Show Daily News from IDEAS 2018 - Day 1

DAY

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Published By ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW â– BANGKOK Tuesday, 27th November, 2018

DAY

1

Published By ASIAN MILITARY REVIEW ■ BANGKOK Tuesday, 27th November, 2018

MESSAGES OF WELCOME DR ARIF ALVI President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan

On the eve of 10th Edition of International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS 2018), I warmly welcome the delegates, exhibitors, trade visitors and wish them a very productive and pleasant stay in Pakistan.

Since its beginning IDEAS has transformed into an iconic regional event for cutting edge technology demonstrations as well as a unique forum of shared knowledge and expertise. Concurrent to ongoing strategic transformation and technological developments around the world, IDEAS offers an excellent opportunity for enhanced networking, G2G growth and business expansions through superior services and endowed information sharing.

Today defence manufacturing sector is a major component of Pakistan’s industrial base and is demonstrating its capabilities to meet most of the essential needs of our armed forces. The progressive evolution of Pakistan’s defence industry has not only paved the way for self reliance but also become an international market of quality defence products. Public and private collaboration in this sector has led to new era of technological modernism.

Being the frontline state in the global war against terrorism, Pakistan seeks greater cooperation and collaboration with the international fraternity.

I am confident that events like IDEAS would significantly contribute towards fostering and promoting Pakistan’s strategic partnership with our friends and would also serve to achieve the shared objectives of global peace, stability and balance.

I appreciate the efforts of the Ministry of Defence Production and Defence Export Promotion Organisation (DEPO).

MR IMRAN KHAN Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan

It is my pleasure to welcome the delegates, trade visitors and exhibitors joining us in the 10th Edition of International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS 2018) and wish them a very productive and pleasant stay in Pakistan.

The way IDEAS has served to strengthen our relations with international partners especially in the area of defence collaboration is indeed commendable. Over the past decade it has achieved recognition and credibility in the international defence market. The growing participation of exhibitors and visitors from across the globe is a testimony of the trust and confidence it has inspired worldwide.

IDEAS presents an exclusive opportunity to the defence exhibitors, delegates, analysts and policy makers for exploring new avenues of cooperation through networking, joint ventures and bilateral trade. It is also an occasion for sharing views on latest technological advancements to find innovative and affordable solutions for emerging security challenges.

IDEAS slogan “Arms for Peace” truly demonstrates Pakistan’s principle stand; a proponent of regional and global peace, stability and order through mutually beneficial relations and cooperation amongst international fraternity.

I commend the efforts of the Ministry of Defence Production and Defence Export Promotion Organisation (DEPO) and all those who are involved in successfully organising this event.

GENERAL ZUBAIR MAHMOOD HAYAT NI(M) Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Joint Staff Headquarters

It is with immense pleasure that I warmly welcome the delegates, exhibitors and visitors joining us in the 10th edition of International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS 2018).

IDEAS is a platform of international recognition for the latest technological demonstration of public and private defence industry. Besides the participation of large number of foreign delegates, national and international defence manufacturers, it also serves as global rendezvous for sharing of common views on contemporary defence and security issues. IDEAS 2018 will certainly provide enhanced opportunities for commercial exchange between delegations, trade visitors, defence officials and manufacturers from within Pakistan and abroad. I am confident that event will be of great value to all the participants.

Pakistan’s defence industry is indeed the force behind the Pakistan Armed Forces and playing a vital role in equipping them with modern and technologically advanced equipment. Through superior R&D, well trained human resource and by using innovative and cost effective technologies, these industries are not only meeting the country’s prime defence requirements but also exploring new avenues of collaboration in the international defence market. The joint venture and development of main battle tanks (Al-Khalid and Al-Zrar), aircrafts (JF-17, K-8, Super Mushshak, UAVs), different variants of APCs, maritime patrol vessels, small arms, ammunition and high grade explosives is a testimony to this reality. These military hardware certainly have validation by Pakistan’s Armed Forces and meet our stringent standards of safety, quality and precision.

“Any Mission Any Day” - Pakistan’s elite and largest state-owned defence conglomerate, GIDS known for its portfolio of conventional and high-end systems is inaugurating Pakistan’s state-of-the-art surveillance UAV “BURRAQ” after the opening ceremony of IDEAS-2018 in Hall-6 - see page 6.

TURKISH CONTRACTOR STM LOOKS TO DEEPEN TIES WITH PAKISTAN’S DEFENCE INDUSTRY AT IDEAS 2018

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TM (Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret) is exhibiting its high-tech military solutions at IDEAS 2018 including naval platforms, cyber-security, big data, autonomous systems, and artificial intelligence.

The company has served Turkey’s defence industry and other friendly nations in the fields of engineering, technology, and consultancy for over 25 years.

