Brave Pakistan army

The supersonic CM-400 AKG long range anti ship and land attack missile was first displayed along with the at the JF-17 Thunder /FC-1 Xiaolong fighter jet at the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, Zhuhai 2012 Air Show.

The CM-400 AKG missile ha been developed by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) as a light weight, high speed, long range, air launched missile capable of destroying ground and maritime targets with precision.

The CM-400AKG missile is a fire and forget weapon with range of 180 to 250 kilometers. It is available with different seeker options depending upon the mission profile. Chinese side seems to be offering an active radar seeker and an imaging infrared seeker capable of target-recognition (TR).

It is a single stage, solid rocket-powered high speed missile which can carry penetrator or blast / fragmentation warheads to destroy the fixed or slow moving ground and maritime targets. CM-400AKG can be  pre-programmed to destroy the ground targets with percision by uploading the digital imagery of the target or it can be retargeted using its active radar seeker.

Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has become the first export customer for supersonic CM-400AKG missile. The Deputy Project Director of the JF-17 Thunder/FC-1 Xiaolong fighter jet program, Air Commodore Mahmood Khalid has said, "This is a mature weapon that has been fully tested. It is not conceptual. It is in service. It hits the target at Mach 4 or above and its kinetic impact alone is enough to destroy any high-value target, like an aircraft carrier. The CM-400AKG is a very high-speed missile that is very difficult to intercept."

For precision strike against the maritime targets/warships JF-17 Thunder can carry upto two C-802A Anti-ship Missile which can hit their targets from standoff distance of 180 km. In this mission profile JF-17 Thunder will carry two SD-10A BVRAAMs and two PL-5E II WVRAAM for self-defense purposes.

The Pakistan Navy’s 2nd PNS Azmat Fast Attack Missile Craft (FAMC) of the PNS Azmat class was launched yesterday during a ceremony at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KS&EW).

New Fast Attack Missile Craft, named PNS Dehshat was produced by the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works (KS&EW) under the Transfer of Technology agreement from China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company (CSOC). and Xingang Shipyard.

 Pakistan navy inducted 1st Fast Attack Missile Craft of this class named PNS Azmat in its naval fleet in June 2012.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Asif Sandila, has termed the production the Fast Attack Missile Craft at Karachi Shipyard as an another example of “unparalleled” Sino-Pak relations.

Pakistan’s first fast-attack craft (missile) PNS Azmat was formally inducted in Pakistan Navy in a ceremony held at the PN Dockyard on Thursday. Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (JCSC) Chairman General Khalid Shameem Wynne was the chief guest on the occasion.

 PNS Azmat is the first ship of its kind in the Pakistan Navy fleet. The craft has been designed and constructed by the China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company (CSOC). The ship was commissioned as PNS Azmat in China on April 23.


 Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest said that Pakistan Navy’s multiple international deployments were a manifestation of its commitment to guarantee a safe and conducive maritime environment for the world. 

 He said that PNS Azmat was an embodiment of the persistent endeavours of Pakistan Navy to remain relevant to the contemporary environment through induction of state-of-the-art technology. Wynne said that indigenous capability of defence production had been the aim of Pakistan’s armed forces and the fast attack craft programme would contribute to achieve that target by constructing a second craft at the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works. 

 He lauded the defence cooperation between China and Pakistan, saying the longstanding ties between the two countries were a manifestation of an enduring, multidimensional and deep-rooted relationship. He hoped that defence collaboration between the two countries would grow in the times to come.

 Earlier, in his welcome address, Vice Admiral Zakaullah said that induction of PNS Azmat was a moment of pride for Pakistan in general and Pakistan Navy in particular. He apprised the audience that the ship was extremely agile and capable of undertaking multiple roles, adding that it was fitted with modern weapons and sensors and a variety of defence systems.

 He added that the induction of the craft would provide operational flexibility to safeguard the country’s maritime interests effectively. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Asif Sandila, a large number of navy officers and personnel of the China Shipbuilding and Offshore Company attended the ceremony. The chief guest handed over the ship scroll to the Pakistan fleet commander.

 He visited PNS Azmat and was introduced to the project team. With the induction of its first fast-attack craft, the Pakistan Navy has become the first force in the region to have this advanced defence capability.

Pakistani Fast Attack Missile Craft (FAMC) PNS Azmat  is scheduled to visit Kuantan, Malaysia from 16 May to 19 May 2012. PNS AZMAT is equipped with long range antiship missiles and close-in weapon system (CIWS).

Pakistani Defence Advisor in Malaysia Commodore Zahid Akram has said that PNS Azmat has full complemet of sensors and weapons to counter challenges faced by Pakistan Navy at sea.

