Global Defense & AeroSpace

15/06/2024

China unveils new 6,200-ton Type 093B nuclear submarine model with 18 Vertical Launch Units.

According to information published by 牛员外 on June 12, 2024, a 6,200-ton new vessel, featuring an 18-unit underwater vertical launch system, has been revealed as a model of the Type 093B nuclear submarine.

Photos shared by enthusiasts depict a detailed model of a new Chinese submarine. The base of the model bears the inscription "CSSC China Shipbuilding Group," indicating its origin. The nameplate identifies it as a "new nuclear submarine model," suggesting it represents the Type 093B attack nuclear submarine. Given the model's detailed construction, it likely reflects a submarine that has reached a certain level of operational capability.

The submarine model features a teardrop-shaped design with a slightly hu**ed back. It includes an integrated sonar station at the bow and a signature integrated optical-electronic mast on the sail. The stern showcases a ducted pump-jet propulsion system, enhancing the vessel's sleek appearance. The nameplate details a length of 126 meters, a width of 11 meters, an underwater speed of 30 knots, and a displacement of 6,200 tons, with missile ranges extending up to 2,500 kilometers.

The Type 093B's pump-jet propulsion system enables it to reach speeds comparable to the 055 destroyer, making 30 knots the minimum speed standard for future blue-water fleet vessels. This capability ensures the submarine can effectively integrate into carrier strike groups. Notably, the submarine's midsection houses the underwater vertical launch units.

With a range of 2,500 kilometers, the missiles aboard the 093B likely include the latest submarine-launched version of the YJ-21, surpassing the YJ-12A and YJ-16, which have ranges of 500 and 600 kilometers, respectively.

The vertical launch system appears to use the larger 850mm canisters, resulting in a minor hu**ed back on the model. There are two differing accounts of the launch unit configuration: one suggests an 18-cell array (6x3), while another proposes a 24-cell array (8x3). Regardless, both configurations maintain three rows of launch cells.

Even with 18 launch units, a salvo of YJ-21 missiles with a 2,500-kilometer range poses a significant threat, capable of challenging even aircraft carriers operating beyond the 2,000-kilometer range of carrier-based aircraft.


Global Defense & AeroSpace

28/05/2024

02/12/2023

PAF inducts JF-17 Block III aircraft and seen flying with Squadron insignia_Janes

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has started to induct into service the latest version of the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC)/Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) JF-17 ‘Thunder' fighter aircraft.

The PAF said in mid-November that the new Block III aircraft provides the PAF with several improved capabilities over the earlier Block II version. These include, it said, “superior manoeuvrability, extended range, and enhanced combat capabilities”.

Other enhancements include a reduction in the aircraft's radar cross-section, a result of greater use of composites, and improved avionics. State-run broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) said in September the aircraft has also been equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.

This radar system appears to be the Nanjing Research Institute of Electronics Technology (NRIET) KLJ-7A X-band airborne 3D fire-control radar (FCR). The Block II version is equipped with the KLJ-7 V2.

According to the US Department of Defense (DoD), the KLJ-7 V2 radar can detect an aircraft with a radar cross-section of 3 m 2 at a range of 150 km. CCTV claimed the KLJ-7A radar has improved multitargeting capability, increased resilience to jamming, and greater range. This supports a previous statement from the NRIET that the KLJ-7A has a maximum range of 170 km. However, the NRIET statement is possibly in reference to a target aircraft with a radar cross-section of 5 m².

An initial JF-17 Block III aircraft (serial no 22-305) was seen during the Pakistan Day military parade over Islamabad on 23 March. However, the aircraft lacked squadron insignia.


Global Defense & AeroSpace

28/11/2023

Iran finalises deal to buy Russian fighter jets - Tasnim

Iran has finalised arrangements for the delivery of Russian made Sukhoi su-35 fighter jets and helicopters, Iran's deputy defence minister told Iran's Tasnim news agency on Tuesday, as Tehran and Moscow forge closer military relations.

Iran's air force has only a few dozen strike aircraft, including Russian jets as well as ageing U.S. models acquired before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

"Plans have been finalised for Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets, Mil Mi-28 attack helicopters, and Yak-130 jet trainers to join the combat units of Iran's Army," Iran's deputy Defence Minister Mehdi Farahi said.

The Tasnim report did not include any Russian confirmation of the deal.

