Pakistan Navy

INTRODUCTION

Pakistan Navy is the naval force of the Pakistan Armed Forces. Its tasks are to defend coastal waters and offshore economic resources; and secure sea lines of communication and protect the merchant fleet. The Pakistan Navy is small but is highly motivated professional naval force, operationally capable of defending Pakistan coastline

HISTORY

The Royal Pakistan Navy was born on 14th August 1947 on the independence day of Pakistan. As the partitioned occurred between India and Pakistan, Armed Forces Reconstruction Committee (AFRC) divided the Royal Indian Navy between India and Pakistan. The Royal Pakistan Navy was handed two sloops, two frigates, four minesweepers, two trawlers, four harbour launches with some 3580 personnel consisted of 180 officers and 3400 ratings.

In 1956, The Islamic Republic of Pakistan was proclaimed under the 1956 constitution. The prefix Royal was dropped and the service re-designated as Pakistan Navy. Pakistan Navy Jack and Pakistani Flag replaced the Queen’s color and the white ensign respectively

PRESENT

Today Pakistan Navy is one of the most professional naval forces in the world. It has more than 22,000 personnel and other 5,000 in reserve. The Pakistan Navy surface fleet is compromised of various squadrons according to the types of ships in service. Pakistan Navy currently operates 6 Amazon Type 21 Class destroyers, one Leander class frigate (training), 3 French Eridan Class mine hunter vessels, 4 Jalalat Class missile boats, including variety of other latest auxiliaries, tankers, missiles and patrol boats.

While the current surface fleet may not look good enough as the other modern navies continue to enjoy new ships and technology. The navy was able to succeed in upgrading these ships to modern standards technology. However, Pakistan Navy does operate one of the most advanced diesel-powered submarines in the world, French Agosta-90B currently two in service while the last one is under sea trials and close to be operational. Other than that Pakistan operates two Agosta-70 class submarines and three midget class submarines.

The Pakistan Navy Aviation wing may look small compare to the Army Aviation, however it does play significant role in the navy and will surely do so in the time of conflict. Pakistan Naval Aviation currently operates 3 Westland Lynx, 6 Westland Sea King Mk45, 8 Aerospatiale SA-319B Alouette III, 4 Lockheed P-3C Orion, 8 Fokker F27-200, 2-3 Breguet Atlantique I, and special wing of Mirage V anti-ship fighter aircrafts operated by Pakistan Air Force

FUTURE

As per by the approval of Armed Forces Development Programme 2019 (AFFDP-2019), launched by the government of Pakistan. Pakistan Navy will be able to modernize itself into one of the modern navies in the world replacing, inducting and manufacturing different naval equipment to insure that it is able to take the new challenges facing our nation.

In the surface fleet, Pakistan Navy is going to induct newly built 4 F-22p Zulfiqar Class (Modernized Type 053H3 Jiangwei II) frigates. Pakistan Navy also has officially put up a formal request for six Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates to augment its surface fleet while consideration of 4 modern corvettes to be built alongside with F-22p in Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KS&EW) is in the process. The competitors for modern corvettes may be French DCN Gowind 120, German TKMS MEKO A-100/D, and Turkish Milgem corvettes. The navy also plans to manufacture and procure additional mine hunters, tankers, missile and patrol boats.

In the submarine fleet, as all the Daphne class submarines of the Pakistan Navy have retired. Pakistan needs more submarines to meet its requirements as per by that. Pakistan Navy is currently in negotiation for French Marlin and German U-214 submarines, while U-214 being most likely the choice.

In the naval aviation, Pakistan Navy will receive 6 Z-9C anti-ship/sub helicopters with F-22p frigates, while it plans to induct 6 more P-3C Orion aircraft out of eight ordered. Pakistan Navy also plans to induct three Hawkeye 2000 airborne early warning systems based on P-3C Orion aircrafts, and might also induct dedicated JF-17 fighter for naval role

Pakistan Air Force

Andrew Brookes analyses the Pakistan Air Force which, with the lifting of a Western arms embargo, is in the process of modernisation.
                Formed on August 15, 1947, with only a handful of aircrafts and men, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) now compromises around 330 combat aircrafts and 45,000 uniformed personnel. Under the Chief and Vice Chief of Air Staff., PAF Air HQ has five Deputy Chiefs responsible for operations, engineering, personnel, administration and training respectively. Geographically, the PAF is divided into three regional commands – Northern (HQ at Peshawar), Central (HQ at Sargodha) and Southern (HQ at Masroor, Karachi). These serve as the equivalent of the RAF Fighter Command groups during the Battle of Britain. Within the Commands are four sector operations centres (SOCs) – North (Peshawar), West (Quetta), Centre (Sargodha) and South (Karachi) – with seven subordinate control and reporting centres. As in so many other ways, if you want to see how the British military once did business, you need to look no further than the Indian subcontinent.

The PAF has nine main operating bases that are fully functional in both peace and wartime. These are supplemented by eleven forward bases which become fully operational in time of war, nine forward attack bare bases while the 211-mile (340km) long M-2 motorway has dispersal strips in the Swedish Air Force fashion.

The PAF has some 22 combat squadrons, six squadrons flying Aerospatiale Alouette IIIs on search and rescue/liaison duties and a composite air transport wing. Pakistan Naval Aviation looks after maritime air operations with Lockheed martin P-3C Orions, Breguet Atlantics, Fokker F-27s, Westland Sea King Mk45s, Westland Lynx HAS3 and Alouette IIIs. Pakistan Army Aviation Corps flies a mixture of fixed and rotary wing aircraft in close support of ground operations. Its main firepower is provided by Bell AH-1s Cobras.

