Neo

To avoid spamming and insignifant threads, lets discuss military updates here.
Thanks!

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Administrator @ Defence.pk

Neo

The Bush Administration has said it tentatively planned to let Pakistan buy the self-propelled howitzer artillery pieces as well as related gear and services valued at up to 56 million dollars.

The sale of M109A5 howitzers would not affect the basic military balance in the region, the Pentagon's Defence Security Cooperation Agency said in a notice to Congress on Friday.

The big guns at issue are in the US Army's current inventory, said Jose Ibarra, an agency spokesman.

The total value of the deal, if all options are exercised, could be as high as 56 million dollars, the notice to Congress said.

Such notice is required by law. Congress has the power to block such a government-to-government arms sale but has never done so. No contractor would be involved in the deal.

Pakistan currently operates an earlier-generation self-propelled howitzer, the M109A2. It would use the newer model to re-equip existing units and retire older artillery pieces, the Pentagon said.

The sale would help Pakistan enhance "internal command and control of the mountain range bordering its country," the notice said.

It said a US technical assistance team and a US government quality assurance team would spend a year to check out the howitzers.

In addition, a US technical assistance team would take part in "program management and technical reviews" twice annually for two weeks at a time, the Pentagon said.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/7...0500020007.htm

Endangered

PIA flight lands at Air Force base in Karachi

KARACHI: A Boeing 737 landed at the Faisal Base of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) instead of Quaid-i-Azam International Airport here, official sources said.

The sources said that the Dubai-Karachi flight PK-214 of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) carrying 142 passengers landed at the PAF base owing to pilot’s error and negligence of the air traffic controller at the Jinnah terminal.

The Boeing 737 is one of the five aircraft recently acquired by the PIA on wet lease from a Turkish company mainly for Haj operation. The aircraft carries the monogram of the Turkish company.

The sources said an inquiry had been initiated by the Civil Aviation Authority and the Turkish pilot, Erol Kastar, was sent to a pathological laboratory where his blood samples were obtained for test.

Under the international aviation rules a pilot is not allowed to fly if he or she has more than 20 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. The rules ban pilots from having alcohol eight hours before reporting for duty.

The sources said that the PIA flight, which had the Turkish crew including a woman co-pilot, landed at the Faisal Base on Friday.

The security officials at the base immediately cordoned off the aircraft, which was later allowed to take off for the Quaid-i-Azam International Airport.

The sources said that the pilot contacted the radar approach controller when the plane was around 50 miles from Karachi for vectoring.

The aircraft was around four miles away from the Karachi airport when the pilot informed the radar controller that he was visible with the runway, they added.

The sources said that the radar approach controller asked the pilot to change over his frequency to the control tower for landing instructions. The pilot contacted the tower controller, who gave him clearance for landing after ascertaining that the pilot could see the runway. However, the pilot landed the plane on the PAF base.

“The pilot seems to be unfamiliar with the layout of the Quaid-i-Azam International Airport, or he was not imparted necessary training by PIA,” they added.

The sources said that the pilot might have confused the runway of the Karachi airport with that of the PAF Faisal Base due to a recent change in the direction of landing and take off. Aircraft usually land from the Malir side, they said.

Insiders said the tower controller gave clearance to the pilot without actually seeing the aircraft.

They said the air traffic controller was apparently overworked due to the extraordinary security arrangements on the runway for the prime minister’s plane, which was expected to arrive a couple of hours later.

The sources said air traffic controllers were already overburdened due to staff shortage and many of them were not even getting their weekly offs for the past 25 days.

Meanwhile, a PIA spokesman said: “A Boeing 737 aircraft owned by MNG and flown by Turkish company pilots, on wet lease to PIA, flying from Dubai to Karachi, inadvertently landed safely at the PAF Faisal Base. The cockpit crew had been withdrawn from flying duties with PIA.” - Internews

Source

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Wild Wild Web

Samudra

Neo,

Copy Cat.
Killed a Rat.
Tell your mother to make you fat!

Samudra

Endangered

Pakistani Army on offensive in Balochistan

Quetta: Pakistani security forces backed by helicopter gunships have launched an operation against tribal rebels in the troubled province of Balochistan. Army spokesman Gen Shaukat Sultan told journalists the operation was targeted exclusively at "miscreant hideouts".

There are unconfirmed reports of casualties from Kohlu, a town 220km (135 miles) south-east of Quetta. The operation follows rocket attacks last week on military camps and army officers in the area.

Gas-rich Balochistan has seen months of violence as tribal groups push for greater political and economic rights.