STM is widely known in Pakistan as the main contractor for the PNS Moawin, the Pakistan Navy fleet tanker that was delivered on 16 October 2018 with a ceremony attended by Pakistan President Arif Alvi and Turkish Defence Industries President İsmail Demir.

PNS Moawin is the largest military vessel ever built in Pakistan.

Equipped with an underway replenishment system, the ship is capable of transferring fuel, water and material to the other ships in the Pakistan Navy. With a maximum speed of 20 knots, the 158 metre PNS Moawin is 22m wide and can handle up to 15,600 tons of cargo. It can also perform day/night helicopter operations.

In addition to this accomplished project, STM was also selected as the main contractor in the project for the mid-life modernisation of Agosta 90B class submarines belonging to the Pakistan Navy. The contract for the modernisation of the first submarine was signed in June 2016, after Pakistan selected STM over the submarines’ original builder. The contract signing ceremony of the second submarine took place in March 2018 at the premises of Pakistan defence ministry’s procurement agency.

The new high speed Fast Attack Craft, FAC-55 will also make its debut in Pakistan at IDEAS 2018. The FAC-55, which was completely designed by ATM in Turkey in common with the 4

MILGEM corvettes, offers superior surface warfare effectiveness. It conforms to international standards with its gas turbine propulsion system and features a mono-hull. Reaching speeds beyond 55 knots, FAC-55 is being followed with great interest by Pakistan Naval Forces.

At IDEAS 2018, STM will also exhibit for the first time its autonomous ‘kamikaze’ drones,Turkey’s new soldiers in the sky.

Indigenously developed by STM to support the tactical and field needs of Turkish security forces, the kamikaze drones ALPAGU Blok 2 and KARGU are capable of eliminating targets using features such as enhanced ammunition capacity and improved accuracy. These armed drones can play an efficient role in asymmetric warfare and the fight against terror. STM is expecting significant interest in these upgraded drones during the fair.

STM will also unveil its first product in the satellite technologies field – the Lagari. As Turkey’s first indigenous micro-surveillance satellite, the Lagari can carry out reconnaissance and surveillance tasks to meet tactical real-time imaging requirements in the field; perform general mapping duties; and monitor the status of forests, flora and natural disasters.

Similarly, the Through-the-Wall Radar (DAR) and StandoffThrough-the-Wall-Radar (UHTES) are the latest technological products that were developed which use radio frequency (RF) waves to detect the presence and location of people and other living things in enclosed spaces, where visual access and reconnaissance is not possible.

STM is one of the few companies to establish a Cyber Fusion Centre to work proactively in the detection of cyber-attacks before they occur and continues to invest in this area. it has also founded the think-tank named ‘Thinktech’, in order to develop strategies in the fields of national security, innovative technologies and military innovation, both for Turkey and the rest of the world. As a very active player in the field of cyber security, STM would consider IDEAS 2018 as an important event to meet with Pakistani and the other decision makers from neighbouring countries to discuss STM’s capabilities in this field.

ANY MISSION ANY DAY GIDS Unveils Pakistan’s Armed UAV – BURRAQ

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he advent of military UAVs and drones has transformed the entire concept of aerial warfare across the globe. The concept has evolved from the airborne fighter jets to small/medium smart

UAVs engaged in the surveillance, reconnaissance and sometimes attack/neutralisation of targets.

UAVs

are

considered

force-multipliers

for

today’s militaries, as an effective employment of these unmanned systems for various combat and non-kinetic situations is an overall valueaddition. Pakistan has progressed a long way to achieve a strong and superior defence capability

Air-to-Ground Missile (AGM). It has the capability

in multifaceted realms including high-end systems

to precisely attack enemy personnel, light and

and UAVs. GIDS is Pakistan’s only state-owned

armoured vehicles, bunkers and buildings with

and largest manufacturer of UAVs. Its diverse

a high integration level, superior fire accuracy

unmanned platforms comprise medium endurance

and proven reliability. The semi-active laser

tactical UAVs, vertical take-off/landing (VTOL)

seeker and cutting edge navigation technologies

quad-copters and a variety of short range / hand

makes it an exceptionally accurate weapon

launched surveillance systems. For IDEAS 2018,

system to for accurately engaging moving and

GIDS is launching its armed variant ‘BURRAQ’

static targets.

which symbolises Pakistan’s stature in the pursuit

GIDS is a multifaceted defence supplier and

of self-reliance and capabilities to counter all kinds

represents the hub of Pakistan’s core research

of challenges.

and development activities in the defence domain,

BURRAQ is a medium altitude armed UAV

while offering a broad array of systems for military

effective for day/night surveillance, reconnaissance,

applications. The company’s product portfolio

precision strikes and counter-strikes. It is capable of

comprises an extensive range of systems and

carrying and launching two air-to-ground missiles

services in the domains of air, land, sea, security

along with 4-in-1 electro-optical payload. The

as well as special operations. By effectively

system is battle proven with a capability to operate

materialising the concept of national self-reliance,

effectively in hostile environments and is currently

GIDS takes great pride in delivering quality products

in use by the Pakistan Armed Forces.

and services to the Armed Force of Pakistan (both

AGM BURQ is a semi-active laser-guided

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in war and peace).

