Pakistan Air Force

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) (Urdu: پاک فضائیہ (Pak Faza'ya) is the Aviation branch of the Pakistan armed forces.

History

Origin (1947 - 1951)

The Royal Pakistan Air Force (RPAF) was formed in 1947 following the Partition of India. The RPAF began with 2,332 personnel, a fleet of 24 Tempest II fighter-bombers, 16 Hawker Typhoon fighters (also called Tempest I), two H.P.57 Halifax bombers, 2 Auster aircraft, twelve T-6G Harvard trainers and ten Tiger Moth biplanes. It also got eight C-47 Dakota cargo planes which it used to transport supplies to soldiers fighting in the 1947 War in Kashmir against India. It started with 7 operational airbases scattered all over the provinces. The prefix Royal was removed when Pakistan became an Republic on 23 March, 1956. It has since been called Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

Operating these inherited aircraft was far from ideal in Pakistan's diverse terrains, deserts and mountains; frequent attrition and injuries did not make the situation any better. However, by 1948 the air force acquired better aircraft such as the Hawker Fury fighter-bomber and the Bristol Freighter. These new aircraft gave a much-needed boost to the morale and combat capability of the Pakistan Air Force; 93 Hawker Fury and roughly 50-70 Bristol Freighter aircraft were inducted into the PAF by 1950.

The jet age (1951 - 1961)

Although the Pakistan Air Force had little funds to use and markets to choose from, it entered the jet age quite early. Initially it had planned to acquire American built F-94Cs, F-86s or F-84s and produce its order in Pakistan. However, lack of funds and strong British pressure persuaded the PAF to acquire the British Supermarine Attacker. The first squadron equipped with these aircraft was the Number-11 "Arrow". The Supermarine Attacker had a rather unsatisfactory service in the Pakistan Air Force with frequent attrition and maintenance problems.

In 1957 the Pakistan Air Force received 100 American-built F-86 Sabres under the U.S. aid program. Squadron after squadron in the PAF retired its Hawker Furys and Supermarine Attackers, and replaced them with F-86 jet fighters. In 1957 thirty-six year old Air Marshal Asghar Khan became the Pakistan Air Force's first commander-in-chief; his tenure saw a change of PAF discipline, professionalism and quality which even today leaves its positive mark on the PAF. During his eight-year command the PAF saw modernization and re-equipment programs, as well as stricter and better training.

The supersonic era (1961 - 1979)

To help deter a possible nuclear attack on Pakistan, the American government provided 12 F-104 Starfighters to the Pakistan Air Force, making the PAF the first Asian air force to operate supersonic fighters. Operated by Number 9 "Griffin" squadron, the F-104 served the PAF extremely well in the 1965 war but had become outclassed in the 1971 war with India when up to 8 Starfighters were lost [1] while accounting for 2 kills [2]. These were retired in 1972 partly due to a U.S embargo and lack of spare parts.

After the 1965 war with India, the Pakistan Air Force could not procure new combat aircraft from the United States to replace its older F-86; originally the PAF was going to acquire more F-104s and new F-5 "Tiger" aircraft. However a U.S imposed arms embargo forced the PAF to seek French and Chinese alternatives. In 1967 twenty-four state-of-the-art Dassault Mirage III fighter aircraft were introduced, a French supersonic fighter with more advanced technology than the Starfighter. In the 1971 war, the PAF's Mirages shot down 2 or 3 Indian Air Force aircraft, mainly bomber aircraft [3] [4] and took part in crucial ground attack missions without any losses. Throughout the 1970s the PAF operated a fleet of 96 Mirage III and Mirage-V aircraft; even today, Mirages form the mainstay of the Pakistan Air Force's high-altitude interceptor/air-superiority and surface-strike forces.

As part of the post-1965 replacement and expansion program the PAF bought 90 ex-Luftwaffe, Canadian-built F-86 Mk.6 aircraft to replace lost Sabres and expand the fleet. In addition to the Sabres, 60 Chinese F-6s were acquired, the Chinese-produced version of the MiG-19. The F-6s proved their worth during the 1971 war, shooting down newer and more advanced enemy like the MiG-21s. In the late 1960s and 1970s the Pakistan Air Force attempted to acquire a "core" fighter aircraft meant to entirely replace Korean-War era F-86 and F-6 (Chinese MiG-19) aircraft; although deals were close to being signed, they usually failed due to Pakistani politics. In 1970 the PAF was in the final stages of negotiations for Saab Draken and Saab Viggen aircraft, as well as a production line for the latter in Pakistan. However due to Sweden's concerns over the East Pakistan issue the deal failed to finalize. In the mid-1970s, attempts were once again made to acquire F-5 "Tiger" and even A-4 attack aircraft; however U.S concerns over Pakistan's nuclear weapons program did not let a deal finalize. In the late 1970s the Pakistan Air Force attempted to acquire a large number of new Mirage F-1 fighter jets from France; a production line for Mirage F-1s was to have been built in the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex in Kamra. However the Zia-ul-Haq administration did not approve of the purchase - and the PAF was eventually pushed to acquire more Mirage Vs. Up to 180 F-6s and 96 Mirage III/Vs were bought to replace the F-86 and F-104 during the 1970s.