Hundreds detained

Balach Marri, a provincial MP for the Kohlu area, said he had reports that a number of people had been killed in the raids - although he could not confirm the exact number. "The army has arrested hundreds of innocent people in the operation, which is still going on, and in which jet fighters and helicopter gunships are participating," he told the Associated Press news agency.

Local residents say security forces carried out aerial attacks on targets in the Jindran, Tilli and Pir Mahmood areas of Kohlu district. Gen Shaukat Sultan denied there had been raids on villages, and said he had no details of any casualties.

"It is only their [militant's] camps that are being targeted," he said.

Roadblocks

Meanwhile, the BBC's Aziz Khan in Quetta says the atmosphere is also reported to be tense in Dera Bugti, which adjoins Kohlu and is a major gas producing area in Pakistan.

The town of Sui, which houses major oil and gas installations, has been sealed off. Paramilitary forces have set up roadblocks between Sui and Dera Bugti. The head of Pakistan's Frontier Corps and his deputy were wounded after shots were fired at their helicopter in Balochistan province last week.

They had been inspecting an area where separatists had earlier fired rockets during a visit by President Musharraf.

Neo

Grrrrrrr......watch out for the fat cat

Read my first post in this thrad

Neo

Tuesday, 20 December , 2005, 15:56

Islamabad: A 19-year-old Sikh youth has become the first one from the minority community to become an officer in Pakistan Army.
Harcharan Singh, hailing from the historical Nankana Sahib in Lahore province, cleared the Inter Services Selection Board (ISSB) examinations for military services in his second sitting this year.

"It was the happiest moment in my life when I came to know about my selection in the Army. I am privileged to have this honour, which none of my predecessors could ever achieve," Harcharan was quoted as saying by the 'Dawn' newspaper on Tuesday.



Though many Christians were serving in the Pakistan military, neither a Hindu nor a Sikh could ever get selected to the army services since the country's inception, the paper said.

Singh, who has passed FSc (a pre-engineering course), was a little "sceptical" this year while attending the ISSB preliminary exams thinking that such tests were "not meant for Sikhs" as he could not get through last year.

"This year I got through the preliminary phase and appeared in the ISSB test. However, I was mentally prepared to take admission in BA Architecture," he said.

He said fellow Sikhs were "really felt proud" about him when they heard the news. "My selection has changed a perception and now people believe that young Sikhs have a fair chance to join the country's most prestigious institutions."

http://sify.com/news/international/f...hp?id=14054020

Neo

ARTICLE (December 22 2005): Heavy military spending and arms race are discouraged the world over. However one sees that countries, specially those having no need to acquire more and more sophisticated military armament are still doing so, spending millions on the same.

On the other hand, Pakistan has been opposed even for trying to fulfil its minimal defence requirements. The massive task of rehabilitation and reconstruction of October 8 quake-victims provided an excuse to certain quarters at the national and the international level, who have had always scant respect for the Pakistan security needs, to ask for the cancellation of its deal with the US for the purchase of F-16 aircraft badly needed by the PAF.

The deferment of the deal by the government has been though acclaimed by the interested quarters, yet it is has caused concern for many regarding the security needs of the motherland. For Pakistan it was a big question of do or not-to-do. And though the decision was taken keeping in view the rehabilitation of the quake-victims, which is certainly the top-most priority of the government, one cannot totally relegate the defence requirements of the country.

There are many factors to be considered seriously regarding the acquisition of the military equipment by Pakistan, especially the much-needed fighter jets.

It is too well known a fact that Pakistan has never been in confrontation with other countries, rather our quest for the military equipment is always aimed at safe-guarding the country against any aggression by an adversary and maintaining a semblance of the balance of power in the region, as allowed by its meagre means.

On the international front we have had no conflict with any country, which unfortunately cannot be said for the subcontinental arena. Without going into the causes of these skirmishes and confrontations, or who is to be blamed for these, we would like to forget and forgive them as the undesirable events of the past. And we expect the same from India too which has also no conflict with any other country at the international level and is too strong for all the countries in the region put together.

It is, therefore, quite perplexing to see the way she is arming her armed forces with the latest and most lethal war equipment. One cannot help ask the question, "against whom is she increasing her military might which is already 5 to 7 times of Pakistan's military strength - supposedly the next strongest country in the region?".

It would not be out of place if just to elaborate the point a stock of only one of the Indian armed forces - the Indian Air Force - is taken.

-- The Indian Air Force is the world's fourth largest air force, has five Operational Commands, over 500 helicopters and more than 1700 aircraft.

-- Just about two months back in October India has been offered Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet. According to reports the EADS (European Aeronautics and Defence Systems) is pitching for its multi-role Eurofighter Typhoon--a truly multi-role, suitable for air defence, bombing and air superiority missions-- sale to India.