Perceived Threat & Global Challenge

From its creation, Pakistan has believed itself ‘stuck between a rock and a hard place”. Although it shares a border with China, the most populous nation on earth, what really matters in the relationship with India. In 1947 the departing British craved India into Muslim and Hindu majority states. It was a bloody business and as Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs turned on each other, around a million people died and 17 million fled to which ever state offered them the security of majority status. This legacy explains why Pakistan devotes a s crushing share of its resources to defense. The country has been on a war footing for the whole of its existence, and has been ruled by military governments for around half that time. India’s obsession with Pakistan is less intense, but the sense of siege each instills in the other palpable. It is arguable that abiding disputes with India over Jammu and Kashmir, the Siachen glacier and control of Kashmir are what keep Pakistan together, but the idea of standing ready to deter any malign Indian intent is what underpins PAF doctrine and strategy.

During three weeks last September the PAF carried out Exercise High Mark 2005. This involved all major PAF main and forward operating bases and the scenario centered on air operations against increasing Indian Air Force (IAF) activity over the hilly terrain of Kashmir. The PAF commands divided their aircraft to form ‘Blue’ (PAF) and ‘Fox’ (IAF) Forces, and the PAF simulated the use of AIM-9P/L, R-550 Magic, R-Darter, Exocet, Maverick and cluster bomb weaponry. Two operation headquarters were set up from where ‘Blue and ‘Fox’ air forces engaged in simulated fully-fledged actions in concert with ground troops and army aviation. During High Mark 2005, Pakistani aircrews flew over 8,000 sorties.

The Pakistani strategy was defensive in nature, and aimed to culminate on a favorable note to give political leaders an edge on the negotiation table. The PAF is in no position to do other than make any opponent think long and hard before attacking. The IAF outnumbers it in uniformed personnel by some 4:1, and the ratio is high when it comes to modern, latest technology aircrafts of which the Indian Sukhoi Su-30MKI Flanker and Dassault Mirage 2000H have deeper penetration capabilities. The IAF is also bless with larger reserves, a greater beyond visual range (BVR) capacity, a larger inventory of specialist weapons, and unchallenged strategic reconnaissance capability, more surface-to-surface missiles, more potent terminal defenses, up to three times as many attack helicopters, a much superior air lift capability, satellite facilities and stealth technology. That said, the Pakistan media took it for granted that of course ‘Blue’ forces will have the quality and training edge over the ‘Fox’ forces, plus the vision and the planning capacities of the PAF leadership will serve as a booster.

During the Cold War, non-aligned India was regarded as pro-USSR while Pakistan enjoyed a close relationship with the US and France. French Mirages entered service with the PAF in 1967, and subsequent orders followed in the 1970s. In general terms, Dessault Mirage IIIs are high-speed, all weather, long-range interceptors and flight-bombers while Mirage 5s are ground attack derivations. In 1990, the PAF received 43 second-hand Mirage IIIs and Vs from France. The US provided 40 Lockheed Martin F-16A/B Fighting Falcons in the 1980s and the PAF ordered another batch in 1990, but delivery was blocked by the US Congress to punish the Pakistanis for their nuclear weapon development programme.

India and Pakistan currently have around 40 nuclear warheads apiece. The two nations are going head-to-head in developing ballistic missile delivery system capable of covering each other’s territory. Until Pakistan’s Shaheen II missile with its 1.080nm (2,000km) range enters service. PAF F-16s and Mirage 5s are the long-range nuclear platforms.

As the smaller nation, Pakistan cannot afford to engage in an attack with India. Unlike India, Pakistan does not have a tri-service Strategic Forces Command. Pakistani warheads and army’s or air force delivery systems are based separately. Its minimum nuclear deterrence relies on conventional forces holding the line for as long as it takes for nuclear warheads to be deployed forward and loaded as the PAF lacks a quick reaction alert capability. A PAF F-16s and Mirage 5s are not as potent as their IAF Mikoyan MIG-27M Flogger, Mirage 2000H and Su-30MKI equivalents. Pakistani deterrence relies on qualitative upgrades and survivability. High Mark 05 culminated in testing Pakistan’s nuclear operational preparedness.

“These past 15 years have been particularly difficult as we had no access to contemporary technology and lacked the resources to launch major acquisition programmes,” admitted Ex Air Chief Marshal Kaleem Saadat, Ex-Commander in Chief PAF, in a recent interview. “So this was a period of improvisation and struggle as the PAF sought to maintain a combat capability with adequate deterrent value.” Faced with the Western embargo, Pakistan turned to China as its principal arms supplier, from whom it had already obtained Chengdu F-7P and F-7G multirole fighters and Nanchang A-5III close air support ground attack aircraft. The F-7 is the Mig-21 Fishbed built under Chinese licensed manufacture, and the PAF acquired 55 of the latest F-7PG medium technology variants from 2002 to keep its aircrew current pending the introduction of more capable platforms and weapon systems.

During the period of sanctions, Pakistan felt sidelined as its Indian neighbor received more advanced combat aircrafts, plus new capabilities such as airborne early warning and control aircraft, air-to-air refueling, balloon-borne surveillance radars, real-time reconnaissance through unmanned air vehicles, beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air weapons, and frequency-hopping and secure radio communications. Consequently, the PAF relied on self-help and collaboration. Pakistani technicians modified the South African T-Darter medium-range, active radar-guided air-to-air missiles (AAM) into the H-4 BVR missile capable operating out to a reported distance of 65nm (120km). A lighter infra-red version, the H-2 was designed to hit targets out to 32nm (60km). H-2 and H-4 can be carried by Mirages, with the former comparable to the Python 4 and the H-4 to the AA-12 Adder in the IAF arsenal.

