PAF Exercise Saffron Bandit 2012-13

[Jango]

CCS is situated within Sargodha/Mushaff Air Base.

That's the point.

Trying to maintain ambiguity of the location, while showing a CCS poster!!!

Anyways, a educated guess after seeing Saab AWACS and F-16's would have been Mushaf AFB.

 

[fatman17]

PAF exercise ‘Saffron Bandit’


Sultan M Hali


Friday, February 01, 2013


Like all progressive air forces, PAF (Pakistan Air Force) too conducts various exercises and war games, besides training for conducting night and day offensive and defensive air operations. The enhancement of operational preparedness of PAF’s combat units is an ongoing task, which is incorporated through training in applied tactics, planning and execution of exercises at various levels. “Saffron Bandit” is a triennial command level exercise, which was first conceived in 1994. Since then, five such exercises have been conducted, with each session being reviewed and refined to not only incorporate fresh developments but also take cognizance of the latest threat environment.

Currently PAF is involved in the sixth sequel of “Saffron Bandit”, which commenced on 22nd October 2012. The whole exercise is spread over six to seven months. The exercise is planned to culminate on 27 April 2013. It is aimed at standardizing the tactics and provide near-realistic ‘Role Oriented’ training to PAF combat crew in a controlled environment, with the exposure of integrating combat support elements in synchronization with modern concepts and emerging tactical scenarios.

Presently the Surface Attack Phase of the second cycle is in progress. The Chief of Army Staff and the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) have separately visited the exercise area and been briefed regarding the concept and conduct of the exercise. A unique feature of the “Saffron Bandit” under progress is that all the modern weapon systems and capabilities of PAF as well as the Army’s Air Aviation and Air Defence System are operating under one umbrella for the first time orchestrating modern tactical environment. State-of-the-art data links and communication systems have been integrated, along with the employment of beyond visual range weapons as well as standoff capabilities operating under the umbrella of electronic warfare, are being activated.

The CJCSC was afforded the opportunity to fly in an AEW&C Aircraft to observe the complexities of aerial warfare and the professional handling and employment of integrated air and ground combat elements by the aircrew. Simultaneously, Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, set a personal example by actively participating in the exercise and examining the war preparedness of PAF Combat Squadrons, flying an F-16 Block 52. Overwhelmed by the experience of flying on board the SAAB 2000 aircraft fitted with the Erieye Airborne Radar, the CJCSC while interacting with the participants after the mission, stated: “The opportunity to interact with the skilled Air Warriors and to practically fly with them in Exercise Saffron Bandit has afforded me an insight into the high quality of training standards maintained by the PAF. This Exercise, with the mandate of providing exposure and training to PAF’s Combat Crew in near-realistic environment, certainly serves well for enhancing war preparedness in the hi-tech scenario of aerial warfare. It is heartening to see PAF stepping into the future with its newly acquired capabilities and emerging concepts of employment.”

Keeping up with the emerging challenges, PAF has come a long way in operating in tandem with the Pakistan Army in tackling with the miscreants in the war on terror. The current “Saffron Bandit” has incorporated anti militant operations and practicing effect based operations through precision weapons. The aim is to familiarize participants with different tactical aspects of the anti-terror operations in support of the national military effort. The training exercise focuses on tactical level peculiarities of kinetic engagement of militant targets using precision ordinance, with special emphasis on avoiding collateral damage. The Air Defence Environment has not only been enhanced but taken a step into the future with the employment of airborne early warning and control platforms as well as the use of both active and passive sensors including UAVs.

