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Showing posts with label JF-17 Thunder Block-II. Show all posts
Showing posts with label JF-17 Thunder Block-II. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
How It Works! A PAF JF-17 Thunders' Gun Live Firing Demo
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Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Why The JF-17 Thunder Should be Egypt's Perfect Upgradation of Mirage 5s and Chengdu F-7s?
Despite having opted for French and Russian fighter aircraft earlier this year, Egypt has reportedly expressed an interest in the Sino-Pakistan JF-17 Thunder. This has come as a surprise to analysts who had considered the possibility of Egypt acquiring the JF-17 to be lost. The interest comes as part of a wider push to increase defense industry cooperation between the two countries, according to a Dec. 4 news release by the Pakistani government's Press Information Department. It outlined how the Egyptian ambassador to Islamabad, Sherif Shaheen, met Pakistan's Minister for Defence Production Tanveer Hussain to discuss improving bilateral defense cooperation.
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| PAF Mirage and JF-17 Thunder. |
A cadet exchange program is already in place, but both sides were "looking at collaboration in defense industry as the core of relations between Pakistan and Egypt," according to the news release. As a matter of policy, officials in Pakistan do not discuss potential defense deals until they are signed.
However, author, analyst and former Pakistani Air Force pilot Kaiser Tufail says there are two main reasons the JF-17 appeals to developing nations. "It offers the best value for money, being one of the cheapest of the modern fighters to purchase and maintain," he said. "Its sale is not constrained by big power politics, in that it is not likely to be used as a tool for exercising leverage over the purchaser's foreign or defense policies. Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Jordan (possibly) and now Egypt are keenly eyeing the JF-17 for these reasons."
In respect to a potential Egyptian deal, author, analyst and former Australian defense attache to Islamabad Brian Cloughley believes the JF-17 has a key advantage over other fighter aircraft the Egyptians may be able to acquire. "The Egyptians have many sources for combat aircraft, but none of those being considered for provision of advanced fighters manufacture anything like the JF-17," Cloughley said.
The Rafale and MiG-35 are larger twin-engine fighters in comparison to the JF-17, and unlike the latter are off the shelf purchases, with no local production offered for Egypt. Analysts believe this is where the JF-17 has another advantage, and one that builds on experience. Egypt already operates 120 Sino-Pakistani Hongdu K-8 jet trainer aircraft, the majority of which were built in Egypt by the Arab Organization for Industrialization. A similar deal for the construction of the JF-17 has been speculated since Egypt first reportedly expressed an interest in the JF-17 in 2010.
The bulk of Egypt's modern fighter fleet comprises of some 220 F-16C/Ds, but these are supported by a larger number of legacy Mirage 5, MiG-21 and Chengdu J-7 fighters. The order for 46 MiG-35s will likely replace the MiG-21s, but this leaves nearly 140 Mirage 5s and J-7s needing replacement. As the JF-17 was designed precisely to replace these types, Tufail says it is "an excellent platform to replace the older fleet of Mirage III/5, MiG-21/F-7" and the "glitch-free induction and full operational capability of the JF-17 in the Pakistan Air Force makes a great sales pitch for export."
Likewise, Cloughley believes the JF-17 still has a good chance to secure a sizable Egyptian order but believes it is too early to be certain. "It seems that it would be a good choice to replace the Mirages, which are very long in the tooth, but as always the detail is in the possible deal. It's too early to speculate on what mutually agreeable terms might be, but it's likely that Pakistan (and China) would come up with a tempting offer," Cloughley said. Pakistan is accepting JF-17 Block 2 aircraft into service, of which it ordered 50. There have been some key Block 2 features such as in-flight refueling and other modifications that will be retrofitted to the Block 1 aircraft.
However, author, analyst and former Pakistani Air Force pilot Kaiser Tufail says there are two main reasons the JF-17 appeals to developing nations. "It offers the best value for money, being one of the cheapest of the modern fighters to purchase and maintain," he said. "Its sale is not constrained by big power politics, in that it is not likely to be used as a tool for exercising leverage over the purchaser's foreign or defense policies. Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Jordan (possibly) and now Egypt are keenly eyeing the JF-17 for these reasons."
In respect to a potential Egyptian deal, author, analyst and former Australian defense attache to Islamabad Brian Cloughley believes the JF-17 has a key advantage over other fighter aircraft the Egyptians may be able to acquire. "The Egyptians have many sources for combat aircraft, but none of those being considered for provision of advanced fighters manufacture anything like the JF-17," Cloughley said.
