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Qaswa Industries Al-Battaar Laser-Guided Bomb (LGB) Kit
The Al-Battaar is a laser-guided bomb (LGB) kit developed by Pakistan’s Qaswa Industries for use on Mk.80-series general purpose bombs (GPB). It is one of Pakistan’s first locally developed and produced precision-guided munitions (PGM).
While not an autonomous munition like the AZB-81LR nor as far-reaching in range as the AZB-82/83, the Al-Battaar still plays a key role in the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) precision-strike doctrine. Where it lacks in range and autonomy, the Al-Battaar makes up with a more precise level of accuracy.
Design Background
The Al-Battaar involves several key components, specifically a semi-active laser-homing (SALH) seeker paired to an ‘air foil group’ (AFG) consisting of a wing assembly, forward adaptor, and fin assembly.
Being a SALH-based weapon, the Al-Battaar relies on an external source to illuminate the target to guide the LGB. This laser illuminator could be a targeting pod onboard the launch platform (like the ASELPOD), another aircraft (including drones), or land-based designator (from special operators or vehicles).
The Al-Battaar can be configured onto Mk.82/PK.82 (Al-Battaar 500) and Mk.84/PK.84 GPBs (Al-Battaar 2000), which weigh around 240 kg and 925 kg, respectively. In addition, the Al-Battaar can be carried as one or multiple munitions onboard the launch aircraft.
In terms of performance, Qaswa Industries promises an accuracy of within 10 m CEP. The LGB could be launched from an altitude of up to 25,000 ft, but can be delivered through low altitudes as well as in level, dive, and loft delivery maneuvers. The Al-Battaar has three main flight phases: ballistic, acquisition, and terminal-stage guidance.
Al-Battaar LGB Specifications
- Accuracy: ≤ 10 meters CEP
- Maximum Release Altitude: 25,000 feet
- Operational Range: 14 km
- Guidance Suite: SALH
- Laser Seeker FOV: ±12 degrees
- Field of Regard: ±18 degrees
- Carriage Speed Limit: Mach 1.4
- Release Speed Limit: Mach 1.2
- Acquisition Range: 12,000 feet (nominal)
Key Capabilities of the Al-Battaar LGB
Precise Targeting
While an earlier type of PGM technology, LGBs like the Al-Battaar offer substantially more accuracy than a standalone GPB or ‘dumb bomb’. This feature can translate into expending fewer munitions to neutralize a target through a higher ratio of direct hits and less collateral damage (especially in munitions using smaller payloads). Besides the Al-Battaar LGB, Pakistan also uses laser-guided air-to-ground missiles (AGM).
News Updates, Comments, and Analysis
Comment - December 2024
The wider industry is shifting towards ‘dual-mode’ LGBs that supplement the SALH-based seekers with a satellite-aided inertial navigation system (INS). This configuration would basically transform a GPB into a smart munition that can function as either an LGB or an AZB-type precision-guided bomb (PGB). Notable examples of this type of munition are the Roketsan Teber and Paveway Dual-Mode Plus.
With Pakistan’s growing focus on building versatile PGMs, Qaswa Industries could evolve the Al-Battaar in one of several ways. The simplest approach would be to pair the SALH seeker with INS/GPS and produce something similar in concept to the Roketsan Teber. The alternative would be to utilize a dual-mode SALH and imaging infrared (IIR) seeker. This path would be more complex as it necessitates more development work, but it can result in a munition with autonomous targeting capabilities.
