Iranian flight lands in Sanaa for 1st time in 25 years

A direct flight from Tehran arrived on Sunday to Yemeni capital Sanaa, the first by Iranian airlines since the unification of Yemen in 1990.

"An Iranian flight carrying a medical aid consignment arrived today in Sanaa International Airport from Tehran," Mohamed al-Serihi, senior official at Sanaa airport, told The Anadolu Agency.

A day earlier, Yemen's Shia Houthi group, which controls government institutions in capital Sanaa, signed a memorandum of understanding with Tehran by which 28 direct flights would be operated between Sanaa and Tehran every week.

The memorandum was signed in Tehran by civil aviation authorities of both nations, the official Yemeni news agency, which is controlled by the Houthis, had reported.

The semi-official Iranian news agency Fars had said that direct flights between Sanaa and Tehran would open the door for the export of Iranian commodities to Yemen.

Nevertheless, some observers express fears that the flights could be used in the transfer of arms to Yemen's Houthis.

Tension has mounted in Yemen since the powerful Shia Houthi group seized control of capital Sanaa in September of 2014. The group has sought to extend its control in other Yemeni provinces ever since.

On Feb. 6, the Houthis issued what it described as a constitutional declaration dissolving Yemen's parliament and establishing a 551-member transitional council.

The declaration was, however, rejected by most of Yemen's political forces - along with some neighboring Gulf countries - which described it as a coup against constitutional legitimacy.

Some Gulf States have even accused Iran of backing a Shia insurgency in the fractious nation.

Pakistan Re-equips Squadron With AEW&C Planes

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan's Air Force (PAF) Thursday stood up its unit of Chinese Karakorum Eagle AEW&C aircraft in a ceremony attended by the head of the PAF, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafiq Butt, and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Though the exact location of the ceremony was not given, it is believed to have been held at PAF Base Masroor in Karachi as the prime minister was known to have been in the city that day.
Brian Cloughley, an analyst and former Australian defense attache to Islamabad, said AEW&C "is very good news for the PAF – and for Pakistan" because it "will dramatically improve early warning capabilities which up until now have been comparatively rudimentary."
The ZDK-03 Karakorum Eagle is a dish-based AEW&C system mounted on a Shaanxi Y-8F600 aircraft. Though never confirmed, it has been speculated that the dish houses an AESA antenna.
Four were ordered in 2008 with the first delivered in 2010.
Air Commodore Syed Muhammad Ali, a spokesman for the Air Force, confirmed all Karakorum Eagle aircraft on order have now been delivered, but could not say if more would be ordered from China.
The aircraft join No.4 Squadron, which was first established in 1959 with Bristol Freighter transports and Grumman HU-16 Albatross amphibians. The amphibians were used for maritime reconnaissance, search and rescue, and casualty evacuation alongside Sikorsky H-19D helicopters. The HU-16s were retired in 1968 and the H-19Ds in 1969.
The unit was then "number-plated" until officially re-equipped with the Karakorum Eagle.
The four Karakorum Eagle AEW&C aircraft join the surviving three Saab Erieye AEW&C aircraft ordered in 2005 and delivered from 2009. One of the four Erieye aircraft was destroyed in a terrorist attack on Kamra Air Base in August 2012.
That the Air Force operates two types of AEW&C aircraft for the same mission has been much commented on.
Analyst Usman Shabbir of the Pakistan Military Consortium think tank says the Karakorum Eagle's mission is "[b]asically the same job as Erieye but based in southern sector.
"To cover all the length of Pakistan we needed additional AEW&C aircraft and ZDK-03 was the answer due to political and financial considerations," he said.
Former Air Commodore Kaiser Tufail says the PAF was not keen on their purchase.
"The [Karakorum] Eagle was purchased rather reluctantly, under pressure of [then President] Gen. Musharraf, as a political expedient [Chinese appeasement], and not because of any reasons of technical superiority," he said. "It would have been more cost effective to manage a single type than these two vastly different ones."
Though he now believes attitudes have changed.
"Having said that, the performance of the Eagle has turned out to be surprisingly good, which takes some sting out of the initial criticism," he said.
Tufail says an absence of news of the fourth aircraft being delivered may mean it is undergoing installation of Link 16 datalink equipment to enable it to communicate with all of the PAF's aircraft, particularly its F-16s, and not just the JF-17 Thunders.
To date the Erieye AEW&C aircraft have been able to communicate with the Western aircraft in service such as the F-16, and the Karakorum Eagle with the Chinese aircraft such as the Sino-Pak JF-17, and perhaps the F-7PG.
Cloughley does not think this has changed.
"It's unlikely that the systems will complement those of the US, but cooperation with China is more important for Pakistan," he said.
PAF officials have previously told Defense News that this was impractical and would change.
Though perhaps not as technologically advanced as the Swedish Erieye, according to Haris Khan of the Pakistan Military Consortium think tank, the two types of AEW&C aircraft have worked very well together with the installation of Link 16 compatible equipment throughout the PAF's aircraft fleet.
Combined, they have effectively covered the country and much of Pakistan's maritime area of interest.