Pakistan has also developed a cruise missile system – unsubtly named ‘Babur’ after Mogul emperor who invaded India five times – with rumored design help from Chinese or Ukrainian engineers as well as some help from Turkey. This high-speed, lo level terrain hugging missile is said to have a 270nm (500km) range and either a conventional or nuclear warhead. Babur initially is capable of being launched by land and submarine launch, but the longer term goal is to make it an air-to-surface weapon.
Pakistan Air Force

The state-owned Pakistan Aeronautical Complex is rightly proud of its Karakoram-8 (K-8) co-produced with China, and Super Mushak developed from the Swedish Saab MF1-17. The K-8 tandem-seat basic jet trainer has been sold to eight Middle East countries while the 260hp (194kW) single piston-engined Super Mushak light primary trainer has been sold to Saudi Arabia and Oman. The PAF has recently signed a contract for 27 K-8s to add to the 12 it already possesses. In future, the PAF flying training system will compromise the MF1-17 Mushshak in primary, the K-8 in basic and the dual-seat version of the JF-17 in the lead-in-fighter-training role.

In 1999, China and Pakistan agreed on a 50-50 joint development of the FC-1/Super 7, later to be known as the JF-17 Thunder. Designed to match the Indian Light Combat Aircraft, the JF-17 is expected to be in full production by the end of the decade. The PAF is understood to be interested in purchasing 150+ of these fourth generation, multi-role agile light fighters to replace all its F-7s, Mirages and A-5IIIs by 2020. Five JF-17s prototypes now exist and this fully fly-by-wire aircraft has a maximum speed of Mach 1.8. Although of shorter range than the F-16, the JF-17 will have an all-weather navigation and attack capability, will carry a full range of ordnance and be able to engage at all speeds and altitudes. The fairing on its fin tip may be an electronic countermeasures housing. Although the JF-17 may be initially armed with less capable Chinese weaponry, such as the semi-active radar guided PL-11 AAM. “As part of the JF-17 programme we will be able to train engineers and pilots in the field of aircraft design, development, manufacturing and flight testing. This will contribute towards indigenization, self-reliance in meeting the country’s defense requirement and enhancement of economic prosperity of Pakistan, which is totally in line with the government’s policy and our national aspiration,” said Air Chief Marshal Saadat.

The Way Forward

It is an ill wind that blows nobody any good, and ‘9/11’ certainly marked a turn for the better for Pakistan. When Karachi decided to support Washington in the global war on terror, the Bush administration, together with other Western governments, erased sanctions on sophisticated weaponry. American officials were also haunted by the possibility that a nuclear-armed Pakistan could, if isolated from western support, become a breeding ground for international terrorism and a fomenter of regional instability. In the words of Air Chief Marshal Saadat: “The country obtained economic assistance, debt rescheduling and favorable trade conditions. This saw the Pakistan Government embark on a planned development of its armed forces and the PAF was granted a major allocation of resources.”

This is not before time. On August 25, 2005, a PAF Mirage crashed near the town of Badin, 105 miles (169km) east of Karachi. The pilot was able to eject safely and an air force spokesman gave ‘technical reasons’ as being responsible for the accident. Asked about frequent PAF crashes, the Commander-in-Chief PAF admitted that the attrition rate “was a bit high” and they had lost some aircraft at low level. He said the ageing Mirages were over 30 years old and the PAF was facing problems in acquiring spares because Dessault had stopped production of some components. However, Pakistan could not ground these aircraft because they formed part of the nuclear deterrent.

This explains why the PAF bough 50 Mirages, 150 sealed pack engines and a huge quantity of Mirage spares from Libya for cash in 2004. Like Pakistan, Libya owned Mirage IIIs and Vs but, although these were in excellent condition, the Libyan Air Force had been dormant for sometime following sanctions imposed after the Boeing 747 was blown up over Lockerbie. With the ex-Libyan airframes, Pakistan now operates more Mirages than the French Air Force. Most of the Libyan aircraft, however, are being cannibalized for spare parts to sustain the PAF fleet of Mirages for the next seven to ten years. Given that the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) likened its Mirages with their rudimentary avionics to ‘Sopwith Camels with reheat’.

Pakistan also plans a phased upgrade and refurbishment of its oldest Mirages with new radars and avionics. Indeed work is underway for the avionics upgrade by French company SAGEM on what is believed to be a total of 14 Mirage 5EFs.

In September 2004, the US agreed to the sale of seven RAAF Lockheed Martin C-130E Hercules, including one for spares: the first of these aircraft arrived with relief goods for Kashmir earthquake survivors in November 2005. The PAF has also signed a contract with Indonesia for four CASA CN-235 transport aircraft. In the new era of international co-operation. Pakistani F-16s deployed to Konya Air Base in Turkey for air combat training in October 2004. The USAF has given Lockheed Martin an $89 million contract to supply six long-range AN/TPS-77 transportable radar systems for Pakistan under the Foreign Military Sales programme. This L-band, tactical radar provides continuous 3D surveillance of air targets out to 243nm (450km) and at altitudes up to 100,000ft (20,480m). Pakistani naval aviation is being strengthened by the gift of eight Lockheed Martin P-3C Orion long-range maritime patrol aircraft to replace existing Atlantics, by the acquisition of Harpoon Block-11 missiles for carriage on the P-3C, and by making its two grounded P-3Cs maritime patrol aircraft operational by the end of this year. All will greatly enhance Pakistani maritime battle management. Pakistan is purchasing six HAI Z-9C helicopters from China and the PAF plans a mix of Chinese and Western equipment in case sanctions are ever imposed again. However, what really matters to Islamabad is access to latest network-enabled warfare technology, and that means support from the West. Air borne early warning (AEW) is vital to Pakistan’s defensive posture and the Swedish Erieye system its active phased array AEW radar (which would be mounted on SAAB 2000s) is close to winning a $1 billion ($560 million) contract to counter Indian interest in the Isreali Phalcon system for use on Ilyushin Il-76s. The Ericcson Erieye is tried and test over the cold mountainous regions that the PAF patrols, but release of some of the avionics to Pakistan depend on US export licenses.