The new generation (1983 - 1989)

In 1979 the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan to crush opposition and rebellion in its allied neighbour. The violent Soviet invasion brought hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees to Pakistan. With the war being critical to Pakistan's national sovereignty and integrity, the PAF once again sought out modernization, including the procurement of new generation fighter aircraft. France offered its new Mirage 2000, while the PAF's senior officers were interested in procuring American F-16 or F-18L fighters. Initially the Americans refused to sell the F-16 or F-18L and instead offered F-20, F-5E/F or A-10 aircraft. Eventually the new Republican administration of Ronald Reagan approved the sale of F-16s to Pakistan, and in 1981 an agreement was made to supply 28 General Dynamics F-16A and 12 F-16B "Fighting Falcon" aircraft to the Pakistan Air Force.

The F-16s would be supplied under the "Peace Gate" Foreign Military Sales Program; the first six were delivered in 1983 under "Peace Gate-I" while the remaining 34 arrived by 1986, under the "Peace Gate-II" program. Between 1986 and 1988 Pakistani F-16s took part in frequent skirmishes with Soviet and Afghan aircraft.

Pakistani F-16s typically carry two all-aspect AIM-9Ls on the wingtip rails, along with a pair of AIM-9Ps on the outermost underwing racks. The F-16s also have an important strike role for which they are fitted with the French-built Thomson-CSF ATLIS laser designation pod and have the capability to deliver Paveway laser-guided bombs. The ATLIS was first fitted to Pakistani F-16s in January 1986, which became the first non-European aircraft to be qualified for the ATLIS pod.

During the late 1980s, the Pakistan Air Force's Air Defence system also underwent modernization, including the induction and integration of new land-based AN/TPS-47 radars and new Crotale Surface-to-air missiles. Attempts to acquire a new AWACS aircraft were also made - with the E-3 Sentinel being desired, but the U.S would not sell it and instead offered the E-2 Hawkeye.

In 1988 the Pakistan Air Force sought to replace its F-6s and Mirages by 1997 with the procurement of new aircraft; initially a mix of Mirage 2000 and F-16A/B Block-15OCU were to be acquired alongside 90 or so F-7 (Chinese MiG-21). However in 1988 the death of Zia-ul-Haq and the new government's desire to reduce spending on defence resulted in 71 F-16A/B Block-15OCUs instead. These aircraft were to be delivered by 1997 and a follow-on order of F-16C/D Block-30s was thought likely.

The "lost" decade (1991 - 2001)

From 1990 Pakistan was hit by American military embargoes in response to Pakistan's nuclear weapons development; these embargoes prevented the Pakistan Air Force from acquiring the 71 new-built F-16s from the U.S. After the 1998 nuclear tests and 1999 military coup, Pakistan was hit by further sanctions not only from the U.S but other Western nations as well; it would not be until 2002 when the U.S finally lifted most of the embargoes. During the 1990s the Pakistan Air Force strived for alternative sources for its new generation fighter requirement; the French Dassault Mirage 2000-5 was chosen but was too expensive to obtain.

This forced Pakistan to rely heavily on China for military aircraft. Pakistan and China worked together to develop the K-8 trainer, and continue to cooperate on the JF-17 project which aims to provide both nations with a new-generation fighter. This project is a major joint venture between Pakistan Air Force and China Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation along with Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAC). The research and development cost of this project is between 450 to 500 million US dollars. It is financed up to 50%-59% by the government of Pakistan. Estimated cost per aircraft will be around 20 million US dollars. As of 2005, Pakistan had started manufacturing JF-17s in Kamra and the first delivery of planes is expected to take place in 2007.

Present

The Pakistan Air Force is a force in transition. It is striving hard to make up for the lack of induction of new advanced fighters during the 90s. It is fighting to keep from becoming obsolete and ineffective in the face of the threat posed by its much larger neighbour, India. Today the PAF operates F-16s, F-7PGs, F-7MPs, Mirage-IIIs, and Mirage-Vs. It operates around 350 to 400 fighters in 22 front-line squadrons. The PAF is upgrading obsolete fighter aircraft, such as the Mirage ROSE-I which can utilize BVR or Mirage ROSE-III which can carry out surgical strike missions using long-range glide bombs.