Learning from the experience of the allied forces’ operations in the ongoing war in Afghanistan and recently concluded war in Iraq, PAF has ventured into a new dimension of “combat search and rescue” for the first time through this “Saffron Bandit” exercise. The aim is to validate the concept and efficacy of “combat search and rescue” operations with the assistance of Pak Army aviation. The timely search and ultimate rescue of soldiers and men, requiring assistance and extraction from hostile conditions, even in the face of enemy fire is essential for the confidence and morale of own troops. In accordance with prescribed practice, each training cycle commences with classroom lectures on combat related topics to consolidate academic knowledge of the combat crew before commencing the flying operations, which are conducted in two phases i.e. air superiority and surface attack phase. The degree of difficulty in flying missions progressively increases in scope and complexity, so that a complete threat scenario is simulated towards the final stages of each cycle. In order to accrue maximum benefit from this comprehensive exercise effort, an all-inclusive analysis and feedback mechanism in the form of an ‘Analysis Cell’ to bisect the exercise continuously thoroughly in order to remain focused in the exercise pursuits, remains active. Whereas realism is essential in any military exercise and near realistic scenarios are created, the parameters of safety are also essential. The planners of “Saffron Bandit” ensure this essential aspect. Thorough analysis of the exercise enables the PAF Think Tank to not only critically evaluate PAF’s combat readiness but also recommend future course of action in terms of tactical employment.

PAF remains cognizant of the possibility that any future conflict in the region will be short and intense, characterized by overwhelming employment of air power. PAF thus has to maintain its cutting edge to meet any future threat to the utmost of its capabilities. “Saffron Bandit” provides this opportunity in a wholesome manner.

—The author, a retired PAF Group Captain, served as Air & Naval attaché at Riyadh and is currently a columnist, analyst and TV talk show host.

 

[Windjammer]

@fatman17, Sir, I spoke to Mr Hali last week after reading his article in a Pakistan English daily, he informed me that he hosts a TV debate show called "Defence and Diplomacy" and aired one just a couple of weeks earlier which focused on this exercise including some footage.
I believe a copy of that is available in Pakistan. !!

 

[fatman17]

@fatman17, Sir, I spoke to Mr Hali last week after reading his article in a Pakistan English daily, he informed me that he hosts a TV debate show called "Defence and Diplomacy" and aired one just a couple of weeks earlier which focused on this exercise including some footage.
I believe a copy of that is available in Pakistan. !!

what channel?

 

[Windjammer]

what channel?

 

[EyelessInGaza]

"Saffron Bandit" wtf? everyone in pakistan wants to troll india. even the AF

"Bandit" is a recognized term for enemy aircraft and has been in use by many English speaking nations for decades. I know that it was by pilots of the RAF in the Second World War.

The Indian Air Force also used that term back in the day; not sure of current status.

In short, it's no big deal.

 

[Windjammer]

The Indian armed forces are about to carry out an exhibition called "Iron fist," however obsessed as they are, some Indian members are gloating their typical idiocy that PAF somewhat couldn't put up a similar show. What's ironic is that these gloating idiots are incompetent to differentiate between a purposeful exercise and an exhibition of fire-power. I didn't want to spoil their party by posting PAF's capabilities, however here's a link to a collection of some videos on the subject. It's also worth mentioning that PAF quietly goes about it's work without the chest thumping and exposure for the home audience.

MusikaDisco.CoM » Pakistan Air Force Shows Power In Jhang Area Of Thal April 6 2010 Video Online Gratis

 

[Safriz]

The Indian armed forces are about to carry out an exhibition called "Iron fist," however obsessed as they are, some Indian members are gloating their typical idiocy that PAF somewhat couldn't put up a similar show. What's ironic is that these gloating idiots are incompetent to differentiate between a purposeful exercise and an exhibition of fire-power. I didn't want to spoil their party by posting PAF's capabilities, however here's a link to a collection of some videos on the subject. It's also worth mentioning that PAF quietly goes about it's work without the chest thumping and exposure for the home audience.

MusikaDisco.CoM » Pakistan Air Force Shows Power In Jhang Area Of Thal April 6 2010 Video Online Gratis

Did you check ISPR?
PAF had a fire power display yesterday for Kayani.

 

[Peshwa]

The Indian armed forces are about to carry out an exhibition called "Iron fist," however obsessed as they are, some Indian members are gloating their typical idiocy that PAF somewhat couldn't put up a similar show. What's ironic is that these gloating idiots are incompetent to differentiate between a purposeful exercise and an exhibition of fire-power. I didn't want to spoil their party by posting PAF's capabilities, however here's a link to a collection of some videos on the subject. It's also worth mentioning that PAF quietly goes about it's work without the chest thumping and exposure for the home audience.