The ‘jewel in the crown’ was the Bush administration’s announcement in March 2005 that it would sell F-16 to Pakistan again. This was seen as a reward for President Musharraf’s efforts in the war on terror, and came in response to Islamabad’s pleading for over two years. The PAF would like to equip three to five squadrons and initial indications were that Pakistan had plans to buy 79 F-16s from Lockheed Martin. Fifty-five of them would be new C/Ds and the rest second-hand, the deal including the upgrade of the 32 1980s vintage F-16s in PAF service. Two F-16s were flown to Pakistan at the end of November 2005, but the deal is now on hold as it would seem insensitive to expend US aid on fast jets while thousands are still suffering in the wake of the devastating Kashmir earthquake. President Musharraf stated that the order for the latest F-16C/Ds will enhance Pakistan ‘strategic capability’ and make a major difference to its ‘strategy of defensive deterrence.” For all the talk of the aircraft being equipped with the latest AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles to defend Pakistani airspace, the new F-16s are Justas much about enhancing the effectiveness of Pakistan’s nuclear deterrent

Overall Assessment

The PAF has never had things easy. For nearly 60 years it has had to safeguard national airspace and deter as much more powerful India, a task made all the more arduous by the recent embargo on acquiring the latest technology. The PAF coped by co-operating with China, and by exploiting the undoubted expertise and professionalism of its technicians to upgrade its facilities and weaponry indigenously.

Close assistance in the global war on terror has allowed the PAF to become adept to anti-insurgent operations around the Afghan border and it has learned to deliver air-weapons with decisive effect. More modern airframes are entering service but the PAF required surveillance UAVs and precision-guided munitions to attack militant hide-outs while avoiding collateral damage. Efforts to upgrade the Pakistan ground-based air-defenses need further foreign investment to bring the PAF into the network-centric age and enable it to respond to ume-sensitive targets.

Simultaneous acquisition of complex system requires significant financial and human resources. In addition, the assimilation and efficient utilization of high technology will pose a huge challenge. That said, the PAF has a lot going for it. Foreign military observers attending High mark 2005 were impressed with the professionalism of both PAF air crews and ground personnel. Ability is rewarded and at least two females are going through flying training. However, the PAF hierarchy knows that a huge efforts will be required to upgrade training systems and syllable to prepare their personnel for the future.

The Indian Air Force has its weakness. It lacks the infrastructure to support all its air efforts, especially in the southern sector. There are gaps in its low level radar coverage, its spread of Russian and Western aircraft makes for a logistic nightmare and the unreliability of many of its MiGs has led to an appalling rate of flying accidents. That said, the arrival of BAE Systems Hawk trainers will revolutionize the IAF flying training system and Washington has balance its military sales to Pakistan by allowing Lockheed Martin and Boeing to offer the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F/A-18 Hornet as candidates for the IAF’s multi-role programme. The Bush administration has also stated that it will support Indian requests for other ‘transformative system in areas such as command and control, early warning and missile defense’. This means that even when new F-16s arrive in PAF service there may still be the same relative capability gap with India.
Pakistan Air Force

In summary, the PAF may not have enough state-of-the-art equipment but for its budget and the size of its organization, it is an operationally ready and professional air force. It is on the verge of a major acquisition programme, but funding will be an abiding concern, compounded by high oil prices and the costs of the Kashmir earthquake. However, whatever the obstacles, the PAF will retain is deterrent value by virtue of the professionalism and motivation of its personnel. Whatever the challenge, the PAF will remain Pakistan’s scimitar and shield

Pakistan Army

Pakistan was formed as a result of partition of India in 1947. The new nation began the development of its army soon after separation. Within a few years, the army ousted democratic system of governance and army rule existed most of the time until General Pervez Musharraf quit his presidency in 2008. The army is the strongest force is the Pakistan defense system and has fought a number of wars over the decades. It has also tackled a number of internal conflicts. Pakistan army is the backbone of the nation and plays a major role in development of socio-economic conditions by developing infrastructure in the country. On the international front, the army of Pakistan is doing great work in promoting world peace. Recently, the army won appreciation for being the biggest contributor to United Nations peace keeping attempts. The following article is a brief sketch about the evolution, the present status and future plans of the Pakistani army.

PAKISTAN ARMY IN HISTORY

                                                                         An official army was soon formed after partition and the first General of Pakistan army, General Ayub Khan, took charge of the army in 1951. Before partition of India took place, both the countries experienced a lot of violence. The root of the problem was fear on behalf of the Pakistanis who feared that India would capture Kashmir. At the same time, India received 21 infantry regiments, 40 artillery and 12 armored weapons of war and Pakistan received less than half of each. This gave birth to insecurity and that resulted in the massive massacre of 1947. Pakistan army first fought India in 1947, hardly a few months after the division of the countries. The war was interrupted by the United Nations. However, the war did bring out the strength of the Pakistani army as it managed to hold on the northeastern parts of Kashmir.

The Pakistan army has fought a number of wars throughout history. In 1958, Pakistan army ousted democratic rule and military rule was established. General Ayub Khan became the President of the country. By 1957, the military strength of the army had increased significantly with United States and England providing a lot of aid to the country in terms of weapons and finances. This aid came after the Baghdad Pact of 1954 and subsequently, the South East Asian Treaty Organization and Central Treaty Organization.

