02 January, 2018
Trump administration will reportedly withhold about US$225 million in military aid from Pakistan following accusations by the premier that Washington had “foolishly” facilitated Islamabad in protecting terrorists through previous rounds of funding.
In a 1 January tweet, Trump claimed that in excess of US$33 billion of military aid had been used to support terrorism in Pakistan, adding that the United States would no longer support this.
“The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies and deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools,” the tweet said. “They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!”
The payment of US$225 million was delayed in August amid concerns that Pakistan was not doing enough to counter Haqqani terrorist cells, and a National Security Council representative reportedly claimed on 1 January that this would be postponed further.
It was reported by local media that the US ambassador to Pakistan, David Hale, was called upon by the Pakistani government to explain these accusations on the same day they were made, although no official statement by either side has been issued as of yet.
Pakistan’s defense minister, Khurram Dastgir Khan, did however issue a statement dispelling the accusations, “Pak[istan] as anti-terror ally has given free[dom] to the US: land and air communication, military bases and intel co-operation that decimated Al-Qaeda during the past 16 years, but they have given us nothing but invective and mistrust,” he said.
“They overlook cross-border safe havens of terrorists who murder Pakistanis.”
Furthermore, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, prime minister of Pakistan, is reportedly due to lead a cabinet meeting on 2 January to discuss the Trump claim, and on 3 January officials will meet to discuss US-Pakistan ties.
Analysis: The alleged amount of $33 billion worth of aid is misleading. According to the U.S. Departments of State, Defense, and Agriculture, the U.S. Agency for International Development audits the true amount is close to $19.354 billion. The rest are CSF: Coalition Support Funds (Pentagon budget), that are directly related to the logistic support Pakistan has provided to the US and its Allies for their operations in Afghanistan. With the suspension of aid, there are certain weapon systems (AH-1Z), the contract must be honored by the U.S. However, there is an issue related to the 2+2 75m Swift Corvettes from the US-based shipbuilding company, Swiftships. The Swiftships CEO S. Shah has allegedly claimed the order for these boats. Both the Pentagon and Pakistan Navy have denied this report.
Citing police officials reported that an alleged Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA) commander – identified as Abdul Rauf (alias Abbasi Mohmand) had been killed whist fighting in an undisclosed location in Afghanistan on an earlier unspecified date, The Express Tribune reported. Conflicting reports stated that Rauf had been killed by his cousin a JuA commander – identified as Abdul Wali Mohmand (alias Omar Khalid Khorasani) – after he allegedly planned to surrender to security forces and other reports stated that unidentified militants had killed him.
SIX people were killed and four others were wounded when unidentified militants opened fire targeting a residence in Toba Nokhani area in Dera Bugti district in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on 2 January, Dawn reported. Reports added that a landmine, emplaced by the militants, detonated when a vehicle transferred casualties to the hospital, killing another individual.
TWO militants were killed by Frontier Corps (FC) personnel in a clearing operation targeting a militant hideout in Gandimgozi Kaur area in Kech district in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on 2 January, Dawn reported. An unspecified quantity of arms and ammunition were seized during the operation.
Pakistan is preparing to restart a long-delayed programme to develop a naval shipyard in Gwadar in the far west of the country, Pakistan Navy (PN) Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi announced on 28 December.
In comments published by the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Adm Abbasi said at a PN-industry conference in Karachi that the project will commence shortly and be completed in three to five years.
He added that the project is positioned to support Pakistan’s efforts to boost self-reliance in naval construction as well meet future PN requirements and challenges.
“Technical know-how and basic industrial infrastructure to support research and development is available in the country,” he said. “However, it is time to integrate and optimise these facilities with a view to further strengthening the process of self-reliance.”
Abbasi provided no details about the new naval shipyard, although the government has previously stated that the new site will be operated by Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works Limited (KSEW) with support provided by private-sector companies and funds by domestic and foreign investors.
The new shipyard was initially proposed by the government in 2008 but progress had been hindered by a lack of investment.
The government wants the new shipyard to support KSEW as the company looks to conduct a number of major projects, most notably the construction of submarines.
Pakistan is acquiring eight S20 diesel-electric submarines based on China’s Yuan-class (Type 039A-series) design, with the first four boats to be built in China and deliveries commencing to the PN from 2022. The remainder will be built by KSEW.
03-04, January 2018
In Baleli area, Quetta, Baluchistan, two militants were killed and five people including two security officials were wounded in an attack at a security checkpoint. Reports added that armed clashes broke out following the attack.
In Baldia Town, Karachi, Sindh, three suspected Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants were killed in an encounter with police and security forces; two police officials were also reported with casualties. Reports added that the clashes broke out following a counter-terrorism operation.
Two militants were killed by Frontier Corps (FC) personnel during a clearing operation in Sibbi district in Pakistan’s Baluchistan province on 22 December, Dawn reported.
At least 12 people, including five security forces personnel, were wounded by two Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants who opened fire at a security checkpoint in the Baleli area of Quetta in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on 2 January, XinhuaNet reported. Reports added the attackers were shot dead by security forces during an armed clash. The TTP claimed responsibility for the attack.
One Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) member was killed by unidentified assailants between Samnabad locality and Matric board office, near Nazimabad police station in Karachi in Pakistan’s Sindh on 18 December, The Nation reported.
In Qaimkhani Colony, Baldia Town, Karachi, Sindh, three Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants were killed and three others were wounded in an armed clash with security forces during a counter-terrorism operation. Three security officials were also wounded. Security forces seized two suicide vests, two bomb blocks with improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and two submachine guns.
A unit of security forces on patrol discovered and dismantled a 12kg improvised explosive device (IED), emplaced by unidentified militants, near Quetta Development Authority in Quetta in Pakistan’s Baluchistan, The Express Tribune reported.
In Mamad Kore area, Khewazai Biazai, Mohmand Agency, Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), at least four missiles were fired across Afghan border, reports did not contain details of casualties. Reports added that security forces retaliated to the attack.
In Loni area, Kulachi tehsil, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa, two militants were killed while planting an improvised explosive device (IED), which detonated prematurely, under the bridge.
Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) had been ‘secretly’ renamed ‘Al Murabitun’ in Pakistan on an earlier unspecified date in response to Indian attempts to lobby at the United Nations for more sanctions against the group, Zee News reported. Reports added that the group, under its new name, was raising more funds for itself, as well as organizing speech and debate competitions at schools across the country to increase its reach.
AN IMPROVISED explosive device (IED), emplaced by unidentified militants, detonated near a residence in Safi in Mohmand Agency in Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) on 4 January, The Nation reported. No casualties were reported. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
In Qaimkhani Colony, Baldia Town, Karachi, 16 suspected militants linked the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were arrested by security forces.
OFFICERS from the Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) of the Mohmand Rifles discovered and defused an improvised explosive device (IED) emplaced by unidentified militants at Olai Top border area in the Baizai area in Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) on 4 January, The Nation reported.
Eight suspected militants were arrested by Frontier Corps (FC) personnel during a counter-terrorism operation in the districts of Zhob, Sibbi, Nasirabad, Bolan, and Quetta in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on 4 January, The Express Tribune reported. Reports did not provide a breakdown of the arrests by location. The FC also seized 70kg of explosives, unspecified weapons, ammunition, and communication equipment during the operation.
At least 12 people, including five security forces personnel, were wounded by two Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants who opened fire at a security checkpoint in the Baleli area of Quetta in Pakistan’s Baluchistan province on 2 January, XinhuaNet reported. Reports added the attackers were shot dead by security forces during an armed clash. The TTP claimed responsibility for the attack.
