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Published By ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW â– BANGKOK Wednesday, 28th November, 2018
DAY
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Published By ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW ■ BANGKOK Wednesday, 28th November, 2018
MINHASIANS JF-17 - IDEAS SHOW GUARDIAN
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arked at the front of the IDEAS exhibition, welcoming visitors and delegates is a Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder. One of over 100 that has been delivered by the Aircraft Manufacturing Factory at PAC Kamra. The jet is operated by the 2 Sqn ‘Minhasians’ which stood up in April 2016, is based at nearby PAF Base Masroor. The unit is multirole, but specialises in the maritime role which sees it equipped with the impressive C-802 anti-shipping missile. The aircraft, 17-242 was one of the first to be equipped with an air-to-air refuelling system, which allows it to refuel from the PAF’s fleet of Il-78 tankers.
On the opening day, Pakistan’s President Dr. Arif Alvi, the chief guest at this year’s IDEAS exhibition took a walk around the exhibition centre after the event’s opening ceremony.
TURKISH AEROSPACE SHOWS WIDE RANGE OF CAPABILITIES AT IDEAS
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urkish Aerospace is at the 10th edition of International Defence and Exhibition Seminar (IDEAS), discussing its wide range of products: ATAK, ANKA, HÜRKUŞ, T625, Turkish Fighter and TÜRKSAT 6A. Turkish Aerospace has established close contacts with Pakistan. In 2009, TAI successfully modernised 42 F-16s of the Pakistan Air Force. Since then, many steps have been taken to reinforce collaboration between the two countries. Following established cooperation, Turkish Aerospace and Pakistan have inked a deal for the export of 30 T129 ATAK helicopters.
KESTRAL GROUP REPRESENTING 20 INTERNATIONAL DEFENCE COMPANIES AT IDEAS 2018
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he Kestral Group, exhibiting in Hall 4 at IDEAS 2018, has one of the largest stands due to the fact that it is representing over 20 international defence manufacturers including Lockheed Martin (Sikorsky), General Dynamics, Safran, L3, Pratt & Whitney, Dillon Aero, Gulfstream and many others. The company specialises in providing procurement, engineering, consultancy and after-sales support services and logistics. During the exhibition Kestrel will be promoting Lockheed Martin’s F-16, C-130 Hercules and P-3 Orion, as well as radars, weapons systems and logistical support. Chief executive Liaquat Ali Baig told IDEAS Show Daily that Kestrel had been coming to the IDEAS exhibition since 2000. “It has been the ideal location to meet senior officers from all three of Pakistan’s armed forces, as well as senior representatives from the Ministry of Defence, national ambassadors as well as the international delegations that visit the show.” He continued, “I encourage the international defence community to come and participate in IDEAS which may change many of their pre-conceived impressions of coming to exhibit and do business
here in Pakistan.” “Every service wants to latest and best equipment,” said Mr. Ali Baig adding that “through our international partnerships we are working hard to be up-to-the-mark in what is currently available to our customers in Pakistan as well as internationally.” Around 18 visiting OEM representatives will be on the stand during the exhibition as well as other representatives from overseas officers and their customers. Since its establishment in 1987, the Kestral Group has been actively increasing its international business presence worldwide and now has offices in Jordan, Morocco, Oman, Romania, Malaysia, the Philippines and Romania in Europe. It also has representative offices in Washington DC, Canada, and Dubai. Liaquat Ali Baig said that Kestrel also works in coordination with other national agencies in commonly funded programmes which has seen the company operate in Mexico, Peru and Columbia. He concluded: “We are exploring the opportunities to offer maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) for executive/VIP jets as well as establishing a similar MRO service for military and civil rotorcraft ”.