Ukraine Begins Artillery Withdrawal From Front-Lines

Ukrainian troops have towed artillery away from the front-line in the war-ravaged east, in a step that seems to augur well for a ceasefire agreement signed with Russia-backed rebels.

The military on Thursday showed reporters seven or eight guns being towed away from the front at the village of Paraskoviyvka north of the government stronghold of Artemivsk.

Earlier, Reuters journalists saw a larger convoy of 30-40 vehicles also towing guns away from the front on a highway.

However, the Ukrainian defence ministry said in a statement carried by Associated Press news agency that it reserved the right to revise its withdrawal plans in the event of attack by rebel forces, who control large swaths of the east bordering Russia.

Ukraine 'preparing' nation for a long war
"Today Ukraine has begun the withdrawal of 100-millimetre guns from the line of confrontation," the military said, saying the step would be monitored by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

A team of about 600 OSCE personnel is overseeing the implementation of the deal signed between Russia and Ukraine and brokered by France and Germany.

The intensity of fighting has declined notably in recent days, although the warring sides have continued to trade accusations of violations in the ceasefire that came into force on February 15.

The move was Kiev's most direct step to acknowledge that the ceasefire was finally holding a week after losing the strategic town of Debaltseve to rebels.

Rebels have been pulling back heavy weapons for two days, but Ukraine had until now held back from implementing the withdrawal, arguing that fighting had not yet ceased.

Since capturing Debaltseve, rebels have taken pains to emphasise that they now intend to abide by the peace deal to end the conflict that the UN says has claimed more than 5,000 lives since April last year.

The Ukrainian army reported no combat fatalities at the front for a second straight day on Thursday, the first time no troops have been killed since long before the truce was meant to take effect.

New sanctions

The withdrawal of artillery is "point two" of the peace agreement reached in the Belarus capital Minsk, so beginning it amounts to an acknowledgement that "point one" - the ceasefire itself - is being observed.

Western countries denounced the rebels and their presumed sponsor, Russian President Vladimir Putin, for advancing on Debaltseve despite the truce.

But they have since held out hope that the ceasefire will now hold, with the rebels having achieved that objective.

In the days after its troops were driven from Debaltseve, Ukraine maintained that it believed the rebels were reinforcing for another advance, particularly expressing fear for the city of Mariupol, a port city of 500,000 people.

Western countries have threatened to impose new economic sanctions on Moscow if the rebels advance further into territory the Kremlin calls "New Russia".
Russia, which denies aiding its sympathisers in Ukraine, said on Thursday the threats of more sanctions were cover for Western efforts to undermine the truce.

Afghan Army Cadets Will Be Trained In Pakistan

The cadets will be the first Afghans to attend the Pakistan Military Academy in Abbottabad.

The move is a policy shift by the Afghan govt who until recently sent Afghan cadets to get trained mostly in India.

Janan Mosazai, Afghanistan's ambassador to Pakistan, called the 18-month stint "an important step".

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, who was elected in September, recently held talks with Pakistani officials in the hope of greater cooperation between their two militaries.

Read more: Offer to train Afghan troops renewed

His predecessor, Hamid Karzai, routinely criticised Pakistan for allegedly sheltering militant groups.

Pakistan always rejected such complaints and accused Afghanistan of failing to stop cross-border attacks.

Since Taliban militants attacked a school in Peshawar, killing more than 150 people in December, military chiefs of Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to co-ordinate military operations along their border.

Pakistan first offered training to Afghan security forces in 2010 at a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation conference in Brussels.

The proposal was aimed at bridging trust deficit bet­ween the two countries.

Three years later an Afghan defence delegation led by defence minister Bismillah Muhammadi visited Pakistan in 2013 for inspecting Pakistani training facilities.

The Afghan delegation’s visit was then seen as a paradigm shift in Afghanistan’s perceptions about Pakistan.

Whos Going To Shoot Down "Raptors"

The image in this post was taken from a U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle from the 131st Fighter Squadron, 104th Fighter Wing, Barnes Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, during a close range aerial combat exercise against a U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor from the 154th Wing, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

You can clearly see the two planes maneuvering at very close range, pulling Gs, with the F-22 releasing flares counter measures against (simulated) heat seeking air-to-air missiles.