The Rafale and MiG-35 are larger twin-engine fighters in comparison to the JF-17, and unlike the latter are off the shelf purchases, with no local production offered for Egypt. Analysts believe this is where the JF-17 has another advantage, and one that builds on experience. Egypt already operates 120 Sino-Pakistani Hongdu K-8 jet trainer aircraft, the majority of which were built in Egypt by the Arab Organization for Industrialization. A similar deal for the construction of the JF-17 has been speculated since Egypt first reportedly expressed an interest in the JF-17 in 2010.
The bulk of Egypt's modern fighter fleet comprises of some 220 F-16C/Ds, but these are supported by a larger number of legacy Mirage 5, MiG-21 and Chengdu J-7 fighters. The order for 46 MiG-35s will likely replace the MiG-21s, but this leaves nearly 140 Mirage 5s and J-7s needing replacement. As the JF-17 was designed precisely to replace these types, Tufail says it is "an excellent platform to replace the older fleet of Mirage III/5, MiG-21/F-7" and the "glitch-free induction and full operational capability of the JF-17 in the Pakistan Air Force makes a great sales pitch for export."
Likewise, Cloughley believes the JF-17 still has a good chance to secure a sizable Egyptian order but believes it is too early to be certain. "It seems that it would be a good choice to replace the Mirages, which are very long in the tooth, but as always the detail is in the possible deal. It's too early to speculate on what mutually agreeable terms might be, but it's likely that Pakistan (and China) would come up with a tempting offer," Cloughley said. Pakistan is accepting JF-17 Block 2 aircraft into service, of which it ordered 50. There have been some key Block 2 features such as in-flight refueling and other modifications that will be retrofitted to the Block 1 aircraft.
However, recent reports in the Chinese media have stated any export customers will be acquiring the forthcoming Block 3 that is in its final design stages. Though it is believed to feature an AESA radar, officials are tight-lipped on confirming specific details, only saying the Block 3 will be a "game changer." A two seat, fully combat-capable variant of the JF-17 is also believed to be undergoing the final stages of testing in China before it is unveiled.
By Usman Ansari
Sunday, November 8, 2015
No. 2 Minhas Squadron Reequipes With JF-17 Thunder Block-II
No. 2 Minhas Squadron of Pakistan Air Force has been reequiped with JF-17 Thunder Block-II Fighter aircraft. Minhas Squadron of Pakistan Air Force is based on PAF Base Masroor which indicate that it me be tasked to perform maritime strike role.
The JF-17 Thunder fighter jet is armed with C-802A Anti-ship Missile for use against maritime targets such as warships from standoff distance of 180 kilometers.
In maritime strike role JF-17 Thunder will be able to carry two SD-10A Beyond Visual Range Air to Air Missile (BVRAAM) and 2x PL-5E II Within Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (WVRAAM) for self-defense purposes.
The JF-17 Thunder fighter jet is armed with C-802A Anti-ship Missile for use against maritime targets such as warships from standoff distance of 180 kilometers.
In maritime strike role JF-17 Thunder will be able to carry two SD-10A Beyond Visual Range Air to Air Missile (BVRAAM) and 2x PL-5E II Within Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (WVRAAM) for self-defense purposes.
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Pakistan eager to secure first ever-order for the JF-17 at Paris Air Show
PARIS: All eyes will be on the sky at the International Paris Air Show with flying displays by around 40 aircraft each day, including fighter jets such as Pakistan’s new JF-17 Thunder, France’s Rafale, and Ukraine’s Antonov 178.
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| PAF JF- 17 Aircraft parked at Le Bourget. |
Pakistan is eager to secure its first-ever order for the JF-17 at the international event as Canada’s Bombardier is particularly hungry for sales, after its new C Series aircraft struggled through development delays and difficult market conditions.
Airbus has also confirmed it will display its A400M military transport plane for the first time since a fatal crash in Spain last month caused by a massive engine failure.
With air passenger numbers set to double to six billion annually by 2030, the world’s premier air show in Paris will next week focus on green issues even as the aircraft sales war remains centre stage.
The Paris Air Show brings together some 315,000 visitors and 2,260 exhibitors from 47 countries, with much of the attention focused on which big manufacturers, particularly Airbus and Boeing, will land the most orders.
But the event happens to be hosted in the same Le Bourget venue outside Paris that will welcome world leaders later this year as they try to hash out a global deal to curb greenhouse emissions.
So it is little surprise that this year’s air show, running June 15 to 21, will put a special focus on environmental issues and innovations.