However, with the help of China as well as a growing defence industry in Pakistan, the Pakistan Air Force is standing back up on its feet. In 1947 the air force started out as a force with third-rate equipment - today it is a force that still poses an adequate threat to the enemy.

Pakistan has started manufacturing 150 JF-17 Thunder fighters at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex at Kamra, Punjab, and the first squadron will join PAF in early 2007.

Pakistan's cabinet gave clearance to the purchase of up to 77 F-16 fighter planes from the US, costing $3-3.5 billion on April 12, 2006. Pakistan's cabinet had also given approval for the purchase of upto 36 Chinese fighter aircraft J-10. [5] The F-16 will include the new C and D versions in addition to old A and B versions. [6] According to the Business Recorder, a leading financial newspaper in Pakistan, [7] Pakistan will be initially buying:
* 36 J-10 fighters from China.
* 8 JF-17 pre-production fighters from China.
* 26 F-16 A/B Block-15OCU (ex-Peace Gate III/IV aircraft) from United States.
* 18 F-16 C/D Block-52 also from United States, with an option for ordering another 18 Block-52 F-16s later (likely to be executed)

Pakistan will also be buying
* 300 SD-10 BVR air to air missiles.
* 500 AIM-120 AMRAAMs.
* 18 targeting pods.
* 500 joint direct attack munitions.

Major conflicts

The PAF recorded its first kill on 10 April 1959 when an Indian Air Force English Electric Canberra plane on photo reconnaissance mission over Rawalpindi was shot down.

Indo-Pakistani War of 1965

See the main article: Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.On 6 September 1965 war broke out between India and Pakistan. The first PAF F-104 kill of an Indian Air Force Mystère IV with one of its Sidewinders came on the afternoon of September 7, making it the first combat kill with a Mach 2-capable aircraft. Pakistan attacked India using F-104, F-86, B-57 and RT-33A. The war lasted for 23 days and although it ended indecisively, both in India and Pakistan it is considered a glorious victory.

The PAF had claimed 104 aircraft destroyed for a loss of 19 aircraft, while India stated a loss of 35 aircraft compared to 76 PAF aircraft destroyed. Independent observers too, do not agree on the actual number of aircraft shot down, with figures ranging from as high as 3:1 in Pakistan's favor to 2:1 in India's favor. Since India had the larger air force by far, while Pakistan had better planes at the time, it is possible that the actual ratio of air-kills was equalized at 1:1.

The PAF parachuted SSG (Special Services Group) commandos into Indian territory and, according to the then Chief of Army Staff General Musa Khan, more than 180 commandos penetrated enemy territory for these operations. Indian sources claim as many as 800-900 commandos were airdropped, though the figure is probably for the whole war. Given that most of the Indian targets (Halwara, Pathankot and Adampur) were deep into Indian territory only 11-15 commandos made it back alive and the stealth operation proved ineffective. Of those remaining, 136 were taken prisoners of war, and 22 were killed in encounters with the army, police or the civilians. The stealth operations eventually turned into an embarrassment, with the commander of the operations, Major Khalid Butt also being arrested.

The Six-Day War

See the main article: Six-Day War.In between the war of 1965 and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, PAF sent its pilots to many Arab nations during the Six-Day War. Pakistani pilots flew in the Air Forces of Jordan, Egypt and Iraq, recording 3 confirmed kills against the Israeli Air Force (including Mirages, Mystères and Vautours) without losing any of their own planes.[8]

Indo-Pakistani War of 1971

See the main article: Bangladesh Liberation War and Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 saw Pakistan defeated in the east and the subsequent formation of Bangladesh. The PAF was heavily outnumbered in East Pakistan and the entire eastern wing including the main air base in Dhaka was destroyed. In West Pakistan, there were additional losses and the PAF lost a quarter of its air force in the war - including some fratricides. Despite some aerial victories, it had failed to provide reconnaissance or cover for its ground troops. Infact the PAF had fewer and fewer sorties as the war was reaching the final stages fearing further aircraft losses, for which the PAF was later castigated by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.[9] But it fared slightly better in light of the poor performance by the other military wings, the Pakistan Army and the Pakistan Navy.

Yom Kippur War

See the main article: Yom Kippur War.During this war 16 PAF pilots volunteered to leave for the Middle East in order to support Egypt and Syria but by the time they arrived Egypt had already agreed on a cease-fire. Syria remained in a state of war against Israel so the PAF pilots became instructors there and formed the A-flight of 67 Squadron at Dumayr AB. Later on PAF pilot Flt. Lt. Sattar Alvi was honored by the Syrian government.