Two Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants were killed by security forces during a counter-terrorism operation in the Kulachi area of Dera Ismail Khan district in Pakistan’s Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa province on 4 January, Dawn reported. Two suspected TPP militants were lo arrested by security forces personnel during the operation
The Pakistan Navy has launched what appears to be a ship borne variant of an indigenously developed cruise missile from its latest Azmat-class patrol craft, PNS Himmat (1027).
PNS Himmat firing the ‘Harbah’ naval cruise missile in January 2018.
The weapon, which has been referred to by the service’s chief of naval staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, as the ‘Harbah’ naval cruise missile, was fired on 3 January in the North Arabian Sea.
The missile was said to have hit its intended target accurately, but no further details were available, including its distance from Himmat . Adm Zafar and other senior naval officers witnessed the weapon’s launch from onboard the service’s Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, PNS Alamgir .
Himmat , which is the Pakistan Navy’s third Azmat-class boat, was commissioned in July 2017. The 63 m platform derives its design from the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN’s) Houjian (Type 037/2)-class missile boat design.
Weapons onboard the 63 m boat includes eight (two quad) launchers that are also capable of deploying the C-802A surface-to-surface missile. Himmat is also equipped with the 25 mm STOP remote controlled stabilized naval gun from Turkish defence company Aselsan, and a Type 630 30 mm close-in weapon system (CIWS) in the aft section.
The Pakistan Navy is expected to commission its fourth Azmat-class ship by the end of 2019.
Analysis: Pakistan Navy ordered four Azmat-class Corvettes between 2010-2013 for deliveries slated for 2014 and 2018. These vessels are based on Chinese Type 037 corvette “Hainan class.” PNS Azmat-class is equipped with C-802/CSS-N-8 anti-ship missiles, carried in two quadruple missile containers. The vessel uses a fully automatic Aslan 23 mm gun and Type 730 CIWS. With Amzat PN also ordered C-802/CSS-N-8 anti-ship missiles, and according to SIPRI, over the recent years, Pakistan has ordered close to 240 C-802/CSS-N-8 anti-ship missiles. The C-802/CSS-N-8 anti-ship missiles could be launched from air and sea vessels platforms. Therefore, the possibility of a shore-based missile launch cannot be ruled out.
Reports coming out of Pakistan’s Parachinar area that is dominated by Shias that videos have started to appear where local martyrs who were killed in Syria are being praised. Parachinar area along with Kurram agency have contributed the most fighters to Pakistani Zeinabiyoun Brigade fighting alongside Syrian regime . This brigade along with similar brigades in Heart Afghanistan have been sponsored by Iran.
UNIDENTIFIED militants destroyed a section of a gas pipeline – running from Bakhtyar Abad to Showran – using unspecified explosives near the Jalal area of Bolan district in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on 28 December, The Nation reported. No casualties were reported and no group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
A UNIT of security forces on patrol discovered and dismantled a 12kg improvised explosive device (IED), emplaced by unidentified militants, near Quetta Development Authority in Quetta in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on 18 December, The Express Tribune reported.
In Mamad Kore area, Khewazai Biazai, Mohmand Agency, Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), at least four missiles were fired across Afghan border, reports did not contain details of casualties. Reports added that security forces retaliated to the attack.
In Loni area, Kulachi tehsil, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa, two militants were killed while planting an improvised explosive device (IED), which detonated prematurely, under the bridge.
MEDIA reports on 4 January stated that Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) had been ‘secretly’ renamed ‘Al Murabitun’ in Pakistan on an earlier unspecified date in response to Indian attempts to lobby at the United Nations for more sanctions against the group, Zee News reported. Reports added that the group, under its new name, was raising more funds for itself, as well as organising speech and debate competitions at schools across the country to increase its reach.
AN IMPROVISED explosive device (IED), emplaced by unidentified militants, detonated near a residence in Safi in Mohmand Agency in Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) on 4 January, The Nation reported. No casualties were reported. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
AT LEAST 12 people, including five security forces personnel, were wounded by two Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants who opened fire at a security checkpoint in the Baleli area of Quetta in Pakistan’s Baluchistan province on 2 January, XinhuaNet reported. Reports added the attackers were shot dead by security forces during an armed clash. The TTP claimed responsibility for the attack.
TWO Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants were killed by security forces during a counter-terrorism operation in the Kulachi area of Dera Ismail Khan district in Pakistan’s Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa province on 4 January, Dawn reported. Two suspected TPP militants were lo arrested by security forces personnel during the operation. In Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa, a police official was killed and two civilians were wounded by the firing of unidentified assailants.
FIVE suspected Islamic State militants were killed in armed clashes with police officers during a counter-terrorism raid targeting a hideout in the Gharibabad area near Ayub Goth in Karachi in Pakistan’s Sindh province on 30 December, Dawn reported. Reports added that one of the militants had prior links to Al-Qaeda. Security forces also seized an 8mm calibre rifle, a 9mm calibre pistol, and two 30-bore pistols from the militants.
ONE Frontier Corps (FC) officer was wounded when an improvised explosive device (IED), emplaced by unidentified militants, detonated in the Ainger area of Mohmand Agency Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) on 5 January, The Nation reported. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
In Hazar Ganji, Quetta, one person was shot dead and another wounded by unidentified assailants.
ONE Frontier Corps (FC) officer was wounded when an improvised explosive device (IED), emplaced by unidentified militants, detonated in the Ainger area of Mohmand Agency Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) on 5 January, The Nation reported. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
In Gotak area, Ghaljo, Orakzai Agency, Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), security forces seized a large cache of arms and ammunition during a search operation.
IN A STATEMENT released on 8 January, counter-terrorism officials reported that an alleged Wilayat Khorasan militant had been arrested during a counter-terrorism operation at Shah Sharif graveyard in Daska area in Pakistan’s Punjab province on an earlier unspecified date, Geo TV reported. An unspecified quantity of explosives and detonators were seized during the operation.
In Kizingo area, Mombasa, security forces detained 10 Pakistani nationals on suspicion of international terrorism, as well as possible money laundering and drug trafficking, after a tip off from Pakistan.
January 07-15, 2018
The Chinese navy is considering plans to use Pakistan as the location for its second overseas naval support facility, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post ( SCMP ) newspaper reported on 5 January. The new facility is likely to be set up near the Pakistani port of Gwadar in southwestern Balochistan, according to the paper.
“China needs to set up another base in Gwadar for its warships because Gwadar is now a civilian port,” Beijing-based military analyst Zhou Chenming was quoted by the SCMP as saying, adding that it is common practice to have separate facilities for warships and merchant vessels because of their different operations.
The paper also cited another source close to the People’s Liberation Army who confirmed Zhou’s assessment that Gwadar could not provide the services and facilities required by warships, and that a Chinese base would be set up near Gwadar, similar to that at Djibouti.
Moreover, the paper pointed to an opinion piece written by US Army Colonel Lawrence Sellin (retd) and published on The Daily Caller website on 1 January claiming that senior Chinese and Pakistani military officers had held meetings in late December to plan the establishment of military facilities on the Jiwani Peninsula to the west of Gwadar.
However, on 6 January, the Pakistan Today newspaper quoted a senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad as denying that any such plans are being discussed between Beijing and Islamabad, and suggested that such “rumours” were intended to “undermine” the success of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
He added that the Pakistan Navy (PN) would be responsible for ensuring the security of shipping in the area and emphasised that priority was being given to enhancing the PN’s capabilities in this regard. He also claimed that “China is not interested in building its naval base at Pakistan’s coastal line. It is not in their DNA to build bases outside China”.
That said, some analysts have pointed to alternative locations in southwest Pakistan. Writing in late December for ThePrint.in website former Indian Army intelligence analyst Colonel Vinayak Bhat (retd) argued that while Gwadar port has been leased to a Chinese company for 40 years, satellite imagery shows very little sign of the development of infrastructure similar to that built at China’s first overseas naval support facility in Djibouti.
