Bilal Khan (Quwa)
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RAM is still on the cards.While having RAM would have been ideal (specifically the 22km RAM Blk 2) that will not be on the cards. The most likely solution will be a 24 cell FL-3000N (9KM/6km againt supersonic) or a Phalanx from the retiring type 21s. What i would love to see (though it will never happen) would be PN to approach Russia about designing a naval 18-20 cell air defense system, in the vein of RAM or FL-3000N, around the Pantsir 57E6-E. I know they have /are developing the Pantsir-M but that is an 8 cell unit with twin gatling guns.
Another option, if the rear location can handle 15t, would be the Tor-M2KM. With the 9M388 it would. Give you 16 missiles with a 15km range (in a vls setup). The limiting issue would be the ability to hold 15t above the hangar but space wise i think it would fit (2.5m x 7. 1m). 2 of these BTW wouldn't make for too bad a replacement for the FM-90 of the f-22p. Will replace 8 15km missiles with 32 15km missiles.
I was at IDEAS 2018 and RAMSYS (which was the German partner in the RAM program) told me that the German Gov't approved the sale of the RAM to Pakistan. They said the German Gov't has or is ready to settle the issue with the US should Pakistan sign an order. Not only that, but RAMSYS was even cleared to help the PN integrate the RAM to both "new and existing ships", and when I asked if that meant Chinese ships, they said "yes."
We know how tough it is to get German approval, so RAMSYS stating that they've got support from Berlin on offering the RAM to Pakistan is a big deal.
The Germans may also be interested in other next-gen PN programs, e.g., submarine rescue and salvage vessel, the miniature sub, additional patrol boats, and the long-range maritime patrol (LRMP) aircraft to augment (and maybe replace) the P-3C.
I think the fact that the PN didn't pick-up the FL-3000N is a hint at it still weighing its PDMS options. There's the FL-3000N, RAM, and the Thales Crotale Naval Mk3. If we wait a bit, then Denel/RDM's Cheetah as well.