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Rawalpindi - September 27, 2012:
Pakistan Army contingent of Special Forces Group participated in two week joint Military exercise 'Cormorant Strike lll - 2012' at Sri Lanka Army Camp in Minneriya, which ended this week.
Two thousand Sri Lankan tri service personnel including some foreign military personnel from Pakistan, China, Sri-Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives and India participated in this exercise.
Exercise "Cormorant Strike" involved amphibious landing followed by operation on land under simulated combat action.
The military observers from Pakistan, China, Afghanistan, India, Maldives, Indonesia, Malysia and Burnai also witnessed the joint exercises.
 
Night Vision Goggles (NVG)


During the history of warfare, operations at night have always been degraded significantly, if not totally avoided. Typically, soldiers fighting at night have had to resort to artificial illumination, e.g., at first fire and later with light sources such as searchlights. The use of light sources on the battlefield had the detrimental result of giving away tactical positions and information about maneuvers. The advent of new technologies initially in the 1950's and continuing into the present time has changed this situation. The engineers and scientists at the US Army's Communications-Electronics Command (CECOM) Night Vision & Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD) have discovered ways to capture available electro-magnetic radiation outside that portion of the spectrum visible to the human eye and have developed equipment to enable the American soldier to fight as well at night as during the day and to "Own the Night".

Night vision devices (NVDs) provide night fighters with the ability to see, maneuver and shoot at night or during periods of reduced visibility. The Army used two different types of NVDs - image intensifiers and thermals. Image-Intensifying Devices are based upon light amplification and must have some light available. These devices can amplify the available light from 2,000 to 5,000 times. Thermal Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) detectors - sometimes called "sensors" - work by sensing the temperature difference between an object and its environment. FLIR systems are installed on certain combat vehicles and helicopters.

NVGs are electro-optical devices that intensify (or amplify) existing light instead of relying on a light source of their own. Image intensifiers capture ambient light and amplify it thousands of times by electronic means to display the battlefield to a soldier via a phosphor display such as night vision goggles. This ambient light comes from the stars, moon or sky glow from distant manmade sources, such as cities. The devices are sensitive to a broad spectrum of light, from visible to infrared (invisible). Users do not look through NVGs, you look at the the amplified electronic image on a phosphor screen.

Light enters the NVG through an objective lens and strikes a photo cathode powered by a high energy charge from the power supply. The energy charge accelerates across a vacuum inside the intensifier and strikes a phosphor screen (like a TV screen) where the image is focused. The eyepiece magnifies the image.

An NVG phosphor screen is purposefully colored green because the human eye can differentiate more shades of green than other phosphor colors. Like cameras, NVGs have various image magnifications. The distance at which a human-sized figure can be clearly recognized under normal conditions (moon and star light, with no haze or fog) depends on both the magnifying power of the objective lens and the strength of the image intensifier. The maximum viewing range is 100 feet to 400 feet.

A soldier can conduct his combat missions without any active illumination sources using only image intensifiers. The main advantages of image intensifiers as night vision devices are their small size, light weight, low power requirements and low cost. These attributes have enabled image intensifier goggles for head-worn, individual soldier applications and resulted in hundreds of thousands of night vision goggles to be procured by the US Army. Research and development continues today on image intensifiers in the areas of longer wavelength spectral response, higher sensitivity, larger fields of view and increased resolution.

The view through NVDs can be a lot like looking down a tunnel. Your normal field of view is almost 190 degrees - but that is cut down to 40 degrees with NVDs. That side -- or "peripheral" -- vision you're accustomed to, and from which you often see dangers, is just not there. To adjust for that you must constantly turn your head to scan for the dangers on either side of you that you can't see in your narrow field of view. (See the article in this issue titled, Proper Scanning Critical to NVG Operations).

At their best, NVGs cannot provide the same level of sharpness to what you see as what you're accustomed to in the daytime. While normal vision is 20/20, NVGs can, at best, provide only 20/25 to 20/40, and even this is possible only during optimal illumination and when you have a high-contrast target or scene. As either illumination or contrast decreases, the NVG's visual acuity drops, giving you an even more "fuzzy" image.

