Pakistan arms sales, ops, doctrine, etc

[Viv S]

I think whatever that can be done to stop weapons into hands of our enemy should be done. Including lobbying! But not at the expense of compromising anything. We state our protest and move ahead. If Russia wants anything from us for not selling to Pakistan, we don't have to agree to that.

Well the Russians keep protesting against Indian defence purchases from the West. They hold up the supposed absence of Russian defence exports to Pakistan (a provably false claim) as a reason for India to back off from Western arms buys.

Defence deals: Russia sees red over India’s tilt towards West

Russia, the biggest defence supplier to India, seems to be enraged over New Delhi’s tilt towards the West for its arms and military requirements, despite Moscow consciously not selling to Pakistan.

At the Aero India Show at Yelahanka air base here, Viktor Komardin, chief of Russia’s defence export firm Rosoboronexport, vented anger on the Indian media, saying they were ‘unfair’ to Russia in reports on the recent defence deals.

“Russia created the Indian defence industry. The reports are not proper,” Komardin told reporters. His rage, however, seemed directed more towards the Indian Government’s efforts to not put all its eggs in the Russian basket.

“We do not sell military equipment to Pakistan, only because of our loyalty to India. But all other nations, with whom India does business, sell their weapons and systems to Pakistan. We are India’s true strategic partners,” he said.

India's response should be to adopt a laissez faire approach. Let them sell all they want, or rather all Pakistan can afford.

[shaun]

The one thing I am afraid of Russia is , they don't have tight control over the technologies they have. Proliferation of russian technologies to rouge regimes either directly through russian entities or countries which were former soviet block members like ukraine is well documented. Porkis have a large chunk of russian hardware sourced from Ukraine or modified one coming from lizard.

[Kartik]

Pakistan in talks with China to "buy" 30-40 FC-31s

the beggars will now put forth their begging bowl and talk of "friendship higher than mountains and deeper than the seas" will start.

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is in talks with China to buy 30 to 40 of the Shenyang FC-31 twin-engined stealth fighter displayed at Airshow China 2014 in Zhuhai, a senior Pakistani government official has revealed to IHS Jane's .

"The discussions are beyond initial inquiries and they fit into the pattern of Pakistan being the first export customer of Chinese [military] hardware," said the official.

The FC-31 was unveiled as an export model at Zhuhai, although a prototype with the J-31 designation has been flying at a Shenyang Aircraft Corporation facility since 2012.

In 2007 then air chief marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed, who at the time was PAF chief of staff, told IHS Jane's that Islamabad was considering the purchase of up to two squadrons or 30 to 40 of Chengdu J-10 fighters.

[Gagan]

They will prolly settle for some mark 2 bundars - about 40-45 of them

[member_28756]

Pakistan in talks with China to "buy" 30-40 FC-31s

the beggars will now put forth their begging bowl and talk of "friendship higher than mountains and deeper than the seas" will start.

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is in talks with China to buy 30 to 40 of the Shenyang FC-31 twin-engined stealth fighter displayed at Airshow China 2014 in Zhuhai, a senior Pakistani government official has revealed to IHS Jane's .

"The discussions are beyond initial inquiries and they fit into the pattern of Pakistan being the first export customer of Chinese [military] hardware," said the official.

The FC-31 was unveiled as an export model at Zhuhai, although a prototype with the J-31 designation has been flying at a Shenyang Aircraft Corporation facility since 2012.

In 2007 then air chief marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed, who at the time was PAF chief of staff, told IHS Jane's that Islamabad was considering the purchase of up to two squadrons or 30 to 40 of Chengdu J-10 fighters.

Maybe the Chinese can export their "Join stealth fighter 31" to the porkies and make it a fair barter trade. Their planes for unlimited supply of terrorists and jehadist for their western province.

[arun]

X Posted from the STFUP thread.

Shaheen 2 missile range seems to have decreased 25% going by Press Releases of the “Official” mouth piece of the Uniformed Jihadis of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the ISPR.

