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Singapore Airshow 2020: Turkish Aerospace looks to secure T129 export approvals

Jon Grevatt, Singapore - Jane's Defence Weekly

11 February 2020

TAI is aiming to secure US approval to export its T129 ATAK multirole combat helicopter (pictured) to Pakistan. Source: TAI

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) is confident that it will soon acquire the necessary approvals from the United States to support the sale of the company's T129 ATAK multirole combat helicopter to Pakistan.

A company spokesperson told Jane's at the Singapore Airshow on 11 February that the required permits could be approved within the next two months given what he said was "increasingly good communication" between the Turkish and US governments.

In July 2018 Turkey confirmed that it had signed an agreement with the government of Pakistan to supply 30 T129 helicopters, which are powered by US-made LHTEC CTS800-4A turboshaft engines, for the Pakistan Army's aviation corps.

The deal, believed to be worth about USD1.5 billion, was touted by the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey Undersecretariat for Defence Industries (SSB) as "the largest single export in the history of the Turkish defence industry".

However, after the contract was signed diplomatic relations between the US and Turkey deteriorated following Ankara's decision to procure the S-400 Triumf air-defence system from Russia. The TAI spokesperson said that diplomatic relations between the US and Turkey are now improving and that the delay in supplying the T129 platforms will soon be resolved.

In addition to Pakistan, the TAI spokesperson said that the company is bidding for a requirement for attack helicopters in the Philippines. In 2017 the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) said it would procure up to 24 attack helicopters for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) before the end of 2022. The procurement is likely to require loans from suppliers.

In November 2018 the DND confirmed to Jane's that a procurement team set up by the PAF had identified the T129 platform to fulfill its attack helicopter capability demands.

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Friendly countries military officers attending Command & Staff College Quetta visited ISPR as part of study tour. DG ISPR had an interaction with visiting officers. Briefed on geo-strategic environment, situation on LOC, evolving threat spectrum, Pakistan’s role in the fight against terrorism and peace/ stability in the region.

 
No PR- 32/2020-ISPR
Rawalpindi, 22 February 2020

A week long Heliski expedition, joint venture of Afiniti & ISPR culminated at Shogran today. More than sixty foreign skiers including high level foreign dignitaries from different countries were part of the expedition to promote tourism & explore immense potential of Pakistan’s snow clad mountains for adventure sports .The participating members included men and women from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Greece, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, UK and USA.
Earlier, on arrival, the group interacted with General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) . The expedition members also visited Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate where DGISPR briefed them about improved security environment in Pakistan for sports & tourism as a result of successful counter terrorism efforts.


 
Major anti-terror operations conducted by the armed forces are:

Operation Rah-e-Haq-I, II and III in Swat (2007-09);
Operation Sirat-e-Mustaqeem in Khyber Agency (2008);
Operation Sherdil launched with Frontier Corps in Bajaur Agency (2008);
Operation Rah-e-Rast in Swat (2009);
Operation Rah-e-Nijat in South Waziristan (2009);
Operation Sirat Mustaqeem (Righteous Path) in Bara (2008);
Operation Daraghlam in December 2008, and Bia Daraghlam; Khawkh Ba de Sham in November 2009;
Operation Black Thunderstorm in Buner, Lower Dir and Shangla districts (2009);
Operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan (2014);
Operation Khyber I, II and III in Khyber Agency (2014-16) and
Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad across the country (2017 till date).
 


DG ISPR
@OfficialDGISPR


Op RuF completes 3 yrs today. Launched on 22 Feb 2017 across the country to consolidate gains of all past Ops, indiscriminately eliminating residual/ latent threat of terrorism, ensuring security of Pak’s borders. In this journey from Terrorism to Tourism, SF & Int agencies (1/3)
2:10 AM · Feb 22, 2020·Twitter for iPhone
https://twitter.com/OfficialDGISPR/status/1231113972407054336/retweets
https://twitter.com/OfficialDGISPR/status/1231113972407054336/likes

[URL='https://twitter.com/OfficialDGISPR']DG ISPR

@OfficialDGISPR[/URL]
·
Replying to
@OfficialDGISPR
...backed by the entire Nation, achieved unparalleled success at a monumental cost paid in men & material. Tribute to our martyrs, our real heroes, our pride. We also salute our resilient nation in defeating extremists’ ideology & for unflinching support to the AFs. (2/3)