Normally you use both eyes (binocular vision) to pick up cues to help estimate the distance and depth of an abject. However, with NVDs you are essentially using one eye (monocular) vision, which can pose real problems. For example, when you are wearing NVDs and you view two objects of different sizes that are side-by-side, the larger object appears to be nearer. When you view overlapping objects through an NVD, the one that is in front "appears" to be nearer - maybe much more so than is true. In addition, some objects viewed through NVGs may appear to be farther away than they actually are. The reason for that is that we tend to associate the loss of detail sharpness with distance. On the other hand, a light source that is not part of a terrain feature - for example, a light atop a tower - may look closer than it actually is. It's important to be aware of these potential problems and that NVG users tend to overestimate distance and underestimate depth (how tall an object is).

Your eye needs time to adjust from day to night vision. That's why you can barely see when you first enter a dark movie theater during the daytime - your eyes need time to adjust to the darkness. So it is with NVGs. You are basically getting a dim-day view, so when you remove your NVGs, your eyes need time to adapt to the darkness. The amount of time you need depends on how long you have been wearing the NVGs. Most people achieve about a 75 percent dark-adaptation within 30 seconds of removing the goggles. This is especially important to keep in mind if you are using your NVGs as binoculars - basically lifting them to your eyes and then lowering them.

Military tacticians throughout history have seen the advantages of being able to maneuver effectively under cover of darkness. Historically, maneuvering large armies at night carried such risks that it was rarely attempted. During WW II, the United States, Britain, and Germany worked to develop rudimentary night vision technology. For example, a useful infrared sniper scope that used near-infrared cathodes coupled to visible phosphors to provide a near-infrared image converter was fielded. However this device had several disadvantages. The infrared sniper scope required an active IR searchlight that was so large it had to be mounted on a flatbed truck. This active IR searchlight could be detected by any enemy soldiers equipped with similar equipment. The rifle-mounted scope also required cumbersome batteries and provided limited range.

The infrared sniper scope showed that night vision technology was on the horizon. Military leaders immediately saw many uses for this technology beyond sniping at the enemy under cover of darkness. An army equipped with night vision goggles, helmets, and weapons sights would be able to operate 24 hours a day. The Army Corps of Engineers, for example, would be able to build bridges and repair roads at night providing a measure of safety from airborne attack. The next challenge in night vision technology would be the development of passive systems that did not require IR searchlights that might give away a soldier's position to the enemy.

Through the 1950's, Night Vision focused on improving upon the cascade image tube, a development of the Germans during WW II. Scientists at the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) were contracted to research and develop a near-infrared, two-stage cascade image tube. Using a new multi-alkali photocathode (developed at RCA), the new cascade image tube performed beyond everyone's expectations. This new system, known as Image Intensification (I2), gathered ambient light from the moon and the stars in the night sky and intensified this light. Night Vision quickly adjusted their plans to improve upon this system. There were certain challenges attendant with this new technology: the gain was limited and the output image was upside down. A third electrostatic stage added to the tube resulted in more gain and re-inverted the image, but the tube grew to 17 inches long and 3.5 inches in diameter to maintain adequate edge resolution. This made the system too large for military applications. However, these developments were a major step forward in the development of passive, man-portable night vision systems.

By the mid-1960's, scientists and engineers at Night Vision fielded the first generation of passive night vision devices for U.S. troops, including a Small Starlight Scope that served as a rifle-mounted sight or as a handheld viewer. Realizing these systems were far from perfected, Night Vision research personnel came to refer to the development of this early equipment as the First Generation Image Intensifier Program. Scientists and engineers would go on to improve upon this technology to deliver a second and third generation of night vision equipment.

The first generation Small Starlight Scope was soon put to practical use in the field. With the United States' growing involvement in Vietnam, U.S. soldiers quickly recognized that they faced an enemy that relied on the cover of darkness to conduct its maneuvers and offensive operations. In 1964, the U.S. Army issued night vision equipment to the troops in Vietnam. The Vietnam War proved to be an important stage in the development of night vision systems.