At the time of independence, Pakistan acquired and raised 7th, 8th and 9th divisions. In 1948, the country raised 10th, 12th and 14th divisions. In 1950, the country got its 15th army division. However, due to the fact that aid from United States was restricted, several of them such as Division 6 and Division 9 were disbanded. Six infantry divisions and one armored division received US aid after 1954.

All through history, Pakistan has always had tensed relationship with India. A number of minor scuffles on the borders have been a common happening between the two countries. The tension peaked in the 1960s for the second time after 1947 and a battle was fought in the Rann of Kutch in the 1965. The most dominant feature of this border war was the implementation of Operation Gilbraltar. The battle ended with the Tashkent Declaration. However, the performance of Pakistan army has been widely appreciated in the war because it stood like a rock before the much stronger and advanced Indian army. In the war, artillery played a very important role.

In 1969, when General Yahya Khan became the president after ousting Ayub Khan, the Pakistan army was strengthened by formation of 16, 18 and 23 divisions. In the period between 1969 and 1971, a lot of civil unrest took place in the country and the army played a major role during this period. East Pakistan, which is the present Bangladesh, got its independence from Pakistan after a fierce war of Independence. The Bangladesh army, with the support of Indian army to a large extent, succeeded in defeating Pakistan army and gained their independence. The People’s Republic of Bangladesh was formed on 16th December 1971 after General Niazi’s surrender to the Indian attack.

Between 1971 and 1977, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto took over as the President and Chief Martial Law Administrator, a post vacated by General Yahya Khan. This appointment brought a brief end to the army rule and democracy was reinstated, although not for long. In 1977, army head General Zia ul Haq ousted the Bhutto government and declared himself President and military chief. Thus, army rule was back.

Pakistan has fought four wars with India in 1947, 1965, 1971 and the more recent Kargil war of 1999. In 1947, Pakistan took control of northern and western parts of Kashmir while India retained the northeastern, central and southern parts. The war ended on an equal footing. In the 1965 war that lasted five weeks, Pakistan army lost. The next war of 1971 was not over Kashmir but over the independence of Bangladesh. India won decisively and Bangladesh got its independence. Kargil war of 1999 was also lost by Pakistan and the forces had to retreat from the Line of Control. In the 1970s, Pakistan army fought the Balochistan war. Although the army was successful in the war, heavy losses were incurred. After the Kargil war, the army came back to governance with General Pervez Musharraf as the President.

Ever since 2000, Pakistan army has been involved in scuffles with the Al-Qaeda, Taliban and other terrorist groups that exist in Pakistan and Afghanistan. In 2004 May, Pakistan military suffered severe losses in war with Al Qaeda due to poor organization. Pakistan has been in the clutches of terrorist violence with a number of bombings taking place all over the country regularly.

In 2007, army attacked the militant region Swat Valley but was unsuccessful in driving militants out. In 2008, negotiations over Swat valley with militants did not yield results. In April 2009, the army again attacked the Swat Valley and by July of the same year, a lot of militants were cleared out. However, Taliban activity still exists in the country. The attack on the militant controlled Waziristan region took place in September-October of 2009. 30,000 troops were deployed and the army was able to recapture the territory of Waziristan.

All through history, Pakistan has had the support of United States financially and in military training and development. In 1948, US aided Pakistan with $0.77 million and progressively increased the aid. In 2010, $1867.37 million was provided.

PAKISTAN ARMY IN PRESENT

Pakistan army is the biggest force in its defense mechanism. There are 651,000 personnel employed in the army with 500,000 personnel in the reserve force. The present General of the Army is General Ashwaq Pervez Kayani.

On the whole, Pakistan army has a 16,461 land based weapons, out of which, there are 2640 tanks, 1806 towed artillery, 4620 APC/IFVs, 595 SPGs, 200MLRS, 3200 mortars, 3400 AT weapons, 2500 AA weapons and 11,500 logistical vehicles. The country plans on expanding its nuclear power. As of now, the army is in possession of various surface to surface, surface to air, air to air and air to surface missile.

Pakistan army is one of the largest and the most active participant in the peace keeping missions of the United Nations. Currently, thousands of soldiers are deployed in different parts of the world for peace keeping activities. 3556 troops are deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo as part of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission. These troops have been involved in the operation since 1999. Beginning from 2003, 2741 troops have been assigned as part of the United Nations Mission in Liberia. From 2004 onwards, 1185 troops have been stationed for United Nations Operations in Burundi. In the same year, 1145 troops were sent for peace keeping mission for United Nations Operation in Cote d’Ivoire. In 2005, 1542 troops were sent to support the United Nations Mission in Sudan.

There are two main branches in the Pakistan Army – Services and Arms, the Services wing consists of Army Services Corps, Corps of Military Police, Military Intelligence Corps, Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Army Ordnance Corps, Pakistan Army Medical Corps, Army Dental Corps, Remount Veterinary and Farms Corps, Army Education Corps, JAG Corps and Army Clerical Corps. The Arms wing consists of the Armored Corps division, artillery, infantry, air defense, engineers, aviation, signals, chemical corps and airborne division.

The weapon strength of the Pakistan army is substantial. The force has different handguns such as Glock 17 and 26, Tokarev, HK P7 and Steyr M9A1, which has been obtained by SSW. Sub machine guns are of different kinds such as Heckler and Koch MP5, Heckler and Koch MP5K and FN P90. Heckler and Koch Battle rifle is also present in the Pakistan army. In addition, the force has a number of Assault rifles such as Type 56, Steyr AUG and FN F200, M67 Grenade, Sniper rifles such as Karabiner 98, HK PSG1, M82 Barret and Steyr SSG69 and Machine guns such as FN MAG, FN, minimi para, MG3 and RPD. Grenade launchers such as Carl Gustav recoilless rifle, Mk 19, RPG 7 and 29 are housed in the army weapons wing.