Soviet-Afghan War

See the main article: Soviet-Afghan War.The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 in support of the pro-Soviet government in Kabul, which was being hard-pressed by Mujahadeen rebel forces, marked the start of a decade-long occupation. Mujahadeen rebels continued to harass the occupying Soviet military force as well as the forces of the Afghan regime that it was supporting. The war soon spilled over into neighboring Pakistan, with a horde of refugees fleeing to camps across the border in an attempt to escape the conflict. In addition, many of the rebels used Pakistan as a sanctuary from which to carry out forays into Afghanistan, and a steady flow of US-supplied arms was carried into Afghanistan from staging areas in Pakistan near the border. This inevitably resulted in border violations by Soviet and Afghan aircraft attempting to interdict these operations. Between May 1986 and November 1988, PAF F-16s have shot down at least eight intruders from Afghanistan. Four of the kills were Afghan Su-22s bombers, three were Afghan transports (two An-26s and one An-24), and one was a Soviet Su-25 bomber. Most of these kills were achived using the AIM-9 Sidewinder, but a Su-22 was destroyed by cannon fire and the one An-24 crash landed after being forced to land upon interception. At least one F-16 was lost in these battles, in the encounter between F-16s and Soviet MiG-23s on 29 April 1987. PAF claims that it was shot down by friendly fire. Other sources suggest that it might have been hit by a bomb dropped by a MiG or that one of the MiG pilots downed it by cannon fire (the MiGs were not armed with missiles) but did not claim it since there was no permission given to fire (Soviets aircraft were not allowed to fire on Pakistani interceptors without orders from ground control).[10], [11]

Current fleet

PAF currently operates an estimated 500 fighter aircraft. Some 70 of the Mirages have been given ROSE upgrades - allowing them to either perform high-altitude air-superiority missions or specialized surface strike missions. The F-7PGs and F-16s are the PAF's main multirole fighter aircraft - while the F-7P is a limited interceptor/ground-strike aircraft. It is likely however that the PAF will procure another 26 F-16A/Bs to start retiring its F-7Ps.

Pakistan Air Force Aircraft Fleet

! Aircraft

Current Aircraft
Inducted	Attrition	Current	Role
Lockheed Martin F-16A Block-15	30*	6	24*	Multi-Role
Lockheed Martin F-16B Block-15	12	2	10	Training & Multi-Role
Chengdu F-7PG	48	2	55	Interceptor
Chengdu FT-7PG	9	0	9	Training
Chengdu F-7MP Skybolt	120	30?	~155	Interceptor & Ground-Support
Chengdu FT-7P Skybolt	15	??	~15	Training
Dassault Mirage ROSE-I (Mirage-IIIEA) (Refurbished: Ex-Australian)	32	4	28	Interceptor
Dassault Mirage ROSE-I (Mirage-IIIDP)	5	1	4	Training & Interceptor
Dassault Mirage ROSE-II (Mirage-VEF) (Refurbished: Ex-French)	19	3	16	Strike & Ground-Support
Dassault Mirage ROSE-II (Mirage-VDF) (Refurbished: Ex-French)	6	0	6	Training & Strike & Ground-Support
Dassault Mirage ROSE-III (Mirage-VEF) (Refurbished: Ex-French)	14	0	14	Precision Strike
Dassault Mirage-IIIEP	18	6	12	Interceptor & Ground-Support
Dassault Mirage-IIIEL (Refurbished: Ex-Lebanese)	9	0	9	Interceptor & Ground-Support
Dassault Mirage-IIIDA (Refurbished: Ex-Australian)	7	0	7	Training
Dassault Mirage-IIIRP	13	3	10	Reconnaissance
Dassault Mirage-VPA3	12	3	9	Naval Support
Dassault Mirage-VPA2	18	3	15	Ground Support
Dassault Mirage-VPA	28	7?	~21	Ground Support
Dassault Mirage-VDPA2	2	0	2	Training
Nanchang Q-5/A-5C	52	12+	30-40	Ground-Support & Tactical Strike (Currently being phased out).
Chengdu FT-6	~15	??	??	Fighter Conversion (Advanced Jet Training)
Chengdu FT-5	~20	??	??	Fighter Conversion (Advanced Jet Training)
Hondgu K-8	12	0	12 + (27 on order)	Basic & Intermediate Jet Training
Lockheed Martin T-37	20	??	??	Basic Jet Training
Super Mushak MFI-395	20	??	??	Primary Training
Mushak MFI-17	80	??	??	Primary Training
Falcon DA-20	2	0	2	ELINT/ECM
Lockheed Martin C-130B/E	16	6?	20 + (6 On Order)	Medium-Lift Transport
Antonov An-26	1	0	1	Medium-Lift Transport
CN-235	4	0	4	V.I.P & Light-Lift Transport
HAMC Y-12(II)	1	0	1	Light-Lift Transport
Boeing 707	3	0	3	VIP Transport
Fokker F-27 200	2	0	2	Light Transport
Falcon-20	1	0	1	VIP Transport
Super King Air	1	0	1	Light Transport
L-100	1	0	1	Light Transport