EADS also participated in the advanced light helicopter project in late eighties, in October last in briefings to the Indian government, offered to take India on board its fifth generation fighter aircraft project, which is far well advanced than the Russian project, and the first Typhoons could be delivered by 2006.

According to the EADS team executives, the aircraft can be entirely produced in India and it would be involved right from R and D stage, if it (India) chooses to deal with EASD.

-- During the same month (October 2005) according to reports Indian Air Force planned to increase the number of Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) and plans to buy 200 of them.

-- The Indian cabinet committee on Security, which clears major defence programmes, in October, accepted the Air Force's proposal to increase the number from the original 126, for which a request for information already has been sent to the overseas vendors. The value of the original contract was $5 billion: the revised plan brings the combined value of one or more contracts to $8.5 billion.

-- The reports quoting a senior Defence Ministry official said the Air Force plans to phase out 60 of its 140 Jaguar aircraft in the next five years, by which time MMRCAs would start arriving. The additional planes will replace more Jaguars, MiG-23s, and some squadrons of MiG-27s.

-- A request for information for the initial 126 planes was sent to Lockheed Martin for its F-16, Saab for the JAS 39 Gripen, Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG (RAC MiG) for the MiG-29 SMT, and Dassault Aviation for the Mirage 2000-5. Boeing also has offered its F/A-18 aircraft for consideration, as has RAC MiG for the MiG-35, as reported by India defence site.

-- Another matter of concern for us is that India and the United States have entered into a new strategic partnership, with Washington agreeing to provide nuclear and space technology for civilian use. The purchase of the F-16 or F/A-18 would signal the beginning of a new defence relationship between India and the United States, said Surya Pal Singh, a retired Indian Air Force air commodore.

-- He added that the purchase of two types of MMRCAs not only will help speed up acquisition of the aircraft, it also may help the Air Force acquire American aircraft, which have been offered with the latest radar, Singh said.

-- "India wants as part of the MMRCA package the US Active Electronically Scanned Array radar as well as new-generation missiles", the Defence Ministry official said.

-- Recently IAF has ordered 150 fourth-generations Su-30MK and most will be produced in India under a technology transfer agreement with Russia, besides it will be getting Israeli Phalcon AWACS advanced surveillance.

By looking at the IAF structure we can clearly observe that of its five operational air commands, two are directly of concern to us as its Western Air Command with headquarters in Delhi being the prime one, is responsible for air operations from occupied Kashmir southwards to Rajasthan, including the capital and Punjab, with an Operations Group dedicated for occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including Ladakh.

The second one is South Western Air Command, at Jodhpur, which is responsible for air operations in most of Rajasthan, southwards through Gujrarat to Saurashtra and the Kutch area.

The IAF five Operational Commands through administrative Wings, control some 45 fixed-wing squadrons, 20 helicopter units and numerous surface -to- air missile squadrons, with unit establishments varying from 12 to 18 aircraft. This represents total aircraft strength of nearly 1,700.

In such a situation we should not appear indifferent to our security needs and press the government for rolling back the purchase of F-16 and not to buy the Swedish Erieye aircraft will be highly irresponsible as it will render the nation vulnerable to enemy's attack.

If we at all are bent upon sparing money for social activities then why those opposing and ignoring the defence needs, are not forcing the government to quash import of two VVIP business jets, including an airbus for Prime Minister's foreign trips.

According to reports the first of these two, a used 12-seater Gulf Stream business jet costing $28 million is likely to arrive in Pakistan this month. The agreement envisages its buyback by the supplier for $22 million after two years and its replacement with a newer version for $33 million; hence the net additional cost will be $11 million after two years.

Earlier we had inflicted losses of millions on national exchequer by importing 40 Mercedes cars for the vulnerable ministers. The so-called ministers can travel without luxury vehicles but the country's defence cannot be put at stake in any case.

Similarly millions could be saved by shelving the construction of the new GHQ complex at Islamabad when a fully operational GHQ is available nearby at Rawalpindi.

We had been trying for the acquisition of F-16 for nearly 15 years and it was only after 9/11 that the US has had a change of heart about them for Pakistan. Most of the payment for the jet fighters has already been made to the USA so there is no justification for backing out of the deal now. By her unstinted support to US for its war on terror Pakistan has already ensured that there might not be another 9/11, and another most favourable time for Pakistan to take advantage of to fulfil the minimum requirement of its air force.

Jay

I guess we can discuss here, not just posting articles, anyway,

Can the author get down on the floor for a minute? 1948, 1965, 1999 was indeed started by Pakistan. So lets not bull$hit.

Come on, Pakistan or India for that matter cannot pick fights in the international front. Simply put we dont have the means to pick a fight well away from the borders, only 1 or 2 countries can do that.