Thermal imaging, based on the far infrared spectrum, forms an image of objects by sensing the differences between the heat radiated by a particular object or target and its surrounding environment. Up until the 1970's, early prototypes using this technology were very expensive.

While Night Vision focused much of its R&D efforts on developing practical night vision equipment based on near-infrared technology, Night Vision scientists were also striving for a technological advance that would lead the way to feasible Far Infrared night vision equipment. The technological advances that would lead Night Vision into developing thermal imaging systems in the 1970's was the advent of linear scanning imagers, consisting of multiple-element detector arrays. The multiple element arrays provided a high-performance, real-time framing imager that could be practically applied to military uses. This technology would lead to targeting and navigation systems known as Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) systems. FLIR systems provide the advantage of 'seeing' not only at night but also through many smokes, fogs, and other obscuring conditions.

FLIR imaging systems capability became much in demand for all weapon systems platforms, spawning a proliferation of designs and prototypes for the various weapons platforms. As a result, a group of experts from NVL developed a design for a Universal Viewer for Far Infrared in 1973 that led to the family of Common Modules that were fielded by the thousands across many different platforms. The Common Modules based FLIR systems realized significant cost savings over previous designs.

The major test of these technological efforts came in late 1990/early 1991 when Iraqi armed forces invaded Kuwait. The United States of America and its allies immediately mobilized to force Saddam Hussein's forces out of Kuwait in Operation Desert Storm. Night vision systems would prove vital to operating in the desert environment. Night vision systems using I2 and FLIR technologies were used by ground troops and major weapon systems such as tanks, helicopters, missile systems and infantry fighting vehicles. Targeting systems using FLIR technology were particularly important to the major weapon systems due to their ability to 'see' through dense smoke, dust, fog, and haze at great distances. As in Vietnam, Operation Desert Storm showed Night Vision scientists and engineers that improvements could be made, for example sensor fusion that integrated I2 and FLIR capabilities.

The night vision industry has evolved through three stages, or "Generations," of development. Generation I technology is obsolete in the US market. We offer products based on Generation II, II+, III, and III+. Each generation offers more sensitivity and can operate effectively on less light.

Operating life expectancy of Generation I image intensifier tubes was about 2000 hours. Generation II tubes have a life expectancy from 2,500 hours to 4000 hours. Continuing improvements have increased the operating life expectancy of Generation III tubes to10,000 hours. This makes tube replenishment for the system virtually unnecessary. This is an important consideration when the intensifier tube normally represents 50% of the overall cost of the night vision system.

Most natural backgrounds reflect infrared light more readily than visible light. When reflectance differences between discernable objects are maximized, viewing contrast increases, making potential terrain hazards and targets far more distinguishable. Gen III's high infrared response complements this phenomenon, creating a sharper, more informative image.

Generation I
Amplification: 1,000x
The early 1960's was witness to the beginning of passive night vision. Technological improvements included vacuum tight fused fiber optics for good center resolution and improved gain, multi-alkali photocathodes and fiber optic input & output windows. GEN I devices lacked the sensitivity and light amplification necessary to see below full moonlight, and were often staged or cascaded to improve gain. As a result, GEN I systems were large and cumbersome, less reliable, and relatively poor low light imagers. They were also characterized by streaking and distortion.

Generation II
Amplification: 20,000x
The development of the Microchannel Plate (MCP) led to the birth of Generation II devices in the late 1960's and early 1970's. Higher electron gains were now possible through smaller packaging, and performance improvements made observation possible down to 1/4 moonlight. The first proximity focused microchannel plate (MCP) image intensifier tube was an 18mm used in the original AN/PVS-5 NVG. Generation II+ provides improved performance over standard Gen II by providing increased gain at high and low levels. Generation II+ equipment will provide the best image under full moonlight conditions and is recommended for urban environments.