ISPR gives range of Shaheen-II missile test launched yesterday, Nov. 13th, as 1,500 KM. On the other hand ISPR gave a range of 2,000 Km for the Shaheen-II missile test launched in April 2008.

ISPR Press Release of Nov. 13, 2014:

No PR248/2014-ISPR

Dated: November 13, 2014

Rawalpindi - November 13, 2014:

………………………… Shaheen-II Missiles is capable of carrying nuclear and conventional warheads to a range of 1500 Kms.

Today’s launch, having its impact point in Arabian Sea, …………………………

The successful test launch and achievement of this Range milestone has also been warmly appreciated by the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan ……………………………..

Web Link 1

ISPR Press Release of April 19, 2008:

No PR27/2008-ISPR

Dated: April 18, 2008

Rawalpindi - April 19, 2008:

Pakistan today successfully test fired its long range Surface to Surface Ballistic Missile Hatf VI (Shaheen II). The missile test was conducted as part of process of validation and technical improvements to consolidate and verify various land based strategic missile systems. It may be recalled that Hatf VI (Shaheen II) is Pakistan’s longest range ballistic missile system with a range of 2000 Kms. It is a two stage fuel missile which can carry nuclear and conventional warheads with high accuracy. ………………………….

Web Link 2

[sudhan]

Pawki internet apduls were running around with their tails fluffed up claiming the new missile has a range of over 5000 kms.. Sadly its just a fresh paint job on old maal.. Also Pawkis cleverly flung this one over the sea, no chance for echandee damage like the last time when their tin-can missile crapped out over a village.

Pawki internet abduls severely disappointed..

[Aditya_V]

The reason for the range, although I expect actual range to be much lesser as was released last time by Indian ABM radars as 671Km, is Pakis have been experimenting with lighter payloads for M-9 (Shaheen-1), only thing the payload became so light the missile disintergrated over Sindh, yes the 2012 missile which disintegrated was a modified Ghauri but Shaheen with lightened payload but once the payload is lightened too much it becomes unstable and disintegrates mid air.

Although this missile seems to have a 2nd stage unlike the earlier M-9, but there does not seem to have an increase in length or basic shape (what one make from ISPR photos)- cannot comment fuel types, materials or electronics.

Similar thing was tried by Saddam's forces in GF -1.

It is more H&D test of a M-9 since India is testing a whole range of missiles s in Nov-dec-14.

Not even Paki forefathers will allow Pakis to have a missile from the Cheenis which can threaten them

[Gagan]

The Shaheen 2 range was claimed to be 2500 kms by Samar Moorkh-mand.
Watch from 4:20 onwards. The range claim comes at 5:50

[arun]

^^^ If you applied the Lt. Gen. Talat Masood (Retd.) hypothesis, propounded in April 2012 when the Shaheen IA was test fired, then the range of the Shaheen-II missile would grow beyond Dr. Samar Mubarakmand’s claims and hit 3,000 Kms:

“Authorities have not described the missile's exact range but this is perhaps the longest-range missile in Pakistan's nuclear programme. An intermediate-range missile is capable of hitting targets at a distance of 2,500 to 3,000km,” said Talat Masood, a defence analyst.

TOI

Do bear in mind the Press Releases of the Nov 13 test launch released by the “Official” mouth piece of the Uniformed Jihadis of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the ISPR, refers to the Shaheen 2 as an “Intermediate Range” “Ballistic Missile”.

ISPR Press Release

[Cain Marko]

Pakistan in talks with China to "buy" 30-40 FC-31s

the beggars will now put forth their begging bowl and talk of "friendship higher than mountains and deeper than the seas" will start.

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is in talks with China to buy 30 to 40 of the Shenyang FC-31 twin-engined stealth fighter displayed at Airshow China 2014 in Zhuhai, a senior Pakistani government official has revealed to IHS Jane's .

"The discussions are beyond initial inquiries and they fit into the pattern of Pakistan being the first export customer of Chinese [military] hardware," said the official.

The FC-31 was unveiled as an export model at Zhuhai, although a prototype with the J-31 designation has been flying at a Shenyang Aircraft Corporation facility since 2012.