The dogfight took place off the coast of Penang, Malaysia, Jun. 16, 2014, during “Cope Taufan 2014″ a biennial LFE (large force employment) exercise taking place June 9 to 20 designed to improve U.S. and Malaysian combined readiness.

Both aircraft are currently deployed to Royal Malaysian Air Force P.U. Butterworth, Malaysia.

(image)

The exercise, that marks the F-22’s first deployment to Southeast Asia, featured also some interesting mixed formation between U.S. planes with Royal Malaysian Air Force MIG-29N Fulcrum, Su-30 and F-18 Hornet jets.

(image)

Image credit: U.S. Air Force

It’s not clear whether the F-22 has flown DACT (Dissimilar Air Combat Training) against Malaysian Migs or Sukhois; if this is the case, it would be interesting to know which ROE (Rules Of Engagement) were applied and the outcome of the confrontations between the Russian multirole planes and the U.S. most advanced fighters.

New "Super Al Khalid Tank": AK I & II Main Battle Tank

Upgraded variant of Pakistan's Al-Khalid MBT will soon be ready to deploy.

Al-Khalid is jointly produced by Pakistan and China and is one of the most capable Tank in the world. The New Al Khalid I & II versions will be denoted "Super Al Khalid" - SAK

(Super Al-Khalid I & II) or Al-Khalid – Upgraded variant is in testing as of April 2009. Incorporates modifications made to the fire-control system, sensors, IBMS, side-skirts, track pads, auto-loader (rate of fire increased to 9 rounds per minute), Ukrainian Varta electro-optical jammer (disrupts laser rangefinders, laser designators and anti-tank guided missile tracking systems), Sagem third-generation thermal imagers and improved air conditioning system.

Upgraded new Super Al Khalid MBTs with combination of new armor and optional Explosives Reactive Armor (ERA) can withstand all known 120mm and 125mm rounds. Upgrade also includes improved transmission and electronic turret control for the Al Khalid Tanks. Tank also offers improved protection for the NBC (Nuclear, Biological & chemical) warfare.

Pakistani Al Khalid Tanks are equipped with Integrated Battle Management System (IBMS) and new active threat-protection system. Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) has also increased Al Khalid's weapon carrying capability and now it will be able to carry 49 125mm HEAT & APFSDS (Armor Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot) and Naiza 125 mm DU rounds, 1,500 12.7mm and 7,100 7.62mm rounds.

Tungsten Alloy Penetrators in Al-Khalid Main Battle Tank

 

Tngsten Alloy core penetrators (APFSDS) for Super Al-Khalid.

The predecessor of Al-Khalid main battle tank (MBT) is 90-II which is developed in China. Al-Khalid MBT is equipped by composite armor and rolling homogenous armor. The tank can perform night operation which is also equipped by thermal imaging system. The main weapon of Al-Khalid MBT is a 125mm caliber smoothbore gun which carrying 39 ammunitions. The smoothbore gun can launch depleted uranium (DU) ammunition, tungsten alloy penetrators, kinetic energy cartridge and high explosive grenade. Otherwise, there are 12.7mm caliber machine gun and 7.62mm caliber machine gun in the tank. 

 

In recent years, Pakistan Army is modernizing Al-Khalid MBT. They attempt to modernize the tank to the most advanced tank in the world. Al-Khalid MBT is called as Super Al-Khalid MBT after modernization, which is equipped by integrated battle management system (IBMS) and active protection system. For the new design of structure, the armor of new tank can endure the strike from all of 120~125mm caliber anti-tank shells who are on service at present. What’s more, the fire control is more advanced, and the firing rate of main artillery has been improved by 9 shells per minute. Meanwhile, Super Al-Khalid MBT is also equipped by Sagem the third generation thermography made in France, laser sight, anti-tank missile tracking system and Valta electro-optical countermeasures device made in Ukraine.

Source: Chinatungsten Online - http://www.chinatungsten.com

The Drama Was Staged, What Comes After?

Pakistani boat controversy was a drama: FO

 

Foreign Office (FO) spokeswoman Tasneem Aslam said Friday that Pakistan had had made it clear that none if its boats went missing as claimed by Indian officials.

"It has been proven from the contradictory statements issued by top Indian officials that the boat issue was a drama that has now been exposed," said Aslam.

Earlier on Wednesday, India's Deputy Inspector General of the Coast Guard denied reports which said that he had admitted ordering for a Pakistani boat to be blown up in the Arabian Sea on New Year's eve. 

The claim was in sharp contrast to New Delhi's official position which had been adamant that the boat had 'suspected terror links' and that the crew had committed suicide by setting the vessel on fire. 