[URL='https://twitter.com/OfficialDGISPR']DG ISPR

@OfficialDGISPR[/URL]
·
“Gains of 2 decades of WOT shall be consolidated to achieve enduring peace and stability both for Pak & the region. Army is aware and capable of thwarting all threats to security / sovereignty of Pakistan irrespective of the cost ”COAS. (3/3)
 
Rawalpindi - February 25, 2020
No PR-34/2020-ISPR

A European Union delegation led by Her Excellency
Androulla Kaminara, Ambassador of European Union met General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) today.
Matters of mutual interest , regional security including Afghan Reconciliation Process, situation at LOC and IOJ& K Were discussed. Ambassadors of different countries including Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden , Deputy Head of Missions of France & hungry, Charge of Affaires of Greece, Attaché (Pol Affaires) of Austria and Senior Technical Advisor MOFA of Denmark were also part of delegation. Visiting dignitaries appreciated Pakistan’s role for peace and stability in the region.

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Pakistan will respond whenever its security, resolve is challenged: DG ISPR Maj Gen Iftikhar

February 27, 2020

5e5796b762db4.png

Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar is addressing a press conference on Thursday. — DawnNewsTV
Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar on Thursday said that Pakistan will respond whenever there is a challenge to the country's security and integrity.

He was addressing a press conference on the first anniversary of 'Operation Swift Retort', which resulted in the downing of two Indian planes that had violated Pakistani airspace on February 27 last year.



"After the Pulwama incident, India blamed Pakistan. We offered all cooperation," said DG Iftikhar in his first press conference after taking charge of the army's media wing this month. "But on Feb 26, they carried out a cowardly attack. We were prepared, the surprise they wanted to give to us, we gave them one instead and they retreated."

Read: A look back at the events leading up to the Feb 2019 Pak-India aerial combat

"We salute the bravery of all our soldiers that continue to fight bravely in front of the enemy.

"We are aware of all covert and overt operations of our enemies, and are prepared for all scenarios. The game being played by India, Pakistan's civil and military leadership is very much aware of it.

LoC violations
Speaking on violations carried out by India across the Line of Control, he said during the past year, there have been "384 violations". "They do not spare children on their way to school."

"The most ceasefire violations and casualties were recorded in 2019.

"The Pakistan Army is a responsible force; when we are provoked we respond on military targets, while the Indian forces target civilians.

"If there is a war in the region, there will be far reaching consequences," he warned.

'Oppression in Kashmir'
"Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognised dispute between India and Pakistan," he pointed out.

"In the past 207 days, the people of occupied Kashmir have been facing major violence and oppression.

"International media and human rights bodies have unmasked the violence in the occupied valley while there are protests in India regarding this. This issue cannot be silenced any longer.

"The United Nations chief has also stressed ending the oppression in the occupied valley. A solution to the Kashmir issue is attached to our national interest. We stood with the Kashmiris in the past, and will do so in the future."

"The entire world is aware of what is going on in Kashmir and we feel for the people of the valley.

"All our options are on the table. This dispute is being viewed as a flashpoint, we are moving towards a solution but the pace of this is not what it should be.

"Our country's leadership has done its best to bring this to light; we are ready, our government needs to decide how to solve this, but everything possible is being done."

'Journey from terrorism to tourism'
Speaking on Raddul Fasaad, which was launched in February 2017 in the aftermath of a fresh resurgence in terror attacks in Pakistan, he said the operation has normalised the country.

"We claimed 40,000 murabay back from terrorists.

"The journey from terrorism to tourism has been a difficult one, the people also played a part in this. Our cricket grounds are now filled once again," he said.

"We respect the white on our flag, and salute the sacrifices made by religious minorities," he said.

'Do not test our capability'
"If there is a challenge to Pakistan's security, we will respond — do not test our capability and resolve," he warned.

"There is no space for war between two nuclear powers. The consequences for that will be uncontrollable and things will spiral out of control. Intentions can change overnight but capabilities remain.

"Whenever India has taken any such [aggressive] action, we have given them a befitting response."

When asked about India's defence, the DG said: "We are prepared; India is among the top three countries for military spending, despite this we are 100 per cent capable.

"We will not let any harm come to our country."