In 2007 then air chief marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed, who at the time was PAF chief of staff, told IHS Jane's that Islamabad was considering the purchase of up to two squadrons or 30 to 40 of Chengdu J-10 fighters.

Time to cozy up with the Taiwanese a bit; a few noises about exporting Prithvis, Prahaars, LCAs etc., to "allies" in East Asia might be a good hint. Namo's Vietnam deals are a step in the right direction.

[NRao]

Shockpedia :: Top 29 Most Powerful Armies In The World Right Now



Pakis are not in the top 29. even puny NK beat them. They $uck. Just that no one told them ..................... yet.

Now go back to sleep. Ghosts are not real.

Nor are stealth air crafts that trail smoke all the way to China.

[wig]

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2014/20141115/main7.htm

Chinese troops ‘training Pak army’ near LoC, IB


Indian security agencies have learnt that Chinese troops are training Pakistan Army personnel right across the India-Pak border in J&K.

The Chinese troops, according to a report submitted by the BSF intelligence wing, have been seen training Pak armymen in "weapon handling" techniques bang opposite the Rajouri sector of International Border.

The report said these military manoeuvres were being conducted at forward defence locations of Pakistan which are usually manned by border guarding personnel - the Pak Rangers.

Preliminary inputs analysed by the BSF also showed that some Pak army units have taken over paramilitary posts of Rangers opposite the Sriganganagar sector. The BSF found new observation towers have also been set up by Pakistan in recent past along Abohar and Gurdaspur sectors in Punjab.

The BSF intelligence reported that phone intercepts along the border indicate that Pakistan army and Rangers are planning to deploy snipers and sharp shooters at strategic locations and posts to target Indian soldiers and assets.

The BSF intelligence reported that a special squad of the Pak army commandos has been placed at select locations along the IB and LoC, which may attempt to carry out raids and Border Action Team (BAT)-sponsored attacks into the Indian territory.

It also said a large grouping of terrorists has been detected along Sialkot area in Pakistan which may be planning to infiltrate into Jammu and Kashmir at a time when Assembly polls are scheduled in the state.

It said agencies have detected a few launch pads for terrorists to infiltrate along either the International Border (IB) or the Line of Control (LoC).

The India-Pak border, which has been witnessing a series of ceasefire violations in the past few months, is peaceful but tense, the report said. — PTI

Targeting India

* Chinese troops have been seen training Pak armymen in weapon handling techniques opposite the Rajouri sector of the IB

* Some Pak army units have taken over paramilitary posts of Rangers opposite Sriganganagar sector

* Observation towers have also been set up by Pakistan along Abohar and Gurdaspur sectors in Punjab

* Phone intercepts indicate that Pakistan Rangers are planning to deploy snipers at strategic locations to target Indian soldiers

[K Mehta]

The post Wagah border incident needs a bit of analysis, it was an interesting glimpse in the psyche of TSPA.


The post Wagah blast incident of low level cunning shown by TSPA was an attempt to one-up Indian Army (via BSF). The main purpose was to show that the Indians feared the mujahiddin, the Hindu kafir fears a "religiously motivated Muslim". Since TSPA is also on the path of I, T and Julab in fistula, Indians are afraid of TSPA. Hence proved QED.

This shows:

1. TSPA identifies itself with the mujahiddins. Even after such an incident they still look favourably upon "Muslims with religious fervour."

2. It was an attempt to divert attention of the abdul sipahi from the mujahiddin, show the troops "the REAL ENEMY" and show them that he is afraid, this to divert attention from the mujahiddins who so recently slapped them silly.

3. Also shows the inclination of the TSPA higher ups on "Real Enemy" and "Strategic Assets". This is another pointer that the post-2014 strategy of TSPA will focus on greater use of "Strategic Assets". And those who feel that TSPA will start looking inward and focus on these threats are going to be proved wrong.

4.This was a desperate attempt to raise morale of the troops. This is very very important, the morale of the troops seems to be very very low for a Crore Commandu to try and pull a fast one like this. TSPA is taking hits from all sides and the Wagah border incident is another big hit on the ego and morale of TSPA.