Top industry officials, government ministers and environmental experts will meet on June 18 to discuss air travel’s impact on the climate, and there will be a week-long exhibition on the subject called “The Sky of Tomorrow”.
“Building planes that emit less and less CO2 remains a leading challenge for the aeronautic industry,” said Marwan Lahoud, president of GIFAS and one of the event’s organisers.
“The Paris Air Show will be the chance to see the results and innovations achieved by manufacturers direct from the source,” he added.
Attendees will include Nobel peace prize co-laureate Philippe Ciais of France’s Climate and Environmental Sciences Laboratory, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, and a host of top air industry honchos.
The air industry’s contribution to climate change is complex and controversial.
Although planes are thought to be responsible for only around two percent of global greenhouse emissions, some researchers have found that the different types of gases released and their high altitude may have more powerful short-term effects.
Airbus has also confirmed it will display its A400M military transport plane for the first time since a fatal crash in Spain last month caused by a massive engine failure.
With air passenger numbers set to double to six billion annually by 2030, the world’s premier air show in Paris will next week focus on green issues even as the aircraft sales war remains centre stage.
The Paris Air Show brings together some 315,000 visitors and 2,260 exhibitors from 47 countries, with much of the attention focused on which big manufacturers, particularly Airbus and Boeing, will land the most orders.
But the event happens to be hosted in the same Le Bourget venue outside Paris that will welcome world leaders later this year as they try to hash out a global deal to curb greenhouse emissions.
So it is little surprise that this year’s air show, running June 15 to 21, will put a special focus on environmental issues and innovations.
Top industry officials, government ministers and environmental experts will meet on June 18 to discuss air travel’s impact on the climate, and there will be a week-long exhibition on the subject called “The Sky of Tomorrow”.
“Building planes that emit less and less CO2 remains a leading challenge for the aeronautic industry,” said Marwan Lahoud, president of GIFAS and one of the event’s organisers.
“The Paris Air Show will be the chance to see the results and innovations achieved by manufacturers direct from the source,” he added.
Attendees will include Nobel peace prize co-laureate Philippe Ciais of France’s Climate and Environmental Sciences Laboratory, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, and a host of top air industry honchos.
The air industry’s contribution to climate change is complex and controversial.
Although planes are thought to be responsible for only around two percent of global greenhouse emissions, some researchers have found that the different types of gases released and their high altitude may have more powerful short-term effects.
But an EU attempt to impose a tax on the most polluting airlines collapsed in 2012 in the face of opposition from Chinese, Indian and American companies.
Despite that, many firms are seeking to cash in on the trend for greener technologies.
Airbus will show off its prototype, all-electric plane, the E-Fan, at next week’s air show.
And EGTS International will demonstrate its “Green Taxiing” system that allows planes to taxi on the ground without the main engines, using a back-up power unit to drive motors on the wheels.
But while many visitors are looking up, industry insiders will have their eyes firmly on the bottom line, watching the all-important competition for sales among the big manufacturers.
The industry needs between 300 and 400 sales next week to keep its production lines ticking over through 2020, said Ben Moores, a senior analyst at IHS Aerospace, Defence and Security.
Airbus chief Fabrice Bregier said 2015 may not break records, but was set to be a good year with “several hundred” orders lined up.
Boeing’s Randy Tinseth said the Seattle-based company had “a lot of things in the pipeline on the mid and long-haul planes.”
Airbus narrowly pipped its US rival at the last show in 2013, registering $39.3 billion in confirmed sales to Boeing’s $38 billion.
That year’s show saw a total of $115 billion in orders for the industry as a whole.
The commercial aviation sector remains buoyant, breaking records last year with 2,888 orders, according to Deloitte Global, a consultancy.
But the defence sector is struggling, it said, led by declines in the United States which has shed 168,000 jobs since 2010.
Paris is a particularly important venue for smaller companies that have fewer chances to show off their wares.
The show opens to the public on June 19 for the final three days.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Pakistan Seeks To Prop Up Exports, Boost Industry
KARACHI — Pakistan aims to deepen existing partnerships, attract new partners and build equipment at home, despite economic instability and insecurity.
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A JF-17 Thunder on display at the International Defence Exhibition And Seminar show in Karachi last week. |
That drive was on display last week at Pakistan’s biennial defense show, the International Defence Exhibition And Seminar (IDEAS2014).
IDEAS2014 seemed somewhat reduced, since no missile systems or mobility programs were on display. Furthermore, some large contractors, from Western Europe in particular, were absent.