* Includes two upgraded F-16A Block-15 inducted from the US in Dec'2005.
*ROSE: Retrofit Of Strike Element: Is actually the major (Avionics + Radar) upgrade that the PAF Mirage fleet under went during the 90s.
*ROSE-I: This included upgraded cockpit instrumentation, Grifo-M Radar and weapons system reconfiguration. (BVR-able).
*ROSE-II: This included the Sagem implemented MAESTRO Nav/Attack System. (Strike).
*ROSE-III: This included the Sagem MAESTRO Nav/Attack and FLIR. (Precision Strike).

Sources

*Evaluation of Pakistan Air Force
*PAF Fleet Upgrades & Strength
*Mirage Fleet Acquisition History
*F-16 Attrition history
*F-7 Fleet Serial# and Strength
*PAF Fleet Strength: Without Attrition Adjustments
*PAF Fleet Strength: Without Attrition Adjustments
*PAF Attrition History
*PAF Attrition - Queryable Database

Ground SAM vehicles

*Crotale 2000/3000/4000, approx 25 systems
*Stinger FIM-92, 100 Systems
*RBS-70 Rayrider, 133 Launchers, 400 Missiles
*Matra Mistral
*HQ-2B(SA-2), approx 12 launchers 400msl
*PL-9, combined with twin 35/37mm guns
*GDF-002 35mm radar Controlled Systems, approx 200

Command structure

Personnel and command

The Air Force has about 65,000 active personnel with about 10,000 reserves. The Chief of the Air Staff holds the operational and administrative powers. He is assisted by a Vice Chief of Air Staff and six Deputy Chiefs of the Air Staff who control and administer the Administration, Operations, Engineering, Supply (logistics), Personnel, and Training divisions of the PAF respectively. In addition, there are three non-operational directorates for PR, Air Intelligence and Recruitment. Recently, the Air Headquarters (AHQ) has been moved from Chaklala to Islamabad. Major Air force bases are at Shorkot, Karachi, Quetta, Kamra, Peshawar, Mianwali, Sargodha and Risalpur. There are many war-time operational forward bases, civilian airstrips and runways as well as emergency motorways.

Ranks

The current officer rank structure follows Royal Air Force designations:Air Force / Army / Navy
*Air Chief Marshal / General / Admiral
*Air Marshal / Lieutenant General / Vice Admiral
*Air Vice Marshal / Major General / Rear Admiral
*Air Commodore / Brigadier / Commodore
*Group Captain / Colonel / Captain
*Wing Commander / Lieutenant Colonel / Commander
*Squadron Leader / Major / Lieutenant Commander
*Flight Lieutenant / Captain / Lieutenant
*Flying Officer / Lieutenant / Sub-Lieutenant
*Pilot Officer rank is decommisioned in PAF / Second Lieutenant / Midshipman Officer

List of PAF Commanders

# Air Vice Marshal Allan Perry-Keane (August 1947 - February 1949)# Air Vice Marshal R.L.R. Atcherley (February 1949 - May 1951)# Air Vice Marshal L.W. Cannon (May 1951 - February 1955)# Air Vice Marshal A.W.B. McDonald (February 1955 - July 1957)# Air Vice Marshal Asghar Khan (July 1957 - July 1965)# Air Marshal M. Nur Khan (July 1965 - September 1969)# Air Marshal A. Rahim Khan (September 1969 - March 1972)# Air Marshal Zafar Chaudhry (March 1972 - April 1974)# Air Marshal Zulfiqar Ali Khan (April 1974 - July 1978)# Air Chief Marshal M. Anwar Shamim (July 1978 - March 1985)# Air Marshal Jamal A. Khan (March 1985 - March 1988)# Air Marshal Najeeb Akhter(-2001)# Air Chief Marshal Hakimullah (March 1988 - November 1991)# Air Chief Marshal Farooq Feroze Khan (November 1991 - November 1994)# Air Chief Marshal Abbas Khattak (November 1994 - November 1997)# Air Chief Marshal Pervaiz Mehdhi Qureshi (November 1997 - November 2000)# Air Chief Marshal Mushaf Ali Mir (November 2000 - February 2003)# Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Sadaat (February 2003 - March 2006)# Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed (March 2006 - present)*Air Vice Marshal Asghar Khan was the First native Pakistani C-in-C
*Air Chief Marshal Mushaf Ali Mir died in F27 Fokker Crash

Bases

Major Air Bases

These are the bases from which the PAF planes operate during peace time. They have complete infrastructure of hardened shelters, control towers, workshops, ordnance depots etc. These are ten in number and are :

# PAF Masroor (Karachi)# PAF Chaklala (Rawalpindi)# PAF Samungli (Quetta)# PAF Mushaf (Sargodha)# PAF Risalpur# PAF Rafiqui (Shorkot)# PAF Mianwali# PAF Minhas (Kamra)# PAF Peshawar# PAF Faisal (Karachi)

Markings

The PAF's roundel is green and white, with green being the outer color. It resembles the low-visibility roundel used by the Royal Air Force. The tail marking is simply the flag of Pakistan.