The Pakistani army houses 400 Al-Khalid, 320 T-80UD, 300 Type 85-IIAP, 400 Al-Zarrar, 400 Type 69-II, 400 Type 59 and a number of Type 63 and T-54/55 Main Battle Tanks. Many of these are held in reserve storage.

Armored personal carriers are a major contribution to the weapon strength with Hamza infantry fighting vehicles, Al-Fahd infantry fighting vehiles, M113 armored personnel carrier which are 1600 in number, 120 armored personnel carriers of type BTR-70/BTR-80, Mohafiz Light Armoured Personnel Carriers, 1260 Otokar Akrep Light Jeep and M88 ARV Armoured Recovery Vehicle. In addition to these, Pakistan army has two Armoured Vehicle Launched Bridges such as M60A1 AVLB and M48, both of which are currently in service.

Pakistan army consists of around 800 self propelled artillery such as M110 of caliber 203mm, M109 of caliber 155mm and Norinco SH1 of caliber 155mm. 300 mm A-100 and 155mm KRL-21 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems are available with the army. the KRL-21 MRLS is a truck mounted launching systems that has a range of 40 km and is enabled with GPRS. In the towed artillery section, the army houses around 1700 weapons such as 28 Mii5 of 203mm caliber, 57 MKEK Panter, 148 M198 and 144 number of M114 of 155mm caliber. In addition, the towed artillery section consists of Type 59I, Type 54, M56, M101 and Type 56 weapons and equipments.

Anti tank weapons such as Bakter Shikan ATGM, BGM 71 TOW and BGM 71 TOW 2 and MILAN are present in the army. 35mm twin cannon Oerlikon GDF-005, modified cannon Oerlikon AHEAD and Bofors 40mm cannons augment the army strength of Pakistan.

Originally, the Pakistani army consisted predominantly of Punjab regiment. However, as of now, the army is equipped with a number of regiments that fight in various formations. Important regiments in the army are Punjab regiment, Frontier Force Regiment, Baloch regiment, Aza Kashmir Regiment, Sind Regiment and Northern Light infantry. Besides these, there are a number of cavalry regiments under Pakistani Armored Corps. A special force is formed for the protection of the President called The President’s Bodyguard.

For carrying out special elite operations, the army has special forces consisting of 2100 personnel who are divided into three battalions. The current strength, with possible enhancements is kept confidential although it is expected that the special forces now consist of six battalions. These forces have been created on the same lines as that of American Green Berets and SAS of Britain army.

The headquarters of the Pakistani army is at Rawalpindi in Punjab state. The army has thirteen corps divisions, each located in a different part of the country. Each of these Corps, in turn, has a number of armored brigades, artillery brigades, Infantry brigades and anti-tank brigades. The Corps are headquartered at Mangla Cantonment, Multan, Lahore, Gujranwala, Bahawalpur, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and Quetta. The air defense command forces and army strategic forces command have their headquarters at Rawalpindi.

The army of Pakistan plays a major role in governance and nation building activities in arenas such as infrastructure development, industrial development, National disaster management and other miscellaneous national tasks. Besides defending the boundaries of its motherland, Pakistan army runs a number of welfare organizations such as AWT, FWO, Fauji Foundation, Bahria Foundation, Shaheen Foundation, SCO and NLC that work towards uplifting various sections of the society including national martyrs, those disabled in national service and military retirees. The army also takes up massive restoration and rehabilitation tasks in places hit by disaster. It works towards providing basic facilities such as medical aid and education in addition to restoring infrastructure such as roads, bridges and dams.

The contribution of Pakistani army in maintaining internal peace in a country that is always characterized by terrorism and violence is appreciable. The army acts as a major stabilizing force in the country.

FUTURE OF THE PAKISTAN ARMY

Future plans of Pakistani army are to increase their weapons inventory and in keeping with this objective, several firms in Pakistan have come together to develop and produce weapons in joint agreements with Ukraine, France and South Korea. These deals were formed during the International Defense Exhibition and Seminar help in 2006 November at Karachi. As per these agreements, the Pakistani army is to receive land and armor weaponry, 155mm artillery shells and armor bricks. By 2019, the entire artillery capability of Pakistan army will be upgraded to 155mm. China, United States and Europe will be supplying a number of heavy, medium and light self propelled and towed howitzers to Pakistan.

Massive plans for enhancement and modernization of artillery, infantry and armor divisions are in line. Development is planned both quantitatively and qualitatively. The army aims at having a total of 2000 Talha armored personnel carriers. Sa’ad armored personnel carriers are currently in production. The army also plans to arm itself with 200 Al Qaswa logistic vehicles and they are in the process of procurement.

Pakistan army has signed agreement with Heavy Industries Taxila. This pact is for the development of main battle tank Al Khalid II. By 2012, the country plans to make these tanks the major tank force of its army. The older tanks that were procured from China will be replaced by these state of the art tanks. The tank sports western design and is said to be a huge development over the currently existing Al Khalids.

In addition, Pakistan army has formed contracts with Turkey for development of modern tank systems and other defense machinery. WS-1B multiple launch rocket systems are also in line for procurement from the United States. These rocket launching systems will be various sizes and ranges. The army aviation wing is another arena that is the subject of development. Attack helicopters will be acquired for Europe, United States and Russia.

The special forces, paramilitary forces and regular forces of the Pakistan army have been initiated for modernization. The modernization drive is planned to be a highly comprehensive activity that includes development of new battle strategies, improvement in training of personnel and procuring better weapons and equipments. Plans are also on to bring a change in the infantry uniform, which will include bullet proof vests, assault rifles of caliber 5.56mm and helmets.