Yet Zaheer Ahmad, vice president of Kestral, representing a range of primarily North American contractors such as L-3 Communications, Lockheed Martin, and Sikorsky, said IDEAS2014 was comparable to any other large exhibition in terms of the variety of attendees and exhibitors.
A number of key smaller exhibitors were present for the first time.
ByField Optics, a developer of surveillance and security products and manufacturer of leading edge ultraviolet/kinetic eye protection and optics, came from Australia. Czech manufacturer Inflatech showcased its inflatable decoys that reflect radar energy and can simulate infrared signatures. Lithuania’s Helisota promoted its helicopter maintenance, overhaul and upgrade expertise. Yugoimport, Serbia’s arms export agency, was also a major presence.
With local industry the largest presence, the bulk of the remainder came from China, Turkey and the US.
The Sino-Pakistani Karakorum K-8 trainer was notable for being displayed armed for the first time with two AIM-9P Sidewinders, practice bombs and a 23mm gun pod in recognition that it now serves in the advanced jet trainer role.
Most eyes were on the JF-17, Pakistan’s flagship defense project, and Nigeria is reported to be in the final stages of negotiations to equip up to two squadrons.
“So far, there are 11 countries talking to us; so far we have not actually signed any deal,” said Air Commodore Khalid Mahmood, director of sales and marketing for the JF-17.
He outlined a wide range of improvements and weapons integrated with the aircraft. Weaponry now includes the CM-102 air-launched supersonic anti-radiation missile and GB-6 air-launched standoff submunition dispenser, which were unveiled at China’s Zhuhai Airshow last month.
Mahmood said Pakistan is “open to all suppliers” for advanced short-range air-to-air missiles, and dispelled rumors the active/passive SD-10A long-range missile was not fully operational.
He stressed the program continues to evolve and potential customers are being offered a partnership, not just an aircraft.
The expected deals for Chinese submarines and Russian Mi-35M helicopter gunships were not signed.
Russian Helicopters representatives said only that the deal is “for more than five.” Pakistan’s Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanvir Hussain also declined to directly address the issue, but did say Pakistan is also considering the Mi-28NE Havoc.
Similarly, Chinese and Pakistan Navy officials would not discuss the submarine contract, but Cmdr. Hasnain Ali of Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW) said they would likely mostly be built in Pakistan.
Other deals have been quietly signed, including those for the third and fourth stealth missile boats being built at KSEW. The remaining pair have yet to be contracted.
Three batteries of the China Aerospace Long-March International LY-80 surface-to-air missile system have been purchased for nearly US $226 million, with eight units of the IBIS-150 air defense surveillance radar for $40 million.
A model of an LY-80 battery was displayed, but little further information was forthcoming.
Analyst Haris Khan of the Pakistan Military Consortium think tank, who attended IDEAS2014, said the LY-80 was a “good system that looks like it will be very effective,” but does not yet know if it will be produced locally as speculated.
NORINCO displayed its SH-1 155mm wheeled artillery system, but Khan said its worn appearance proved it had at least been trialed by Pakistan’s Army, though officials would not comment on this.
State-owned armored fighting vehicle manufacturer Heavy Industries Taxilia (HIT) has been busy. Spokesman Lt. Col. Amer Ahmed Khan said it will partner with Belgian engineering firm and licensee Duma Engineering to produce General Dynamics’ Dragoon four-wheel-drive armored fighting vehicle (AFV).
Of the initial 15, the Airport Security Force will take 10, with HIT retaining five. It is being promoted to the civilian and paramilitary security services, and for export to Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
Khan confirmed HIT’s plans to produce the Chinese VN1 eight-wheel-drive AFV are “under process,” but development of HIT’s Burraq MRAP vehicle had been abandoned after the US supplied the MaxxPro.
Though the latest variant of the Al Khalid main battle tank was absent, the most modern Mohafiz internal security vehicle was present. It can resist the armor-piercing rounds that penetrated earlier versions.
Also evident was considerable work done in replacing foreign content of the Al Khalid and T-80UD tanks with indigenous equipment to make the systems more affordable and supportable. Similarly, more radical approaches such as a common turret for the main tank types had been discussed, but no action has been taken.
The increasing number of simulators was also aimed at reducing operational costs.
Soft Innovative Systems (SIS) is Pakistan’s largest supplier and has partnered with the Military Vehicle and Research Development Establishment to produce shooting simulators and the surface-to-air weapon simulator to train personnel to operate man-portable air-defense systems.