Coast Guard DIG B.K. Loshali later issued a rejoinder which rejected the media report terming it as 'not factual' and denied making any such claim.

Pakistan only executing hardened terrorists

Furthermore, Aslam rejected the European Union's human rights concerns over death sentences and made it clear that Pakistan was executing only those criminals who had been convicted in terrorism cases. 

"The executions are not a violation of any international law," remarked Aslam.

She expressed ignorance when asked as to whether the EU had sought access to proceedings at the military courts in Pakistan and said that these courts came into being by an Act of Parliament.

Navy expects early arrival of submarines.

Bangladesh Navy has initiated process to buy two tugboats at a cost of Tk 130 crore to assist operation of submarines which are scheduled to join the naval base at the end of the current year.Officials said they were in a hurry to procure the tugboats ahead of the arrival of the two submarines from China.

They said tugboats were essential without which the submarines could not be operated from the harbours. Dhaka struck a deal with Beijing in November 2013 to acquire the submarines for strengthening the navy’s presence in the Bay of Bengal. It was apprehended that China would supply the country’s first submarines in 2019. But now the submarines are coming three years before the previous schedule. The two submarines would cost Tk 1,500 crore. According to a recent document of the navy, Beijing is almost ready to handover the submarines to Navy at the end of the current year. Navy has sought additional Tk 26 crore in the current budget from the ministry of finance for making the down payment for the tugboats.
Defence ministry officials said that the government had taken the initiative to add submarines to the naval fleet in the 1980s to build the Navy as a three-dimensional force in the Bay of Bengal. The Navy had communicated with China, France, Germany, Italy, Pakistan, South Korea and Turkey since 2010 for procuring the submarines. But only China came forward with its two off-the-shelf submarines — Type 035G—that are diesel-electric and wanted Bangladesh Navy to bear the refurbishment costs with equipment as required. The submarines of Ming class will have capacity of firing anti-ship missiles from its torpedo tubes. About 17 Bangladesh navy sailors are training to operate the submarines. The navy has meanwhile acquired land on Kutubdia Island in Cox’s Bazar to set up a submarine base.

Who Can Barrier The Aggressors!!

Almost every country in the Asia-Pacific has embarked on military modernisation programmes which include overhauling their Main Battle Tank (MBT) fleets. This article will examine MBT procurement and upgrade programmes ongoing around the region.

Military analysts at IHS Jane’s note the increased defence spending of Asia-Pacific countries which has risen from 13.5 percent in 2012, to $24.5 billion in 2014, with that figure projected to rise to $40 billion by 2016. In Indonesia military spending increased by 82 percent from 2002 to 2012. Singapore, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), has become the fifth largest arms importer in the world allocating over 20 percent of its national budget to defence. Thailand’s defence expenditure is being driven by modernisation initiatives in addition to border disputes and security threats. The country aims to increase defence expenditure as a percentage of its gross domestic product from 1.5 percent in 2011 to 1.8 percent in 2016. A large amount of this increased spending throughout the Asia-Pacific will go towards enhancing MBT fleets.

India

The Indian Army plans to procure a total of 1657 Uralvagonzavod T-90 MBTs by 2020, which will include 1000 tanks produced indigenously under a full technology transfer agreement with Russia, with all parts made in India. A total of 59 armoured regiments are to be equipped with around 1600 tanks. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) which oversees procurement in India has cleared manufacture of 235 T-90 tanks at the Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) located at Avadi in south-east India. For those T-90s already in operation with the Indian Army, the force will upgrade more than 600 of these MBTs with new optronics, navigation systems and fire control for a total of $250 million. The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) formally approved the army’s three-year-old proposal for the T-90 upgrade in February 2014. In keeping with the country’s overriding desire to move towards domestic defence provision self sufficiency, an Indian MoD source said that the tender for the upgrade will be sent only to domestic defence companies.

In addition to the T-90s, the Indian Army’s fleet of some 1900 Uralvagonzavod T-72M MBTs is being upgraded with new optronics and navigation equipment, the latter of which will outfit those T-72Ms configured to provide command and control. Upgraded T-72M tanks are entering service and the upgrade has afforded a life extension that will allow them to remain operational beyond 2025. As far as India’s domestic Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Arjun Mk.I MBTs are concerned, all 124 tanks have been delivered to the Indian Army. The force’s 43rd and 75th Armoured Regiments are fully operational with 45 tanks each. Trials of the Arjun Mk.I’s sibling, the Arjun Mk.II began in 2012. Series production is expected to begin in 2016. It offers improved protection, firepower and mobility over its predecessor, and it should eventually replace the Indian Army’s ageing Cold War-era T-55 and T-72M tanks in service with the Indian Army.

