With the US unwilling to subsidize Pakistan’s AH-1Z order or approve Turkey’s re-export licenses for the T129, the Pakistan Army may look at China’s Z-10ME as an alternative.
In January 2020, the Pakistan Navy (PN) released a tender for one twin-engine jet-powered aircraft intended for conversion into a long-range maritime patrol aircraft (LRMPA).
Pakistan is working to quadruple the size of its submarine fleet, while India is now aggressively working to build an extensive anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability. Can Pakistan overcome India’s efforts and, in turn, maintain a high-threat sub-surface posture?
On 14 February, the governments of Turkey and Pakistan signed 13 new agreements, a number of which were aimed at strengthening bilateral defence, research and development, and industrial ties.
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) selected the NRIET KLJ-7A active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for its forthcoming multi-role combat aircraft, the JF-17 Block-III.
Pakistan’s ongoing trade deficit will perpetually weaken its ability to sustain big-ticket arms or defence procurements. The fiscal funding necessary will continuously go towards repaying the debt created by the deficit, reducing the amount available for aircraft, ships, armoured vehicles, etc.
The Pakistan Navy received Marine Assault Boats (MAB) from Poland. The Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) Chief of Air Staff says the PAF will have a solution for India’s Rafale. And the Pakistan Army may need to rethink its attack helicopter plans.
In December 2019, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) rolled-out the first eight of 26 twin-seat JF-17B fighters for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). PAC will produce another 14 in 2020.
The JF-17 Block-III is likely to incorporate a dedicated hardpoint for special mission pods, and while the addition of targeting and electronic warfare pods is confirmed, Pakistan should consider fitting the JF-17 with an infrared search and track (IRST) system as well.
In December 2019, the prototype of the JF-17 Block-III made its maiden test flight at CAIG’s facility in Chengdu. The Block-III retains the airframe of the preceding Block-I and Block-II, however, though the design will incorporate a range of new subsystems and…