Earlier in the day, DG ISPR had said: "The way we responded on this day [Feb 27, 2019] is a proof that any misadventure by enemies of Pakistan will always be defeated. Our adversaries will be surprised with our bold responses every time."


DG ISPR

✔@OfficialDGISPR

https://twitter.com/OfficialDGISPR/status/1232958638995709952

27 Feb commemorates resolve of Pakistan Armed Forces against any aggression. The way we responded on this day is a proof that any misadventure by enemies of Pakistan will always be defeated. Our adversaries will be surprised with our bold responses every time.#SurpriseDay

US-Taliban talks
Commenting on the US-Taliban peace deal set to take place on Feb 29, the DG ISPR stated that while this is the domain of the Foreign Office, there is no news regarding a delay in the signing of the deal.

"There will be positive results from this deal. Nobody wants peace in Afghanistan more than Pakistan. We are hoping for the best," he said.

He went on to say that there is nothing wrong with Pakistan's relationship with Afghanistan. "We have a very cordial and good relationship. As far as this peace accord is concerned, Pakistan has done its best to facilitate this [deal], and that has been acknowledged unanimously by everyone.

"I don't see any reasons for our relations with Afghanistan going sour," he added.

Coronavirus scare in Pakistan
When asked to comment on the the two coronavirus cases reported in the country, the DG ISPR said that the health ministry is tackling the situation effectively.

"I will only say this; the virus was spreading in neighbouring countries, and now two cases have been reported in Pakistan. This means that the steps we have taken [for tackling the virus] are paying off.

"As far as the armed forces are concerned, we are absolutely ready to help out as and when the government asks us, and all our facilities are alert to the situation," he said, adding that military representatives are also part of the conferences called to review the situation in the country.
 
Air Platforms
Pakistan to buy Chinese attack helicopters if Turkey and US fail to deliver
Gareth Jennings, London - Jane's Defence Weekly
27 February 2020


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The Chinese-built Z-10 attack helicopter could be procured by Pakistan should its first two preferences of the AH-1Z and T-129 not be delivered. Source: Via CCTV
Pakistan will procure the Chinese-built Z-10 attack helicopter if Turkey and the United States fail to deliver on their orders of the T-129 and AH-1Z respectively, a senior offer said on 26 February.

Speaking at the IQPC International Military Helicopter conference in London, the commander of Pakistan's Army Aviation, Major General Syed Najeeb Ahmed, said that the Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAIC) Z-10ME "remains an option" if the Turkish Aerospace T-129 and Bell AH-1Z Viper prove to be unobtainable for different reasons.

The Pakistan Army has a pressing need to replace its 32 ageing Bell AH-1 Cobra helicopters that have been in service for more than 30 years, with Gen Ahmed's predecessor, Major General Nasir D Shah, telling Jane's and other defence media in January 2018, "The AH-1 helicopters have provided effective close support for our ground forces engaged in counterinsurgency [COIN] operations, but they cannot be employed effectively in high-altitude operations above 8,000 ft."

In the near-term, the army partially offset these limitations with the four Mil Mi-35s that it ordered from Russian some years ago, and which were delivered to the country in late 2017. Further to the Mi-35s, it evaluated the AH-1Z, T-129, and the Z-10 attack helicopters.

In January 2016 it was announced that Bell had been awarded a contract for 12 AH-1Zs, and in April 2017 Jane's reported that the first three of 12 would be delivered in mid‐2017, with a second order to follow. However, the aircraft were yet to be delivered, and while there has been no official statement concerning reasons for delay it is understood to result from the current strained Pakistan-US relations.
 
Missing Sir Asif Ghafoor. He is such a charismatic person. This new DG is not on par with Sir Asif.
Pakistan will respond whenever its security, resolve is challenged: DG ISPR Maj Gen Iftikhar

February 27, 2020

5e5796b762db4.png

Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar is addressing a press conference on Thursday. — DawnNewsTV
Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar on Thursday said that Pakistan will respond whenever there is a challenge to the country's security and integrity.

He was addressing a press conference on the first anniversary of 'Operation Swift Retort', which resulted in the downing of two Indian planes that had violated Pakistani airspace on February 27 last year.



"After the Pulwama incident, India blamed Pakistan. We offered all cooperation," said DG Iftikhar in his first press conference after taking charge of the army's media wing this month. "But on Feb 26, they carried out a cowardly attack. We were prepared, the surprise they wanted to give to us, we gave them one instead and they retreated."