ROKETSAN CONFIRMS READINESS OF ANTI-TANK UMTAS AND OMTAS MISSILES

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oketsan has finalised its Long Range AntiTank Missile System (UMTAS) and Medium Range Anti-Tank Weapon System (OMTAS) projects, both of which have been developed in line with the requirements of the Turkish Armed Forces. Developed as a product family, the Laser Guided Long Range Anti-Tank Missile System (L-UMTAS) has now entered service with the Turkish Armed Forces.

The qualification phase for the UMTAS, incorporating an Imaging Infrared Seeker (IIR), has also been completed. In addition, a number of test firings from attack helicopters have been successfully conducted, and the serial production of the missile has begun.

The product and production line qualification of OMTAS has also been concluded and the missile is ready for serial production. The integration of UMTAS, L-UMTAS and OMTAS into armoured land vehicles and other land platforms is also underway.

Selçuk Yaşar, president and CEO of Roketsan, stated that the UMTAS and OMTAS product family was developed to serve users for many years: “Anti-tank missiles are not just about eliminating the ever-developing armour technologies; now you need to be capable of meeting all kinds of emerging threats. In addition to their anti-tank capabilities, which are their main mission, UMTAS and OMTAS were designed to be effective against any other ground or surface threats.”

PAKISTAN NAVY MODERNISES SUBMARINE CAPABILITIES

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akistan has an enduring interest in boosting its submarine fleet capabilities to keep pace with the Indian Navy, a desire that has been further stoked by the first completed patrol of its rival’s 6,000 tonne nuclear-attack submarine INS Arihant in early November.

The Pakistani Navy presently operates five diesel-electric patrol submarines, a number which is considered to fall short of the service’s requirements. The submarine fleet readiness is also of concern, as the two Hashmat-class boats are nearly 40 years old and any one of the three Khalid (Agosta) class is expected to be sidelined for a major refit at any time until 2021.

However, the future appears to be much brighter with Pakistan acquiring eight Chinese-made S20 diesel-electric submarines based on the Yuan-class (Type 039A-series) design, with the first four boats to be built by China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) and deliveries commencing to the Pakistan Navy from 2022. The remainder will be built in Pakistan by the Karachi Shipbuilding and Engineering Works (KSEW), with the boats in service by around 2028.

In terms of general appearance, the S20 design exhibits some of the physical features of the Russian Kilo-class design including a teardrop-shaped hull with a distinctive ‘hump’ and large fin, although the stern resembles the earlier Song (Type 039)-class.

However, it is believed that the S20 lacks many of the advanced features of the Type-039A, although CSIC stands ready to incorporate options should there be a request.

According to CSIC, the S20 platforms are fully indigenous designs that exploit the company’s experience from developing the

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Yuan-class submarines, which were first launched at its Wuchang Shipyard in Wuhan in May 2004. These are expected to cost between $500-600 million each, with associated technology transfer as well as the establishment of a submarine training centre at KSEW. Meanwhile Turkey’s STM has been contracted to perform modernisation work on the Khalid-class submarines, with updates including a new periscope and optronic mast, as well as a SharpEye Doppler radar.

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PAKISTAN AIR FORCE BUILDS FOR THE FUTURE Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), talks to IDEAS show daily correspondent Alan Warnes.

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ir Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) knows a thing about pressure. He previously served as the Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations) which is probably the second most demanding job in the PAF. The PAF is on a constant state of alert along all of its borders. In the west, it has

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been supporting the Army against the terrorists Pakistan is trying to eliminate, while on the northern, eastern and southern boundaries comes a threat from its bigger neighbours. There have been two wars with India and several serious stand-offs since Pakistan was founded in 1947 and the threats are growing more sophisticated through newer technologies.

Leonardo

Alan Warnes The Chief’s predecessor, Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman flew in the Leonardo M346 before he retired, to look at the jet-trainer’s capabilities as a LIFT.

PAF Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan took over in March this year.

proposition, but over the years the PAF has succeeded in facing these challenges.

“I want to make sure that we have certain potent capacities and capabilities right across our aircraft, battle systems and our training too. Education will play a big part in that. It might seem a long time away but with technologies continuing to evolve at such a fast pace we have to remain focused on what that could be.

The PAF has been working on a 5th Generation fighter for almost a year now and it is likely to take at least a couple of years before it is flying. “It is indigenous at this time - we will be self-reliant and not dependent upon western or eastern partners.”

