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Qaswa Industries AZB Range-Extension Kit (REK)
The AZB Range Extension Kit (REK) is a precision guidance and range extension system developed by Qaswa Industries in Pakistan. This modular kit transforms standard Mk.80-series general purpose bombs (GPB) into gliding precision-guided bombs (PGB), extending their range and improving their accuracy.
The AZB is among the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) first indigenously developed and manufactured stand-off range weapons (SOW). It is similar in concept to the U.S. Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), essentially a kit that transforms ‘dumb bombs’ into satellite-guided PGBs. But unlike the JDAM, the AZB-series is not bound by ITAR and other U.S. trade regulatory or technology control restrictions.
Today, the PAF uses the AZB REK/PGB from its key platforms, including the JF-17 Thunder and Dassault Mirage III/5 fighters as well as the Bayraktar Akıncı unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
Design Background
The standard AZB REK adds two main components: a tail unit that provides the guidance and navigation capabilities, and an additional wing unit with deployable wings for extending the range. The guidance and navigation system consists of a satellite-aided altitude heading reference system (AHRS).
The REK can reach a range of 60 km to 100 km based on its launch altitude – the higher the launch point, the longer its range. In its baseline configuration, the AZB is suited for fixed targets, such as installations, bunkers, hangars, and other high-value targets (HVT). With this configuration, the AZB has an accuracy of within 10 m CEP.
Pakistan began deploying the REK at scale in 2017 after integrating it to the JF-17, the PAF’s workhorse multirole fighter aircraft. From 2019, the PAF began fielding an improved variant of the AZB REK. While it did not disclose the details about the system, Qaswa Industries began showcasing long-ranged variants of the AZB series, such as the AZB-83LR, which offers a reach of up to 280 km.
In addition, Qaswa Industries has also begun incorporating imaging infrared (IIR) seekers to the AZB line, improving the accuracy of the PGBs to as precise as under 0.3 m CEP. It is also designing AZB variants powered by miniature turbojet engines, such as the AZB-81LR and AZB-83-TJ.
AZB REK Specifications
AZB-81
- Weight Class: 80-100 kg
- Warhead Weight: 33-43 kg
- Launch Platform: UAV
- Range: 30-40 km
- CEP (m): <10 m CEP and <0.3 m CEP with IIR
- Guidance: GNSS/INS and GNSS/INS + IIR
AZB-81LR
- Weight Class: 100-125 kg
- Warhead Weight: 33-43 kg
- Launch Platform: UAV/Aircraft
- Range: 150-180 km
- CEP (m): <10 m CEP and <0.3 m CEP with IIR
- Guidance: GNSS/INS and GNSS/INS + IIR
AZB-82
- Weight Class: 300-325 kg
- Warhead: Mk.82/PK.82
- Launch Platform: UAV/Crewed Aircraft
- Range: 60-100 km
- CEP (m): <10 m CEP and <0.3 m CEP with IIR
- Guidance: GNSS/INS and GNSS/INS + IIR
AZB-83
Key Capabilities of the Burq-Series AGMs
- Weight Class: 600-625 kg
- Warhead: Mk.83/PK.83
- Launch Platform: Crewed Aircraft
- Range: 60-100 km
- CEP (m): <10 m CEP and <0.3 m CEP with IIR
- Guidance: GNSS/INS and GNSS/INS + IIR
AZB-83LR
- Weight Class: 800-825 kg
- Warhead: Mk.83/PK.83
- Launch Platform: Crewed Aircraft
- Range: 250-280 km
- CEP (m): <10 m CEP and <0.3 m CEP with IIR
- Guidance: GNSS/INS and GNSS/INS + IIR
AZB-84
- Weight Class: 1,150-1,175 kg
- Warhead: Mk.84/PK.84
- Launch Platform: Crewed Aircraft
- Range: 90 km
- CEP (m): <10 m CEP and <0.3 m CEP with IIR
- Guidance: GNSS/INS and GNSS/INS + IIR
Key Capabilities of the AZB REK
ITAR-Proof. NATO-Compliant
Qaswa Industries states that the AZB-series works with RS-422/MIL-STD-1760 interfaces. The company adds that it followed MIL-STD-810F environmental test methods, MIL-STD-490A specifications practices, MIL-STD-498 defense system software development, and MIL-STD-461D standards for electromagnetic interference (EMI) control. In effect, while the AZB is free of ITAR constraints, it can still be used by those following NATO standards as part of their doctrines, like the PAF.
Long-Range Reach
When viewed together, the AZB/REK lineup offers solutions that cover from 60 km to 280 km (depending on the launch altitude), a comprehensive level of coverage. It may offer the PAF and other air arms a more cost-effective way of carrying out long-reach strikes compared to cruise missiles. This flexibility could give the PAF the means to engage a larger number of targets than if it strictly relies on cruise missiles.
Flexible Platform Compatibility
While dependent on the weight of the munition, Qaswa Industries has been working towards integrating the AZB/REK lineup to a variety of platforms, from legacy to new crewed fighters to drones. Moreover, the company is also developing more compact and lighter weight munitions, like the AZB-81LR, to cover more types of platforms, especially comparatively smaller drones like the Shahpar-III.
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