PAF C-130H HERCULES WINS RUNNERS-UP TROPHY AT RIAT
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Alan Warnes
specially marked Pakistan Air Force C-130H Hercules participated at the UK’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) during mid-July. The veteran aircraft painted in a colour scheme to celebrate the 75th anniversary of 6. Squadron was one of the show’s biggest attractions. Regarded as the largest event of its kind in the world, RIAT attracted over 200 aircraft from all corners of the globe. The theme of this year’s show was ‘International Centenary celebrations of the Royal Air Force’. So when the Hercules won the runners-up trophy for the Concours’ D’Elegance for the best looking aircraft, the PAF was justifiably proud. It comes two years after another Hercules won the trophy in 2016, with its attractive-looking Operation Zarb-e-Azb themed scheme. The The PAF won runners-up place for the operation was launched in June 2014 by best looking aircraft at RIAT this year. joint Pakistan Armed Forces against militia groups, and the markings highlighted the Global Effect, Trophy for Spirit of the Meet befitting the best overall humanitarian and the military effort in the campaign. In July 2006, 6. Sqn’s L382B Hercules won three trophies at performance on the ground and Trophy For Best Livery for the best RIAT, Trophy For Best Theme markings under the heading Rapid decorated aircraft.
“ANY MISSION ANY DAY” GIDS AT THE CENTRE OF PAKISTAN’S DEFENCE INDUSTRY
G
lobal
Industrial
&
Defence
range / hand launched / VTOL surveillance
Solutions (GIDS) is Pakistan’s
systems, that are compact, man-portable and
premier
made operational within less time. All the UAVS are
state-owned
conglomerate country’s
defence
represents
largest
the
battle proven with a capability to operate effectively
defence
in hostile environments and are currently in use by
manufacturing units and hub of core R&D activities by offering products for multifaceted military
IDEAS-2018 platform has been chosen to unveil
applications. By means of offering high-tech
the state of the art surveillance UAV BURRAQ and
defence systems to the international clients – GIDS
UQAB-NG (a latest addition to the portfolio that
has emerged as a reliable defence supplier in a
offers unmatched surveillance from 20,000 ft with
ever-changing competitive industry. Pakistan’s
an endurance of 10 hours giving the user capability
defence sector’s core competence is primarily
to launch the system through a catapult anytime
leveraged
demanding
anywhere). Their UAV Packages are designed
complicated yet potent solutions and GIDS has
to be flexible, affordable & customizable to meet
made available to them a power-house of technical
the varying operational needs of clients and their
intellect
having
peculiar environments. There are number of diverse
Tri-Services of Pakistan as their prime users
systems and integrated solutions available in their
for decades in a synchronized yet demanding
offerings which they believe hold a competitive edge
relationship.
when dealing with the requirements of a demanding
on
&
its Armed
manufacturing
Forces
knowhow;
GIDS offers an extensive range of products
6
the Pakistan Armed Forces.
client & & changing battlefield dynamics.
for current & future defence requirements of its
Our strength is our ability to offer a reliable and
customers. Its product portfolio comprises of an
long term relationship to our clients, they know that
extensive range of systems, services & integrated
we will stand by them when the going gets tough –
solutions in the domains of Air, Land, Sea, NBC
Mr Asad Kamal (Director Sales & Marketing GIDS)
Defence & Security.
explained.
GIDS is also Pakistan’s only state-owned
The company has successfully positioned itself
manufacturer of a wide-variety of UAVs. These
as a quality-driven solution provider in all major
Unmanned platforms comprises the medium
domains of military supplies through successful
endurance tactical UAVs and a variety of short
international sales across the globe.