Compared to the Arjun Mk.I, the hull and turret of the Arjun Mk.II has been redesigned. It has improved protection and locally-developed explosive reactive armour modules have been added. Armour modules counter APFSDS (Armour-Piercing, Fin-Stabilised, Discarding Sabot) and HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank) rounds, as well as Rocket Propelled Grenades. Ammunition is stored in the turret bustle which is equipped with blowout panels. The Arjun Mk.II is also fitted with advanced laser warning and countermeasures systems which confuse enemy sensors. Furthermore, this new MBT is armed with a fully-stabilised 120mm rifled gun which is loaded manually. A rifled gun of such calibre is only used on the British BAE Systems Challenger-2 MBT. This gun is more accurate at long range compared to smoothbore guns. India claims that during trials this new Indian tank outgunned both the T-72M and T-90 (see above). The Arjun Mk.II is also compatible with Israel Aerospace Industries’ LAHAT (Laser-Homing Anti-Tank) surface-to-surface missiles. These missiles are launched in the same manner as ordinary projectiles, and the tank can accommodate a total of 39 rounds, including the LAHAT missiles. The Arjun Mk.II is fitted with advanced optronics and has improved communication and navigation systems. Secondary armament consists of a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun and a roof-mounted remote-controlled weapon station, armed with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun.

Pakistan

Pakistan’s two main tanks are the Al-Zarrar and Al-Khalid MBTs, both of which are manufactured by the Government-owned Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) organisation. Although The Al-Khalid initially entered service in 2001, around 300 are in service but this is expected to rise to 600 with an improved version which will include a more powerful diesel engine, more ammunition storage and a better Fire Control System (FCS) together with new optronics (see Alex Calvo’s ‘Deterrence and Doctrine’ article in this issue). The Al-Khalid is a license-built version of the Kharkiv Morozov T-54 MBT. An Al-Khalid Mk.II is in development which will feature a new turret, modular armour and a new power pack. Recently HIT signed a memorandum of understanding with China’s Norinco for ongoing technology transfer, help with exports and profit sharing. HIT sees possible markets existing in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and possibly the Middle East.

Bangladesh and Indonesia

Bangladesh has ordered 44 Norinco MBT-2000 tanks and three recovery vehicles with deliveries having commenced in 2014. Indonesia, meanwhile, has committed to buying 93 Rheinmetall Leopard 2A4 MBTs and ten engineering and support vehicles. At least 61 of the Leopard 2A4 MBTs which Indonesia has purchased will receive elements of the Rheinmetall ‘Revolution’ modular upgrade package. These upgraded MBTs have been re-designated as the Leopard RI, to denote ‘Republic of Indonesia’. In 2012 the German government gave Rheinmetall the green light in 2012 to export 104 Leopard 2A6 tanks, 50 Marder 1A2 infantry fighting vehicles and ten other platforms, including armoured recovery vehicles, mobile bridges and military engineering vehicles to Indonesia. According to Indonesian officials, the initial agreement for 130 tanks was valued at $280 million, while Rheinmentall’s press release placed the figure at $293.7 million. The deal includes training, logistical support and an initial supply of practice and service ammunition. The deliveries are due to be concluded by 2016.

Malaysia and Singapore

Malaysia purchased 48 Polish Bumar Labedy PT91 Twardy MBTs in the early 2000s. These MBTs are in turn developed from the T-72M (see above). There appear to be no plans to replace these in the foreseeable future as Malaysia has other defence priorities. Like Indonesia (see above) Singapore purchased 66 ex-Heer (German Army) Leopard-2A4 MBTs plus 30 spare tanks, together with ten Bergepanzer-3 Buffel armoured recovery vehicles in 2007-2008. Most of the tanks were recently upgraded to the Leopard-2SG standard with advanced modular armour protection from IBD Deisenroth Engineering of Germany and Singapore’s ST Kinetics. They are fitted with IBD’s Evolution suite that boasts fourth-generation Advanced Modular Armour Protection (AMAP), which employs steel alloy, aluminium-titanium alloy, nano-metric steel, ceramic inserts and nano-ceramics. Steel slat armour is installed on the hull and turret rear and flanks while the hull bottom is reinforced against mines. The Evolution suite increases the tank’s weight from 55 tonnes to 60 tonnes.

Thailand

Thailand’s government signed a $240 million contract for the purchase of 49 Malyshev Factory T-84 Oplot MBTs from Ukraine in March 2011, the T-84 being chosen ahead of the Republic of Korea’s (RoK) Hyundai K1A1. Thai-Ukraine cooperation is at an all-time high following the earlier purchase of Kharkiv Morozov BTR-3E1 eight-wheel drive armoured personnel carriers. Thailand could possibly acquire up to 200 T-84s to allow retirement of its elderly Cadillac/General Motors M41A3 light tanks. It is anticipated that Thailand will eventually purchase up to 200 tanks with the first 50 being delivered in 2015.