Speaking for SIS, Muzaffar Hassan said that knowing it could match quality but undercut the Western vendors, SIS is keen to secure business with developing nations, especially those in Africa.
However, a real leap appears to have been made with the Air Force Simulation Environment.
Squadron Leader Abid Ali Khan said it started out as an air defense simulator evolving to simultaneously train pilots, air traffic controllers and radar operators.
“All are linked, so use of the aircraft sim will allow the training of multiple personnel without a single aircraft being flown,” he said. “It is very cost effective and we have also sold one to Jordan.”
Similarly, indigenous UAV firms continue to improve and export widely. Although the Global Industrial and Defence Solutions conglomerate showcased its UAV range, the most notable was perhaps Pak Business Aviation’s Enduro.
Design head Usman Habib said it was the second such all-electric UAV on the market. Fully autonomous, the man-portable Enduro has a range of 20 kilometers and an endurance of up to three hours.
Though HIT makes an armored Toyota Corolla sedan, there has been a considerable increase in private firms offering the same services due to Pakistan’s security situation.
First time exhibitor Streit Group displayed a wide range of military, law enforcement, and civilian/discreet vehicles, and has opened a small factory near Karachi that has modified many civilian vehicles for international clients based in Pakistan.
Also chasing the same clientele were Pak Armouring and UAE-based International Armored Group, with the latter along with Thai firm Chaiseri also offering tactical security vehicles.
Not to be displaced by their Chinese counterparts, Turkish defense firms are working hard to deepen their partnership with Pakistan. Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) continues to heavily promote its T-129 attack helicopter. A memorandum of understanding was recently signed between TAI and the Pakistani government, but details are unavailable.
In the future, TAI also hopes to promote its Hurkus turboprop trainer, but along with software and electronics firms Aselsan and Havelsan, hopes to upgrade the Pakistan Navy’s ATR-72 patrol aircraft.Long time collaborator Yonca-Onuk is also hoping to deepen its relationship with the Navy by offering its MRTP-34 and perhaps MRTP-45 vessels, and hopes to build its MRTP-64 at KSEW under a wide-ranging transfer of technology deal.
IDEAS2014 seemed somewhat reduced, since no missile systems or mobility programs were on display. Furthermore, some large contractors, from Western Europe in particular, were absent.
Yet Zaheer Ahmad, vice president of Kestral, representing a range of primarily North American contractors such as L-3 Communications, Lockheed Martin, and Sikorsky, said IDEAS2014 was comparable to any other large exhibition in terms of the variety of attendees and exhibitors.
A number of key smaller exhibitors were present for the first time.
ByField Optics, a developer of surveillance and security products and manufacturer of leading edge ultraviolet/kinetic eye protection and optics, came from Australia. Czech manufacturer Inflatech showcased its inflatable decoys that reflect radar energy and can simulate infrared signatures. Lithuania’s Helisota promoted its helicopter maintenance, overhaul and upgrade expertise. Yugoimport, Serbia’s arms export agency, was also a major presence.
With local industry the largest presence, the bulk of the remainder came from China, Turkey and the US.
The Sino-Pakistani Karakorum K-8 trainer was notable for being displayed armed for the first time with two AIM-9P Sidewinders, practice bombs and a 23mm gun pod in recognition that it now serves in the advanced jet trainer role.
Most eyes were on the JF-17, Pakistan’s flagship defense project, and Nigeria is reported to be in the final stages of negotiations to equip up to two squadrons.
“So far, there are 11 countries talking to us; so far we have not actually signed any deal,” said Air Commodore Khalid Mahmood, director of sales and marketing for the JF-17.
He outlined a wide range of improvements and weapons integrated with the aircraft. Weaponry now includes the CM-102 air-launched supersonic anti-radiation missile and GB-6 air-launched standoff submunition dispenser, which were unveiled at China’s Zhuhai Airshow last month.
Mahmood said Pakistan is “open to all suppliers” for advanced short-range air-to-air missiles, and dispelled rumors the active/passive SD-10A long-range missile was not fully operational.
He stressed the program continues to evolve and potential customers are being offered a partnership, not just an aircraft.
The expected deals for Chinese submarines and Russian Mi-35M helicopter gunships were not signed.
Russian Helicopters representatives said only that the deal is “for more than five.” Pakistan’s Minister for Defence Production Rana Tanvir Hussain also declined to directly address the issue, but did say Pakistan is also considering the Mi-28NE Havoc.