Rosoboronexport SHOWCASES OVER 200 BATTLE TESTED DEFENCE PRODUCTS
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osoboronexport, part of the Rostec State Corporation, is the organiser of Russia’s single exhibit display at the IDEAS 2018 International Defence Industry Exhibition in Karachi, Pakistan. Rosoboronexport is showcasing a wide range of capabilities to provide security and counter terrorism against organised crime. Unfortunately, the countries of the region are very familiar with the threat of terrorism. Russia, too, has not been spared the threat, and today Russian enterprises are developing and producing means and solutions for detecting and neutralising both small groups of extremists as well as the means to fight highly organised terrorist groups. Most of these solutions have been successfully tested under real battle conditions and appreciated by specialists during operations in Syria. Three leading Russian defence manufacturers, including HighPrecision Systems Holding Company and SPARK, are participating in Russia’s joint exhibit display with more than 200 defence products on display. The exhibits at IDEAS 2018 include military and service small arms, weapons and special technical means, specialty equipment, specialpurpose weapons and gear, non-lethal weapons, border and critical facility surveillance equipment, as well as a law enforcement products. 8
Foreign customers are expected to pay particular attention to the Kornet-EM and Metis-M1 ATGM systems, Kalashnikov AK-101, AK-102, AK-103 and AK-104 assault rifles, Kalashnikov Pecheneg machine gun, and close-combat weapons like the Shmel-M rocket flamethrower and the Varna jet flamethrower, the Bur compact grenade launcher system, the AGS-30 and AGS-17 automatic grenade launchers, as well as live and non-lethal ammunition for them. In addition, there is expected to be considerable interest in the ground and air vehicles for transporting anti-terrorist units and their equipment. In particular, the BTR-80A, BTR-82A armoured personnel carriers, the BMP-3M infantry fighting vehicle, the Tiger family of armoured motor vehicles, as well as the Mi-35M transport /attack helicopter and the Mi-17-military transport helicopter. The countries of the region seek not only to eliminate the consequences of terrorist attacks, but also to acquire capabilities to prevent them effectively. For these purposes, Rosoboronexport is exhibiting a number of means for timely detecting and locating terrorist threats, in particular, the Orlan-10E and Takhion UAV systems, electronic devices and the Repellent electronic warfare system designed to counter small unmanned aerial vehicles.
IDEAS SHOW DAILY INTERVIEWS
STM’S GENERAL MANAGER MURAT IKINCI
1. What is the main aim of STM in attending IDEAS 2018? We attach utmost importance to IDEAS 2018 – one of the leading defence exhibitions in Asia - due to our collaborations and potential business volume in the defence industry in Pakistan under the leadership of the Presidency of Defence Industries of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey. We participate in IDEAS 2018 to develop and expand our defence industry co-operations with Pakistan into different areas including naval programmes, cyber security and others. As a company we ranked among the greatest defence companies in the Defense News Top 100 list in 2018, we aim to sign new projects in Pakistan and Asia in 2018.
security, big data analytics and artificial intelligence to carry out critical projects as required by Turkey and friendly countries. At IDEAS 2018, which brings together the world’s leading defence industry firms, we exhibit MİLGEM -Ada Class Corvette-, Fast Attack Craft (FAC-55), our concept design for new submarine programme along with Pakistan Navy Fleet Replenishment Ship (PNS Moawin). Additionally, we introduce our ultra wide band radar family of products including Through The Wall Radar (DAR) and Standoff Through The Wall Radar (UHTES), attack and surveillance drones (KARGU and ALPAGU BLOCK II) as well as our integrated cyber security solutions.
2. Has STM attended previous defence shows in Pakistan - which and when? STM has been attending Pakistan Defence Industry Fair IDEAS since the very beginning. We are privileged and glad to exhibit at IDEAS exhibitions and we will continue to be present at future events.
4. Can you announce any orders that will be confirmed at the show? At the fair, we intent to sign a contract with Pakistan Ministry of Defence Production for the mid-life modernisation of the third Agosta 90B class submarine operated by the Pakistan Navy. This is an exemplary project that certifies our co-operation in the naval area with Pakistan and opens STM’s capabilities in this field to the world. In addition to the naval co-operation with Pakistan, we plan to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the cyber security domain with Pakistan Air University. This agreement with Pakistan
3. What are the new and main products you have on display? STM makes use of its engineering skills and technologies in various strategic areas including naval platforms, satellites, cyber 10
Air University, which is responsible for setting up the National Centre of Cyber Security (NCCS) charged with the identification of the country’s cyber security strategies and development of its competencies in this area, will support Pakistan in the development of a national cyber security approach. 5. Which of your products are already used by the Pakistan Armed Forces? STM has been working with the Pakistan Armed Forces for many years. These efforts have turned into concrete collaborations recently. As a part of the agreement executed with the Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production in 2013 under the leadership of the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB), we designed and built the Navy Fleet Replenishment Ship (PNS Moawin) in the Karachi Shipyard and delivered it to the Pakistan Navy in October 2018. In addition to this important project, in 2016 we won the project initiated by the Pakistan Ministry of Defence Production for the mid-life modernisation of the Pakistan Navy’s Agosta 90B Class submarines. Under the project, we successfully met the demands of the Pakistan Navy. In addition to the naval platforms, STM is responsible for the hydrographic / oceanographic survey and relevant engineering activities of a naval harbour. 6. What products are you currently developing / testing for the future? In accordance with the vision set out by the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey, STM develops unique and innovative solutions to fulfil the needs of the Turkish Armed Forces as well as friendly and allied countries. We will enhance our capabilities with new designs for naval platforms, autonomous and unmanned systems and cutting edge technological solutions in cyber security along with other high technology fields. Therefore I would like to highlight that STM will be always ready to cooperate and serve for requirements of the Pakistani government.