Generation III
Amplification: 30,000 - 50,000x
The current state-of-the-art, the Generation III intensifier multiplies the light gathering power of the eye or video receptor up to 30,000 times. Requiring over 460 manufacturing steps, the GEN III intensifier is typically characterized by a Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) photocathode, which is grown using a metal organic vapor-phase epitaxy (MOVPE) process. The photon sensitivity of the GaAs phtocathode extends into the near-infrared region, where night sky illuminance and contrast ratios are highest. Sealed to an input window which minimizes veiling glare, the photocathode generates an electron current which is proximity focused onto a phosphor screen, where the electron energy is converted into green light which can then be relayed to the eye or sensor through an output window.

The GEN III Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) photocathode is uniquely sensitive beyond 800 nanometers, considered to be the critical near-infrared region where night sky illuminance levels are greatest. This spectral response shift to the red region results in improved Signal-to-Noise Ratios over GEN III's predecessors, delivering a three-fold improvement in visual acuity and detection distances.

GSorg.

what type of NVG's are being used in PA/PAA?
 
Two thousand Sri Lankan tri service personnel including some foreign military personnel from Pakistan, China, Sri-Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives and India participated in this exercise.

Is this a first? Pakistan and Indian millitary exercising together?
 
Nice article Fatman, as you mentioned, NVS is old technology, you need to have some kind of light be it natural or artifical illumination (infra red) to be able to see through these devices, even then one might miss persons hiding in foilage or plantation.

Thermal Imaging (FLIR) which is a newer and better technology does not require any kind of light, it uses heat signature (body heat) of humans and animals to see them even in pitch dark conditions on stormy, moon less nights, not only this htey have better range too. You can see the difference in following video.



Thermal imaging can also be fooled if you can somehow (through special dressing) keep your body heat from escaping your clothing. Here is a Russian counter measure for Thermal imaging..

 
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Serbia and Pakistan are considering defense cooperation, including possible export of ammunition, armored vehicles and assault rifles to the Asian country.
Serbia has been trying since 2009 to arrange such sales and an agreement may be reached after a visit by Pakistani Defense Minister Syed Naveed Qamar to several defense producers in the Balkan country, Serbia’s Defense Minister Aleksandar Vucic told reporters in Belgrade today after meeting with Qamar.

The Balkan country, which is going through its second recession in three years, is looking for new markets for its arms industry. Serbia’s arms exports fell by at least a fifth last year to less than $200 million as sales to Libya stopped after the uprising that ousted longtime leader Muammar Qaddafi.

Serbia has eight state-owned military plants including rifle maker Zastava Oruzje AD and aircraft producer Utva, which sell mostly to countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and also to the U.S.

Qamar said Pakistan may also consider a free trade agreement with Serbia.
 
Tuesday, October 16, 2012


Serbia wants to sell military equipment to Pakistan


BELGRADE: Serbia wants to conclude an agreement with Pakistan that would enable the export of its military equipment to the Asian country, Defence Minister Aleksandar Vucic said on Monday.

“What we can offer and what they are interested in are armoured vehicles, large calibre ammunition, assault rifles and night-vision equipment,” Vucic said after the meeting with his Pakistani counterpart Naveed Qamar.

Qamar said the details of a potential accord would be identified after a Serbian delegation visit to his country, planned in the coming months.

For several years, Serbia has been trying to increase its military industry’s exports, notably of ammunition, rifles, explosives and small planes. According to the latest official data, these exports have increased in value to $247 million from $75 million some five years ago. afp


Russia has a lot of 'clout' with Serbia!
 
Thursday, October 18, 2012



Rs 118bn CSF utilised to finance inefficiencies in Q1


By Sajid Chaudhry

ISLAMABAD: The Rs 118 billion received by the country under the head of Coalition Support Fund (CSF) from the United States has been utilised to finance the inefficiencies of the power sector during the first three-and-a-half-months of the ongoing fiscal year 2012-13 instead of utilising the funds for the development of the country, official sources informed here on Wednesday.

To meet the growing financing needs of the power sector, the authorities are also of the view that power tariff increase would be an option if needed.

However, economic managers of the country are of the view that despite giving over Rs 119 billion power sector subsidy and other dues, the Ministry of Finance has been able to contain the fiscal deficit at 1.0 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) during the first quarter July-September period of the ongoing fiscal year 2012-13

The total power subsidy for fiscal year 2011-12 was Rs 185 billion while during the current fiscal year Rs 118 billion has already been utilised.