This "Snake sniffing" incident should be publicised and shown far and wide to depict the true mentality of TSPA, especially its top brass. This should be used as a counter point whenever aman ka tamasha kind of BS gets pedelled. Also this should be propagated on social media and pushed to MSM via social media, BRF twitterati please to do the needful.

This scenario makes for a cartoon, where the officer is telling the jawan lying on a stretcher (With Wagah blast written on a slap print on face/ fracture cast) "Its OK that the mujs slapped you, but look those bhartis ran away in fear", with Indian gates showing "closed on Bak request" and mujs standing in a corner and laughing. Cartoon gurus if you guys can oblige.

Sidenote 1: Not something unknown to BRF and covered well in Shiv avare's book, but to recap
TSPA's motto being IT and Julab in Fistula, it is defined by religious fervour and not by patriotism. This is because it defines "the Real Enemy" India as a Hindu kafir nation and itself as an aggressor/protector against kafir machinations. Flowing from that is "a kafir can only be defeated by mujahids with great religious fervour". Religious fervour therefore becomes the answer to every setback or defeat, the only reason for defeat becomes "insufficient or lack of religious fervour".

This is the reason why there will never be moderate Islam in Bakistan and any move to reduce the hatred against Hindus in textbooks or moderation of madarssas will be opposed tooth and nail by the mulahs with a tacit support by the TSPA and the establishment.For example, Musharraf was betrayed in the lal masjid attack by the ISI, by not giving any intel on the weapons inside etc, and was opposed by lawyers for trying to install a Hindu chief justice, and was eased out by the establishment for carrying out various secular measures.

Sidenote 2: This "Hindus are afraid of mujahids" is a part of the mujahid mythology along with "mujahids have defeated every single super power" myth. This ignores the Gandhara/ Afghan regional geographical and social aspects leading to the withdrawal of these super powers after a sizable amount of time, as well as defeats at the hands of Sikhs and British.

Sidenote 3: Turkey is a nation which is cited as something STFUP can be. The major difference is that the Turkish establishment is Kemalian secularist and defines itself by Turkish patriotism and not by religion, and is a counterbalance to the islamist forces in Turkey. So as long as TSPA/establishment remains religious centered it will never become like Turkey and even Bangladesh will overtake it (so long as BD can suppress the islamists).

[ramana]

PLA seems afraid that Pakistan will cut and run if Modi attacks. Hence the stiffening of spine by way of training.

[Prem]

Shockpedia :: Top 29 Most Powerful Armies In The World Right Now

Pakis are not in the top 29. even puny NK beat them. They $uck. Just that no one told them ..................... yet.Now go back to sleep. Ghosts are not real. Nor are stealth air crafts that trail smoke all the way to China.

As a Paki i can assure you PA is at number Zero.. right before One, Hain JI !!

[member_28756]

http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/China ... r_999.html

China shows off new stealth fighter
by Staff Writers
Zhuhai, China (AFP) Nov 12, 2014


China's new stealth jet fighter rocketed skywards Wednesday as Beijing puts on an unprecedented display of openness -- and military force -- at the country's premier airshow.

The black J-31 rose in a nearly vertical climb on take-off in Zhuhai before circling back and doing two rolls, in the aircraft's first announced public appearance.

The plane's existence has been the subject of rumour and speculation for years, with photographs appearing increasingly frequently on military websites in recent months.

Defence analysts say the J-31 is China's answer to the United States' F-35, though the Chinese jet lags behind the American one technologically.

The fighter's Chinese name is "Falcon Eagle" and it is manufactured by a unit of Aviation Industry Corp. of China (AVIC), whose defence arm uses the slogan: "We are making the best weapons for guardians of the peace."

The plane's debut comes amid tensions between China and its neighbours over territorial disputes, particularly Japan which has feuded with Beijing over a group of islands in the East China Sea.

China's air force said the display of military might at the airshow showed the intention to build a strong country.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) air force "will make unremitting efforts to realise dreams of a strong China and powerful armed forces", read a sign alongside an array of eight warplanes at the airshow.