MBDA SET TO DEVELOP NEXT-GEN MICA
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uropean missile developer MBDA will develop the nextgeneration of the MICA air-to-air missile for the French Air Force and French Navy after a contract award by the French government’s Defence Procurement Agency (Direction générale de l’armement – DGA) on 9 November. The contract calls for the company to develop, qualify, and produce the first batch of 567 Missile d’Interception et de Combat Aérien Nouvelle Génération (MICA NG) missiles. It also includes life extension work for 300 existing MICA missiles. The MICA NG is intended to replace the legacy MICA missile, which is expected to be withdrawn from service between 2018 and 2030. Deliveries of the first batch of new missiles for the French Air Force and Navy is expected to occur between 2026 and 2031. The next-generation missile will initially be integrated on France’s Dassault Rafale F3-R multirole fighter, while the extended life MICAs will be used on all Rafale variants, together with the Mirage 2000-5 and Mirage 2000D platforms. It will also be made available to existing MICA customers internationally, and as an advanced air-to-air missile capability for the wider export market. Known operators of the current missile include the air forces of Georgia, Greece, Morocco, Qatar, Taiwan, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. The legacy MICA missile concept was developed as a dual-role
capability – enhanced short-range combat and medium- to beyondvisual-range intercept – in two interoperable guidance variants, passive imaging infrared (IR MICA) and radio frequency (RF MICA), with two launch modes (rail and eject), in a single missile casing. The MICA NG will be developed in both IR and RF versions, and will retain the legacy dual-role capability. Although physically comparable to existing missiles, the internal architecture of the MICA NG has been extensively improved to meet against current and future threats. For example, range will be improved by at approximately 30 percent with a new dual-pulse rocket motor developed by Roxel and a reduced footprint of the electronic systems, which enables more propellant to be carried. Depending on the variant, it will also feature a new infrared seeker or radar seeker with an active electronically scanned array. 11
JF-17 THUNDER IS A HIT IN CHINA
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wice this year the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has made a mammoth effort to fly its JF-17 Thunders to overseas air shows. The first was at Radom in Poland during late August where two JF-17s appeared at an event to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Polish Air Force. But why Poland? Because after the end of World War II, 46 Polish airmen who had served with the Royal Air Force (RAF) in World War II, joined the new Pakistan Air Force. The most famous was Air Commander WJM Turowicz, who as a chief aeronautical engineer played a major part in Pakistan’s missile/rocket programme. Turowicz is still revered in Pakistan, although he passed away in January 1980, after a road accident. He was buried in the Christian cemetery in Karachi. The second overseas airshow was the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, at Zhuhai in November. A detachment of around 60 personnel as well as three JF-17s from No 26 Sqn at Peshawar, left their home base on 29 October. The jets flew thousands of miles across China, stopping at three bases that included two night stops, and arrived on 31 October. Experienced Thunder display pilot, Wing Commander Zeeshan Baryar, has been participating at events like this for about three years, and was joined by Squadron Leader Sibtain who is set to take over his role. They both ferried the aircraft to Zhuhai, along with Wing Commander Asad, the squadron commander who told IDEAS Show Daily: “It was a wonderful experience and the airshow visitors had a great time interacting with the enthusiastic Chinese audience.”