The PNS Azmat Fast Attack Missile Craft (FAMC) of the Pakistan Navy at the Yangtze River Port of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). PNS Azmat carries 8 long range anti-ship missiles for offensive operations and close-in weapon system (CIWS) for self-defense purposes.

The PNS Azmat Fast Attack Missile Craft (FAMC) of the Pakistan Navy at the Yangtze River Port of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). PNS Azmat carries 8 long range anti-ship missiles for offensive operations and close-in weapon system (CIWS) for self-defense purposes.

By: S M Hali 

Pakistan Naval (PN) Chief Admiral Asif Sandila, in an interview to the US weekly, Defense News, responding to a question regarding the threat Pakistan faces from an Indian nuclear-powered, nuclear-armed ballistic submarine upsetting the current strategic balance in South Asia, stated that “The strategic dimension of India’s naval build-up is a cause of concern not only for us but for the entire Indian Ocean region.”

Indian Navy (IN), in effect, is on a massive upsurge plan to build a blue water armada. Its colossal development plans include the acquisition of both indigenous and leased nuclear powered submarines and various other platforms capable of launching nuclear weapons to complete its triad i.e. delivering nuclear weapons from the air, surface and sub-surface thus confirming its second strike capability. India’s initiation to nuclear subs came with its acquisition of a Chakra class nuclear submarine from former USSR in 1987 on 10 years lease.

  The invaluable experience led to its desire for the development of indigenous nuclear submarines under the head of Advanced Technology Vessels (ATV) at Shipping Centre Vishakhapatnam in 1998.  Indian scientists claimed that they have been able to fit an indigenous Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) of 90 MW in the ATV’s hull.  However, it is assessed that the PWR has been acquired from Russia.  By mid 96, an amount of US$ 185.7 million was spent on ATV project and the cost has now escalated to US$ 3.7 billion.

At present, India has 14 active submarines in the fleet whereas IN has contracted France for 6 Scorpene submarines.  These subs are being constructed in Indian shipyard and are likely to be inducted in Indian fleet by 2018.  The Defence Committee of India has also approved procurement of 6 more conventional Submarines in addition to the six already being built with the help of France. The PWR of India’s first indigenously developed ATV, INS/M Arihant went active last year, while its sea trials are completing soon and Arihant’s induction is expected by end 2012.  Simultaneously, fabrication work on the three follow-on nuclear-powered submarines is in full swing whereas, the reactor for the 2nd S/M is being constructed with the help of Russia.  The 2nd INS/M Aridhaman is expected to be ready for sea trials by 2015.  The IN nuclear subs are to be armed initially with the 750 km Sagarika (K-15) Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBM) and at a later stage with the under-development 3,500 km K-4 SLBMs.  INS/M Arihant has four silos to carry twelve 750 km range, Sagarika SLBM or four K-4s.  Meanwhile, IN has acquired two Russian Akula-II class nuclear submarines on lease from Russia because it wants to have three SSBNs and six SSNs (Nuclear-powered Attack Submarines) in the long term.  It is envisaged that by 2025 India will have around 30 conventional Submarines in her flotilla.

The induction of the nuclear submarines in the Indian Ocean will have serious implications for the region. It is going to elevate the international status of India amongst regional and extra regional nations/navies, while the existing security calculus in Arabian Sea vis-à-vis PN will significantly shift in the favour of IN. The threat to Chinese, Australian, Indonesian and other regional navies will increase multifold. Nuclear submarines provide the reach to attack the adversary in far flung waters across the globe as well as remain undetected under water at great depths for prolonged periods, without needing to come up to the surface for recharging its batteries or refueling. Operationally, they will act as a force multiplier armed with nuclear tipped missiles, their induction will further enhance IN’s capabilities to strike inside Pakistan while staying well away from Pakistani coast line.

IN’s other acquisitions include the aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov, renamed as INS Vikramaditya with 16 MiG-29K/KUBs and 6 to 8 Ka-31 AEW helicopters. India is also constructing 3 Indigenous Aircraft Carriers for the IN. It also plans to construct 3 destroyers of Kolkata class and Guided Missile Frigate’s, four ASW Corvettes, four 4 Saryu class Operational Patrol Vessels, four Landing Platform Docks, and acquire two Osprey Class Mine Hunters and eight P8-I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft from USA, besides developing additional strategic naval bases.

In the face of such a massive build-up, PN has its task cut out. It cannot match IN ship to ship but the Pakistani Naval Chief in his interview stated “We are mindful of this development and taking necessary measures to restore the strategic balance.” The nation thus needs to invest prudently into building its navy.

Email: sultanm.hali@gmail.com