(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The Pakistani and Turkish Armed Forces have announced their collaboration on air-to-air missile technology, focusing specifically on the development of Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missiles (BVRAAM).
This declaration came during a visit by the Turkish Armed Forces’ Deputy Chief of Staff, General Irfan Yossert, and his delegation to the Pakistan Air Force Command Center, where they met with Air Marshal Zahir Ahmed Baber Sidhu, the Commander of the Pakistan Air Force.
Both parties agreed to extend their existing defense cooperation, particularly in the realm of long-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) technology.
The collaboration between Turkey and Pakistan on long-range air-to-air missile technology will involve two companies: Turkey’s TUBITAK SAGE and Pakistan’s GIDS.
Currently, both defense companies are developing their respective long-range air-to-air missiles, with GIDS working on the “FAAZ-2” missile and TUBITAK SAGE on the “GOKDOGAN” missile.
Media reports from both countries have indicated that the cooperative effort in air-to-air missile development will lead to a merging of their missile technologies.
The “GOKDOGAN” missile, developed by the Turkish firm, aims to compete with the United States’ long-range air-to-air missiles, such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM.
Equipped with an Active Radar Seeker, the “GOKDOGAN” offers exceptional capabilities, including the ability to detect multiple targets and engage from all directions.
Designed to be resistant to electronic interference, it ensures that the source of the interference becomes a target itself.
The “GOKDOGAN” missile, a product of Turkey’s defense industry, can engage air targets up to a distance of 65km.
Meanwhile, the “FAAZ-2” missile being developed by GIDS is reported to be inspired by the Russian “R-27” and the “MICA” missile developed by the European defense firm MBDA.
The “FAAZ-2” missile is capable of engaging targets up to 180km away, while its predecessor, the “FAAZ-1,” has a range of 100km.
The “FAAZ-2” is set to be integrated with the JF-17 “Thunder” fighter jet, a joint development by Pakistan and China.
Additionally, GIDS from Pakistan is also reported to be developing a ground-based air defense system based on the “FAAZ-2” long-range air-to-air missile. — DSA