Wg Cdr Zeeshan puts his mount through its paces on departure.
During the event both pilots took the opportunity to fly in the display, and sometimes they even flew a slot each a day. The detachment returned to Pakistan on 13 November, with the support personnel being flown by C-130E Hercules on the long journey home. One of the three JF-17s was a fixture in the static display, with a large number of missiles and bombs exhibited around it. The majority of them were either integrated on the aircraft or are set to be by CATIC. Among them were two examples of a stand-off weapon.
CHINA EYES SECOND ATTACK HELICOPTER OPPORTUNITY
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he Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) is hopeful it will have a second chance to win a contract to supply the Pakistani Army with its upgraded Z-10ME attack helicopter, company officials said on the sidelines of the Airshow China exhibition in Zhuhai. The company had earlier dispatched three army aviation Z-10s
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to Pakistan for testing by the army in 2016. However, the service eventually selected the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) T129 ATAK attack helicopters because the Z-10s reportedly did not meet performance and reliability requirements for austere environments. AVIC subsidiary Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAIC) then went back to the drawing board with detailed test data accumulated from in-country testing and rolled out the new Z-10ME, which is believed to feature a more powerful 1,200kW engine as well as an extensive active and passive defensive aide suite. These include a new missile approach warning system (MAWS) and radar warning receiver (RWR), revised and upturned engine nozzles to channel hot exhaust gases upwards to reduce the helicopter’s infrared signature. It will also have dust filters for the twin intakes to reduce power loss from sand and particulate contamination of the engine. The Z-10ME is also outfitted with appliqué armour panels attached to the fuselage just immediately under, and slightly forward of, both cockpit’s side windows to improve crew survivability from ground fire. With the US government cancelling $300 million worth of funding and equipment that had earlier been approved under the Coalition Support Fund and Foreign Military Financing schemes, Pakistan’s plan to acquire 30 T129 and 12 US-made Bell AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters is now in question. As a result, there could be a window of opportunity for China to initiate anther push to export the Z-10 to Pakistan.
AESA RADAR WILL EXTEND BLOCK 3 JF-17 CAPABILITY
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ith over 100 Block JF-17s built, attention is now being switched to the production of the more capable Block 3 jets. After starting production in 2008, PAC Kamra manufactures 58 percent of the JF-17 Thunder, while Chengdu Aircraft Corporation builds the remainder. The JF-17 Thunder started life as the Super-7 in the late-80s, but sanctions by the US and its allies delayed development of the aircraft for over a decade. That was until the decision was made by the late Air Chief Marshal Mushaf Ali Mir in 2000 to decouple the development of the avionics from production of the airframe.
With contracts for 50 Block 1 and 50 plus 12 Block 2s signed and almost delivered, attention is now being switched to a contract for 50 Block 3s. With production of the Block 3 being delayed until 2019, while the PAF searched for a new AESA radar, PAC opted to manufacture an 14 additional Block 2s this year to ensure production does not halt at the PAC’s Aircraft Manufacturing Factory. A decision on a new AESA radar for the Block 3s is expected to be made by the end of the year. There are now two Chinese contenders: one is the Nanjing Research Institute of Electronics Technology KLJ-7A being marketed by China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC). The second one, which was displayed at Zhuhai Air Show, China, in November by Leihua Electronic Technology Research Institute (LETRI) is a new air-cooling AESA known as the LKF601E. CATIC has thrown its weight behind this option and claim that not only is it the first air-cooled radar, but replacing the JF-17’s original KLJ-7 is simply a case of taking out the old system and inserting the new one. Both radars are being evaluated by the PAF. Another improvement over the Block 1 and 2s is an air-to-air refuelling system. Trials and qualifications of a new Chinese inflight refuelling system, saw the first aircraft, Block 2 No. 29 being fitted in mid-2017. Block 3 enhancements will include new avionics, better electronic warfare systems, increased payload and more sophisticated weapons. It will be the ultimate JF-17 and with an AESA radar, will have the capability to employ longer range weapons and track multiple aircraft.