The army also plans to improve its night vision equipment and systems of communication that will provide highly secure channels for communication. Devices for enhanced communication will be procured from the United States. For improving standards in training, Pakistan army sends officers to NATO countries, where instructors from the United States offer state of the art training. Development of missile strength, especially of the Shaheen II missile, is another major agenda in the future plans of the Pakistani army.

Personnel & Establishments

PAK ARMY

JF-17/FC-1 Thunder

Pakistan Navy Commissions Two Ships

Two Small Tanker Utility Ships (STUS) named Madadgar and Rasa-Dgar were commissioned in the Pakistan Navy last Tuesday, while the PNS Alamgir has been formally inducted to the fleet of the Pakistan Navy.In a ceremony that was impressively held at the Dockyard of the Pakistan Navy.

Admiral Noman Bashir was present for the occasion and was the chief guest. Other officials of Ministry of Defence were also there as well as Pakistan Navy’s flag officers, KS & EW senior management and other guests.

The PN Ships Madadgar and Rasadgar are two of the first ships of its class that are being locally constructed by Karachi Shipyard and Engineering works in Pakistan.

Logistic redundancy will be increased by the induction of the two STUS to the fleet of the Pakistan Navy. These technologically advanced crafts have been designed and are equipped with its multi-faceted roles with modern and reliable machinery & equipment. 

People stand along with Pakistan Army

Muhammad Zahir-ul-Islam, Corps Commander Lieutenant General of the Pakistan Army, stated that the army had support and backing of the country as it has rendered sacrifices for the nation.                                                                                                                                  He stated this during the addressing of a ceremony that was held to pay homage to the high amount of sacrifices of willing victims of the Pakistan Army, here on Saturday. Islam laid a garland at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada earlier, and offered Fateha for the martyrs. The Pakistan Army always rose to the occasion, he said, be it by helping and protecting the valuable lives during various natural disasters or clearing the society off the malice of terrorism, or by simply guarding the frontiers.

The army had even participated in various United Nations missions across the globe, which made the nation proud of its services with honor, dedication, dignity and commitment, he added.

15 Militants Killed by Pakistani Troops

Pakistani troops claim of killing 15 militants during a pre-drawn battle near the Afghanistan border on Sunday.The battle took place in the Mohmand tribal area, where the Pakistani Military is focusing on cleaning out Taliban insurgents.

According to local officials, the confrontation started when around 40 militants attacked a security checkpoint which made the Pakistani troops launch an instant counter-attack against the hostiles. According to the United Nations the constant fighting between government troops and Taliban insurgents has caused tens of thousands of people to leave their homes in northwest Pakistan. Predictions of the U.N refugee agency show that the number of displaced people will reach at least 90,000 by the end of February 2011.

Pakistan Army asks Afghanistan to stop cross-border attacks

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Thursday gave an ultimatum to Afghanistan to stop cross-border attacks in Pakistan.                                                                                                                                                                                           Kayani emphatically pointed that no such activity would be accepted and that Pakistan “has all it takes to resist the ill treatment of that nature”.

General Kayani announced this during his interview at the Saudi joint military exercise overhauling in Mangla. The Army Chief and his Saudi counterpart were in attendance to oversee the exercises. The army chief went further to emphasise on the cordial, unique and formidable relationship existing between the people of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

On the present joint exercises General Kayani pointed out that the aim of the drill was to eliminate terrorism. He went further that military operations were not best recipes fore every problem and that the global community knew about it.

Kayani said that they had displayed everything which needed to be done in the war on terror but what was now remaining for the civilian government is to control the situation.

Briefing the media, after watching the joint military exercises, General Kayani said that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had an important part to play in war on terror. He reiterated that every army operation in his area was purely to ensure law and order prevailed and that troops couldnt be there permanently. In addition, Pakistan Army had organised a plan to overcome any terrorist attacks from Afganistan .

To a question, he remarked that Pakistan Army acquired formidable successes against terrorists in Swat, Malakand and Waziristan agencies.

Pakistan tests Hataf-2 Abdali Ballistic Missile

Pakistan successfully fired the short range Surface to Surface (STS) Hataf-2 Abdali ballistic missile.                                                                The test was a part of the process of validation and technical improvements for the Land Based Ballistic Missile Systems which are deployed by the Pakistan Army. The Hataf-2 Abdali missiles have a range of 180 kilometers and can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads. This specific missile characterizes with amazing accuracy which, however, influences the range.

The test was attended by Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Khalid Shameem Wynne, Director General Strategic Plans Division, Lieutenant General (Retd) Khalid Ahmed Kidwai, Commander Army Strategic Force Command Lieutenant General Jamil Haider, Chairman SUPARCO Major General Ahmed Bilal, Senior officers from the Armed Forces and Scientists and Engineers of Strategic Organizations.

According to CJCSC this test will help Pakistan improve their strategic defensive capabilities and further strengthen the country’s national security. The Abdali weapons system gives Pakistan an operational level capability which adds to the new strategic level capability which Pakistan possesses along with the the long and medium range missile systems.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani were also happy for the successful test and didn’t hesitate to congratulate the Scientists and Engineers which are behind the development of this outstanding success.

Pakistan Navy Appoints A New Naval Chief

Vice Admiral Asif Sandila has been given a new rank of admiral thus being made the new chief of the Pakistan Navy, an official report made on Wednesday

Sandila will take over from Admiral Noman Bashir as the country’s Chief of Naval Staff as Admiral Bashir goes on retirement on October 8.