In 2018, Iran said it had started production of the locally-designed Kowsar fighter for use in its air force. Military experts believe the jet is a carbon copy of the F-5, first produced in the United States in the 1960s.

https://www.reuters.com/world/iran-finalises-deal-buy-russian-fighter-jets-tasnim-2023-11-28/

Global Defense & AeroSpace

26/10/2023

Pakistan joins China's club of lunar base partners

BEIJING, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Pakistan has joined China's expanding club of partners in an ambitious project to build a research station on the moon's south pole.

Jointly with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwar ul Haq Kakar witnessed the signing of an initial cooperation agreement in Beijing on Wednesday.

The China National Space Administration said on Friday cooperation would cover areas including the engineering and operational aspects of the Chinese lunar base programme.

China, which aims to become a major space power by 2030, has already secured cooperation from Russia, Venezuela and South Africa.

It has fixed a target to land its astronauts on the moon by the end of this decade.

The timeline to build an outpost on the south pole coincides with NASA's more ambitious Artemis programme, which aims to put U.S. astronauts back on the lunar surface in December 2025, barring delays.

https://www.reuters.com/technology/space/pakistan-joins-chinas-club-lunar-base-partners-2023-10-20/



Global Defense & AeroSpace

Pakistan has joined China's expanding club of partners in an ambitious project to build a research station on the moon's south pole.

22/10/2023

Saudi Arabia asked Dassault Aviation to submit qoute for 54 Rafale fighter jet till 10 November.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-10-21/saudi-arabia-mulls-buying-54-dassault-fighter-jets-tribune-says

Global Defense & AeroSpace

Saudi Arabia is considering the purchase of 54 Rafale fighter jets from French manufacturer Dassault Aviation SA, according to a report in La Tribune.

21/10/2023

Republic of Korea KAI KF21 Borame 6th Prototype touches the sky.


Global Defense & AeroSpace

20/10/2023

Visuals from Bright Star 2023 multi-National Exercises from Egypt. In clip, Pakistan JF17A, USA A10 and Egyptian F16 can be seen flying in formation over the skies of Egypt.

Global Defense & AeroSpace

19/10/2023

Pakistan successfully flight tests Ababeel MIRV capable ballistic missile

On October 18, Pakistan successfully conducted a flight test of the Ababeel weapon system, as confirmed in a statement released by the Pakistani Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). This latest test of the ballistic missile system was undertaken to reaffirm various design elements, technical parameters, and the performance evaluation of different subsystems, as reported by The Express Tribune.

The primary objective of the missile system is to bolster deterrence capabilities and enhance strategic stability in the region by operationalizing a full spectrum deterrence strategy within the framework of credible minimum deterrence, according to the military's media wing.

The launch was observed by Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, senior officers from the Strategic Plans Division and Strategic Forces Command, as well as scientists and engineers from strategic organizations. General Mirza commended the technical expertise, dedication, and commitment of all individuals involved in the successful test. Notably, the Ababeel rocket system boasts a range of 140 kilometers and possesses precision targeting capabilities.

The Ababeel Missile, also known as the Ababeel Weapon System, represents a medium-range, surface-to-surface ballistic missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRV) developed by Pakistan. Its primary purpose is to ensure the survivability of Pakistan's ballistic missiles in the face of a growing regional Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) environment, primarily in response to Indian anti-ballistic missile systems.

Referred to as "the Ultimate Nuclear Missile" by The National Interest, the Ababeel missile system's intended role is to counter Indian Ballistic Missile Defense systems, potentially even being employed in a counterforce strike to neutralize India's nuclear arsenal before it can be utilized.

The missile itself measures 21.5 meters in length, has a diameter of 1.7 meters, and is designed to carry both conventional and nuclear warheads. Notably, it is South Asia's first MIRV-capable missile, with a maximum range of 2,200 kilometers (1,400 miles). It can carry a total warhead payload of 1,500 kilograms, which includes three standard warheads of 500 kilograms each, five warheads of 300 kilograms each, or a maximum of eight warheads, each weighing 185 kilograms.

The Ababeel missile system was developed by the Khan Research Laboratories (KRL), which had previously created the liquid-fueled Ghauri missile system. While it is widely believed to be a liquid-fueled missile, some sources suggest that Ababeel might be a modification of the Shaheen-III airframe with solid-fuel motors and an enlarged payload fairing to accommodate MIRV warheads. This modification may have resulted in a decreased range from 2,750 kilometers to 2,200 kilometers if indeed derived from the Shaheen-3 missile.