That is a tall task, considering the Chinese have struggled to develop indigenous power plants for their own fighters, but the Chief is adamant and aware of the huge challenges the PAF faces on this project. It will of course have to be ITAR-free, because Pakistan has suffered so many times in the past from United States sanctions.

“It will be collaborated with private industry and our academia.

Our Aviation City is being built up now, that will one day work towards building a brighter future for our aerospace industry.

Aviation education is almost non-existent in Pakistan and we need to fix that. We are setting up our own aviation hub and now formulating our vision which will cover manufacturing facilities and laboratories.

“We have recently opened up a new university too, albeit in a make-shift location and we will link all of this to developing our own 5th Generation fighter and commercial aircraft”.

Training The CAS’ role is to provide stability, leadership and vision for the PAF, which is regarded as one of the most professional air forces in the region. “My main role is to ensure continuity of policies and operational preparedness,” he explained at the Zhuhai Air Show in early November. ”But I am trying to build a broader and longer vision – Building a Next Generation PAF for 2047 when the PAF will be 100 years old.

Next Generation Fighter Spearheading that vision is the development of a 5th Generation aircraft. “We can’t afford to lag behind others”. Regional stability is undoubtedly the focus of his concern. “The geo-political and geo-strategic situation means that we have to maintain a strategic balance in the region and we need to be build it up now.

We know that when other countries have inducted new generation fighter aircraft, they have been badly prepared for the training. Developing a new generation aircraft is always a difficult

Right now the PAF fulfils its training requirements on the elderly Cessna T-37 and Hongdu K-8s. But the Chief needs something more modern. “We are upgrading the T-37s with a glass cockpit, just as we have the Super Mushshak previously.

That’s the futuristic approach – we have to adapt them to our needs. It’s the first step.

“For future lead-in fighter training, we have evaluated certain aircraft which included the Hongdu L-15 and Leonardo M346.

There might be shortfalls in some aircraft, but if they can fulfil our air staff requirements.

“Pakistan is a third-world country, and it might not have the same resources and finances that others might have in the region. So when the PAF does evaluate something, it is evaluated thoroughly”.

Everyone in the industry knows that the PAF are hard taskmasters, and if they want to sell to the PAF, it will evaluated from every angle. “But once we have bought something, the companies are usually very keen to market our acquisition”.

On the future, the CAS finished, “We know where we are going and we know what we need to get there”.

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LEONARDO’S VERSATILE M-346 FIGHTER ATTACK

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he Fighter Attack (FA) is a new version of the advanced Leonardo M-346 twin-engine trainer, designed and manufactured to meet Air Forces’ growing and diversified operational requirements.

The M-346FA AJT (Advanced Jet Trainer) offers advanced and pre-operational training capabilities over the basic version. In present operational scenarios, especially those with a low-medium threat level, often modern and expensive 20+ tonne class fighter aircraft with high operating costs are used.

Generally, these are close air support (CAS) missions that have to be carried out in urban areas and for battlefield air interdiction, as well as for homeland security and air policing, tactical reconnaissance and support for combat personnel recovery, where the use of lowcost aircraft equipped with radar, a designator pod, modern and technologically advanced self-protection systems, a data link and a critical air-to-air refuelling capability would be enough.

The M-346FA was developed from the M-346’s AJT advanced training version already in service with the Italian, Israeli, Polish and Singapore Air Forces. In comparison with the latter, the FA version’s unique features consist of upgraded avionics and two 14

additional wing-tip hard points (making seven in total) in order to have two air-to-air missiles. Otherwise the M-346FA maintains the same full dual role capability while offering an extremely advanced Integrated Training System.

The M-346FA will be equipped with a DASS (Defensive Aid Sub System), which includes a Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), a chaff and flare dispenser as well as a Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS), with six sensors and a comprehensive 360 degree protection against any missile threat. The aircraft will be safely able to exchange in real time tactical data thanks to a dedicated Tactical Data Link (TDL) to NATO Link 16 or other standards.

A fundamental element of the FA configuration is the multimode GRIFO fire-control radar. The GRIFO-346 is a pulse-doppler multimode radar, produced by Leonardo, specifically optimised for the M-346FA and originates from the Grifo family that, with over 450 units sold worldwide, is a great commercial success due to its reliability and low operational costs. The GRIFO family of radars recently evolved to the electronically scan Grifo-E version.

The M-346FA’s cost per flying hour is 80 percent lower compared to heavier and more expensive rivals used for close air support missions.

Eduardo Munhos, head of International Sales at Leonardo’s Aircraft Division said: “The maximum speed is remarkable even with external loads, is comparable with the speed of other front line aircraft, when loads and armament is added.”