Nishan-e-Haider

Nishan-E-Haider

The Nishan-e-Haider (Urdu: نشان حیدر) (Sign of the Lion), is the highest military award given by Pakistan.

Rashid Minhas is only person of PAF awared Nishan-e-Haider.

# Pilot Officer Rashid Minhas Shaheed (1951�"August 20, 1971)

Other hearos of PAF
* Squadron Leader Muhammad Mehmood Alam also known as M. M. Alam
* Squadron Leader Sarfraz Rafiqui

Engineering & maintenance capability

Since independence the PAF has developed and nurtured an extensive in house engineering, maintenance and repair capability. Indigenization of in house maintenance has enabled it to maintain force levels and high serviceability / reliability rates. The premier maintenance organizations supporting the mission of the Pakistan Air Force include F6 Rebuild Factory, Mirage Rebuild Factory, Aircraft Manufacturing Factory, Kamra Avionics Rebuild Factory, No 102 Air Engineering Depot (Aero-Engines Overhaul), No 107 Air Engineering Depot (Avionics), No 108 Air Engineering Depot (Ground Radars), No 109 Air Engineering Depot (Missiles), No 130 Air Engineering Depot (Transport Aircraft Overhaul). R&D work is done at Central Technical Development Unit, Special Task Group & No 118 Software Engineering Depot. The PAF managed / supported Air Weapon Complex (AWC) produces a number of high technology armament and munitions for the air force.

The College of Aeronautical Engineering (CAE) situated at PAF Academy Risalpur graduates engineers in aerospace and avionics specialty and is a world class institute with a high reputation for the quality of its graduates and fulfills requirements for both army & navy as well as a number of foreign countries.

Apart from this Pre Trade Training School, School Of Aeronautics, School Of Electronics, Administrative Trades Training School and School Of Logistics fulfills different manpower requirements of Pakistan Air Force.

Future plans (2009 - 2019)

Introduction

In light of Pakistan's significant contribution to the War on Terror, the United States and major European countries such as Germany and France lifted defense related sanctions on Pakistan; enabling the country to once again seek advanced Western military hardware. Since the lift of sanctions, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) became heavily active in evaluating potential military hardware; such as new fighter planes, radars, land based air-defense systems, etc. The key factor had been the lifting of American sanctions on Pakistan, including restrictions on military combat aircraft, namely the Lockheed Martin F-16. The most favored aircraft by the PAF are F-16s; originally 55 new-built F-16C/D Block-52 and with an option for 20 more were supposed to be acquired (June, 2005). However the urgent relief needed in Kashmir after the October-8th Earthquake forced the PAF to postpone the deal; alongside the Erieye AEW&C deal with Sweden. Although the Erieye AEW&C deal was reportedly signed - the F-16 deal remains in question due to urgent needs for Kashmir relief funds and doubt over American willingness to supply weapons to Pakistan in the future.

Fighter fleet

The Pakistan Air Force currently operates between 330 to 350 active combat aircraft; its fleet is mostly comprised of F-7P and Mirage III/V aircraft. Although 70 to 90 of the Mirages were given the ROSE-I and ROSE-II/III upgrades - the airframe life of these aircraft is constantly declining; and like the F-7P, will require replacement by 2014. The main workhorse of the Pakistan Air Force from 2014 will be the JF-17 Thunder medium-tech, multi-role fighter aircraft; developed by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAC) in China. At least 150 JF-17s are expected to be procured by the Pakistan Air Force by the end of 2015 - however the number may increase to 200 or even 250 by 2020. The JF-17 Thunder is a medium-weight multi-role fighter aircraft capable of using various types of Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR) Air-to-Air Missiles, Within-Visual-Range (WVR) Air-to-Air Missiles and Air-to-Surface Precision-Guided Munitions (PGM). The aircraft will be capable of multi-weather as well as day and night operations; later versions inducted into the PAF will incorporate Infrared Search and Tracking (IRST) and Air-to-Air Refueling. Its avionics consist of a Pulse-Doppler radar with a track-and-search range of at least 100km and targeting range of at least 70km; the aircraft can engage multiple air or ground targets - as well as utilize Helmet-Mounted-Sight (HMS) and Electronic Counter Measure/Electronic Warfare (ECM/EW) systems. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the Galileo Avionica/Selex "Vixen 500E" AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar is being sought by PAF for use on its later batch of JF-17s (25-50 aircraft). The JF-17 will replace the PAF's F-7P/FT-7P, Mirage-III/V, and Q-5 aircraft by 2013 - and be fully operational in large numbers by 2015.