The outgoing naval chief made a last visit to the Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani here this morning at the Prime Minister’s residence. He kept the Prime Minister abreast of the welfare developments achieved during his time in addition to the latest ones in terms of training and education in the Navy. These welfare developments comprise of construction of houses for retired CPOs/sailors, building of residential estate at Younusabad, Karachi, for serving sailors, recruitment of women officers and women sailors in the Navy, Admiral Bashir enumerated.

The Prime Minister welcomed the contributions Admiral Bashir carried out to enhance both training and living conditions of sailors. Gilani accepted the role displayed by Pakistan Navy in relief rescue and rehabilitation of flood victims in Sindh and other nation building activities during earlier calamities and environmental disasters.

Report: PPP purchased Agosta-90B not the Navy

The naval chief during the Agosta 90B purchase, announced before a Pakistani court that the government in 1994 to 1995 made up her mind to acquire the French submarines contrary to the decision of the Pakistan  Navy.
              Naval Chief  Admiral (R) Saeed Muhammed Khan was the one in charge when the deal took place. He said that the Pakistan Navy had adviced the government to acquire five or six U.K designed and built “Upholder” submarines instead of the Agosta-90B submarines

In a case against a television, it was elaborated, “The plaintiff (Admiral Saeed) in his capacity as Chief of Naval Staff did not recommend the French Agosta-90B Class submarines for acquisition by the Government of Pakistan and had in fact recommended, based on the technical and other investigations carried out by Pakistan Navy prior to 1994, the UK manufactured Upholder submarines. The reason for the recommendation was based primarily on the fact that the UK submarines were readily available and had been tested at sea whereas the French Agosta 90 B Class of submarines were yet to be manufactured being prototypes and would have taken years to be delivered. Furthermore, the Pakistan Navy had been offered five and possibly 6 UK Upholder submarines compared to three Agosta-90B class of submarines for a lesser price.”

Pakistan Navy’s decision was ignored by the Ministry of Defence and the Government of Pakistan, both of which decided to went ahead with the Agosta-90B deal.

Pakistan Navy recently was looking for a next generation submarine to equip its navy. France declared that if its Marlin Class submarine was chosen, it would provide additional economic assistance to Pakistan, far superior German U-214 boat was also a possible acquisition, but Pakistan went ahead to acquire six Qing Class submarines from China.

Mutual Blackmail

Economic Treaty Organization Between Afghanistan, Pakistan and India

Sir Winston Churchill once said “Americans can always be counted on to do the right thing, after they have exhausted all other possibilities”.
Judging by recent developments in Afghanistan, that quote is likely still true. The American are likely to stumble to the right thing to do, which, is this case would be to create and fund an Economic Treaty Organization between Afghanistan, Pakistan and India that will create all the elements of mutual blackmail by tying together long term economic interests of all the parties involved, thus in time elevating it to the higher level of friendship.

After a long and expensive war with many options being tried out along the way, three choices that were reportedly offered to Gen Kayani by the White House were A) kill the Haqqani leadership, or B) help us kill them, or C) persuade them to join a peaceful, democratic Afghan government.

On initial glance, it does seem more flexible than the stark “Either you are with us or against us” non-choice choice offered to Gen Musharraf by President Bush, but it is not most assuredly. Considering that A and B are really the same, no matter who does the killing, the choice is really between being destroyed or playing ball, i.e. “Either you are dead, or you participate in the process”, and implicit in both choices is the message to give up on terrorism as a policy from the US point of view.

After making the US realize that that Pakistan was not likely carry out any military operation against the Haqqani group nor could U.S. military strategy in Afghanistan succeed without the Haqqani group being neutralized, much to its credit, Pakistan was successful in bringing the Haqqanis to the negotiating table, with Sirajuddin Haqqani acknowledging the US offer to participate in the Afghan government, perhaps even with his father Jalaludin Haqqani as the prime minister. The problems with this setup can be gauged from the words attributed to the senior Haqqani: “After so much killing of Afghans through Daisy Cutter bombs and like, shall I sit in the government under U.S. command?”, given that he is a patriarchal figure in an staunchly tribal society where the concept of reconciliation is as alien as the concept of revenge across generations is ancient.

These recent developments represent an important success for Pakistani policy to date. However, it is a limited success only in that it has the potential of creating an acceptable way forward for all parties, and is most definitely not a victory in the traditional sense of the word. It also represents a new round in a geopolitical process where the risks for Pakistan are increasing as well, and thus future Pakistani actions need, now more than ever, to be cognizant of ground realities and the longer term picture.

The reality is that Al-Qaida has been effectively demolished by the US attacks, and that was the prime goal that has been achieved. US policy will be now geared towards ensuring that it is denied the opportunity to regrow by preventing the return of the previous chaos of Taliban rule. This runs counter to the Pakistani hopes to retain their strategic depth concept by ensuring a pro-Pakistan Afghan setup post US departure, i.e. having the “good” Taliban back in power, and is further complicated by the fact that India clearly realizes this as a golden opportunity to create the foundations of pinching Pakistan from two sides should the opportunity to do so present itself, or indeed is created.

So what to do next? Much has already been said about the Indo-Pak rivalry and history, and how it affects the present conflict as well, but it is high time for a bold idea that takes it into account, and lays the basis for achieving US goals as well, based on the idea that “friendship is merely mutual blackmail elevated to a higher level”. The US should create and fund an Economic Treaty Organization between Afghanistan, Pakistan and India that will create all the elements of mutual blackmail by tying together long term economic interests of all the parties involved, thus in time elevating it to the higher level of friendship, as already stated above. The return on investment of such a plan is going to be far higher than cleaning up the mess afterwards, and anything less would fail to the detriment of all. After having exhausted all other possibilities, it is high time the Americans did the right thing. Countless millions are counting on it.