Lankan Ranger
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In 2010, Pakistani Priorities are Anti-terrorism, Modernization Pace
Military and defense industry modernization and defeating an increasingly vicious terrorist campaign will top Pakistan's priorities in 2010.The Air Force has seen its modernization efforts progress, and retired Air Commodore Kaiser Tufail noted three issues that gathered momentum in 2009 and should bear fruit in the coming year: the JF-17 Thunder program, the arrival of midair refueling and airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) force multipliers, and the F-16C/D Block 52.
The Sino-Pak JF-17 is Pakistan's largest defense program."With the forthcoming induction of the JF-17 into the first fighter squadron, [along with the retirement of the aging A-5 and FT-6s], the PAF is poised to see a notable reduction of its fighter fleet age," Tufail said.The program is well on track, but foreign acquisition of technology is vital.
The arrival of the Saab-2000 Eyerie AEW&C aircraft and the Il-78 Midas refueling tanker in 2010 will "confer a much-needed boost in overall capability" for the Air Force, he said.As a former F-16 pilot, Tufail said the Fighting Falcon will remain a vital component of Pakistan's defense. The first new Block 52 was unveiled in November and "extended aircrew training on the F-16C/D Block 52 is currently in progress in Phoenix, Ariz., and the PAF is getting ready for induction next year."
The past year "can rightly be termed as the springboard to the PAF becoming a postmodern Air Force in the developing world," he said.If 2009 saw the beginnings of an Air Force transformation, 2010 may see the same for the Navy.
This Navy's first F22P/Sword-class frigate, built by China, was commissioned in September, and the fourth ship is to be built in Pakistan by Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works after the facilities were upgraded as part of the deal. This is part of an attempt to revitalize and expand Pakistan's shipbuilding sector, and progress is expected in 2010.
The signing of the much-delayed U214 SSK submarine deal with German company HDW and the Pakistan-Turkey corvette program are expected in the new year. Both programs involve a high degree of technology transfer, beginning with modernization of construction facilities and indigenous construction of the warships.
The head of the Turkish conglomerate behind the corvette package, retired Rear Adm. M. Savas Onur, said a key aspect of the deal is to increase Pakistan's public-private industry cooperation in a similar vein to that of Turkey's defense industry.In contrast, Army modernization efforts have been overshadowed by terrorism on the Afghan-Pakistan border and domestically.
From:ASIAN DEFENCE: In 2010, Pakistani Priorities are Anti-terrorism, Modernization Pace
Military and defense industry modernization and defeating an increasingly vicious terrorist campaign will top Pakistan's priorities in 2010.The Air Force has seen its modernization efforts progress, and retired Air Commodore Kaiser Tufail noted three issues that gathered momentum in 2009 and should bear fruit in the coming year: the JF-17 Thunder program, the arrival of midair refueling and airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) force multipliers, and the F-16C/D Block 52.
The Sino-Pak JF-17 is Pakistan's largest defense program."With the forthcoming induction of the JF-17 into the first fighter squadron, [along with the retirement of the aging A-5 and FT-6s], the PAF is poised to see a notable reduction of its fighter fleet age," Tufail said.The program is well on track, but foreign acquisition of technology is vital.
The arrival of the Saab-2000 Eyerie AEW&C aircraft and the Il-78 Midas refueling tanker in 2010 will "confer a much-needed boost in overall capability" for the Air Force, he said.As a former F-16 pilot, Tufail said the Fighting Falcon will remain a vital component of Pakistan's defense. The first new Block 52 was unveiled in November and "extended aircrew training on the F-16C/D Block 52 is currently in progress in Phoenix, Ariz., and the PAF is getting ready for induction next year."
The past year "can rightly be termed as the springboard to the PAF becoming a postmodern Air Force in the developing world," he said.If 2009 saw the beginnings of an Air Force transformation, 2010 may see the same for the Navy.
This Navy's first F22P/Sword-class frigate, built by China, was commissioned in September, and the fourth ship is to be built in Pakistan by Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works after the facilities were upgraded as part of the deal. This is part of an attempt to revitalize and expand Pakistan's shipbuilding sector, and progress is expected in 2010.
The signing of the much-delayed U214 SSK submarine deal with German company HDW and the Pakistan-Turkey corvette program are expected in the new year. Both programs involve a high degree of technology transfer, beginning with modernization of construction facilities and indigenous construction of the warships.
The head of the Turkish conglomerate behind the corvette package, retired Rear Adm. M. Savas Onur, said a key aspect of the deal is to increase Pakistan's public-private industry cooperation in a similar vein to that of Turkey's defense industry.In contrast, Army modernization efforts have been overshadowed by terrorism on the Afghan-Pakistan border and domestically.
From:ASIAN DEFENCE: In 2010, Pakistani Priorities are Anti-terrorism, Modernization Pace