The first publicly announced test launch of the Ababeel missile system occurred on January 24, 2017.


Global Defense & AeroSpace

30/09/2023

Rafale ‘Shot Down’ by JF-17 “Thunder” in Turkish Exercise?

In June 2021, an air exercise involving air forces from Turkey, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Qatar called “Anatolian Eagle 2021” took place at a Turkish Air Force base in a coastal city in Konya, Turkey.

Among the aircraft participating in the exercise were Turkish F-16s, Pakistan was represented by five JF-17 “Thunder” Block II, Qatar had four Rafale, and Azerbaijan showcased MiG-29 and Su-25 “Frogfoot”, which had previously seen action in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The “Anatolian Eagle” exercise is an annual training aimed at enhancing the capabilities and understanding among the air forces of the participating countries through the ex*****on of various tactics simulating air combat scenarios.

Systems like the Post Mission Analysis System and Air Combat Maneuvering System (ACMI) were also used in the “Anatolian Eagle 2021” exercise.

Not much is known about the air exercise, but some military analysts, claiming to have insider information about “Anatolian Eagle 2021,” suggested that the exercise provided an opportunity for the Pakistan Air Force to test the real capabilities of its JF-17 “Thunder” aircraft, which it developed in collaboration with China.

It also helped them assess the true capabilities of the JF-17 “Thunder” in air combat simulations, especially against the Dassault Rafale aircraft of the Qatar Air Force, which is also used by the Indian Air Force.

The key point was that Islamabad wanted to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the JF-17 aircraft when pitted against the Rafale aircraft fielded by the Qatar Air Force in air combat simulations during the annual exercise.

The “Anatolian Eagle 2021” exercise provided a significant opportunity for the Pakistan Air Force to test the real capabilities of the JF-17 aircraft it developed in collaboration with China, particularly when facing off against the Rafale aircraft now operated by its traditional adversary, the Indian Air Force.

In addition to facing Rafale aircraft, the JF-17 also encountered MiG-29 aircraft brought by the Azerbaijani Air Force during the Anatolian Eagle exercise.

According to reports by defense analysts with insider information about the “Anatolian Eagle 2021” exercise, the JF-17 Thunder aircraft performed quite well in air combat simulations against the Rafale aircraft of the Qatar Air Force.

Sources said that the “kill ratio” of JF-17 aircraft against the Qatar Rafale aircraft was 6:2, meaning that the JF-17 Block II aircraft from Pakistan “shot down” the Qatar Rafales six times compared to only two losses in air combat simulations during the exercise.

https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/jf17-rafale-turkey/
Global Defense & AeroSpace

In June 2021, an air exercise involving air forces from Turkey, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Qatar called "Anatolian Eagle 2021" took place at a Turkish Air Force base in a coastal city in Konya, Turkey.

06/08/2023

Baykar Technologies started its operations at National Aerospace Science & Technology Park (NASTP) in Pakistan

Baykar took his place in Pakistan National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP), which was opened by Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

The cooperation agreement between Baykar and NASTP was signed by Baykar Chairman of the Board Selçuk Bayraktar and NASTP Commander Lieutenant General Ghulam Abbas Ghumman. Selçuk Bayraktar posed for a souvenir photo with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif in front of Bayraktar AKINCI.

Baykar took his place at the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP), which was officially opened on Friday, August 4, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Baykar Chairman of the Board Selcuk Bayraktar also attended the opening ceremony held by Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

After the opening program, a cooperation agreement signing ceremony was held between Baykar and NASTP. The agreement was signed by Baykar Chairman of the Board Selçuk Bayraktar and NASTP Commander Lieutenant General Ghulam Abbas Ghumman.

■MEMORIAL PHOTO IN FRONT OF AKINCI

Baykar Chairman of the Board of Directors Selçuk Bayraktar met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif at the opening ceremony. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Selçuk Bayraktar, Chief of General Staff of Pakistan General Syed Asim Munir Ahmad Shah, Air Force Commander Gen. Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and NASTP Commander Lieutenant General Ghulam Abbas Ghumman posed for a souvenir photo in front of Bayraktar AKINCI TİHA, which is included in the Pakistan Air Force inventory.

■R&D ACTIVITIES WILL BE CONDUCTED

Founded by Baykar, “Baykar Technologies” will contribute to Pakistan's aerospace ecosystem. Baykar Technology, which will carry out R&D activities within the body of NASTP, will work to increase the mutual innovation and high technology development capabilities of the parties. Thus, the strong bonds of Turkey and Pakistan dating back centuries will be carried to the future even more firmly with high technology.