He therefore argues that this may reflect that a support facility may be constructed at another location and has posted imagery on Twitter of Pishukan – a sparsely populated area 15 miles west of Gwadar – where he assesses that some land reclamation work has already been undertaken with more planned.
At this stage it remains speculative that Pishukan may be the intended location of a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) logistics base, but it would permit the establishment of a secure, purpose-built base area that could be operated without the interference of commercial shipping. It would also be consistent with the SCMP report’s claim that a support facility will be established near Gwadar port.
Analysis: There is a significant difference between China establishing a dedicated military or naval base than using Gwadar and Ormara naval ports in south Pakistan. Last year Chinese nuclear submarine visited Karachi port on January of 2017 without any official fanfare. As long as Pakistan provides naval facilities for Chinese warships there is no need for China to build a naval base in Pakistan. According to reports the naval and air force base at Jiwani almost at the southwest tip of Pakistan, satellites images have shown there are significant tracks of heavy earthmovers with assumption that both China and Pakistan want to relieve the pressure form Gwadar’s port to somewhere neutral.
SEVEN people, including five police officers, were killed and 23 others – including eight police officers – were wounded when a suicide bomber detonated their explosives targeting a police truck in the city of Quetta in Pakistan’s Baluchistan province on 9 January, Dawn and Reuters reported. The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack.
In Mamad Kore area, Khewazai Biazai, Mohmand Agency, Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), at least four rockets were fired across Afghan border, reports did not contain details of casualties. Reports added that security forces retaliated to the attack.
In Qaimkhani Colony, Baldia Town, Karachi, 16 suspected militants linked the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were arrested by security forces.
In Hazar Ganji, Quetta, one person was shot dead and another wounded by unidentified assailants. In Turbat Town, Kech district, Baluchistan, a former Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) commander – identified as Muhammad Bakhsh (alias Jaggo) was shot dead by unidentified assailants travelling on motorcycles.
In Gotak area, Ghaljo, Orakzai Agency, Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), security forces seized a large cache of arms and ammunition during a search operation.
Counter-terrorism officials reported that an alleged Wilayat Khorasan militant had been arrested during a counter-terrorism operation at Shah Sharif graveyard in Daska area in Pakistan’s Punjab province on an earlier unspecified date, Geo TV reported. An unspecified quantity of explosives and detonators were seized during the operation.
In Kizingo area, Mombasa, security forces detained 10 Pakistani nationals on suspicion of international terrorism, as well as possible money laundering and drug trafficking, after a tip off from Pakistan.
SEVEN people, including five police officers, were killed and 23 others – including eight police officers – were wounded when a suicide bomber detonated their explosives targeting a police truck in the city of Quetta in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on 9 January, Dawn and Reuters reported. The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack.
In Mamad Kore area, Khewazai Biazai, Mohmand Agency, Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), at least four rockets were fired across Afghan border, reports did not contain details of casualties. Reports added that security forces retaliated to the attack., reported by Dawn
In Qaimkhani Colony, Baldia Town, Karachi, Sindh, three Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants were killed and three others were wounded in an armed clash with security forces during a counter-terrorism operation. Three security officials were also wounded. Security forces seized two suicide vests, two bomb blocks with improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and two submachine guns.
In Hazar Ganji, Quetta, one person was shot dead and another wounded by unidentified assailants.
In Turbat Town, Kech district, Balochistan, a former Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) commander – identified as Muhammad Bakhsh (alias Jaggo) was shot dead by unidentified assailants traveling on motorcycles
SEVEN people, including five police officers, were killed and 23 others – including eight police officers – were wounded when a suicide bomber detonated their explosives targeting a police truck in the city of Quetta in Pakistan’s Baluchistan province on 9 January, Dawn and Reuters reported. The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the attack.
ONE soldier was killed and two others were wounded when a landmine, emplaced by unidentified militants, detonated in the Sarobai area of North Waziristan Agency of Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) on 11 January, The Daily Times reported. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
Officers of Counter Terrorism Department arrested two suspected militants in a bid to foil a militant attack, for allegedly transferring explosives to Peshawar.
In Gulberg, Karachi, Sindh, a police officer was shot dead by Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants.
In Usman Khas, Shah Latif town, Karachi, Sindh, police carried out a targeted raid, killing four militants associated with Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) and the Islamic State.
A HEALTH worker was killed by unidentified militants in Alikhel area of Qila Saifullah district in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on 14 January, The Nation reported. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has received a further five Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra Super Mushshak basic trainer aircraft to add to the five delivered in mid-2017.
The second batch of piston-engined aircraft arrived at NAF Base Kaduna on 14 January having been airlifted from Pakistan via Ilyushin Il-76 ‘Candid’ transport aircraft, the air force’s director of public relations announced. NAF Base Kaduna is home to the 401 Flying Training School.
The aircraft will now be assembled before joining the first five that were delivered in July 2017 (four Super Mushshak’s had previously been loaned to the NAF, and have since been returned to Pakistan).
With all 10 aircraft now received, the NAF has completed the process of replacing its Van RV-6A Air Beetles, which were returned to service some years ago after having been effectively mothballed. Many NAF pilots have been sent to countries such as China, Egypt, Pakistan, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States for training, due to a lack of suitable aircraft.
A total of 385 Mushshaks and Super Mushshaks had been ordered by November 2017, with military customers comprising Azerbaijan, Iran, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. The twin-seat (with the option for a third passenger in place of baggage) aircraft is valued at around US$2 million.
In the Killi Khaizi area, Quetta, Balochistan, the Counter Terrorism Department arrested an alleged commander – identified as Shaira Lehri – of militant group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ).
A THREE-person delegation – including two members from the Taliban’s political office in Qatar’s capital Doha – approved by the Taliban’s leader Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada travelled to Pakistan’s capital Islamabad on 15 January for exploratory talks with representatives of the Afghan government on restarting peace negotiations in Afghanistan, Reuters reported. Reports did not specify if any progress was made.
A POLICE constable was killed by unidentified assailants in Bharwal area in Hasanabdal Saddar in Attock district in Pakistan’s Punjab province on 15 January, The Nation reported. In Harbans Pura, Lahore, the counter terrorism department arrested two alleged Jamat-ul-Ahrar militants in a bid to foil a terrorist attack.
AT LEAST five security forces personnel were killed and an unspecified number of others wounded by unidentified militants in an ambush in the town of Turbat in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on 15 January, RFE/RL reported. Reports added that one of the security forces’ vehicles overturned during the attack, killing five people inside. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
January 016-26, 2018
Islamic State/Daesh militants ambushed a group of Iraq’s Shia-led paramilitary fighters, killing at least 27, officials said Monday, underlining the extremist group’s capabilities of launching large-scale attacks two months after Baghdad declared victory over IS in all of Iraq. According to the reports amongst the 27 killed six were from Pakistan and nine from Afghanistan.
In Kurram Agency, Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) two suspected militants were killed and another was wounded in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) strikes by United States military forces.
THREE people, including two police officers, were wounded when a grenade thrown by unidentified militants detonated targeting a vehicle near Edhi police picket in Chaman town in Killa Abdullah district in Pakistan’s Baluchistan province on 17 January, Daily Times reported. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
AN improvised explosive device (IED) and remote-controlled improvised explosive device (RCIED), emplaced on a roadside by unidentified militants, were defused by security forces during a counter-terrorism operation on Sariab road in city of Quetta in Pakistan’s Baluchistan province on 17 January, Daily Times reported.