The budget deficit during first quarter of the ongoing fiscal year 2012-13 was 0.3 percent less than the 1.3 percent of the GDP witnessed during the same period of the last fiscal year 2011-12, official sources explained.

However, this fiscal consolidation has been achieved through utilisation of major portion of Rs 118 billion CSF arrears amount received from the United States, the sources added. The sources explained the Pakistan had received Rs 118 billion CSF arrears amount received from the United States and 80 percent of this amount has been consumed in the power sector subsidy, giving financial assistance to Pakistan State Oil to enable it to survive from a sudden default from Letter of Credit opened for import of oil into Pakistan. Only 30 percent of the amount has been utilised for other purposes from CSF arrears amount received from the United States, sources added.

The sources further informed that a total amount of Rs 119 billion has been paid under the head of power sector subsidy, tariff differential claims and import of oil for running the power generation houses in three-and-a-half-month or till October 15, 2012 and this includes Rs 95 billion in first quarter July-September period. This also included payment of Rs 24 billion to independent power producers (IPPs) on the directives of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. This amount has been paid in three equal instalments of Rs 8 billion, making a total of Rs 24 billion. However, the federal government had paid Rs 38 billion power subsidy during the same period of last fiscal year 2011-12. Despite tall claims of reforms in the power sector, financial bleeding continues and financial resources are being utilised in meeting inefficiencies of the power sector, said the sources.

The sources informed that federal revenues have been recorded at Rs 410 billion. The official sources informed that overall borrowing of the federal government till October 12, 2012 amounted to Rs 495 billion, however, federal government has paid Rs 226 billion to State Bank of Pakistan to retire its SBP borrowing. The net borrowing by the federal government during three-and-a-half-month of ongoing fiscal year 2012-13 stood at only Rs 272 billion.


lol
 
Friday, October 19, 2012

Serbia, Pakistan agree to sign military deal

Staff Report

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan and Serbia on Thursday agreed on military deal besides entering into Preferential Trade Agreement and establishing joint ministerial commission, said a Defence Ministry spokesman.

According to officials, the agreements in this connection would be signed during Serbian delegation’s visit to Pakistan.

Defence Minister Naveed Qamar who is in Serbia also extended invitation to the Serbian president and prime minister to visit Pakistan to further deepen the ties. The officials said they would soon visit Pakistan after accepting the invitation.

Qamar met the highest leadership and command in the House of Guards in Topcider, Belgrade. The minister is leading a four-member delegation to Serbia. Serbian Deputy PM Aleksandar Vucic said that Pakistan was and would remain a friend of Serbia and has always been on the side of Pakistan in the international context. During the visit, Qamar met Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic, Prime Minister Ivica Dacic, the deputy prime minister, Defence Minister Aleksandar Vucic and Speaker of the Serbian National Assembly Nebojsa Stefanovic. The Defence Minister also visited various defence installations and witnessed a demonstration held by Serbian Special Forces.

The visit is aimed at identifying avenues for cooperation between the defence establishments of the two countries. In this context, a prospective Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of defence also came under discussion. The Minister also broached issues of opening of Serbian Embassy in Islamabad, concluding Preferential Trade Agreement and holding of Joint Ministerial Commission. The Serbian dignitaries assured their cooperation and stated that these issues will be addressed at priority.

Topic of the meeting held with Serbian president and deputy PM was the promotion of bilateral cooperation in different fields, and the two sides talked about the military-to-military, military-economic and military-educational cooperation.

DT
 
:: ISPR :: Inter Services Public Relations - PAKISTAN

Passing Out Parade of 126 PMA Long Course, 24 Technical Graduate Course, 45 Integrated Course, 10th Lady Cadet Course

4022.jpg


"During the past few years, we have witnessed rapid changes in the international environment resulting in a wave of internal instability in our country. We have been subjected to a new form of war with dangerous consequence for our liberty and independence. We must prove to the world that we are a resilient nation and cannot be undermined by extremists". General Khalid Shameem Wynne, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) made these assertions while addressing the Passing out Parade of 126 PMA long course.