In addition to JF-17s the Pakistan Air Force is aggressively pushing for the acquisition of another two or three types of advanced fighter aircraft - which boast more range and payload, as well as considerably more advanced avionics and ECM/EW systems than the JF-17. Originally up to 75 F-16C/D Block-52 were supposed to be procured by 2014 and roughly 40-60 J-10 by 2015; however the tragic and catastrophic earthquake in Azad Kashmir forced the Pakistan Government to delay acquisition of F-16s. With the Kashmir relief operations sapping the government's funds - the Defense Ministry was considering a considerably down-scaled F-16 order.

On April 12 2006 the Government of Pakistan approved the purchase of up to 77 new and used Lockheed Martin F-16s as well as 36 new CAC J-10s under the designation of FC-10. The F-16 purchase includes the acquisition of 26 ex-Peace Gate-III and IV F-16A/B Block-15OCUs and 18 F-16C/D Block-52s with an option for 18 more. However it appears that the Defence Ministry plans to procure the F-16C/D Block-52s in successive batches, as opposed to one large order of 75 aircraft. Currently it appears that an initial F-16 Block-52 order would consist of 18 (with an option of 18 more) aircraft, while a second phase would consist of 33 and a final phase to fill up the requirement; the Pakistan Air Force requires 75 Block-52 F-16s by the end of 2015. 36 CAC FC-10 (J-10) will also be procured under the PAF's "Plus One" requirement, and at least a total of 50 FC-10 will serve with the PAF in 2015.

Strive for AEW&C capability

The Pakistan Air Force is aggressively pushing for the introduction of Airborne Early Warning (AEW) systems; currently the PAF is close to finalizing a deal with Swedish firms Saab and Ericsson for 5-7 Saab-2000 Erieye AEW&C aircraft. It is likely that the PAF wants to induct these systems to not only capture enemy formations but also help coordinate relief for future disasters which may happen in Pakistan's mountainous north. However the Government of Pakistan has made it clear that there are other options for AWACS in case the Erieye deal did not fall through in favor of Pakistan; the most obvious option seems to be the Chinese Y-8 "Balance Beam" AEW system.

On May 25 2006 the Government of Pakistan approved the acquisition of up to 7-8 Saab-2000 Erieye AEW&C aircraft; the value of the deal is about 1bn U.S Dollars. According to unofficial sources, the first PAF Saab-2000 is already being fitted with the necessary onboard computers and Erieye radar.

Air defence

Sufficient funds will also be allocated for the modernization of land-based air-defense systems and C4I/IT systems. The Pakistan Air Force desires a new long-range Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system (Strategy Centre); originally the Chinese FT-2000 was considered (Strategy Centre), however a deal could not fall through due to lack of Pakistani interest to buy. It is not clear what long-range SAM system the PAF is currently interested towards; rumors/unofficial reports suggest that the Pakistan Government is negotiating with Russia for the sale of long-range S-300-series SAMs. However India has strong political influence on Russia regarding strategic and military issues. The new port city of Gwadar in Pakistan as well as Pakistan's valuable strategic location are leading to warming relations with Russia - as compared to the early to mid-1990s. But due to current political and financial reasons the PAF's next long-range SAM may end up being the Chinese HQ-9 and/or FT-2000; it is likely that these missiles will also be Pakistan's Anti-Ballistic Missile system. For the replacement of Crotale short to medium-range SAMs the Pakistan Air Force is negotiating with Italy for the Spada-2000 short to medium-range SAM system; although Pakistan's relations with Europe have been mixed, Pak-Italian relations have been quite strong in the recent years, especially in the field of avionics. The Pakistan Air Force signed a deal for six AN/TPS-77 land-based three-dimensional tactical mobile radar system from the U.S; these systems may be supplemented by Czech Vera radar systems if they meet PAF expectations. The PAF also bought six advanced long-range mobile radar systems from China and is in the process of inducting them. A national C4I system is being developed, Air Weapons Complex may be on the forefront of its integration into the Pakistan Armed Forces.

Logistics

The Air Force's logistical fleet is currently in the process of inducting six C-130E aircraft; after the induction of these aircraft the PAF's C-130 Medium-Lift Aircraft fleet will consist of roughly 12-16 aircraft. Four Indonesian CN-235s have been bought and inducted with another four or so likely to be ordered soon. It is unclear whether the PAF is pursuing a medium-lift transport aircraft to replace it's ageing C-130s; the C-130J was supposedly evaluated, but deemed too sophisticated and expensive for a prop-transport. The PAF may acquire the Chinese Y-9 or European A400 when the need to replace C-130s arises; but will likely not happen before 2012.