TWO police officers were killed and another was wounded in an attack by unidentified militants in Double Road area in the city of Quetta in Pakistan’s Baluchistan province on 17 January, Pakistan Today reported. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
In Janikhel, Bannu, Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa, a militant was killed, while an army captain and two soldiers were wounded in an encounter during a search operation against outlaws.
In the border town of Chaman, Qila Abdullah district, Balochistan, a civilian and two police officials were killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack.
January 027-31, 2018
TWO unidentified militants were killed by police officers in retaliatory fire after ambushing a police convoy in Karachi in Pakistan’s Sindh province on 27 January, the Express Tribune reported. Reports added that a suicide bomber drove his motorcycle into a police armored personnel carrier (APC) before detonating his explosives during the attack.
Chief of the Army Staff General Bajwa ratified death sentences awarded to 10 militants and imprisonment to three other convicts for varying periods by the military courts.
In Kurram Agency, Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) two suspected militants were killed and another was wounded in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) strikes by United States military forces.
In Janikhel, Bannu, Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa, a militant was killed, while an army captain and two soldiers were wounded in an encounter during a search operation against outlaws.
In the border town of Chaman, Qila Abdullah district, Baluchistan, a civilian and two police officials were killed in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack.
THREE people, including two police officers, were wounded when a grenade thrown by unidentified militants detonated targeting a vehicle near Edhi police picket in Chaman town in Killa Abdullah district in Pakistan’s Baluchistan province on 27 January, Daily Times reported. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
AN ALLEGED local Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commander – identified as Asad Mansoor – surrendered to security forces in Dera Ismail Khan district in Pakistan’s Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa province on 28 January, The Express Tribune reported.
In Gokand valley, Buner, Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa police arrested a suspected militant and recovered an improvised explosive device (IED) and explosives during a targeted operation.
TWO Haqqani Network militants – identified as Ahsan Khorai and Nasir Mehmood – were killed in a United States unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) missile strike targeting a residence in the village of Dapa Mamozai in North Waziristan in Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) on 28 January, Reuters reported.
IN A STATEMENT released on 28 January, the Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on six men – two Pakistani nationals and four Afghans resident in Pakistan – with alleged links to the Haqqani Network and the Taliban, Reuters reported.
AT LEAST 200 Baloch separatist militants, including 15 local commanders, surrendered to authorities and laid down their weapons in a ceremony in the city of Turbat in Baluchistan province on 28 January, Dawn reported. Authorities stated that the majority of the militants had belonged to the Baloch Liberation Front (BLF).
In Kabal, Swat, Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa, police arrested two suspected militants allegedly involved in anti state activities.
State-owned aerospace and defence prime Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) will expand its Wing Loong family of strike-capable reconnaissance medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (MALE UAVs) with the Wing Loong I-D platform, state news agencies reported on 25 January.
Officials from AVIC’s Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute (CADI) subsidiary were quoted as saying at the Wing Loong UAV Development Conference that the company is aiming to ready the Wing Loong I-D for its maiden flight and entry into the international market within 2018.
“The Wing Loong [I-D] is the first of a new generation of improved reconnaissance-strike UAS [unmanned aerial systems] in China,” said Li Yidong, chief designer of the Wing Loong UAV family and vice-chief designer of CADI. “It will help enhance the influence of [the] Wing Loong brand in the global military trade market with other members of the family.”
A scale model of the new design was revealed for the first time at Airshow China 2016. According to specifications provided by AVIC during the event, the Wing Loong I-D is expected to be approximately 8.7 m in length, 3.2 m in height, and have a wingspan of 17.6 m.
The Wing Loong I-D will also be powered by a piston engine of unknown providence, with the company aiming to achieve a maximum speed of 280 km/h and a service ceiling of 7,500 m (24,600 ft). An operating endurance of 35 hours is also desired.
AVIC also stated that the new variant would be capable of carrying up to 400 kg of external stores, although its officials declined to provide details of its internal carriage capacity.
In contrast, the Wing Loong I measures 9 m long, 2.8 m tall, and features a wingspan of 14 m. The air vehicle – which performed its maiden flight in 2007 following two years of development – has a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 1,200 kg and a maximum payload capacity of 200 kg, split evenly between internal and external stores.
Besides the PLAAF, the Wing Loong I is believed to be in service with the armed forces of Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Jane’s earlier reported that Pakistan may also be operating the air vehicle, with commercial satellite imagery captured on 24 November 2017 showing what appears to be a Wing Loong I in front of a hangar at the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF’s) MM Alam airbase in the Punjab Province.
In Gokand valley, Buner, Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa police arrested a suspected militant and recovered an improvised explosive device (IED) and explosives during a targeted operation.
SIX members of a family – three women and three men – were killed when their vehicle triggered an unspecified explosive device, emplaced by unidentified militants, near the town of Parachinar in Kurram Agency in Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) on 30 January, Reuters reported. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
Pakistan Army’s Future Helicopter Plans
The Pakistan Army is looking at procuring a new attack helicopter type to enhance its current capabilities as part of a wider modernization of its rotary-winged assault capabilities. Speaking at the IQPC Military Helicopter conference in London, the commander of Pakistan Army Aviation, Major General Nasir D Shah, said that a number of platform options are being considered to augment its current Bell AH-1 Cobras, its already arrived and soon-to-be-inducted Mil Mi¬35s, and its soon to be delivered Bell AH-1Z Viper platforms. “Army Aviation has plans to further enhance its attack helicopter fleets, and various options are currently being considered and evaluated,” Gen Shah said on 31 January. “Army Aviation needs a platform that is suitable for operations in a dusty environment, that can fly at extremely high temperatures while suitably configured [with weapons and sensors], can operate in low visibility [night and ‘brownout’ conditions], that demonstrates ease of maintenance and logistic support, and where depot-level maintenance can be transferred [to Pakistan].” While the general made no reference to the platforms being considered, Pakistan is known to have evaluated the Chinese built Z-10 as far back as 2014, and it was reported by Turkey that a number of its TAI T¬129 attack helicopters had been sent to Pakistan for evaluation in 2016. Besides these two platforms, Pakistan might instead procure additional AH-1Zs to fulfill its requirements. According to Gen Shah, while the current Cobras have proven to be effective over their more¬than¬30-years of service, they are now showing their limitations. “The [current 32] AH-1 helicopters have provided effective close support for our ground forces engaged in counterinsurgency [COIN] operations, but they cannot be employed effectively in high-altitude operations above 8,000 ft,” he noted. In the near-term, the army will help offset these limitations with the four Mi-35s that it ordered from Russian some years ago, and which were delivered to the country in late 2017. “The Mi-35 helicopters have been procured to enhance existing aerial attack capability of army aviation. They are about to be inducted into the army fleet, and our 21 years of Mi-17 [transport helicopter] operations will assist us in the easy adoption of these helicopters,” he said. Due to induction not long after the Mi-35s is the AH-1Z, with the first of 12 expected to arrive in-country in the coming weeks. As Gen Shah explained, “To enhance the combat capabilities of Army Aviation, the induction of AH-1Zs is now considered to be a major step for fighting and eliminating the remaining pocket of resistance in the ongoing COIN operations. The operational effects of the AH-1Z in COIN operations will include the long-range day-and-night employment of precision weapons; high-altitude performance beyond 10,000 ft; a radius-of-action increase within the same reaction time; flexibility in the field due to an integral auxiliary power unit and folding main rotor blades; and improved FLIR sensor performance.” Pakistan Army Aviation currently has more than 400 rotary and fixed-wing aircraft in its inventory, with its pilots flying a combined 55,000 hours annually. Its move to enhance its attack helicopter capabilities are part of a much wider drive to reduce the average age of its fleet by phasing out older aircraft in favor of more modern machines, as well as through the standardization of fleet types. [IQPC Military Helicopter conference in London]
Analysis: Pakistan Army Aviation (PAA) helicopters play an important role in the conduct of ground combat operations on the modern battlefield. Since 2001, the operations against the militants and insurgents in the north-western territories have lead to usage of the rotary increased exponentially.