The Chairman highlighted that "we are living in an era of rapid technological advancement and future military leadership will find themselves at a loss if they fail to keep pace with evolving trends".

The CJCSC while reviewing the Parade appreciated the standard of professionalism acquired by the graduating cadets, specially the immaculate turn out and exuberance in drill movements. Chairman while addressing the cadet officers said that "Pakistan is a peace loving country and we want to promote international peace as it is an assurance of our own internal stability. Our brave officers and soldiers have given their best in the line of duty to ensure the defence of motherland. I am confident that this trust has been reposed in able hands and you will become a mark of pride for your nation".

Chairman congratulated the parents of cadets and the Faculty for achieving traditional bench marks of excellence in molding young men into able and impeccable officers of Pakistan Army.

The Sword of Honour for the overall best cadet was awarded to Academy Senior Under Officer Anees, the President Gold Medal was awarded to Battalion Senior Under Officer Jalal, Chief of Army Staff’s Overseas Gold Medal was awarded to Allied Under Officer Osama and Chief of Army Staff Cane was awarded to Course Senior Under Officer Tariq.

Earlier on his arrival at PMA Chairman was received by Major General Sadiq Ali, Commandant Pakistan Military Academy. The commissioning parade constituted the 126 PMA Long Course, 24 Technical Graduate Course, 45 Integrated Course, 10th Lady Cadet Course along with a number of allied cadets from friendly countries of Palestine and Sudan.

Video:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151215924333766
 
Pakistan looks to boost defence links with Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia


Jon Grevatt, Bangkok


2012-Oct-16Pakistan has enhanced defence co-operation with Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia as part of Islamabad's continuing effort to secure defence technology partnerships with developing countries.

Serbia's Minister of Defence Aleksandar Vucic and Pakistani Minister of Defence Naveed Qamar agreed in Belgrade on 15 October to explore areas of military trade and related technological collaboration.

A memorandum of understanding with similar objectives was signed by Pakistan and Bosnia-Herzegovina in Islamabad on 9 October.

A statement by the Serbian government said it has offered Pakistan armoured vehicles, large-calibre ammunition, assault rifles and night-vision devices as well as the use of wind tunnels for military aerospace trials.

Related technology transfer and production also featured in talks, although the statement indicated an accord to outline such collaboration would be signed at a later date.

The memorandum of understanding between Pakistan and Bosnia-Herzegovina did not identify specific platforms or systems but any defence collaboration would be focused on the latter's modest industrial capabilities, which cover conventional systems including small arms, ammunition, mortar shells and grenades.

Islamabad's move to secure such partnerships is indicative of its lack of trust in some major military suppliers and its resultant strategy to seek to build defence relations with developing nations.

This assertion has boosted Pakistan's defence trade links with China and prompted it to enter defence collaboration deals with a host of countries including the Czech Republic, Indonesia, Turkey, Uzbekistan and Yemen.

Previous suppliers, France and Russia, have both indicated in the past 12 months that they are less likely to transfer materiel and related technologies to Pakistan due to their lucrative trade links with India.

Pakistan-Russia defence trade has featured Islamabad's purchase of more than 30 Mi-17 helicopters and RD-93/RD-33 turbofan engines for its JF-17 combat aircraft, while France has supplied Pakistan with Agosta submarines and Mirage fighters in recent decades.

Additionally, there is increasing suspicion in Islamabad that the United States - another major military supplier - might impose additional sanctions on Pakistan. This suspicion has grown since a US Congress decision in July 2011 to withhold military aid valued at USD800 million and the worsening relations between the US and Pakistan, which is partly a result of the May 2011 raid by US special forces that culminated in the killing of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.



DW
 
feel a bit sorry for those young aspiring men, a big moment in their life and it had to be raining!!!
 
i can tell u for a fact that it is really really cold in abbottabad since the last few days, as it rains almost daily and their has been snow on the mountains.
 
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