PN SEA KING FLEET SWELLS
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uring late 2017 the Pakistan Navy (PN) took on three former United Kingdom (UK) military Sea Kings from the UK Ministry of Defence. The trio comprised a yellow Royal Air Force (RAF) Search and Rescue Mk3A and two Royal Navy HC4s in early 2018. They were returned to flying service, having been retired a couple of years before by Vector Aerospace at Gosport, UK, under a contract from PN. The company refurbished and air tested them inside eight months, before they were shipped to Karachi in December 2017. Another pair, a Mk3A and HC4 are used as non-flying spare aircraft by the PN and joined the three airworthy examples. Sadly one of the former ‘Junglie’ HC4s (No 18) was lost on 31 August during a close proximity manoeuvre with a navy frigate, the aircraft collided and ditched, The Pakistan Navy is operating eight Sea Kings – six Mk45s (seen here) have recently been upgraded with the extremely effective Leonardo Seaspray 5300E. regrettably with the loss of crew life. The ex-UK Sea Kings supplement the six veteran Westland Sea King Mk45s, acquired in the early 1970s The Seaspray 5000E series of systems employs a Seaspray Airborne and operated by the PN’s 111 Squadron. They can be armed with Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) antenna that Leonardo claims the AM39 Exocet anti-shipping missile and MK46 Torpedoes. Their ‘delivers a leading edge capability covering air- to-surface and airsystems have recently been upgraded with the Leonardo Seaspray to-air environments. This extremely capable system ensure this 5300E multi-mode surveillance radar and other advanced avionics. loyal servant continues to provide an important capability. 13
ALIT SOARS HIGH WITH CH-5 UAV
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erospace Long-March International Trade Company (ALIT) is highlighting the new Cai Hong-5 (CH-5) medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which made its maiden flight in July 2017 and is now fully developed and ready for
production. The state-of-the-art CH-5 has a take-off mass of 2,400kg and
has a large payload capacity of 450kg, which enables it to carry a wide range of specialised mission equipment, electro-optical sensors and radar systems, as well as airto-ground weapons. The CH-5 has a maximum speed of 290km/h and can cruise at altitudes between 3,000 to 5,000 metres, and its long endurance allows it to perform diverse missions including persistent airborne surveillance, border patrol, counter-terrorism interventions, as well as precision strike. However, the modular air vehicle can also be applied to civil applications, including long-range communication relay and geophysical prospecting. ALIT has found international success with the Cai Hong-4 (CH-4) UAV with at least 30 delivered to several countries since it was introduced in 2014, according to numerous local and international reports. The CH-4 has a take-off mass between 1,200-1,300kg depending on the variant and can also carry a wide range of payloads like the larger CH-5. The UAV is now in service with military forces including the Iraqi Army and the Royal Jordanian Air Force. The company is offering command and control options, including direct line-of-sight and satellite communications. It is also ready to supply a full suite of precision-guided and gravity munitions, such as the AR-series of precision guided missiles, and the Fei Teng-series of guided bombs.
NORINCO AIMS AT EXPORTS WITH NEW VEHICLES
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hina North Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO), the prime land systems supplier to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), is looking to expand its international footprint with a new range of exportoriented artillery and missile launchers, tactical and armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs), and main battle tanks (MBTs) NORINCO’s latest SH15 self-propelled artillery vehicle is based on a Shaanxi 6x6 chassis, with an armoured cab accommodating a five-person crew in the front and the 155mm L/52 howitzer mounted on the rear. The weapon features a semi-automatic loading 14
system and is also capable of firing standard NATO ammunition. The howitzer’s firing range is stated to be 20km when using regular ammunition, but can be extended to 40km with rocket-assisted projectiles. Meanwhile, the SR5 multiple rocket launcher system (MLRS) is now being offered on a 4x4 or 6x6 chassis to suit customer preferences. The SR5 is a lightweight MLRS that comprises 20 launch tubes that can fire 122mm and 220mm unguided and precision rockets. The company has also updated its range of AFVs, which now includes options such as the VN11A and VN12. The VN11A is an enhanced version of the VN11, which is derived from the ZBD-04 platform that is in widespread use by the PLA. The VN12 is the latest tracked export AFV that is designed to operate in the same battlespace as MBTs, and is armed with a 30mm cannon, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and two anti-armour missiles. The success of the VT4 MBT in Thailand has prompted a refresh of its tank portfolio, with an updated version of the cost-effective VT2 MBT – the export version of the PLA’s Type-96G – featuring a remote weapon station and updated electronic architecture. The tank retains the 125mm smoothbore gun, which is fed by an automatic loader that reduces the crew complement to three. The latest VT5 light tank with a base combat weight of just 33 tonnes is also being actively marketed. The tank is armed with a 105mm gun and can carry additional armour for improved survivability, while its light weight enables it to be deployed in terrain that heavier MBTs cannot traverse.