Vietnam

Amongst all ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) armies, Vietnam has the largest MBT fleet and has been a long time user of Soviet-era T-54/55 series and Norinco Type 59 MBTs, with several units actually being Vietnam War veterans. Sources say that 600 to 850 T-54/55 tanks remain in Vietnamese service, with around 310 modernised using Israeli technology to take them to T-54/55M3 standards which involved the replacement of the original Soviet 100mm gun with a 105mm M68/L7 gun, along with the installation of explosive reactive armour, smoke grenade launchers, a new engine, a 60mm mortar and upgraded sensors. There were previous reports that Vietnam planned to purchase 150 T-72 main battle tanks from Poland, but the order did not materialise and the budget was instead used to purchase naval assets as the threat to its offshore interests from China are considered more strategically pressing.

China

China is a major producer of innovative tanks, the newest of which is the Norinco ZTZ-99. The ZTZ-99 (Type 99), 500 of which are in service with the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), features significant advances in technology and protection. It is equipped with Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA), a laser warning system and a 125mm ZPT-98 main gun. The newest variant is the ZTZ-99A2 with improved ERA, a modified rear hull and turret, a new panoramic commander’s sight, a millimetre-wave radar, an upgraded FCS and a digital Battle Management System (BMS).

Another project is the Type 99KM which is equipped with a modular Active Protection System (APS), an active laser defence system and a larger-calibre gun able to fire next-generation kinetic ammunition. Norinco is developing and marketing the third-generation MBT-3000. This is an upgrade of the MBT-2000 (see above) and it could deploy with the PLA by the end of 2014. The MBT-3000 has a 125mm gun capable of firing missiles, and is powered by a turbo-diesel engine.

Republic of Korea

The mainstay of the RoK’s MBT fleet is around 1500 Hyundai K1 and K1A1 vehicles. General Dynamics has assisted Hyundai to upgrade the KIAI with the addition of a Battle Management System (BMS), global positioning system-based navigation, an identification friend or foe system and new optronics for the driver. The Republic of Korea Army (RoKA) has been testing this modernised K1A1.
Hyundai is also developing the 55-tonne K2 Black Panther for the RoKA. The service intends to order 397 K2s. It will feature a 120mm main gun coupled to an autoloader, a missile approach warning system, BMS and an indigenously-designed soft-kill APS. It also fires the innovative high-trajectory, fire-and-forget KSTAM (Korean Smart Top-Attack Munition) anti-tank round. The K2’s introduction was delayed until March 2014 because of mechanical problems with the locally developed Doosan DST engine and S&T Dynamics automatic transmission. As a result the first 100 production vehicles will use MTU-890 engines and RENK transmissions both imported from Germany.
The K2 Product Improvement programme (PIP) expected to commence in the future will have add features such as non-explosive reactive armour, an upgraded suspension and a hard-kill APS. An electrothermal-chemical gun may also replace the existing 120mm armament. Designers are attempting to integrate an unmanned ground vehicle into the K2’s architecture to give the MBT a remote scouting capability. The RoK intends to offer the K2 for export but this may prove difficult given the number of cheaper refurbished tanks available.

Japan

Japan is planning to downsize its fleet of MBTs, which consists mainly of Mitsubishi Type 90s to 400 examples. It is intended to replace the bulk of these, which are considered too heavy and unsuitable for Japan’s highly urbanised environment with the new Mitsubishi Type 10 MBTs. The high-tech Type 10 is lighter than its predecessor and builds on lessons learned from counter insurgency and asymmetric warfare in Iraq. It has a remote-controlled machine gun atop the turret, while the modular armour package can be adjusted to suit threat levels. In the turret is a 120mm smoothbore cannon that fires a new APFSDS round with greater penetration. Its engine is connected to an innovative continuously variable transmission that allows the vehicle to drive equally fast either forwards or backwards. Furthermore, a BMS connects tanks to each other and to higher echelons of command. Both the Japanese and the RoK MBTs discussed above feature hydropneumatic suspension, as the ability to kneel is extremely useful in rugged terrain since it gives the gun more elevation and depression. It is expected that 68 Type 10s will be in service with the Japan Ground Self Defence Force by 2015.