"The display... demonstrates the strength and confidence of (the) PLA Air Force to fulfil missions and achieve world peace."

China has steadily increased its defence budget for years, with funding projected to rise more than 12 percent to $132 billion in 2014. But the US has accused Beijing of under-reporting its spending by as much as 20 percent in the past.

Defence analysts said China appears eager to sell the new fifth generation fighter abroad, also putting on display a model with a designation typically used for overseas destinations: FC-31.

"China's defence industry wants to show the potential for export," said Andrew Erickson, associate professor at the China Maritime Studies Institute of the US Naval War College.

Ally Pakistan is a likely first market, he added.

AVIC has already developed another fighter plane, the FC-1, in cooperation with Pakistan which was also on display at the show.

- 'Huge power' -

A large military transport plane, the Y-20, also made its debut at the show, flying lumbering turns over the crowd at its public outing on Wednesday.

"Of course, it is an advance in technology," said the announcer as spectators craned their necks to see it against a smoggy sky.

The China National Precision Machinery Import-Export Corp., the firm at the heart of controversy over the supply of a long-range anti-missile system to Turkey in the face of US opposition, also had a presence at the show, but its booth was devoid of product displays.

The firm, which is under US sanctions for selling arms and missile technology to Iran and Syria, declined to provide promotional materials or answer questions when approached by a journalist.

Although billed as an airshow, new sponsor China North Industries Corp (NORINCO) showed off a battle tank, the VT4, which proved a popular backdrop for visitor photos.

Other countries in the Asian region have beefed up military spending in response to China's growing power.

"It's a bit of a dance that happens all over the world," said Briand Greer, president of aerospace for Asia-Pacific at US conglomerate Honeywell.

"Economically everyone is tied to what happens in China," he said. "But at the same time, you've got a huge power rising right in your backyard so you don't want to feel helpless.

[Aditya_V]

Pakistan trying to equal equal here, will those damn Yindoos testing so much missiles.

Pakistan test-fires nuclear capable ballistic missile

[krishnan]

did the missile take off ?

[P Chitkara]

Another paki missile with the cutting edge range and accuracy of a diwali rocket. So what if the range decreases with every test, it is cutting edge nevertheless.

[SSridhar]

Pakistan test-fires nuclear capable ballistic missile

. . .Shaheen 1A or Hatf IV . . .

Pakistan must choose one or the other name.

[durvasa]

Range of sophisticated Paki missiles is exactly the same as their CEP.

[vishvak]

Is there any other country in the world that shows off stolen missile tech the way pakis do? However poor diseased and worthless a country is, no one does the jihad-ul-fistula the way pakis do. It is almost like they are showing off their paint job skills that is worth only for foren ka maal.

[deejay]

Pakistan test-fires nuclear capable ballistic missile

. . .Shaheen 1A or Hatf IV . . .

Pakistan must choose one or the other name.

This is leading to big drain on the Paki economy. The evil baniyas are doing the best business in draining Baki economy. AoA!

[member_26622]

^ That's how US brought down USSR - made them spend to their grave on playing match up.

Before we spend too much time laughing at Paki swines, let's also review our own game. China is doing that to us - by forcing RAFALE like outlandish acquisitions. They spend a third on domestic build stealth planes while we fritter away limited resources on old foreign dames.

Waiting for common sense to ride back in to Delhi military corridors. Wishing Manohar Parrikar takes our clean Delhi class on a day trip to Dharavi.

[member_28756]

^ That's how US brought down USSR - made them spend to their grave on playing match up.

Before we spend too much time laughing at Paki swines, let's also review our own game. China is doing that to us - by forcing RAFALE like outlandish acquisitions. They spend a third on domestic build stealth planes while we fritter away limited resources on old foreign dames.

Waiting for common sense to ride back in to Delhi military corridors. Wishing Manohar Parrikar takes our clean Delhi class on a day trip to Dharavi.

