PAF more vulnerable than ever: Ex IAF officer

[INDIAPOSITIVE]

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is more vulnerable than ever before even as long-range standoff weapons fired from planes and beyond visual-range missiles and drones have taken over in the modern air warfare where daring air raids with fighter jets flying across border may not be needed anymore.

These views were expressed by experts and former pilots, who have seen air battle during the 1965 Indo-Pak War, while debating “Air Power Lessons Learnt from the 1965 War and their Implementation” on the last day of the Military literature Festival (December 7-9) here today.

Responding to a question about the now role of the Indian Air Force in the context of Pakistan and China, Air Vice Marshal Manmohan Bahadur (retd), who is Additional Director General of think-tank Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS), said: “A tandem manned and unmanned mission will be a reality. A human sitting inside a manned plane (fighter jet or transporter) will control the UAV that will be flying ahead to fire at a target. There will be a human behind the decision”.
He said the capability existed to have long-range strikes, “but unless we have total air dominance, the intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) facilities make it difficult. Yes, the beyond visual range (BVR) missiles are here to stay”, he said, adding “space-based weapons are far away. We are too far to see something fired from space at a ground target”.

New Delhi-based Pushpinder Singh, author of several books on military, including one on the PAF, said: “The PAF is more vulnerable than ever before.” In 1965, he said, the “PAF was cocky, they were young”. Deep down inside they knew if they made a mistake, they could be wiped out.
“They had this plan to strike at IAF bases, but they fumbled and messed up.” However, he said, in the past five to seven years, the PAF honed its skill in fighting a mountain battle due to its efforts in North Waziristan.

Jagan Pilarisetti, author of two books — one each on 1965 and 1971 wars —pointed out that during the 1965 battle, India did not have the air-to-air missile that the PAF had. “There was no strategy to win the war. We were just reacting. Lessons were learnt and in 1971 it was a different no-holds-barred fight.”

Air Marshal Bharat Kumar (retd) moderated the session. Group Captain RS Chhatwal discussed the role of radars in helping fighter pilots.

https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/paf-more-vulnerable-than-ever-ex-officer/696152.html

 

[Maarkhoor]

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is more vulnerable than ever before

Then why Indian armed forces are waiting? go ahead and launch an offensive.....

 

[Maxpane]

I think we are vulnerable because we are in transition period

 

[BHarwana]

Then why Indian armed forces are waiting? go ahead and launch an offensive.....

Lol offensive? Paf don't need to engage IAF they crash them selves.

 

[IceCold]

Finally someone said it, too bad its not a Pakistani. @MastanKhan sb your comments are specially needed here.

@Maarkhoor We shouldnt be too cocky when deep down we know where the weaknesses are. As for India not going ahead, i think it has much to do with the presence of nuclear weapons that PAF's capabilities.

PAF lacks deep strike aircrafts, F-16s are far too limited, JF-17 are in a transition period and Mirages well the less we talk about them the better. Indian airforce with SU-30 MKI, MIrage 2000 and future Rafales will be a formidable force. Not to forget the updated Mig 29s for the IN. All of these under cover of S-400 and one can do the maths. PAF has neglected to acquire long range deep strike aircrafts and even when other options were available, still chose to run behind the F-16s which are always prone to sanctions and US blackmailing.

 

[I.R.A]

New Delhi-based Pushpinder Singh, author of several books on military, including one on the PAF, said: “The PAF is more vulnerable than ever before.” In 1965, he said, the “PAF was cocky, they were young”. Deep down inside they knew if they made a mistake, they could be wiped out.
“They had this plan to strike at IAF bases, but they fumbled and messed up.” However, he said, in the past five to seven years, the PAF honed its skill in fighting a mountain battle due to its efforts in North Waziristan.

Its Pushpinder a writer saying this, not the AVM bahadur.

Or Are Pushpinder and AVM Bahadur the same person?

 

[Mrc]

PAF lacks deep strike aircrafts,

So did u bother to read what indian air marshal is saying...

He said that era of deep strike aircrafts is over and he thinks PAF is vulnerable caz of stand off weapons fired from across the border... Despite the fact pak is having tonnes more of them in shape of cruise missiles...

 

[IceCold]

So did u bother to read what indian air marshal is saying...

He said that era of deep strike aircrafts is over and he thinks PAF is vulnerable caz of stand off weapons fired from across the border... Despite the fact pak is hav8ng tonnes more of them in shape of cruise missiles...

Yes i did but deep strike isnt just for striking inside Indian land targets but also the Indian navy which will have the cover of Migs.
Besides if such was the case why is IAF investing so heavily in deep strike aircrafts? Why does China and Russia do it, if they are so obsolete? Do they all not posses standoff weapons and in greater range as compared to Pakistan?

 

[Chimgathar]

Well PAF needs to replace old vintage aircrafts with newer ones ASAP thats all. However I dont think PAF is vulnerable as such. Every military branch has its strengths and weaknesses.

 

[Signalian]

However, he said, in the past five to seven years, the PAF honed its skill in fighting a mountain battle due to its efforts in North Waziristan.

Yes, PAF can hold advantage in war on Kashmir terrain due to this experience

 

[Daghalodi]

Please correct the heading for Thread!

Its Pushpinder Singh a writer who said PAF is vulnerable and not the Indian Air Vice Marshal (retd) Manmohan Bahadur

 

[Mrc]

Yes i did but deep strike isnt just for striking inside Indian land targets but also the Indian navy which will have the cover of Migs.

If your aircraft is launching a missile with 550km range (raad) how good is that mig cover???

By the way thats what this article is arguing stand off weapons and although i do agree with most he said kindly appreciate u are arguing exactly opposite


Future is of stand off weapons and it will be difficult to defend with missiles and Migs...
Take syria. For example where s 400 is being humiliated on daily basis

 

[JohnWick]

Somewhat until addition of 5th gem aircraft.

 

[Imran Khan]

kesy kesy jhantoo writter ban gay yahan . aby to baki dunya ki airforce vulnerable nhi hain saaly wo kya jahaz se chat papri giraty hain

 

[Jackdaws]

Actually the biggest suppliers of cutting edge Air weapons are the US, Russia and Israel. And none of them are American friends. A smattering of European countries too make fighters like the Grippen or Typhoon but if Americans tell them not to sell, they won't.

No clue how good or bad the Chinese planes are. But no country in its right mind should have them as their primary air weapons.