JANG
PAF trying to induct 60 Gripen jets into fleet
By Mayed Ali
LAHORE: Through a deal thought to cost around Rs 156.6 billion, the Pakistan Airforce (PAF) is trying to induct 60 state-of-the-art jetfighters, Gripen (JAS-39), with the manufacturers, Gripen International – the conglomeration of Saab AB and BAE Systems.
These air-superiority combat aircrafts, come at a price-tag of $45 million (Rs 2.61 billion), and are considered the best overall bet in that category. The final delivery of planes to PAF, is expected within three years. The PAF and Saab Scania have already negotiated the deal. However, a final agreement between the Pakistan government and Gripen International is expected to be signed in a month or so, as the Saab AB awaits a green signal from the Swedish Government. President Pervez Musharraf’s visit to Sweden has assumed even greater significance against this backdrop. It is believed that the fate of the agreement will be decided if President Musharraf succeeds in convincing the Swedish and British governments to give a go-ahead nod to Gripen International. Pakistan also intends to purchase Airborne Early Warning planes, Argus, from Saab Scania as well.
The deal, should it materialise, will give the PAF an instant cushion of one squadron of Gripen within six months, and additional aircrafts at regular intervals. These aircrafts will on lease to Pakistan as a part of the aggressive marketing and innovative financing campaign of the Gripen International, until the deal’s completion. The squadrons will include twin-seat trainer aircrafts as well. The entire package will include the transfer of technology, besides sharing of latest research and consequential upgrades.
It is learnt the Gripen International has assured the PAF the delivery of aircrafts, the transfer of technology and upgrade programmes would not be hindered by any kind of sanctions except for the UN. The deal can, however, be dampened in case the US tries to influence both the governments not to allow the Gripen International to sell the fighters to Pakistan.
The Gripen is a frontline multirole, swingrole aircraft, and is considered a match for any sophisticated fourth-generation combat aircraft. Having a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system powered by Volvo RM12 engine, Gripen can attain a maximum speed of Mach 2. The aircraft has a digital fly-by-wire flight control system, which further enhances its manoeuvrability – an optimum agility at all speeds and altitudes. It has an established performance of flying supersonic at all altitude. Gripen can get airborne within a short span of one minute (scramble to take-off time). It can reach 50,000 feet (Maximum service ceiling) from standstill in just three minutes. The Hand on Throttle and Stick (HOTAS) control further ensures the best performance of the aircraft at stress times.
With a sophisticated computerised modern functional and weapon control system, Gripen is equipped with air-to-air, air-to-ground and air-to-sea operational capability. The platform is also capable of carrying out reconnaissance missions during peace and wartimes. The latest, hitech avionics enables the Gripen pilot to have a `look down-shoot down’ prowess. It is fitted with an Ericsson Radar, which can detect and lock-on multiple long-range targets. The aircraft can cage and shoot multiple targets at beyond visual range (BVR). The fighter can take on the hostile platform over 130 kilometres away.
In addition to this, the integrated datalink capability eases the burden on the pilot as information on all land, air and sea targets is available to all airborne, ground and sea platforms. That is, if a Gripen is flying over Kahuta and another is patrolling the shores of the country, both the platforms will share the data on targets through coloured multifunction displays (MFDs) in the cockpit.
This data will be shared by all ground and sea surveillance points as well. This is a state-of-the-art system, and matches the US equivalent JTIDS (Joint Tactical Information Display System). This system is generally called the Quick Reaction Alerts (QRA), and gives the fighter an edge in Combat Air Strike (CAS) and Combat Air Patrol (CAP) operations, besides reconnaissance.
Through this system, any aggressor in the air, land or sea can be engaged from the nearest facility on the ground, sea or in the air. This capability gets a prime support from Swedish Airborne Early Warning (AEW) platforms, S-100B Argus (SAAB 340B AEW). Pakistan is also looking for the purchase of some of these aircrafts for fully utilising the defence capability of Gripen. With this edge, Gripen’s low visual radar and infra-red signature makes it a safe platform in the air, having an edge over the enemy.
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