The 4-channel digital fly-by-wire flight control system allows fast manoeuvring during close air combat. Excess power allows the aircraft to return to base even with full payload, with one engine inoperative (OEI), and at an altitude to keep it beyond the ranges of common missiles providing a notable survivability capability.

So-called ‘carefree handling’ lets pilots focus on the prime mission without distractions.

The twin-engine configuration gives high battlefield survivability while keeping fuel consumption low thanks to the engine’s efficiency. Operational range can be further extended by air-to-air refuelling, a capability which is already operational within Italian Air Force. The Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) assures completely autonomous flight operations.

Visibility is excellent and this is very important during low altitude flight. The back-seat pilot can also act as a weapons system operator or deliver a more specialised FAC-A (Forward Air Controller – Airborne) role.

The state-of-the-art Human-Machine Interface (HMI) includes advanced systems to provide data to the pilots through MultiFunction Display (MFD), Head Up Display (HUD) and the Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) which are already qualified. HOTAS (Hands On Throttle And Stick) type commands, allow control of all of the aircraft’s systems without having to take the hands off the thrust lever or the control bar.

“The M-346FA keeps all the advanced trainer’s features, such as the on board Embedded Tactical Training System (ETTS), that simulate, in a Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) environment, the entire suite of sensors and weapons of M-346FA and other front line fighters,” continued Munhos.

The FA’s new operational capabilities add on to those that the M-346 is already able to offer now, as an ‘aggressor’ and ‘companion trainer’ for combat ready pilot training, as the Israeli and Italian Air Forces have successfully demonstrated.

External stores that can be carried amount to over 1.8 tonnes in addition to the 138 gallons in each auxiliary fuel tank. For the strike missions a series of 227kg (500lb) class munitions, both guided and unguided will be integrated, including the latest generation precision munitions capable of keeping collateral damage to a minimum. Modern Laser Designator Pods are available for target designation.

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CHINESE MINING FIRM TURNS CRUISE MISSILE DEVELOPER

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uangdong Hongda Blasting Company, a Guangzhou-based firm that specialises in commercial explosives and mining equipment, stunned the world in early October when it announced that it had successfully launched and tested a supersonic cruise missile called the HD-1.

Further details of the missile development were subsequently released by the company. These revealed that the HD-1 is a land-based precision strike weapon with a maximum range of 290km and can travel at speeds between Mach 2.2-3.5 depending on its flight profile. It can perform sea skimming anti-ship operations flying at 5-10 metres above the waves, or cruise at altitudes of up to 15km before diving down for a top attack on its target.

The HD-1 employs ramjet propulsion technology to attain its high speed, but requires a booster rocket to achieve height and sufficient speed to engage its ramjets. It is aimed at the export market and can also be adapted for air- and ship-launch operations, which expands its utility for potential customers.

Pakistan’s rapidly evolving missile arsenal forms an important part of its defence strategy and currently comprises mobile short and medium-range ballistic missiles, but it is also making significant strides into its indigenous cruise missile capability. However, its present Hatf 7 and in-development Hatf 8 cruise missiles are all subsonic types, which are less survivable in highly defended airspace.

In this context there could be a potential interest by Pakistan to

acquire a capability that could match the Russo-Indian BrahMos (PJ-10) series of supersonic cruise missiles designed to be launched from land-based platforms, as well as ships, aircraft and submarines.

The land- and ship-launched variants of the BrahMos are already in service with the Indian armed forces, while the air-launched version is undergoing testing.

BEIJING TONGYIZHONG LAUNCHES IMPROVED PERSONAL ARMOUR AT IDEAS

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hina’s Beijing Tongyizhong Specialty Fiber will launch its latest unidirectional polyurethane (PEUD) technology in hard and soft ballistic material at IDEAS 2018.

The company’s range includes the HA792 PEUD material for hard armour, with V50 ballistic testing proving that

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a vest with a thickness of just 11mm can withstand a 1.1gram Fragment Simulating Projectile (FSP) at speeds of over 1,000 metres per second (m/s).

The WB784 PEUD material for soft ballistic armour with an area density of 5.2kg/sqm offers excellent V50 ballistic performance against 1.1g FSP at speeds of more than 670m/s.

Both HA792 and WB784 are made from the patented TM35 800D High Molecular Polyethylene (HMPE) fibre developed and manufactured by the company.

Meanwhile, the company is also riding the wave of popularity in anti-stab armour particularly as troops and paramilitary forces are required to operate in urban areas where they are exposed to attacks by daggers, knives, and other types of sharp implements.

Conventional ballistic protection offers minimal protection against stab wounding because the impact points of such attacks are extremely concentrated, allowing assailants to puncture the fibre layers of most ballistic fabrics without much difficulty.

However, vests that have been specifically designed to provide better protection against stabbing attacks are generally less effective against firearm projectiles.