Taiwan

Taiwan has a need to replace its sizeable fleet of M41 and M48 MBTs and is negotiating with the US to purchase refurbished General Dynamics M1A1 Abrams MBTs which are becoming available as the US army downsizes its fleet. Sources within Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence recently said that Taiwan needs up to 200 new MBTs. Although no order has yet been made it is expected that Taipei will give governmental approval for the acquisition in the near future.

Summary

Many commentators forecasted the death of the MBT following the end of the Cold War and the experience of counter insurgency and asymmetric warfare in the Middle East and Central Asia since the turn of the century. However, throughout the Asia-Pacific region this is far from the case as the expansion of tank fleets continues apace fuelled by the availability of materiel as Western nations downsize their legacy Cold War tank fleets, along with continuing geopolitical rivalries in south Asia and Chinese expansion.

 

An Article by John Ross

RAW Plans Leaked, claim tweeps in Pakistan

#RAWPlansLeaked, a conspiracy theory that has been making rounds for some time now, has heated up emotions on social media as well, as the Pakistani tweeps trended the hashtag and blamed India of being involved in terrorist activities against Pakistan and throughout the region.

The Memo of Attack Civilians inside Indian held Kashmir, an evilous order from RAW director (Ops).

A document, allegedly from Indian intelligence agency RAW, is being claimed to have been leaked by some insider on the internet. This document says that the aforementioned Indian agency has planned to attack some target in Baramula city of the Indian Held Kashmir. The words ‘Dress Mujahideen’ in the first point, first paragraph, seem to be hinting that allegedlythe plan was to blame it on the Islamist militants.

Tweeps alleged that the India was planning an attack in Indian Held Kashmir on the lines of Mumbai attacks, carried out on November 26, 2008.

J-20 Mighty Dragon: Coming To Rule The Dragons' Sky

The new prototypes of J-20 Mighty Dragon had emerged last years' November & December months sequentially. It has been a shocking news for those nations who have disputed issues over South China Sea & mostly covered Diaouy/Senkaku Island dispute, for Japan. The raising military might of China draws the significant attention in the Pentagon, amid while, this 5th generation stealth fighters' new prototypes emerging very shortly with new and improved stealth features. Here, below some photos of the new prototypes J-20 2013 & J-20 2015:

J-20 Prototype No. 2013:

J-20 Prototype No. 2015:

Bangladesh Navy New Type 056 Launched At Wuchang Shipyard

From the Chinese TV news this is now spectacularly confirmed that first of total three "Type 056" Corvettes are launched for Bangladesh Navy. This type would significantly enhance Bangladesh Navy's operational capabilities within the "brown & green" waters of the Bay of Bengal.

Bangladesh Navy new type 056 launched at Wuchang Shipyard.

IDEAS 2014: Nigeria 'Close To Signing Up' For JF-17

By this sell of "Thunders", it'll significantly help to carrying on the fighter program for the next advanced level. And some of other African-Latin American customers will actively think to grab some squadrons for their airforces also. Heres the main news:

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is close to finalising an order for the purchase of one or two squadrons of the JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft co-produced by Pakistan and China, a senior Pakistani Ministry of Defence official told IHS Jane's on 2 December.

Speaking at the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2014 in Karachi, the official said the NAF finalised its recommendation for the purchase of 25-40 JF-17s after NAF chief air marshal Adesola Nunayon Amosu visited Pakistan in October. AM Amosu's engagements in Pakistan included a visit to the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) at Kamra, north of Islamabad, where the JF-17 is manufactured.

So far, the PAC has produced 50 Block 1 JF-17s and began work on another 50 Block 2 variants in late 2013. Pakistan Air Force (PAF) officials have told IHS Jane's that a Block 3 variant is being planned. While the JF-17 has PAF capability plans, it has so far failed to find an export customer.

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PAF officials have described the JF-17 Block 3 as a fourth-generation-plus fighter, a term that is used to describe Western aircraft such as Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 60s, the Saab Gripen, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Dassault Rafale, among others.

Western officials have previously said that a first successful export of the JF-17 holds the key for the programme's long-term sustainment. Potential export customers mentioned as likely candidates for the JF-17 have included Egypt, Nigeria, Myanmar, and Venezuela.

Senior PAF officials have promoted the JF-17 as costing much less than comparable fighters produced by Western manufacturers. However, prospective customers are likely to consider established manufacturers ahead of PAC, which is a relative newcomer to the international market.

US-ISRAEL SECRET DEAL IN 1987!

Pakistan Stepping Forward Regarding Terrorism

A Bara-based proscribed group, Amr Bil Maroof wa Nahi Anil Munkir, renounced on Saturday violence and pledged to cooperate with the political administration in establishing its writ and restoring peace in this part of Khyber Agency.