■THE FOUNDATION OF COMPREHENSIVE COOPERATION HAS BEEN laid

With the R&D studies that Baykar will carry out within NASTP, the foundation of the comprehensive cooperation to be carried out in the future has been laid. In this way, Baykar will further deepen its cooperation with Pakistan in strategic areas.

■EXPORT TO 30 COUNTRIES

Baykar, which has been carrying out all its projects with its own resources from the beginning to the present, has obtained 75% of all its revenues from exports since the beginning of the UAV R&D process in 2003. According to the data of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) in 2021 and 2022, it became the export leader of the defense and aerospace industry. With an export rate of 99.3% in the contracts signed in 2022, Baykar realized exports of 1.18 billion dollars.

Baykar, which is the biggest exporter of the defense and aerospace industry, has a turnover of 1.4 billion dollars in 2022. Export agreements have been signed with 30 countries for Bayraktar TB2 SİHA and with 7 countries for Bayraktar AKINCI TİHA.


Global Defense & AeroSpace

06/08/2023

Pakistan buys cruise missiles from Turkey
Baykar Kemankes Cruise missiles

The Air Operations Syndicate on Twitter reported about this. Missiles of this type are intended for use from unmanned aerial vehicles.

Pakistan currently uses three models of the Turkish UAVs. In August 2021, representatives of the Pakistani company NESCOM signed an agreement with TAI on the production of the Turkish Anka unmanned aerial vehicles on the territory of Pakistan.

The new missile is planned to be used with Bayraktar TB2 drones, which Pakistan ordered in 2021. In addition, the Pakistan Air Force is armed with Akıncı and Anka UAVs.

■Bayraktar KEMANKEŞ Cruise Missile

KEMANKEŞ is a cruise missile developed by Baykar for use with unmanned systems.

Launching is possible from Bayraktar AKINCI, Bayraktar TB2 and Bayraktar TB3 UAVs. The missile is equipped with artificial intelligence, due to which it can autonomously search for targets and select them in difficult weather conditions.

The length of the missile is 1.73 meters, and the height is 0.4 meters. The wingspan is 1.25 meters. The maximum weight of the missile is 30 kilograms, of which 6 kg is the warhead.

In addition, the missile has an optical guidance system with a camera system with 2-axis stabilization, 36x magnification and a laser rangefinder with a range of 2.8 kilometers.

The missile is equipped with an IL170 turbojet motor, which gives the missile a cruising speed of Mach 0.7 with a maximum range of over 200 km. As previously reported, the missile was showcased to the public for the first time in the spring of 2023.

https://mil.in.ua/en/news/pakistan-buys-cruise-missiles-from-turkey/


Global Defense & AeroSpace

05/08/2023

Pakistani defense conglomerate has unveiled new missiles and a drone during Turkey’s IDEF defense conference.

During the event, which ran July 25-28, Global Industrial and Defence Solutions showed off its Faaz-RF and Faaz-IIR medium-range, air-to-air missiles, as well as the Shahpar III medium-altitude, long-endurance combat drone.

The Faaz missiles and the unmanned system on display were mockups, GIDS chief executive Asad Kamal.

The Faaz-RF is an active radar-guided missile, while the Faaz-IIR features an imaging infrared seeker. Both have a range exceeding 100 kilometers (62 miles), can reach a speech of Mach 3.5 and can fly 6,000 feet above sea level, according to GIDS.

The Faaz-RF seeker has a 25-kilometer detection range, and the Faaz-IIR a 40-kilometer range.

The Faaz design appears to have been partly inspired by the Chinese SD-10/PL-12 weapon, which is produced under license by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex. GIDS said its products are locally developed and owns the intellectual property rights.

Shahpar III is a Group 4+ drone able to carry weapons, meaning it weighs more than 1,320 pounds.It has six hardpoints for up to 530 kilograms (1,168 pounds) of disposable stores; a 1,650-kilogram maximum takeoff weight; the option for an internal payload; indigenously developed avionics; anti-icing/deicing system a 1553 architecture dual-redundant flight control computer; and multiple sensor options, including electro-optical/infrared, synthetic aperture radar, communications intelligence and signals intelligence.