Training

As the PAF's combat fleet become more sophisticated and advanced the importance of modern-day trainer aircraft arise. The PAF's current 1950-era T-37 and FT-5 aircraft cannot properly help train future JF-17, F-16 and possibly F-10 pilots; there is a significant difference between the basic technologies used. The JF-17, F-16 and F-10 use full Fly-by-Wire control systems, Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air missiles, HMD/HMS supported Within-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missiles, Precision-Guided Air-to-Surface Munitions as well as other systems and doctrines that current PAF fighter aircraft do not use. The PAF's current T-37 and FT-5 aircraft will not be able to train pilots to their full potential; thus limiting their abilities on new fighters. That is why a good block of funds will likely be allocated for training; a field where the PAF can progress considerably in regardless of its financial or political issues. Currently the K-8 is being envisioned as the Pakistan Air Force's basic and intermediate jet-training aircraft currently performed by the ageing T-37; Hondgu (the manufacturer of K-8) designed a new Fly-by-Wire K-8 suitable for training future JF-17 and J-10 pilots. The PAF recently ordered 27 new K-8 aircraft, whether these will be the latest K-8 version is unknown; however by the time T-37s are replaced, as many as 75 K-8s should be in PAF service - so in theory quite a few of them should be equipped with Fly-by-Wire and other advanced systems.

The ex-Chief of Air Staff - Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Sadaat - disclosed that a two-seat JF-17 would be the PAF's advanced-lead in fighter-trainer, currently performed by the FT-5. However Hondgu - manufacturers of K-8 - recently test flew their new-generation L-15 advanced-lead in fighter-trainer; the L-15 uses a fully digital Fly-by-Wire system, advanced avionics (including a glass cockpit) and it can be easily modified as a light attack fighter. Perhaps the PAF may acquire 25-30 L-15s (or more) for its advanced-jet and lead-in fighter trainer requirement as opposed to two-seat JF-17s.

Conclusion

Between 2010 and 2020 the Pakistan Air Force will undergo massive change in not only fleet, but also radars, SAMs, weapon-systems, doctrines and organization. Considerable amount of funds and manpower would be required over this crucial time period; the induction of up to 330 new fighter jets, up to 100 new trainers, hundreds of new SAM missiles and systems, new radar systems, AWACS, etc. However a considerable change of doctrine and method will occur, every fighter aircraft in the PAF will utilize Beyond-Visual-Range air-to-air missile systems; such as the R- and T-Darter, SD-10, and perhaps even MICA and AIM-120C. The induction of new strategic weapons such as the Babur cruise missile and H-2/H-4 long-range air-to-surface glide-bombs will also change the PAF's attack doctrine. In the future the PAF's fighter fleet will be composed entirely of multirole fighter jets performing a large variety of roles; to not only support the Pakistan Army and Navy, but also safeguard the nation and give it a new sense of revived pride.

Mission statement

Pakistan Air Force Logo

The primary mission statement of the PAF was given by the founder of Pakistan during his address to the passing out cadets of the PAF Academy Risalpur in 1948. This statement has been taken as an article of faith by all coming generations of PAF personnel.

" A country without a strong Air Force is at the mercy of any aggressor, Pakistan must build up her Air Force as quickly as possible, it must be an efficient Air Force, second to none."Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali JinnahPAF Academy, Risalpur13th April, 1948

References

*Pakistani Forces Site & Online Forum
*Pakistani Defense Site & Online Forum
*PakDef Site & Online Forum
*PAF Enthusiast Website
*Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) at Kamra
*Pakistani Defense Industry - Export Prospects
*[12]
*Pak Tribune on PAF's history
*Site mentioning the number of Tempest II flights that were divided amongst India & Pak.
*History of PAF
*Janes Defense Weekly Articles: :1) IDEAS 2004 Interview with Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Sadaat.:2) November - December 2005 Interview with Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Sadaat.:3) March 2006 Interview with Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Sadaat
*Flight International Article: "Crescent Wings" - 2006
*Strategy Center
*Mirage-IIIRP attrition

See also

*Air Bases of Pakistan Air Force
*PAF Museum, Karachi
*Mirage in PAF

External links

*PakDef Site & Online Forum
*PAF Falcons website
*Pakistan Air Force Air Combat Website
*PakMilitary.net PAF section
*Pakistan Air Force Overview courtesy of Scramble
*Information on the Pakistan Air Force by GlobalSecurity.org
*3D images of major Pakistan Airfields
*Pakistan Tribune Article on PAF Fighter Planes: Mirage III/V