On paper, it appears that the PAA has invested heavily in helicopter fleet but if a critical analysis is done it is clear that its fleet is a hodgepodge of various different types of helicopters. The PAA operates too many different types of rotary air platforms: Mi-17 (several different variants), Puma (3 variants), AB-206, SA-315B Lama, SA-316, AW-139, Alouette III, AH-1 S/F, Bell-412EP, AS-550 Fennec, and UH-1. This assortment of helicopters causes an enormous burden on service crews and the procurement plus storage of the spare parts.
PAA operates too many airframes, some of which have outlived their useful life. Reducing these airframes and maximizing commonality and interoperability is the key to improving training, sustainability, procurement of spare parts (reduce warehousing and storage requirements), and incorporating into its airborne military doctrine. Pakistan should comprehensively examine their training programs with a focus towards producing highly qualified aviators, flight engineers, and maintenance personnel in 12 months or less.
The foremost rotary asset PAA uses is its fleet of 39 AH-1 S/F Cobra gunship-helicopters. The AH-1 has been extensively used in COIN missions in the north-western territories. These operations have taken a toll on Cobra airframes and caused a significant burden to maintain them along with a delay in acquiring spare parts from the US. PAA has already placed an order 12 AH-1Z attack-helicopters with the first couple slated for delivery in coming weeks. It should be noted the total number of AH-1Z approved is 15.
The present PAA doctrine incorporates two different types of dedicated attack-helicopters. PAA for the past two has extensively evaluated Chinese Zhi-10 (Z-10) and TAI/AgustaWestland T129 attack and tactical reconnaissance (ATAK). The final decision which airframes to buy should be made in 2018.
PAA needs to diversify its attack-helicopter fleet. Depending solely on the US made AH-1 brings back stark realities ‘love & hate’ relationship between the USA and Pakistan. The Chinese Zhi-10 (Z-10) attack helicopter developed by Changhe Aircraft Industries Group (CAIG) is the most viable parallel choice. The Z-10 is thought to be in the same class as the Agusta A-129, South African Rooivalk, and German Tiger. Its primary mission is anti-armor and battlefield interdiction, with a secondary capability for air-to-air combat.
Looking at Z-10’s design shows a streamlined aircraft, with a conventional two-seat stepped cockpit. The fuselage has a hexagonal cross-section, with a flat-sided sloping lower fuselage that blends with the stub wings. The airframe shape indicates that some thought has been given to radar cross-section reduction, but the sensor and weapon mountings are clearly non-stealthy. The Z-10’s V-shaped lower fuselage provides space for mission avionics while keeping overall airframe volume low.
The two PT6-67C turboshaft engines, rated at 1,700 shp, are mounted in rounded pods with side-facing air intakes. The same lateral intake arrangement can be found on other PT6-engined helicopters such as the AgustaWestland AW 139. The engine is located to the rear, with the gearbox at the front of the pod housing. Two refueling points can be seen below the engines. Ahead of the main engine intake is a smaller intake, probably for cooling air. The Z-10 is amply equipped with fore- and aft-mounted antennas for missile approach warning and (probably) laser warning systems. An integral chaff/flare dispenser box is carried in the lower fuselage behind the stub wings. A small extended fairing (fitted to both sides of the aircraft), which may house an electronic warfare antenna, is visible just in front of the main landing gear. An identification friend-or-foe antenna is located above the nose in front of the cockpit.
A wire strike-protection system is mounted above both cockpits and the landing gear. An air data probe is positioned on the starboard side to feed speed and attitude information to the flight-control system and weapons computers.
The second option is the TAI/AgustaWestland T129 ATAK. The T129 multirole attack helicopter is being developed jointly by AgustaWestland and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) for the Turkish Land Forces Command (TLF) under the attack and tactical reconnaissance helicopter (ATAK) programme. The helicopter is based on the AW129 and its predecessor the A129 Mangusta. The digital cockpit of the T129 incorporates two color multifunctional displays (MFD), keyboard display unit, Avionic Central Control Computer-ACCC (Dual) and a four-axis automatic flight control system (AFCS). It accommodates two crewmembers. The helicopter has four hardpoints to carry a weaponry payload of 1,200kg. Its stub wing pylons can accommodate anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM), air-to-air missiles (ATAM), 70mm (2.75in) rockets and 70mm (2.75in) guided rockets. A 20mm turreted three-barrel gun system will be fitted with a nose turret. Optional armament includes 12.7mm gun pods. Pakistan is supposed to procure 40 of either T129 or Z-10. If for some reason PAA could wait on this selection it would advisable to procure the new and heavier T129B.
For scout, reconnaissance, and light troops movement PAA already has latest US-made Bell B-412EP and Eurocopter AS550 Fennec helicopters. However, reports surfacing suggest that both of these helicopters have problems in hot-high operational conditions. The best possible way to rectify these shortcomings is to involve the manufactures and use the experience gained from the flight-performance of the helicopters to bring the performance of the helicopter to PAA needs and requirements. PAA has an excellent record in using innovative and indigenous methods to improve the performance of its rotary fleet.
PAA operates (PAF also operates Mi-17s & Aw139 for CSAR missions) several different variants of Mi-17s. Recently, two Mi-17 helicopters were purchased for firefighting duties and are operated under the PAA. Mi-17 is a very rugged and reliable medium-lift helicopter. In the recent years, PAA along with PAF have purchased close to 90 Mi-17 of different variants and it has served its utility well. Equipping its Mi-17 fleet with night-flying equipment along with FLIR, extra fuel tanks, etc., will enhance the capability of PAA.
Russia has completed delivery of four Mil Mi-35M ‘Hind E’ attack helicopters to the Pakistan Army Aviation Corps (PAAC). The Mi-35M is a multi-role combat helicopter manufactured by Rostvertol, a subsidiary of Russian Helicopters. It is an export variant of the Mi-24 Hind attack helicopter. Primarily designed for attack and military transport missions, the helicopter delivers superior flight performance and maneuverability than its predecessor. The aircraft integrates modern, high-precision weaponry for destroying ground-based armored targets and providing air support for ground missions. It can be modified as an attack, ground assault, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) or transport platform.
What PAA is lacking is a heavy-lift helicopter. PAA was cleared to purchase ex-Italian CH-47C in 2011 but due to the lack of funding, this deal did not go through.
PAA should be planning to streamline its helicopter fleet. As it is stated in this analysis it has way too many airframes operational. In the past, the option to procure was very limited with only the U.S. and western European countries. Now, since the Russians are more willing along with China has viable production helicopters Pakistan has more options. It would be feasible to look at replacing with Chinese airframes like Z-8, Z-20, and add more AW 139.
February 01-15, 2018
In Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa, a caretaker of an Imambargah (Shia congregation hall) was shot and killed and unidentified assailants wounded a pedestrian.
AT LEAST 11 soldiers were killed and 13 others were wounded when a Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) suicide bomber detonated his explosives targeting a military base in Swat district in Pakistan’s Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa province on 3 February, Reuters reported. TTP claimed responsibility for the attack.
In Kulachi, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa a police constable was shot dead by unidentified assailants. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
A CHINESE national – identified as 46-year-old Chen Zhu – an official at a shipping firm, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in an attack in Zamzama Park in Clifton in Karachi in Pakistan’s Sindh province on 5 February, Daily Times reported.