Engine configurations of 140 horsepower and 170 horsepower are available, both with a 300-kilometer line-of-sight and 3,000-kilometer beyond line-of-sight range. However, the 140-horsepower option has a 30,000-foot ceiling when rigged for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions and a 24-hour endurance, and a 28,000-foot ceiling and 17-hour endurance when armed.

The figures for the 170-horsepower variant are 41,000 feet and 40 hours, and 35,000 feet and 35 hours, respectively.

The engines are foreign, but GIDS did not disclose the origin. Shahpar III will be available for export next year after in-house trials, the organization said.


Global Defense & AeroSpace

04/08/2023

Russia Air Force to receive 60 units comprised second batch of Su57 at end of 2024, Russian Prime Minister.


Global Defense & AeroSpace

04/08/2023

Pakistan approves security pact with US, paving way for military hardware procurement

In a significant move, the federal cabinet has silently given nod to the security pact with the United States that may pave the way for Pakistan to procure military hardware from Washington DC, according to a report published by The Express Tribune.

On Wednesday, official sources informed The Express Tribune that the Pakistan cabinet through a circulation summary gave its approval for signing the Communication Interoperability and Security Memorandum of Agreement, known as the CIS-MOA between Pakistan and the US.

The CIS-MOA first was signed between the Joint Staff Headquarters of Pakistan and the US Department of Defence in October 2005 for 15 years. However, the agreement expired in 2020, ANI reported.

“The CIS-MOA is a foundational agreement that the US signs with its allies and countries with which it wants to maintain close military and defence ties. It also provides legal cover to the US Department of Defence for ensuring the sale of military equipment and hardware to other countries," the website read.

The security pact between Pakistan and the US indicates that the United States might sell some military hardware to Pakistan in the coming years, as per The Express Tribune reports.

In July this year, Pakistan and the United States agreed to enhance their bilateral ties in the defence field. A meeting was held between a top American general and Pakistan's army chief General Asim Munir to discuss the matter. They discussed matters of mutual interest, regional security situation and defence cooperation between the two nations.

“The visiting dignitary acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan Army’s successes in (the) fight against terrorism and Pakistan’s continued efforts for bringing peace and stability in the region," the statement said.

It stated that both sides reiterated the desire to further enhance bilateral relations in all fields.

Link: https://www.livemint.com/news/world/pakistan-approves-security-pact-with-us-paving-way-for-military-hardware-procurement-11691109860883.html

Global Defense & AeroSpace

04/08/2023

Türkiye ASFAT Showcases Heavily Armed AS3600 3680 ton displacement Frigate At IDEF 2023

AS3600 was unveiled by ASFAT for the first time in IDEF 2023. The model stands out with its extensive armament and sensors. It carries 32×2-cell vertical launch systems and 4×2 surface-to-surface missiles, which are expected to be increased to 4×4.

Speaking to Naval News, ASFAT officials stated that AS3600 is a conceptual design and there is no certain timeline for the project yet. “When we materialize it into something more concrete, we will see how the host navies will define it,” said Mr Sinan Topuz, an ex-Navy Captain, and Director of Strategy and Business Development of ASFAT Inc.

According to the company’s brochure, AS3600 has a high survivability feature for the agile and flexible response to operational requirements. The stealth design provides a low radar cross section (RCS), and the configuration can be modified in accordance with the required principle warfare.

The AS3600 will be 124 meters long, 14.42 meters wide and have a displacement of about 3680 tons. The propulsion configuration will be based on the CODAG (Combined Diesel and Gas Turbines) principle, consisting of two diesel engines and a gas turbine unit, which will give the ship a speed of more than 26 knots.

The range of the AS3600 will be 4500 nautical miles with 18 knots, with a 30 days of endurance at sea. The frigate will also have CBRN protection system.

The weapon suite includes two VLS units both have 32 cells, two quadruple launchers for anti-ship missiles, a 76 mm forward gun, Gökdeniz CIWS, a RAM equivalent point defence missile system (probably Roketsan Levent), torpedo launchers, and two 25 mm RWSs.

AS3600 will be compatible with network-centric operations thanks to ADVENT combat management system developed by HAVELSAN. The sensors coupled to the CMS as follows;

▪︎3D search radar
▪︎EO sensors including IRST
▪︎Fire Control and Illumination radars
▪︎Navigation and LPI (Low Probability of Intercept) radars
▪︎EW suite (ESM&ECM)
▪︎Torpedo Countermeasure system
▪︎Decoy systems
▪︎Laser Warning System
▪︎Hull mounted sonar


Global Defense & AeroSpace

03/08/2023

Pakistan on its way to partnership with Türkiye in National Combat Aircraft Kaan

Pakistan is on the way to become a partner in Turkey's National Combat Aircraft Programme. Deputy Minister of National Defense Celal Sami Tüfekçi announced the development.