Lance Naik Imran Khan: A Hero of #PeshawarAttack

Meet legendary unsung hero of this nation. Meet Lance Naik Imran Khan. He joined Pakistan army in 2003 and was allotted artillery corps but from the start he wanted to join Special services group (SSG). After 2 years of service he got enrolled in Zarar company of SSG Its been 10 years he is in SSG, During all this time he never hesitated and was always there on duty. He took part in Dera bughti operation, Manawa Rescue, GHQ Rescue and lastly Peshawar rescue mission.

 

Lance Naik Imran Khan, the hero who will not be forgotten.

As per his remarks Peshawar rescue mission was the toughest experience of his life. It was a close combat and there were no hostages due to which they didnt have any time to plan out things. Despite all hardships he and his team fought with bravery and valor.

"khoon mei bachu ko dekh kar meine azam kiya ya woh rahen gay ya mein . Alhumdullilah Allah ne aik ankh ki qurbani qabool ki aur Allah ka karam hai hum ne sub ko wahin khatam kr dala "

During this rescue mission he got badly injured. He sacrificed one eye but he was proud and content with his service for the nation.

"When i got hit on my eye i fell down and i asked my comrades to repeat after me i started reciting Kalma and Alhumdulillah i was reciting Kalma when i got fainted ".

 

Source: Pakistan defence

NA Adopts 21st Constitutional Amendment Unopposed

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Tuesday adopted the 21st Constitutional Amendment unopposed after 247 Members of National Assembly voted in favour of the law aimed to set up constitutionally protected military courts to try civilian terrorism suspects, announced NA Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.

 

He added that not a single vote was cast against the amendment bill. Members of the National Assembly belonging to the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-F (JUI-F) abstained from voting. The bill will now be presented in the Senate for passage tomorrow and is expected to be approved into law on either Wednesday or Thursday.

The constitutional amendment bill was required to be passed by two-thirds of the total participants in both the 342-seat National Assembly and the 104-seat Senate; however, for amendment in the Army Act, a simple majority was required.

Read more : Draft of amendment bill

The two bills – the Constitution (Twenty-first Amendment) Bill and the Pakistan Army (Amendment) — were expected to have been passed a day earlier but voting was deferred after the government fell short of the required two-thirds majority – 228 members – for the passage of the amendments. Diesel still making some troubles. He wants the clause about Madressas and religious orgs to be omitted. Defeats the whole purpose of the amendment really.

Saleem Safi smoking some heavy sh!t as well these days. Comparing apples and oranges. Now let's get this passed by the Senate tomorrow and then our invisible President signs it and we go after every terrorist we see. The only thing the government has quickly and sensibly done in this tenure! 

 

Source: dawn.com 

India Lobbies Hard To Give A Tactical Advantage To The Taliban

Indian 'South Block' has been running with cash bags to US Congressmen and defense pundits for years in order to block the sale of Attack Helicopters to Pakistan.Since 2002 Pakistan has been requesting the US for the sale of AH-64D Apache Longbow or AH-1Z Viper as a primary requirement. Pakistan's old AH-1F/S Cobras are handicapped. Their ability to detect and kill Taliban insurgents at night is next to nothing. With dumb rockets and a gun with no credible night ops capabilities, it can only fulfill a limited number of roles.

 

AH-64D Apache Longbow.

Pakistani military officials say that Indians have lobbied so hard to block the sales of these copters that they added provisions in their own Apache purchase that Pakistan won't be sold this capability even when its direly needed in the full knowledge of CENTCOM and Pentagon. The Indians ditched Mi-28E and angered Russia for keeping AH-64D or AH-1Z away from being sold to Pakistan. Pakistani officials are of the opinion that the insurgents attack checkposts at night and Cobras can't operate effectively at night. Milimeterwave radar, motion sensor integrated, thermal, infrared electro optical targeting turrets along with integrated avionics, Datalink and HMS are the core requirements for effectively tracking and killing the Taliban at night and day.

 

AH-1Z Viper.

Pakistani experts believe that India is lobbying so hard to give the Taliban, which is its proxy a tactical advantage over the Pakistani forces. The US has refused to sell both Apache and Zulu due to Indian lobby. They are even trying to block the sale of US made Turboshaft engines to Turkey, which wants to sell its T-129 ATAK gunship to Pakistan which has similar capabilities to AH-1Z and Apache. Pakistan needs to make it clear if the US is going to clear those gunships or engines for Turkish gunships. If the US wants to toe the Indian line and give the animals who massacre our kids a tactical advantage, we should opt for Mi-28NE from Russia and cease all counter-terrorism cooperation with US. 

 

Mi-28NE Havoc.

 

TAI T129 ATAK Multi-Role Helicopter.

Source: Pakistan Defence