AT LEAST 11 soldiers were killed and 13 others were wounded when a Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) suicide bomber detonated his explosives targeting a military base in Swat district in Pakistan’s Khyber Pukhtoonkhwa province on 3 February, Reuters reported. TTP claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has set up an instrumented weapon test range (WTR) at the Sonmiani firing range in Baluchistan Province designed to “track the complete trajectory of aircraft and launched missiles”, according to a 2 February report by the state-owned Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).
The facility, which was developed with support from China, is equipped with “real-time tracking and measuring equipment to qualify the indigenously developed and procured weapon systems”, reported the media outlet citing an official press release.
To qualify the measuring equipment at the new WTR, Pakistani-built JF-17 Thunder multirole combat aircraft shot down aerial targets using beyond-visual-range and infrared missiles.
“The live demonstration was a potent display of the PAF’s capability to successfully locate and destroy high/slow speed moving targets by employing high-tech inventory of aircraft and missiles,” added the report, which did not provide any further details about the weapon systems test-fired by the JF-17.
It also reported that PAF commander Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, who was chief guest at the event, said that six PAF fighter squadrons have already been equipped with JF-17 Thunder aircraft, making the platform “the backbone of our aerial defense”.
IN A STATEMENT issued on 8 February, military forces reported that seven suspected militants had been arrested during a counter-terrorism operation in Dera Ghazi Khan in Pakistan’s Punjab province on earlier unspecified date, Associated Press of Pakistan reported.
FOUR security personnel were killed when Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants riding motorcycles opened fire with 9mm firearms targeting a motorcycle patrol near the Sariab Road in the city of Quetta in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on 14 February, Geo TV reported. The TTP claimed responsibility for the attack. Reports added that the men were all shot in the head.
ONE tribal elder was killed and two others were wounded when their vehicle struck a landmine emplaced by unidentified militants in the Tor Simat area in Lower Orakzai Agency in Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) on 15 February, the Express Tribune reported.
FOUR security personnel were killed when Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants riding motorcycles opened fire with 9mm firearms targeting a motorcycle patrol near the Sariab Road in the city of Quetta in Pakistan’s Baluchistan province on 14 February, Geo TV reported. The TTP claimed responsibility for the attack. Reports added that the men were all shot in the head.
Saab secured SEK3.35 billion (USD420 million) in sales for its airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) systems in 2017, the company disclosed during its annual results briefing on 16 February.
Saab secured two sales for its airborne early warning and control platforms in 2017, though the classified nature of the contracts means that few details have been made public. Saab
The figure was secured across two separate sales announced in January and May of last year, valued at SEK2 billion and SEK1.35 billion respectively.
The nature of the AEW&C contracts was such that Saab declined to divulge further details on either deal, except to say that the first award would see deliveries from 2019 to 2021, with those for the second running from 2017 to 2020.
Saab did not disclose its customers in either of these instances, but it was reported at the time that the second SEK1.35 billion deal would probably cover three new Erieye aircraft for Pakistan. These would replace one Saab 2000-based Erieye aircraft that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) lost in an insurgent attack on its operating base in 2013, and augment the remaining three that were ordered in 2006 for a full-strength force of six.
If this order is for Pakistan, it is not clear if it will comprise the same Saab 2000 turboprop-based system as the country’s original order, or if it will be based on the company’s latest Global 6000 business jet-based GlobalEye that features the S-band (2 to 4 GHz) Erieye Extended Range (ER) radar.
While these latest two contracts have been shrouded in secrecy, Saab has previously publicised a deal for the GlobalEye with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under the platform’s previously held moniker of Swing Role Surveillance System (SRSS). However, the company has consistently declined to discuss this contract since the initial announcement in 2015.
Noted in Saab’s annual report was the importance that these AEW&C sales have had on the company’s wider profitability for the year, with one briefing slide observing that “sales and the operating margin strengthened mainly due to a high level of activity in the AEW&C segment”.
Analysis: Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has developed a very robust and imposing Airborne Early Warning Platforms. The Erieye along with ZDK-03 (Y-8P) PAF has almost fulfilled its air defense doctrine. ZDK-03 operates together with Erieye in a “high-low” combination in order to coordinate various Chinese and western made combat aircraft effectively. PAF had sent one of its ZDK-03 to China for an upgrade. This aircraft was returned in early January ’18 with fixed AESA radar. Presently PAF has close to 10 AWACS.
February 16-28, 2018
THREE militants were killed by security forces during a counter-terrorism operation in Dera Ghazi Khan in Pakistan’s Punjab province on 17 February, the Daily Times reported. Reports added that two security forces personnel were wounded during the operation. One improvised explosive device (IED), a rocket launcher, an AK-series assault rifle, and an unspecified quantity of grenades and ammunition was also recovered by security forces.
In Kashoba, Baluchistan, border military police registered a case against five suspected militants.
SECURITY forces personnel arrested one suspected Islamic State commander –identified as Sabir Hussain (alias Yasir) – near the Wania Wala road in Gujranwala in Pakistan’s Punjab province on 18 February, the Daily Times reported. An improvised explosive device (IED) and other unspecified weapons were allegedly seized from the suspect.
In Khar, Bajaur Agency, Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), security forces shot dead two unidentified would-be suicide bombers who had crossed over the Afghan border.
UNIDENTIFIED gunmen targeted a police checkpost in a grenade attack in the city of Peshawar in Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas on 21 Februay, The Frontier Post reported. Police opened fire during in response to the attack. Reports did not contain details of any casualties. Wilayat Khorasan claimed responsibility for the attack.
FOUR Frontier Corps (FC) paramilitary personnel were killed and seven others were wounded when an unidentified suicide bomber detonated his explosives at a checkpoint in the Nosahar area, 30km from the city of Quetta in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on 28 February, the Express Tribune reported. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
March 01-15, 2018
AT LEAST five unidentified suspected militants were arrested by security forces during a counter-terrorism operation near Hatari Bypass in Hyderabad district in Pakistan’s Sindh province on 1 March, The Nation reported. Reports added that the suspects had allegedly received funding to target security personnel in the province.
STM to upgrade Pakistan Navy’s second Khalid-class submarine
Turkish defence engineering company STM (Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret) has signed a contract amendment with Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production for the mid-life upgrade of the second of three Khalid(Agosta 90B)-class diesel-electric attack submarines operated by the Pakistan Navy (PN).
The contract was signed in Pakistan by General Arshad Mahmood of the Ministry of Defence Production, STM General Manager Davut Yılmaz, and STM Naval Projects Director Savaş Onur, the company said in a 1 March statement.
“While all the systems specified in the main contract will similarly be used in the configuration of the second submarine, additional systems have also been included into the submarine configuration, which will all be reflected onto the project’s first submarine,” said the company.
“Furthermore, with this latest contract amendment, a third submarine and various additional systems have been introduced into the project as options,” it added.
As part of the modernisation of the second boat, STM said it will “make modifications on the pressure hull by carrying out system-to-system and platform-to-system integrations” for various systems to be provided by foreign and local companies such as Turkey‘s Havelsan and Aselsan. “The modernisation works will include the replacement of the submarine’s entire sonar suite, periscope, command-and-control systems as well as converters, steering stations, radar, and electronic support systems,” it added.
In addition to design, engineering and procurement activities are to be carried out as part of the project. STM said it will provide integrated logistical support and training services to different units of the PN.
Installation work will be performed at PN facilities in Pakistan.
In June 2016 STM was confirmed as the prime contractor for the mid-life upgrade of the PN’s Khalid-class boats. STM’s first such contract with Pakistan‘s Ministry of Defence Production covered the upgrade of a single boat in Pakistan, with options for the modernisation of the two additional submarines.
The PN’s first modernized Khalid-class submarine is due to be delivered in 2020, and the second one a year later.
