First AWACS aircraft in Pakistan

Pakistan Air Force has inducted the first of the four Saab-2000 Erieye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AWAC) aircraft in its fleet.

With this acquisition from Sweden, Pakistan on Tuesday became the second country in the region after India to have inducted the sophisticated surveillance aircraft in its air force.

The aircraft is fitted with the latest technology to detect aircraft flying at high and medium altitudes. With state-of-the-art system, it is also capable of detecting objects flying at lower levels over land and sea at extended ranges. The system is also capable of detecting surface targets over sea.

The Erieye system provides 300 degree coverage and has an effective detection range of only 300 km to 350 km. It uses a pulse Doppler radar with a fixed, wedge-shaped antenna.

“By virtue of these features, Pakistan Air Force would be able to boost its operational capability manifold by achieving requisite early warning for efficient and meaningful air defence of its airspace,” an official statement said.

As compared to Pakistan’s AWAC system, the Indian Phalcon system provides tactical surveillance of airborne and surface targets and helps gather signal intelligence. It is also capable of tracking fighter planes, missiles and ground forces from a distance of 400 kilometres and in all weather conditions.

Pakistan Defence

The keel laying ceremony of the F-22 P Frigate was held at the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KSEW) here on Thursday. Federal Minister for Defence Production, Abdul Qayyum Khan Jatoi, was the chief guest. Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Noman Bashir, was also present on the occasion.

It was pointed out that Pakistan Navy has achieved another significant milestone towards self-reliance in defence production and that after successful completion of Agosta submarine project and indigenous construction of various other naval platform, Pakistan Navy has now successfully stepped in the domain of shipbuilding with the construction of F-22 P Frigates, In collaboration with Peoples Republic of China.

In 2005 an agreement was signed between Pakistan and China for construction of four F-22 P Frigates under the contract of Transfer of Technology.
As per the contract, three ships are to be built in China whereas the fourth ship would be constructed at Karachi Shipyard.

First of the Frigates PNS Zulfiquar has recently been inducted in Pakistan Navy Fleet whereas two ships are at different stages of construction in China and will be handed over to Pakistan in year 2010.
The construction work of the fourth ship is now getting under way at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works and its keel laying ceremony was held here on Thursday at the KSEW.

It is expected to be completed by year 2013, it was further pointed out.

The F-22 P Frigate is a Sword Class Ship equipped with long range surface-ta-surface and surface-to-air missiles, depth charges, torpedoes, latest automatic 76 mm guns, Close-in-Weapon System (CIWS), sensors, radars, SONARS, Electronic Warfare and advanced Command and Control Systems.

The ship is 123 meter long and has a displacement of about 3,000 tons. It also carries Anti Submarine Z9EC helicopters.

It was also pointed out that our strategic and conventional capabilities are focused towards legitimate defence and promotion of peace in the region.
Induction of F-22 P Frigate in Naval Fleet would certainly boost our conventional power.