To address this issue, Beijing Tongyizhong has developed the patented DOYENTRONTEX SF-102 bulletproof and stab-resistant sheet, which is derived from the company’s advanced ultra-highmolecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) technology.

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ELT’s Guide to Detecting and Neutralising Mini Drones Daniela Pistoia, corporate chief scientist, ELT Group, discusses sensors and effectors.

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mall (15-150kg), mini (<15kg), micro (<66J energy state) Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)¹ will drastically proliferate in the near future. Progress in power storage, avionics miniaturisation, materials and design methodologies, together with the increasing availabil-ity of commercial or open source software applications, will enable end users to broaden the range of possible uses, lawful and unlawful. The detection, identification, and neutrali-sation of such UAS flying near key infrastructures or sensitive areas (such as government buildings, high-profile event locations, prisons, military compounds) has therefore become a critical capability to master.

Multiple domain (electromagnetic, acoustic, electro-optic), multiple sensors (active radar, passive electromagnetic interceptors, acoustic sensors, infrared cameras), multiple jam-ming/deception system of systems, integrated via a dedicated command and control (C2) capability, are key elements within this approach. In addition, exploiting cyber capabilities is an important feature to factor in when addressing a mini drone-based threat.

Too small and simple to be a threat?

Drones are rapidly becoming ’tools of the trade‘ in many industries.

They can be catego-rised into the following market segments: government (including military), enterprise (cor-porations/ businesses) and consumers (personal/hobbyist).

Since low-altitude drones fly only hundreds of feet above ground, they mostly operate out-side traditional radar coverage used to track commercial aircraft. Also military air defence radar systems are usually not designed to detect aircraft with such a small radar cross section. In other words, there is an airspace segment neither under control of civil authori-ties nor of military air power.

However, the use of mini drones may not be limited to zones of war or conflict. The proba-bility of threat proliferation to domestic areas combined with the inability of traditional air-space control and defence to effectively deal with such small and low-flying objects under-line even more the pressing need for appropriate counter-UAS technology.

Drone Detection and Identification Defending a valuable asset against small UAV threats is a complex issue, since it is not only a matter of eliminating the drone to prevent it from completing its mission, but also a need to ensure the immediate detection and identification of the object prior to neutralising it in a secure framework, as well as minimising collateral damage.

EM sensors. Defence systems may exploit the sudden presence of radio signals used to send commands from the pilot to the drone (uplink) and to send data and images from the drone to the command post 18

(downlink). Furthermore, passive geolocation techniques can be put in place to locate both the drone and the control station.

Active/passive radar. A sensor particularly devoted to the detection of aerial tracks is the radar. However, mini drones are hard to detect and identify due to very low radar signatures (with a radar cross section of the order of 0.01m2). 3-D radars a proving to be an ef-fective asset, sometimes used in conjunction with 2-D radars.

Infrared Sensors. Together with electromagnetic sensors, other promising devices are thermal cameras, usable under low visibility conditions and at night. Such hotspots, located in fixed positions in relation to the structure of the drone, also contribute to automatic object identification by making use of IR image reference libraries.

Acoustic Sensors. During flight, drones generate noise both in the audible frequencies and in the ultrasounds. Acoustic sensors reveal the presence of mini drones as well as help classify the target based on noise characteristics specific to the drone model.

However, the operational range of acoustic sensors is limited to a few hundred metres.

Detection and identification of drones are essential, but they are only preliminary steps in solving the problem of removing the drone used for unlawful purposes. ‘Hard kill’, or physical destruction options are limited to combat zones or an open field, where the consequences of falling wreckage are minimal. In an urban scenario, a different approach aiming at a ‘soft kill’ is preferable. The following options have currently been proven as feasible and effective: Jamming. A first option is to affect previously detected and identified radio signals, which would sever control of the drone from the operator. Then it can be forced to land in a safe area or to crash without risking collateral damage. According to the programmed modes, the drone then automatically enters into fail-safe mode causing it to land or return home. This ‘brute force’ approach

however requires generating a huge amount of electromagnetic power and broad spectrum jam-ming of the whole area, which may also result in the undesired suppression of friendly communications. A more sophisticated and selective technique is so-called “smart jamming”, which consists of jamming the control signal only in some specific timeslots, according to the specific protocol used by the radio remote control.

GPS Spoofing. The most effective albeit complex technique is Global Positioning System (GPS) spoofing, provided the targeted UAS is using satellite navigation.² Based on military capabilities designed to deceive adversary precision guided munitions, the technique consists of first, inducing the UAV’s GPS receiver to recalculate its position and second, deviating its path in accordance with pre-planned countermeasures.