Read: A look back at the events leading up to the Feb 2019 Pak-India aerial combat

"We salute the bravery of all our soldiers that continue to fight bravely in front of the enemy.

"We are aware of all covert and overt operations of our enemies, and are prepared for all scenarios. The game being played by India, Pakistan's civil and military leadership is very much aware of it.

LoC violations
Speaking on violations carried out by India across the Line of Control, he said during the past year, there have been "384 violations". "They do not spare children on their way to school."

"The most ceasefire violations and casualties were recorded in 2019.

"The Pakistan Army is a responsible force; when we are provoked we respond on military targets, while the Indian forces target civilians.

"If there is a war in the region, there will be far reaching consequences," he warned.

'Oppression in Kashmir'
"Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognised dispute between India and Pakistan," he pointed out.

"In the past 207 days, the people of occupied Kashmir have been facing major violence and oppression.

"International media and human rights bodies have unmasked the violence in the occupied valley while there are protests in India regarding this. This issue cannot be silenced any longer.

"The United Nations chief has also stressed ending the oppression in the occupied valley. A solution to the Kashmir issue is attached to our national interest. We stood with the Kashmiris in the past, and will do so in the future."

"The entire world is aware of what is going on in Kashmir and we feel for the people of the valley.

"All our options are on the table. This dispute is being viewed as a flashpoint, we are moving towards a solution but the pace of this is not what it should be.

"Our country's leadership has done its best to bring this to light; we are ready, our government needs to decide how to solve this, but everything possible is being done."

'Journey from terrorism to tourism'
Speaking on Raddul Fasaad, which was launched in February 2017 in the aftermath of a fresh resurgence in terror attacks in Pakistan, he said the operation has normalised the country.

"We claimed 40,000 murabay back from terrorists.

"The journey from terrorism to tourism has been a difficult one, the people also played a part in this. Our cricket grounds are now filled once again," he said.

"We respect the white on our flag, and salute the sacrifices made by religious minorities," he said.

'Do not test our capability'
"If there is a challenge to Pakistan's security, we will respond — do not test our capability and resolve," he warned.

"There is no space for war between two nuclear powers. The consequences for that will be uncontrollable and things will spiral out of control. Intentions can change overnight but capabilities remain.

"Whenever India has taken any such [aggressive] action, we have given them a befitting response."

When asked about India's defence, the DG said: "We are prepared; India is among the top three countries for military spending, despite this we are 100 per cent capable.

"We will not let any harm come to our country."

Earlier in the day, DG ISPR had said: "The way we responded on this day [Feb 27, 2019] is a proof that any misadventure by enemies of Pakistan will always be defeated. Our adversaries will be surprised with our bold responses every time."


DG ISPR

[emoji818]@OfficialDGISPR

https://twitter.com/OfficialDGISPR/status/1232958638995709952

27 Feb commemorates resolve of Pakistan Armed Forces against any aggression. The way we responded on this day is a proof that any misadventure by enemies of Pakistan will always be defeated. Our adversaries will be surprised with our bold responses every time.#SurpriseDay

US-Taliban talks
Commenting on the US-Taliban peace deal set to take place on Feb 29, the DG ISPR stated that while this is the domain of the Foreign Office, there is no news regarding a delay in the signing of the deal.

"There will be positive results from this deal. Nobody wants peace in Afghanistan more than Pakistan. We are hoping for the best," he said.

He went on to say that there is nothing wrong with Pakistan's relationship with Afghanistan. "We have a very cordial and good relationship. As far as this peace accord is concerned, Pakistan has done its best to facilitate this [deal], and that has been acknowledged unanimously by everyone.

"I don't see any reasons for our relations with Afghanistan going sour," he added.

Coronavirus scare in Pakistan
When asked to comment on the the two coronavirus cases reported in the country, the DG ISPR said that the health ministry is tackling the situation effectively.

"I will only say this; the virus was spreading in neighbouring countries, and now two cases have been reported in Pakistan. This means that the steps we have taken [for tackling the virus] are paying off.

"As far as the armed forces are concerned, we are absolutely ready to help out as and when the government asks us, and all our facilities are alert to the situation," he said, adding that military representatives are also part of the conferences called to review the situation in the country.
 
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