Tariq, the fourth and last corvette manufactured under the PN MİLGEM Project, was launched in Karachi, Pakistan today. Delivering a speech at the ceremony, Deputy Minister of National Defense Celal Sami Tüfekçi made important statements about the National Combat Aircraft Program.

In a statement made by Tüfekçi, “We will soon meet with our Pakistani counterparts to officially include Pakistan in our National Combat Aircraft (KAAN) this month. Currently, 200 officials are already involved in the development program.” statements were included.

■Azerbaijan has just joined Kaan Aircraft Program

At the margin of IDEF'23 , Azerbaijan decided to join the National Combat Aircraft Program and a cooperation agreement was signed. The first foreign participant of the program was thus Azerbaijan.

On the other hand, at the IDEF'23 fair last week, TAI signed a cooperation agreement with Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra on Structural Parts Production.

■Detailed Program Schedule of MMU KAAN Aircraft

The date on which the initial conditions, called T0, of the National Combat Aircraft KAAN, were fulfilled, 2018.

Within the scope of Phase-1 Phase-1, preliminary design activities of KAAN were carried out between 2018-2022.

Within the scope of Phase-1 Phase-2, detailed design and qualification activities of MMU KAAN will be carried out in the 2022-2029 period. In this direction, KAAN; He left the hangar in 2023. By 2026, it is aimed to produce 3 prototypes.

The Block-10 configuration, which will be delivered to the Air Force Command, is expected to be developed until 2029. 10 TF-X Blok-1 fighter jets to be produced within the scope of Phase-2 will be delivered to the Turkish Air Force between 2030-2033. However, this date announced by the Turkish Air Force was revised as 2028 by TAI.

Within the scope of Phase-3 between 2034-2040, the development and mass production activities of other TF-X blocks will be carried out. This date was revised as 2030 by TAI.


Global Defense & AeroSpace

28/07/2023

Republic of Korea Air Force and French Air Force conducted the first ever bilateral exercise between 25 and 26 July 2023.

2x A-400M Atlas transport aircraft, 1x A330 tanker aircraft, and 2x Rafale fighters from the French Air Force. They were joined by 3x F-15K Slam Eagle and 2x KF-16 for aerial training.

Both Air Forces have participated in international exercises before, but this is the first time they have carried out a bilateral exercise. Both forces also used the occasion commemorate the 70th anniversary since the Korean War armistice was signed.


Global Defense & AeroSpace

28/07/2023

Pakistani official eyes cooperation with Türkiye on UAVs, advanced fighters

together for more than two decades, the Pakistani secretary for defense production added that the two countries will consolidate their work and look ahead to new fields, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and advanced fighters.

Turkish-Pakistani relations have expanded "exponentially" over the last decade, Humayun Aziz told Anadolu Agency (AA).

He stressed that Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), Pakistani Karachi Shipyard, and Turkish defense firm STM have established ties.

Karachi Shipyard and STM are building Milgem Plus warships in Pakistan, and the two countries will work on submarines as well, he underlined during the 16th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) in Istanbul, Türkiye's commercial capital.

He added that new frontiers include unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and advanced fighters, "because we are already progressing a lot in submarine and ship-building."

Türkiye and Pakistan are also cooperating militarily in regard to small arms and other projects, he noted.

■Working on new capabilities

On the technological aspect, the two countries have a good understanding and are working on certain advanced designs, Aziz said.

He said, "The defense industry is actively cooperating with us for work on new design capabilities which also includes artificial intelligence and new techniques."

On the current IDEF defense fair, which runs through Friday, Aziz said the event is growing in strength.

"Our relations are continuous, but definitely these exhibitions provide us with an opportunity to assess a lot of products on one platform in one day," he highlighted.

He said many people visited Pakistan's pavilion at the event, adding, "We have some tremendous missile, aircraft, (and) unmanned combat vehicle technology capabilities. So I see a lot of interest from people in things we are presenting."

https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/pakistani-official-eyes-cooperation-with-turkiye-on-uavs-advanced-fighters

Global Defense & AeroSpace