KEEPING PAF MIRAGES FLYING
Inside the Mirage Overhaul Wing. Around ten Mirages are worked on at a time.
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perating a fleet of around 100 1960s-era Dassault Mirages III/Vs means the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is challenged to keep them airworthy. Fortunately, in 1978, just a decade after buying its initial batch of 24 Mirage IIIEP, DP and RPs the PAF leadership had set up its Mirage Rebuild Factory. Today, the facility has worked on 350 Mirages and 2,280 ATAR 09C engines which power the French delta-winged jet. In addition, there has been the recovery of 19 structurally damaged aircraft, upgrade of 36 retired ex-Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Mirage IIIs to the Retrofit of Strike Element (ROSE 1) version and modernisation of 14 Mirage VEFs with the ROSE III. When the
aircraft were more recently modernised with air-to-air refuelling systems, it was the MRF which integrated the Mirage Pressurised Refuelling (MPR) into the jets. Right from the outset, the PAF wanted to overhaul its Mirage fleet in Pakistan. Sending them back to France was costly and lengthy too – with the aircraft being out of service for 18 months. Time, it could not afford while tension with its old foe, India existed. Work to set up the factory Initially known as Project-741, was given the green light in March 1974. All 24 Mirage IIIEP, DP and RPs purchased in 1967 would require an overhaul in 1975, approximately nine years after their manufacture. By then 28 brand new Mirage VPAs had also been delivered and the plan was to overhaul all the Mirage IIIs by 1978, then the Mirage Vs. Facilities to work on the ‘Delta’, their components and ATAR 09C engines were put in place. On May 3, 1978 the first Mirage IIIEP, 67-101 (later named ‘Old Baba’) was flown to Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra, by Wing Commander Saeed Anwar, who ironically went on to become the PAC Kamra director general from 1997 to 1999. Eleven days after the jet arrived, on May 14 the MRF was inaugurated within the new factory, commanded by Air Commodore Atta Illahi Sheikh. On 11 December 1979, 67-101 made its first flight after overhaul and handed back to the PAF on 20 February 1980. A large ceremony that day, saw the President of Pakistan, the late General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq thank all those concerned for their tireless work in setting up the rebuild factory within such a short time. By 1987, all the original PAF Mirages had been overhauled. Aircraft accidents, eventually led to a Fuselage Structural Repair Facility being built. After Mirage V 70-415 was involved in an accident, Dassault was approached for a damage assessment and then repair of the jet. A fuselage repair jig was subsequently ordered which in May 1989, was installed in the original production hangar built in 1978, that was standing idle. The high cost of repairing one of these aircraft abroad coupled with a long lead in time, saw the Structures Wing repairing aircraft within months. To date, 19 PAF Mirages - a squadron strength, has been recovered at a minimal cost. In 1980, a Wing Refurbishing Facility was set up from equipment acquired from Australia under Blue Flash V programme and was soon joined by a ‘lifting and turning jig’ and a wing repair jig. The investment made in this equipment in the 1990s has led to millions of dollars of savings being made over the intervening years. One of the major issues with the Mirage these days is the wings, but this department is helping to combat that issue. The WRF has repaired 19 Mirages over the years, and has helped to increase the Mirage fleet Right now, the PAF is facing problems of cracked ribs in the wings so the WRF is replacing any damaged structures. The wings are regularly monitored with x-rays, and if required personnel open the wings to replace the cracked ribs then close them to provide a new life. 15
ROKETSAN’S SMART MUNITIONS FOR LOW PAYLOAD PLATFORMS