MusikaDisco.CoM » Pakistan Air Force Shows Power In Jhang Area Of Thal April 6 2010 Video Online Gratis

This maybe due to my lack of knowledge on the subject, but how does one categorize an excercise vs. an exhibition?

Can you explain how the "Iron Fist" is not an excercise?

Im all ears to learning about this, so please dont spare details...Thanks in advance..

 

[Windjammer]

Did you check ISPR?
PAF had a fire power display yesterday for Kayani.

Not for Kayani rather he as a guest witnessed the ongoing exercise.

This maybe due to my lack of knowledge on the subject, but how does one categorize an excercise vs. an exhibition?

Can you explain how the "Iron Fist" is not an excercise?

Im all ears to learning about this, so please dont spare details...Thanks in advance..

@Peshwa , good to hear from you after a long time.
In an exercise like the "Saffron Bandit", there are two parties, Blue Force and Red Force, the latter plays the role of opposition, Blues attack the Reds and vice versa and umpires analyse and adjudge the performance of both parties. Briefings, debriefings, all the works of a battle scenarios.....no media or audience to applaud or cover the psyche of the exercise.
Exhibition of fire-power display can roughly be described as "Boards don't hit back".
Pilots and crew carry out their operations without any opposition, basically aim and shoot in front of cameras and audience.
Albeit, it does involve a lot of planning but at the end of the day it's how the individual scored in one man's race. !!

 

[Peshwa]

Not for Kayani rather he as a guest witnessed the ongoing exercise.

@Peshwa , good to hear from you after a long time.
In an exercise like the "Saffron Bandit", there are two parties, Blue Force and Red Force, the latter plays the role of opposition, Blues attack the Reds and vice versa and umpires analyse and adjudge the performance of both parties. Briefings, debriefings, all the works of a battle scenarios.....no media or audience to applaud or cover the psyche of the exercise.
Exhibition of fire-power display can roughly be described as "Boards don't hit back".
Pilots and crew carry out their operations without any opposition, basically aim and shoot in front of cameras and audience.
Albeit, it does involve a lot of planning but at the end of the day it's how the individual scored in one man's race. !!

Good to hear from you too WJ...

Thanks for the information...that makes a lot of sense...

So just as a follow up...What makes the Red Flag excercises so coveted? Is it simply the quality of the pilots/fighters, the complexity of the missions?

Also...when you say that in an excercise Red and Blue team "battle"....how exactly does that work? I mean Im aware of the same concept for armies, but those have fake bullets, laser tagging, paintball which are non lethal.
How does one record a "kill" in an aerial excercise..

Come to think of it...It would be great to have this information on a thread since I believe many others like me might not be well versed with this subject....

 

[anathema]

Great idea ...WJ, can you open a thread for this information ?

Peshwa - I do know that there are devices which are tagged onto a/c which records a kill (thought they were called transponders). Information is relayed back to controller , who informs the pilot that he is being striked off and asks him to boot off the hot zone.

 

[isro2222]

Saffron orange yellow is color of planet SUN.... i hope everyone here knows the importance of sun on Planet Earth including the food you all eat.... Hindunism is not a religion.... Its a spiritual science.... Stop making fun of hindunism and orange saffron color. Hindus respects planet Sun.... Do not insult sun who is a life giver.... Keep saffron and military away from each other....

 

[S.U.R.B.]

Saffron orange yellow is color of planet SUN................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Keep saffron and military away from each other....

Yeah Saffron and Military do not mix.We are all in favor of this.Someone should convince the Indian airforce over this.

 

[Viper0011.]

​

Yeah Saffron and Military do not mix.We are all in favor of this.Someone should convince the Indian airforce over this.

Interesting.....so the Safron on the outside and the Green on the inside....IMO, representing two religions??? Well, the question is, if the Safron circle can survive with Green at its center point / nucleus......why can't the Indians and the Pakistanis just live together peacefully??? Beats me!!