No one can force the Rafale acquisition to India. Its a decision only Indians can make. Honestly I dont think anyone in their right mind wants an all out confrontation with India. Its a no win situation that is best avoided by any country. And yes you do have a good point a nation that waste too much resources on buying expensive weapons does weaken itself in the long run. Have a strong defense but don't over do it.

[SivaVijay]

With American Draw down near, evil is coming out again from the shadows:

musharraf-warns-of-proxy-war-with-india-in-afghanistan

militants not dangerous to pakistan should not be targeted-sartaj,NSA Pakistan

[Viv S]

Business as usual.
_________________

Airshow China 2014: Russia to supply China with more RD-93 turbofans

Nikolai Novichkov, Zhuhai, China - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
17 November 2014


An RD-93 engine at Airshow China 2014. Source: Nikolai Novichkov


Russia is to supply China with an additional batch of 100 Klimov RD-93 turbofan engines for the FC-1/JF-17 Thunder combat aircraft before the end of 2016, officials said at Airshow China 2014 in Zhuhai.

The contract, signed between Rosoboronexport and Chinese officials, follows an original USD238 million contract for 100 engines concluded in 2005 and completed in 2010.

A joint venture between China and Pakistan, the JF-17 is currently only in Pakistan Air Force service.

The first contract for 100 RD-93s had an option for 400 more, which will be produced by Moscow-based machine-building plant Chernyshev, a division of the United Engines Corporation (UEC).

At Airshow China a high-ranking official in the Russian deputation confirmed that the fifth-generation Shenyang J-31/FC-31 is also equipped with the RD-93.

A UEC official also told IHS Jane's that the Russian company and the China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation (CATIC) had signed an agreement to upgrade the RD-93. The agreement "comprises consecutive modernisation of the propulsion system in the area of increasing thrust and the arranging of the turbofans shipments to China", said the UEC official.

He did not specify when China would start to receive the upgraded RD-93. Under UEC's existing contract with CATIC the Russian company is to perform deliveries, designer supervision, maintenance, refurbishment, and assistance in organising the RD-93 overhaul for basic and export FC-1/JF-17 fighters.

Janes

[SSridhar]

Russia is broke and China has all the money. The sanctions are also biting. Russia is even unmindful of Chinese reverse engineering. It is opening itself up completely to China. Something must give way before this relationship breaks.

[vinod]

Russia is broke and China has all the money. The sanctions are also biting. Russia is even unmindful of Chinese reverse engineering. It is opening itself up completely to China. Something must give way before this relationship breaks.

China is very lucky indeed. This kind of opportunity doesn't arise quite often. Last time it happened was when soviet union disintegrated, now Russia's troubles. China was able to leap frog in many respects because of that and now they are set to repeat it again. Damn! stupid west!

I hope India is proactive and do a good number of deals, hopefully not like Vikramaditya!

[member_28756]

Russia is broke and China has all the money. The sanctions are also biting. Russia is even unmindful of Chinese reverse engineering. It is opening itself up completely to China. Something must give way before this relationship breaks.

Yeah look at this. Russians are now trading in Yuan instead of US dollars.

http://www.themoscowtimes.com/business/ ... 11362.html

Sberbank Issues Russia's First Letters of Credit in Chinese Yuan
The Moscow Times Nov. 18 2014 17:35 Last edited 17:35

Sberbank's announcement is the latest sign of the growing popularity of transactions in yuan.

Russia's largest lender, state-owned Sberbank, said Monday that it was the first Russian bank to issue letters of credit denominated in China's yuan currency as economic ties between Beijing and Moscow tighten.

Sberbank's announcement is the latest sign of the growing popularity of transactions in yuan.

The turnover of ruble-yuan currency trades on the Moscow Exchange increased rapidly this year, rising 80 percent month-on-month in October to a historical high of 83.5 billion rubles ($1.8 billion).

China and Russia signed a currency swap deal worth $24.5 billion during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Moscow last month.