As Jane’s reported in June 2016, Airbus DS Optronics was contracted by STM to replace the current SOPELEM J95 search and ST5 95 attack periscopes with its SERO 250 S search periscope and OMS 200 optronic mast, together with their associated hoisting mechanisms, as part of the upgrade activity for the first of the PN’s three Khalid-class submarines.
In February 2017 UK-based company Kelvin Hughes announced that it had been contracted by the PN to supply its I-Band SharpEye Doppler submarine radar system as part of the upgrade programme. A follow-on order for the same system was announced in November of that year. The first radar system is scheduled for delivery in 2018.
FOUR Frontier Corps (FC) paramilitary personnel were killed and seven others were wounded when an unidentified suicide bomber detonated his explosives at a checkpoint in the Nosahar area, 30km from the city of Quetta in Pakistan‘s Balochistan province on 28 February, the Express Tribune reported. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
In Tirah valley, Khyber Agency, Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), an army captain and a soldier were killed when an improvised explosive device (IED), emplaced by unidentified militants, detonated.
SIX suspected militants were arrested by security forces during a counter-terrorism operation in Karbala area in Pishin district in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on 2 March, Daily Times reported. Reports added that 500kg of explosive material was seized from the militants. An unspecified quantity of explosive jackets, sub-machine guns and tools of communication was seized.
A SUSPECTED Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) militant – identified as Ahsan Mehsud (alias Roshan) – was arrested by police during a counter-terrorism operation in Mominabad area in Karachi in Pakistan‘s Sindh province on 2 March, Dawn reported. An unspecified explosive material was discovered during the operation.
In Hyderabad, Sindh, the police arrested five suspected members of the Sindhudesh Revolutionary Arm (SRA) nationalist group for allegedly attacking security personnel, sabotaging the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor, and targeting the banned Jamaatud dawa (JuD) party.
In Karachi, Sindh, administrative judge of counter-terrorism court remanded a suspected militant to police custody in four cases of explosives and possession of illicit weapons.
FRONTIER Corps (FC) personnel conducted a counter-terrorism operation targeting militant hideouts in Dera Bugti district in Pakistan’s Baluchistan province on 4 March, Daily Times reported. Reports added that an unspecified quantity of rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and detonators were seized during the operation.
FOUR suspected militants were killed by police during a counter-terrorism operation in the town of Chaman in Qilla Abdullah district in Pakistan’s Baluchistan province on 5 March, Daily Dawn reported. An unspecified number of suicide vests, explosives, arms and rounds of ammunition were seized during the operation.
PAF equips SAR squadron with AW139 helicopter
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has equipped its No 88 search-and-rescue (SAR) squadron with the AgustaWestland AW139 multirole twin-engine helicopter, according to a 3 March report by the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).
Citing a PAF press statement, the state-owned media outlet also reported that the squadron was renamed “No 88 Combat Support Squadron and Advanced Helicopter Training School” following the induction of the platform.
PAF commander Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, who attended a ceremony to mark the event at the Shahbaz Air Base (Jacobabad), was quoted by AAP as saying that the PAF had selected the AW139 “as the most effective solution for our requirements” after an in-depth analysis of the SAR platforms available worldwide.
“Today the long-awaited vision of PAF to acquire night and maritime search-and-rescue capability has been achieved with the AW139 helicopters.” The addition of AW139s will considerably enhance the operational capabilities of this squadron, which was flying Mi-171 multirole helicopters, he was quoted as saying, adding that the squadron will also train pilots on how to fly the newly inducted platform.
The media report did not specify how many AW139s have joined the squadron but pointed out that an Mi-171 and two AW139s conducted a fly-past during the ceremony.
In Docks area, Karachi, Sindh, security forces arrested four people suspected of links to Muttahida Qaumi Movement – London (MQM-L) who were allegedly involved in murder cases. Unspecified weapons were recovered from the suspects’ possession.
ONE traffic police sergeant was shot dead by unidentified assailants while he was on a night patrol in the Kandahari Bazaar in Quetta in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on 6 March, the South Asian Terrorism Portal reported. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
Pakistan says it downed another Indian surveillance UAV
The Pakistani military announced on 6 March that its army troops shot down what it claimed was an Indian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that illegally entered Pakistani airspace across the line of control (LoC) in the disputed northern region of Kashmir.
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani military, said in a statement that the “Indian spy drone” had “violated” the LoC in the Chirikot sector.
“The drone has been taken over by Pakistan Army troops,” said ISPR, adding that the latest was the fourth such UAV shot down by Pakistan Army troops over the past 12 months.
No further information was provided about the downed UAV.
In late October 2017 ISPR chief Major General Asif Ghafoor had reported about a similar incident, in which an alleged Indian UAV was shot down by the Pakistani military while “spying across the LOC in Rakhchikri sector”.
At the time he posted images of the downed UAV, which bore a label from Chinese UAV manufacturer DJI. The small UAV appeared to belong to the company’s Phantom series.
The LoC divides the northern region of Kashmir between India and Pakistan, which is claimed in its entirety by both countries.
Islamabad and New Delhi have frequently traded accusations of violating the 2003 LoC ceasefire agreement on the ground and on a handful of occasions through the use of UAVs.
In Hazar Ganji vegetable market, Quetta, Balochistan province, unidentified assailants riding a motorcycle shot dead two police officers and wounded one other guarding vendors from the Shia Hazara community. Islamic State/Daesh militants are prime suspects
PAF launches new JF-17 squadron
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has inaugurated a new squadron equipped with the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) JF-17 Thunder multirole combat aircraft, according to a 28 February report by the Associated Press of Pakistan(APP).
Named No 28 Multirole Squadron and stationed at PAF Base Samungli near Quetta, Baluchistan, the new unit will be responsible for “providing day and night aerial defence of the country, especially along the western borders of Pakistan”, PAF commander Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, who attended the inauguration ceremony, was quoted by the state-owned media outlet as saying.
“We totally understand the kind of conspiracies the enemies of Pakistan continue to hatch but our resolve is very firm and response very clear,” he said, pointing out that while Pakistan is a peace-loving nation, “we do not want anybody to interfere in our airspace and territory”.
APP did not specify how many JF-17s have joined the squadron but pointed out that four of the aircraft conducted a fly-past during the ceremony.
With the addition of the No 28 Multirole Squadron, the PAF now operates six squadrons equipped with JF-17s. The first unit to be equipped was the 26 Squadron based at Peshawar, followed by the 16 Squadron at Minhas, and the 2 Squadron at Masroor. The 14 Squadron completed equipping in February 2017.
Another JF-17 squadron is operated by the Combat Commanders’ School (CCS) stationed at PAF Base Mushaf (Sargodha).
AT LEAST five unidentified suspected militants were arrested by security forces during a counter-terrorism operation near Hatari Bypass in Hyderabad district in Pakistan‘s Sindh province on 1 March, The Nation reported. Reports added that the suspects had allegedly received funding to target security personnel in the province.
A SUSPECTED Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) militant – identified as Ahsan Mehsud (alias Roshan) – was arrested by police during a counter-terrorism operation in Mominabad area in Karachi in Pakistan‘s Sindh province on 2 March, Dawn reported. An unspecified explosive material was discovered during the operation.
FOUR Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) militants, including a ‘commander’, surrendered to security forces at a ceremony in Hub town in Lasbela district in Pakistan’s Baluchistan province on 8 March, Dawn reported.
UNIDENTIFIED gunmen targeted a police checkpost in a grenade attack in the city of Peshawar in Pakistan‘s Federally Administered Tribal Areas on 21 Februay, The Frontier Post reported. Police opened fire during in response to the attack. Reports did not contain details of any casualties. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Wilayat Khorasan claimed responsibility for the attack.