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he Smart Micro Guided Munitions (MAM-L and MAM-C), developed by Roketsan, increases the efficiency of air platforms with low payload capacity, especially Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). They have already been integrated with the Bayraktar and Anka tactical UAVs currently operational with the Turkish Armed Forces, Gendarmerie Forces and General Directorate of Security. The munitions can be used by light attack aircraft as well as UAVs with their low weights; about 22kg (48lbs) for MAM-L and
6.8kg (15lbs) for MAM-C. MAM-L, with its high explosive fragmentation warhead, is highly effective against light structures, unarmoured ground vehicles, radar antennas and soft targets such as weapon pits and personnel in open areas. The MAM-C with anti-tank warhead can be used against heavy armoured tanks. A thermobaric option is also available. The MAM-C can be used against personnel, unarmoured/ lightly armoured vehicles, radar antennas and soft targets such as weapon pits. The munitions can be used efficiently at ranges of up to 8km, depending on the altitude from which they are released. The range of MAM-L can be extended to 14km with optional Inertial Navigation System (INS) or Global Positioning System (GPS). Roketsan can integrate the Smart Micro Guided Munitions into air platforms. As long as the air platforms have the required infrastructure, Roketsan can operationalise the munitions by completing all the related integration works within a few months. Roketsan also offers its customers integration support, logistics support and training. “The design and application concept of the Smart Micro Guided Munitions allow operators to effectively neutralise time-critical targets, particularly those that arise during reconnaissance and surveillance missions,” said Selçuk Yaşar, president and CEO of Roketsan. ”They offer a solution with a low collateral damage. A combination of the Smart Micro Guided Munitions and a tactical UAV is a most cost-effective solution.”
YONCA-ONUK HIGHLIGHTS LATEST HIGH-SPEED ATTACK CRAFT
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onca-Onuk JV, an Istanbul-based shipbuilder, is showcasing its latest range of high-speed attack craft at IDEAS 2018. The company will highlight the MRTP20 Improved Fast Intervention Craft, which has a 22.55 metre long hull that is constructed from advanced composite material. Powered by customer specified twin diesels with power outputs ranging from 800-1,800kW, the craft can attain speeds above 60 knots and a range of more than 350 nautical miles (nm). It can accommodate up to five boat crew members as well six mission specialists. The MRTP24/U Special Operations Craft is an improved MRTP 20 designed for a variety of special forces tasks including antiterrorist, anti-piracy, and anti-smuggling operations. It features a 26.3m long advanced composite hull with a stern ramp for launch and recovery of inflatable boats. Powered by twin diesels rated at up to 1,929kW and propelled by water-jets, the craft can achieve speeds of up to 54kts and travel for more than 500nm. Up to 16 fully equipped special forces operators can be accommodated, while an ASELSAN stabilised turret with a 25mm or 30mm calibre gun provides close-in defence. Yonca-Onuk has also developed the MRTP24 Fast Attack Craft, which has comparable physical and performance characteristics as the Special Operations Craft but instead optimised for improved endurance and firepower, with a two-day operational capacity and carrying an ASELSAN stabilised turret with a 25mm or 30mm calibre gun on the foredeck, a STAMP 12.7mm remote weapon station at the stern, and a short-range surface attack or air defence missile system.
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For long-range interdiction, the company is offering the MRTP49 Fast Attack/Missile Craft, which has a 52m advanced composite hull and is powered by a diesel or combined diesel and gas (CODAG) propulsion system. This enables the craft to achieve speeds of up to 60kts and a range of 2,000nm. It also packs firepower that belies its size, with a 40mm gun mounted in a stealth cupola, ASELSAN remote weapon stations at the stern, as well as a short-range surface attack or air defence missile system.
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