Russia is also reportedly considering accepting yuan payments for natural gas pumped to China under a 30-year supply deal worth $400 billion that Moscow and Beijing signed earlier this year.

http://online.wsj.com/articles/russia-s ... reno64-wsj

Russia Shuns Dollar as Putin Strengthens Ties with China
Oil Giant Rosneft is Working with Chinese Corporation to Receive Renminbi as Payment
By CHIARA ALBANESE
Nov. 14, 2014 8:45 a.m. ET

The gas deal will make China their biggest customer in a few years. What will be the result of this Russian dependency on China ?

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2014 ... 891194.htm

China, Russia ink big energy deals
Updated: 2014-11-10 04:47


Beijing and Moscow netted another two giant energy agreements on Sunday, including one to help start early construction of the west route of the China-Russia natural gas pipeline.

The pipeline is expected to be completed in 2020 and will provide 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas a year to China through the Altai area of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, sources told China Daily.

President Xi Jinping and his visiting Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, witnessed the signing of 16 agreements on Sunday night, the bulk of them in the energy sector.

In May, the two sides sealed a deal on constructing the east route of the China-Russia gas pipeline, through which Russia will export 38 billion cubic meters of gas a year to China, starting in 2018.

Repercussion on US gas export potential

http://oilprice.com/Energy/Natural-Gas/ ... ports.html

Russia-China Deal Could Kill U.S. LNG Exports
By Kurt Cobb | Tue, 18 November 2014 22:33

Russia and China have signed two large natural gas deals in the last six months as Russia turns its attention eastward in reaction to sanctions and souring relations with Europe, currently Russia's largest energy export market.

But the move has implications beyond Europe. In the department of everything is connected, U.S. natural gas producers may be seeing their dream of substantial liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports suffer fatal injury because of Russian exports to the Chinese market, a market that was expected to be the largest and most profitable for LNG exporters. Petroleum geologist and consultant Art Berman--who has been consistently skeptical of the viability of U.S. LNG exports--communicated in an email that Russian supply will force the price of LNG delivered to Asia down to between $10 and $11, too low for American LNG exports to be profitable.

[Austin]

CRS:Major U.S. Arms Sales and Grants to Pakistan Since 2001

[Aditya_V]

CRS:Major U.S. Arms Sales and Grants to Pakistan Since 2001

How come Pakis get 6 C-130E free and upgrade them to J standard for USD 76 million while we pay USD 1 Billion for 6 aircraft?

Notable items paid or to be paid for entirely with Pakistani national funds include:
1. 18 new F-16C/D Block 52 Fighting Falcon combat aircraft (valued at $1.43 billion);
2. F-16 armaments including 500 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles; 1,450 2,000-pound bombs; 500 JDAM Tail
Kits for gravity bombs; and 1,600 Enhanced Paveway laser-guided kits, also for gravity bombs ($629
million);
3. 100 Harpoon anti-ship missiles ($298 million);
4. 500 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles ($95 million); and
5. six Phalanx Close-In Weapons System naval guns ($80 million).

Can we compare similair prices US sells to us these look heavily subsidised and US tax payer footing the bill. Sidewinder at USD 190K, Harpoons USD 2.98 mil, and those F-16 armemants, I bet India pays 4-5 times these prices for these items.

[Shreeman]

^^^^ Given the lifecycle of roughly 30 years -- this is an entire army, and air force, and substantial chunk of a navy. These are going to last the next two+ decades. And Lockheed types wanting to service them will keep foreign policy as is. Anything Bakis get from cheen is merely "extra".

" Paid for by pakistan" is likely drawn on coalition support funds.

Yuck.

[Austin]

Any one subscribes to AFM can post this article ?

http://www.airforcesmonthly.com/view_issue.asp?ID=5842

Pakistan F-16 Upgrade
Alan Warnes reports on how the Pakistan Air Force is making its F-16 fleet 24 hour day/ night capable with the help of Turkish Aerospace Industries.

[krishnan]

^^^^ Given the lifecycle of roughly 30 years -- this is an entire army, and air force, and substantial chunk of a navy. These are going to last the next two+ decades. And Lockheed types wanting to service them will keep foreign policy as is. Anything Bakis get from cheen is merely "extra".