Similarly, Chinese and Pakistan Navy officials would not discuss the submarine contract, but Cmdr. Hasnain Ali of Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW) said they would likely mostly be built in Pakistan.
Other deals have been quietly signed, including those for the third and fourth stealth missile boats being built at KSEW. The remaining pair have yet to be contracted.
Three batteries of the China Aerospace Long-March International LY-80 surface-to-air missile system have been purchased for nearly US $226 million, with eight units of the IBIS-150 air defense surveillance radar for $40 million.
A model of an LY-80 battery was displayed, but little further information was forthcoming.
Analyst Haris Khan of the Pakistan Military Consortium think tank, who attended IDEAS2014, said the LY-80 was a “good system that looks like it will be very effective,” but does not yet know if it will be produced locally as speculated.
NORINCO displayed its SH-1 155mm wheeled artillery system, but Khan said its worn appearance proved it had at least been trialed by Pakistan’s Army, though officials would not comment on this.
State-owned armored fighting vehicle manufacturer Heavy Industries Taxilia (HIT) has been busy. Spokesman Lt. Col. Amer Ahmed Khan said it will partner with Belgian engineering firm and licensee Duma Engineering to produce General Dynamics’ Dragoon four-wheel-drive armored fighting vehicle (AFV).
Of the initial 15, the Airport Security Force will take 10, with HIT retaining five. It is being promoted to the civilian and paramilitary security services, and for export to Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
Khan confirmed HIT’s plans to produce the Chinese VN1 eight-wheel-drive AFV are “under process,” but development of HIT’s Burraq MRAP vehicle had been abandoned after the US supplied the MaxxPro.
Though the latest variant of the Al Khalid main battle tank was absent, the most modern Mohafiz internal security vehicle was present. It can resist the armor-piercing rounds that penetrated earlier versions.
Also evident was considerable work done in replacing foreign content of the Al Khalid and T-80UD tanks with indigenous equipment to make the systems more affordable and supportable. Similarly, more radical approaches such as a common turret for the main tank types had been discussed, but no action has been taken.
The increasing number of simulators was also aimed at reducing operational costs.
Soft Innovative Systems (SIS) is Pakistan’s largest supplier and has partnered with the Military Vehicle and Research Development Establishment to produce shooting simulators and the surface-to-air weapon simulator to train personnel to operate man-portable air-defense systems.
Speaking for SIS, Muzaffar Hassan said that knowing it could match quality but undercut the Western vendors, SIS is keen to secure business with developing nations, especially those in Africa.
However, a real leap appears to have been made with the Air Force Simulation Environment.
Squadron Leader Abid Ali Khan said it started out as an air defense simulator evolving to simultaneously train pilots, air traffic controllers and radar operators.
“All are linked, so use of the aircraft sim will allow the training of multiple personnel without a single aircraft being flown,” he said. “It is very cost effective and we have also sold one to Jordan.”
Similarly, indigenous UAV firms continue to improve and export widely. Although the Global Industrial and Defence Solutions conglomerate showcased its UAV range, the most notable was perhaps Pak Business Aviation’s Enduro.
Design head Usman Habib said it was the second such all-electric UAV on the market. Fully autonomous, the man-portable Enduro has a range of 20 kilometers and an endurance of up to three hours.
Though HIT makes an armored Toyota Corolla sedan, there has been a considerable increase in private firms offering the same services due to Pakistan’s security situation.
First time exhibitor Streit Group displayed a wide range of military, law enforcement, and civilian/discreet vehicles, and has opened a small factory near Karachi that has modified many civilian vehicles for international clients based in Pakistan.
Also chasing the same clientele were Pak Armouring and UAE-based International Armored Group, with the latter along with Thai firm Chaiseri also offering tactical security vehicles.
Not to be displaced by their Chinese counterparts, Turkish defense firms are working hard to deepen their partnership with Pakistan. Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) continues to heavily promote its T-129 attack helicopter. A memorandum of understanding was recently signed between TAI and the Pakistani government, but details are unavailable.
In the future, TAI also hopes to promote its Hurkus turboprop trainer, but along with software and electronics firms Aselsan and Havelsan, hopes to upgrade the Pakistan Navy’s ATR-72 patrol aircraft.Long time collaborator Yonca-Onuk is also hoping to deepen its relationship with the Navy by offering its MRTP-34 and perhaps MRTP-45 vessels, and hopes to build its MRTP-64 at KSEW under a wide-ranging transfer of technology deal.
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