Is it surprising? Army is to fight and to fight to win you need cutting edge equipement. India is just doing that.

Why doesnt Pakistanis question China and the way they modernize their defence forces?

I guess the author couldve just said what he expects from the Govt rather than this mudslide against India. India is not a boogey man!!!

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A grain of wheat eclipsed the sun of Adam !!

Endangered

Pakistan, Germany agree to expand defence cooperation

Islamabad, Dec 22 : Pakistan and Germany today agreed to further boost cooperation in the area of defence and counter terrorism.

A decision to this effect was taken at the formal talks between the visiting German Defence Minister Franzz-Josef Jung and his Pakistani counterpart Rao Sikandar Iqbal.

The two ministers also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for protection of classified military information.

''We want to further strengthen our bilateral relations,'' Mr Jung told reporters after meeting Mr Iqbal.

He said the talks he had and signing of the MoU showed desire of the two countries to further intensify defence cooperation.

Mr Jung added his country has already helped Pakistan in the area of military education and training which, he said, will continue in future.

More than 250 Pakistani military officers attended different courses in Germany over the years.

The German minister said Pakistan and his country have a common responsibility in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

''We will further strengthen cooperation in this year as Pakistan has to play a lead role in the operation enduring freedom.'' Earlier, on return from a day-long visit to Kabul, Mr Jung told reporters at the PAF base at Chaklala that the German troops and two of their four CH-53 helicopters will stay back in Pakistan till February even after withdrawal of NATO troops performing relief operations in the quake-hit areas.

''We will assess the ground situation after February and ensure that necessary help is there if it is needed,'' he added.

The 1100-strong NATO troops are to return to their headquarters by January 21 on completion of their 90 day mandatory stay in Pakistan.

Mr Jung said his country would continue assisting Pakistani government in relief operations.

Germany had pledged 101.6 million dollars during last November's international donors conference, which had committed over 6 billion dollars for reconstruction and rehabilitation.

Srirangan

I don't mind being fat either. Neo, send me some kabaabs.

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I rant, therefore I am.

Neo

Come and have dinner at my place any time you like.
I make the best Kashmiri Reshmi Kabab in the family.
I'll serve it with Bohri Biryani, Sindhi Hara Raita and Allahbadi Kachumber

Neo

ISLAMABAD: The national flag will proudly wave atop a Pakistani ship in the Arabian Sea when the country takes over command of the Coalition Maritime Security (CMS) in April 2006.

The duration of the command will be nearly five months and this will be the first time that Pakistan will be sharing the honour with world navies to command the coalition of an international maritime force.

The region's aspiring naval power, India, is not included in the Maritime Coalition, which also includes nine naval powers such as the United States, Britain and Germany.

"Indeed this is a big honour. The task of the CMS will be two-fold, i.e. to carry out anti-terrorist activities to ensure that terrorists do not use the sea for travelling and also to ensure a role in anti-narcotics activities," DG ISPR General Shaukat Sultan told The News.

At present, the Pakistan Army has its hands full while contributing in the war against terrorism in Waziristan and fighting back militants in Balochistan. While the Pakistan Air Force has also played a limited role in the war against terrorism, this will be the first time that the "Men in White" will play such a leading international role in the maritime part of the war against terrorism.

Some in the government are a bit upset that German Defence Minister Dr Franz-Josef Jung stole their thunder and they were denied the chance of making a formal announcement.

"The brief is ready and we are going to make an announcement at an appropriate time" is how one official in the Navy commented.

He was hesitant to give details of Pakistan's role in the CMS as the brief had not been cleared as yet for the public.

It is rather surprising that though the German defence minister hinted at Pakistan's role and the Ministry of Defence gave details of the CMS, the Pakistan Navy chose to still wait for an appropriate time. It would have certainly helped its image if it had then immediately released details to media.

While the decision by Pakistan to command the CMS was taken about two months ago, the modalities are still being worked out. The name of the rear admiral who will lead the CMS is still awaiting approval by the Pakistan Navy.

Western defence sources say the rear admiral will be shore-based at the operational headquarters in Bahrain, while a captain will be at the helm of the Pakistani ship. The Pakistani contingent will comprise about 300 officers and sailors.

http://jang.com.pk/thenews/dec2005-d...ain/main16.htm

Neo

New Delhi, December 21: Pakistani Army troops are building bunkers, observation towers and new posts in close proximity to the international border, including Barmer, Jaisalmer and Bikaner, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Wednesday.

Minister of State for Home S Raghupathy said in a written reply that though construction and improvement of defences, including setting up of new posts along the border, is an ongoing process, Pakistani activities are being closely monitored and suitable remedial measures are being adopted to deny advantages to the adversary.