million including 3 years of logistics with instructor pilots and other facilities.

Apart from catering to business for related and affiliated companies, the PAF head said “we are trying to make or repair major components ourselves mainly due to all-out support by the government. “We are trying to make a package for people in specialised fields so that they can stay with us for a longer period of time. This requires flexibility in employment,” he said. “The PAF is trying to wash out allegations that they do not off-load enough work to the private industry. The problem is that aviation industry is capital intensive where quality requirements are extreme, and the local private industry does not have that kind of capacity. In view of increasing importance of electronics the air force is now mostly depending on foreign companies for intricate assignments, he explained.

MODERATED.
Anyway. There is not much news. Most statements are written before. US may sell F16. Pakistan looking for other options like J10 or Gripen.

Thanks to Pakdef. Here amraam at IDEAS 2004.