FOUR suspected militants were killed by police during a counter-terrorism operation in the town of Chaman in Qilla Abdullah district in Pakistan‘s Balochistan province on 5 March, Daily Dawn reported. An unspecified number of suicide vests, explosives, arms and rounds of ammunition were seized during the operation.
AT LEAST two unidentified suspected militants were arrested by security forces during coordinated counter-terrorism operations in Mastang, Pashin, Khad Kacha, and Sibbi areas of Pakistan’s Balochistan province on 11 March, the Daily Times reported. Security forces seized a large cache of weapons, ammunition, rockets, and explosives during the operations. Reports did not specify where the militants were arrested during the operations
US commanders worry about China’s expansion in South Asia, Africa
US military commanders are concerned about China’s growing economic and military footholds in Africa and Asia, specifically with a new base and possible new ports.
“China seeks to capitalise on regional concerns over what it perceives as waning US influence and support,” said US Army General Joseph Votel, head of US Central Command (CENTCOM). “Towards this end, Beijing is building and strengthening trade, infrastructure, defence, and political relationships across the Middle East, Central, and South Asia,” he told the Senate Armed Services Committee on 13 March.
Gen Votel said China is “pursuing long-term, steady economic growth that bolsters its international influence and access to energy resources”. Specifically, he said China’s “Belt and Road Initiative, which includes the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, could serve as a stabilising, profit-generating project in the region, but it could also improve China’s military posture”.
These infrastructure projects give China access to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port, operated through a Chinese-Pakistani agreement, which could ultimately boost China’s strategic presence in the Indian Ocean, Gen Votel noted.
Nearby, to the southwest of Gwadar, China last year opened its first overseas military base in Djibouti, close to a major US base there, Camp Lemonnier. The Chinese base is intended to support Chinese naval vessels and peacekeeping forces operating in the region.
US Marine Corps General Thomas Waldhauser, head of US Africa Command, also expressed concern for China’s expansion into Africa. He noted during the same 13 March hearing that Chinese forces around Africa are participating in peacekeeping operations and counter-piracy operations, so “we’ve got to find a way to work with them”.
The Chinese base in Djibouti was built next to Doraleh Multi-Purpose Port, which was heavily financed by China. There are also concerns of possible Chinese takeovers of the nearby Doralah Container Terminal.
FIVE unidentified militants and one Pakistan Rangers member were killed during an armed clash in the Zikri Para area of Lyari in Karachi in Pakistan’s Sindh province on 13 March, The News reported. The militants attacked a security forces patrol with hand grenades and automatic weapons in a night attack. Four other Rangers were also wounded during the attack. Security forces recovered four AK-series assault rifles and an unspecified number if hand grenades from the fallen militants.
Indian Army struggles with resource crunch
The small increase in India’s defense budget for fiscal year 2018/19 (FY 2018/19) will not be enough to fund the Indian Army’s (IA’s) long-delayed modernization efforts, according to a 13 March report by the country’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defense.
In its document the committee quotes the IA’s Vice Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Chand as saying that the “marginal” budgetary hike has “dashed hopes” of modernizing the force: “It [the budget increase] is barely enough to cater to the rise in expenses on account of inflation, and does not even cater for taxes.”
Lt Gen Chand stated that the INR213.38 billion (USD2.39 billion) capital allocation for the IA’s modernisation is “insufficient” to “cater for the committed payment” of INR290.33 billion for 125 ongoing schemes and for arms and ammunition procurement.
“The state [of the IA] is that 68% of our equipment is in the vintage category, with just about 24% in the current and 8% in the state-of-art category,” he said, adding that this state of affairs was adversely impacting the army’s operational efficiency in a turbulent neighborhood.
For several decades the 1.2 million-strong IA has endeavored to operate 30% of its equipment and weaponry in the state-of-art technology category, 40% in the current category, and merely 30% in the vintage class, but has yet to succeed in doing so.
Lt Gen Chand also informed the committee that the FY 2018/19 budget was insufficient to vindicate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative to locally design and build materiel to reduce import dependency.
He said while the army has identified 25 ‘Make in India’ projects, most of these are threatened with foreclosure due to the lack of funding.
This financial paucity, Lt Gen Chand warned, will also negatively impact the government’s strategic partnership scheme of Indian companies designing and building platforms such as future infantry combat vehicles, tanks, aircraft, submarines, and ships in partnership with foreign original equipment manufacturers.
Senior Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and Indian Coast Guard officers also echoed Lt Gen Chand’s concerns to the committee, resulting in it criticising the federal government for ”financially starving” the armed forces and impeding modernisation and routine operational activities.
“We are aghast to note this dismal scenario where the representatives of the services have themselves frankly explained the negative repercussions on our defence preparedness due to inadequate funding allocations,” the committee said in its report.
The viewpoint of service officers was endorsed by Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra, the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD’s) most senior civil servant, who maintained that the federal Finance Ministry was “not supporting the MoD as per its requirements”.
On 1 February the MoD was allocated an outlay of INR2.793 trillion for FY 2018–19: a 7.7% or INR51.19 billion increase over the previous year‘s allocation.
However, senior officers told the committee that in reality this small hike represented a decline in defense spending to around 1.4% of India’s GDP, compared with 1.56% in FY 2017/18.
They also told the committee that this was the lowest such figure since India’s border war with China in 1962.
In Mohammad Soomar Jaro village, Badin, Sindh, police arrested 18 suspects on charges of attack on a seminary.
March 16-31, 2018
Pakistan Navy commissions dredging vessel
The Pakistan Navy (PN) commissioned a dredging vessel and its accompanying two barges in a ceremony held on 15 March at the naval dockyard in Karachi, according to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani military.
Backhoe dredger Rah Kusha and split hopper barges Tarseel 1 and 2 were built for the PN at China’s Tianjin Shipyard. The ship has now joined the Chinese-built 85.3 m-long dredging vessel Behr Kusha , which entered service with the PN in 2008, according to Jane’s Fighting Ships.
According to ISPR, RahKusha can dredge in proximity of jetties and berths where other conventional dredging means are less effective. The ceremony took place after shipbuilder Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works Limited (KSEW) launched a 32-tonne tugboat for the PN on 2 March.
China to upgrade radar of Pakistan’s JF-17 FGA
China will upgrade Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder multirole combat aircraft with the KLJ-7A active electronically scanned-array (AESA) radar, according to a 28 March report by the China Daily newspaper.
Hu Mingchun, head of the Nanjing Research Institute of Electronics Technology (NRIET) in Jiangsu province, was quoted by the state-owned paper as saying that the newest version of the KLJ-7 fire-control radar (FCR) will substantially improve the combat capabilities of the aircraft.
“Our product will tremendously extend the fighter jet’s detection range, giving it a much longer sight that will help it detect the enemy’s aircraft before they do; and this is very important, because in real combat if you see first, you fire first,” he said.
The KLJ-7A, which can be mounted on light- and medium-weight fighter aircraft, is capable of tracking dozens of targets and engaging several of them simultaneously, said Hu, adding that the radar also has “a good jamming-resistant capacity that keeps the plane away from the enemy’s electronic interference”.
The China Daily report provided no further details about the radar and did not specify whether both Block I and Block II JF-17s will be upgraded with it, or whether just the Block III version of the fighter.
NRIET’s deputy director, Wang Hongzhe, was quoted as saying at the time that the radar has a maximum range of 170 km (probably referring to a radar cross-section of 5 m²), and can simultaneously track 15 targets and engage 4 of them.
The KLJ-7A’s feature list includes a track-while-scan, a multi object targeting and a multi target engagement capability, as well as a synthetic aperture radar with ground-moving target identification.