" Paid for by pakistan" is likely drawn on coalition support funds.

Yuck.

could be second hand , repainted, who knowns

[Viv S]

How come Pakis get 6 C-130E free and upgrade them to J standard for USD 76 million while we pay USD 1 Billion for 6 aircraft?

The US is currently renting the Pakistani state for its GWOT. Most of the purchases you outlined were negotated a decade ago. Today on the other hand, as its campaign in Afghanistan scales down, such military and financial aid is starting to wind up. (Doubly so now that the Republicans have taken control of the Senate.)

Can we compare similair prices US sells to us these look heavily subsidised and US tax payer footing the bill. Sidewinder at USD 190K, Harpoons USD 2.98 mil, and those F-16 armemants, I bet India pays 4-5 times these prices for these items.

The F-16 armaments were market price. All of the Sidewinders and (some of the) Harpoons consist of kit upgrades to operational missiles. Improved capability, but same shelf life.

And as I proved in my last response to you, India pays the same FMS cost as every buyer of US equipment.

[Viv S]

Russia, Pakistan sign agreement on military cooperation

ISLAMABAD, November 20.
Shoigu said after talks with Pakistan’s defense minister that the agreement is an important step towards strengthening ties between Moscow and Islamabad in the military sphere. “During the meeting, we agreed that bilateral military cooperation should have a great practical focus and contribute to increasing combat efficiency of our armed forces,” Shoigu said. Shoigu earlier expressed confidence that the implementation of this agreement will give an additional impetus to all the aspects of Russia-Tajikistan cooperation. The minister said the sides discussed a range of specific events of particular importance.

This is the first visit by Russia’s defense minister to Pakistan after the collapse of the former Soviet Union. The latest visit took place as far back as 1969, when USSR Defense Minister Andrey Grechko made a trip to the country.

Russia and Pakistan will pool effort in the struggle against terrorism and drug trafficking with due account of the current situation in Afghanistan and the region as a whole Shoigu said during the visit. “We shared views on the scope of pressing problems of international and regional security. First of all, this concerns Afghanistan. Our assessments of the situation in that country are mainly close or coincide,” the Russian minister noted. “We are interested in soonest peaceful settlement of problems amassed here,” he said, adding that easing tensions in the region is one of the priority tasks for the world community. The two ministers focused on importance of joint effort to fight international terrorism and drug trafficking, Shoigu noted.

TASS

Pakistan PM, Russian defense chief satisfied with military cooperation resumption
Russia November 20

ISLAMABAD, November 20. /TASS/. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday received Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu in the government residence and expressed satisfaction with the resumption of military cooperation between Moscow and Islamabad.

“I’m glad that we have resumed our cooperation and I hope it will be dynamic and diversified,” the Pakistani prime minister said. He said he extended an invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit the country. “I hope the president will respond to it,” Sharif added.

Russia and Pakistan signed on Thursday a bilateral military cooperation agreement that provides legal framework for further steps, Shoigu said. According to him, the two countries have many issues to discuss and many questions to solve. “I look forward to preparing our joint projects in the military cooperation sphere,” the Russian defence minister said. He said that the commanders-in-chief of the Russian Air Force, Navy and Ground Forces have visited Pakistan this year.

TASS

[NRao]

Eavesdropping on Pakistani Official Led to Inquiry of Former U.S. Diplomat

US snooping on Pakistan?

Russia selling arms to Pakistan?

What is this world coming to?

What next? The poles switch?

OMG!!!@

Nice article.

While the United States and Pakistan remain allies in the war on terrorism, tensions between the two countries have been frequently strained. American officials suspect Pakistan of supporting the Taliban and believe Pakistan has dispatched several double agents to collect intelligence from the United States government. Pakistani officials bristle at the C.I.A.’s use of drones and operatives inside the country.

This animosity has spawned a new generation of American Foreign Service officers who view Pakistan with suspicion, making Ms. Raphel and her generally sympathetic view of Pakistan out of step within the State Department.

[Austin]

But doesnt the US snoops even on its closest NATO allay , Europe , Germany .....ala Snowden