Direct Energy Weapons. In addition to these soft-kill techniques, weapons are being developed that produce a high-power microwave electromagnetic pulse which is highly effective against elec-tronic equipment. Sensors and countermeasures need to be coordinated and integrated, so they interface via a Mobile Ad-Hoc Network (MANET) with a C2 station, typically with a man-in-the-middle, with an intuitive and easy to use interface.

Outlook Many companies worldwide are proposing solutions in this emerging field, even if a lot of Research and Development activity is still ongoing and no vendor is able to demonstrate the maturity of a ’total weapon‘. From US to Russia, including across Europe, announcements of new solutions and experimental results are published every day. Elettronica Group (ELT), the Italian EW house, is conducting trials of its solution named Anti-Drone Interception Acquisition Neutralisation (ADRIAN), which includes hacking

activity against the processor on board the threat.³ In any case, every proposed solution, modular and scalable according to the operational scenarios and the needs of the final user, is several times more complex than the threat, requiring a plethora of assets deployed. Controlling these assets will require highlyqualified and best trained operators, whose mission preparation needs to be much more professional and complex compared to the rel-ative simplicity of the threat. The costs of the defence could therefore be magnitudes higher than the cost of the attack.� Notes: 1. According to the official NATO UAS Classification, small, mini and micro drones are subcatego-ries of Class I. See Allied Tactical Publication ATP-3.3.8.1.1, ‘UAS Tactical Pocket Guide’.

Oc-tober 2016. Table 1, p.1-2.

2. Miniaturisation does not only apply to UAS platforms, but also on-board electronic equipment of any kind. Size reduction does therefore not limit the use of GPS technology, as shown on the open drone market, though other methods of navigation (e.g. based on recognised terrain and objects) for small/ mini/ micro drones have been developed.

3. To hack the on board processor, a strong activity of reverse engineering is needed to discover the particular vulnerability that can be exploited pending the type of processor used. Exploitation of the vulnerability will require access to the functionalities of the target via the control link. Hacking UAS is difficult but possible, proven, and effective under certain conditions.

4. Counter-UAS system prices may vary between $280,000 to over $1 million (€250,000 - €1 million) depending on the specific configuration and features. A serious threat UAS may only cost between $5,000 to under $30,000.

WORK UNDERWAY ON PAKISTAN NAVY OPVS

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ork on the first of two 1,900 tonne multirole offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) for the Pakistan Navy is well underway, with a steel cutting ceremony for the first ship held at Damen’s Galati facility in Romania during the first half of the year. The ceremony was attended

by PN deputy chief of Naval Staff Projects, Rear Admiral Farrokh Ahmad.

The 90 metre OPVs will have a top speed of 22 knots and displace approximately 1,900 tonnes at full-load. They have been described by the Navy as state-of-the-art vessels that are well suited for a diverse range of missions, including antisurface (ASuW), anti-air, and maritime security operations.

The ships are understood to be designated OPV 1900 and are expected to carry out helicopter centric operations such as search and rescue missions, as well as intelligence gathering and surveillance operations. The contract for the OPVs was signed in June 2017, and the second ship will also be built in Romania.

In other maritime news, Pakistan Customs has taken delivery of two Damen Stan Patrol 1605 FRP patrol boats built by Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW) shipyard with prefabricated components and technical support from Damen. The patrol boats will be used for monitoring and enforcement activities in Pakistan’s territorial waters.

The OPV and patrol deals are recent examples of Pakistan’s drive to diversify its supplier base for naval platforms, which now includes frigates, patrol vessels and submarines acquired or jointly developed with China, corvettes and fleet tankers in collaboration with Turkey, and now armed OPVs in partnership with the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, Louisiana-based shipbuilder Swiftships announced that the Navy placed an order for two 75m corvettes in November 2017, although that deal appears to have been stalled following the acquisition of the two OPVs and four Ada (MILGEM)-class corvettes from Turkey. However, the company is reportedly in discussion with KSEW for an undisclosed shipbuilding programme.

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LEONARDO AW139 REPLACES RETIRING ALOUETTES

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ollowing the acquisition of 14 Leonardo AW139 helicopters, the majority of the elderly Aérospatiale Alouette IIIs being used in the search and rescue (SAR) role will be retired. The Alouettes serve seven SAR squadrons all over Pakistan, but they were in desperate need of replacement after nearly 50 years in service. In addition to SAR, several Alouettes serve the Helicopter Flying School at PAF Base Peshawar, where the helicopter pilots are trained before they go to the front-line SAR squadrons. Six Alouettes were offered free of cost to the Afghanistan Government, along with a crew to train Afghan pilots but the offer has not yet been taken up.

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Commander, ACM Mujahid Anwar Khan stated: “We thought that they would be put to good use there, rather than being retired from service.” He added, “The PAF operates six Mi-17s but they struggle sometimes in the mountains and in more populated areas so we opted to have a four-

axis auto-pilot in the helicopter.” He added: “We will continue to have conversions for Alouette IIIs, pilots will then go to Mi-17s and then on to AW139s.”

In early March, the PAF re-equipped the first unit, 88 SAR Squadron at PAF Base Shahbaz with the AW139 which led to the unit being renamed No. 88 Combat Support Squadron and Advanced Helicopter Training School. The unit will also serve as a conversion unit for pilots to train on the AW139.

Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, the then Chief of the Air Staff while addressing the audience at the ceremony to mark the occasion, said: “After an in-depth analysis of the SAR platforms available worldwide, the PAF selected the AW-139 as the most effective solution for our requirements.” He continued, “I firmly believe that this will become a stepping stone in achieving more complex capabilities as regard to the helicopter fleet. The PAF’s vision to acquire night and maritime SAR capability has been achieved with the AW-139 operationalisation”.

ZARB CRUISE MISSILE BOOSTS COASTAL DEFENCE

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he Pakistan Navy has successfully performed another round of live-firing trials for its Zarb land-based antiship cruise missile system, which is also referred to as the Zarb Weapon System, during Exercise Sealion III earlier in the year.

One of the first images of the Zarb missile system was released by the Navy, showing an anti-ship cruise missile being launched from an eight-wheeled transport-erector-launcher (TEL) vehicle at the Jinnah Naval Base in Ormara, Balochistan Province.

The Navy said that the missile, which is operated the Naval

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Missile Regiment belonging to the Naval Strategic Force Command, successfully hit its intended target. It did not disclose the capabilities of its latest weapon, but the missile shown in the images appears to strongly resemble the Chinese C-602, which is the export variant of the domestic YJ-62 in use by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

The C-602 is a medium-range anti-ship and land-attack missile, which is actively marketed by China National Precision Manufacturing Import & Export Corporation internationally has a maximum range of 280km. It carries a 300kg high-explosive semi-armour-piercing warhead to ensure that the payload detonates within its target for maximum potential damage.

The TEL vehicle that was seen firing the Zarb anti-ship missile carries three container launch units and is also visually identical to the PLA’s YJ-62 mobile coastal defence system. The vehicle has a front cab, a separate rear command cab, a power-generation system, and an elevating launch platform holding the three missile launch units.

The same missiles can also be found on the PLA Navy’s Type-052C Luyang II destroyers, indicating a potential for future integration aboard the Pakistan Navy’s vessels.

Pakistan is also actively pursuing locally developed anti-ship missiles, and test fired its new ‘Harba’ cruise missile from PNS Himmat, one of the Navy’s latest Azmat-class fast attack crafts.

T

he Super Mushshak trainer aircraft has seen a renaissance in its popularity since being fitted with a digital ‘glass cockpit’. After sales to Qatar Air Force (eight) and Nigeria (10) in 2016, manufacturer Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) won its biggest export order to the Turkish Air Force for 52 aircraft in April 2017. This was followed in July 2017, by a sale of another ten to Azerbaijan.

In the space of a year or so, PAC had racked up the sale of 80 Super Mushshaks. The government owned facility is offering the 260hp piston aircraft, with options for two different glass cockpit configurations.

The Turkish AF has selected the Garmin 950 avionics suite for its aircraft, which will replace its fleet of SF260s and Cessna T-41s based at Izmir-Kaklic and Istanbul-Yesilkoy for student pilot and undergraduate training respectively. All 52 aircraft are being delivered over the next three years. The previous PAC Chairman, Air Marshal Arshad Malik, signed the deal with Turkey’s Undersecretary for Defence Industries Professor Dr. Ismail Demir, at the International Defence Exhibition and Fair (IDEF) in Istanbul in May, 2017. It came nine months after the Super Mushshak had been selected in August 2016.

The Qatar Air Force examples have all been all fitted with Garmin 950 avionics too, while the ten aircraft for Nigeria, are operated with a Dynon avionics suite. The Nigerian Air Force was initially loaned three PAC-owned and one PAF aircraft to train instructor pilots before the ten new aircraft were delivered in 2017. It is unclear

Alan Warnes

SUPER MUSHSHAKS, SUPER POPULAR!

The 260hp Super Mushshak training aircraft has gained a new lease of life since a new glass cockpit has been integrated.

which avionics system Azerbaijan selected.

The PAF’s Asghar Khan Academy operates around 60 Super Mushshaks for basic flying training and a number of them have been upgraded with the glass cockpit to train student pilots. New life has been breathed into a trainer that, PAC’s Aircraft Manufacturing Factory has been assembling and manufacturing since 1975. Until 2017, the last export customer was the Saudi Arabian Air Force which purchased 20 aircraft in 2003.

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Deputy Editor Alan Warnes

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