Türkiye and Pakistan Collaborate on Air-to-Air Missiles
Turkish and Pakistani Air Forces to Share Air-to-Air Missile Technology
Recently, the second Chief of General Staff, General İrfan Özsert, and his accompanying delegation visited the Pakistan Air Forces Command. The purpose of the visit was to discuss the sharing of technology in the field of air-to-air missiles between the two countries.
During the visit, General İrfan Özsert and his delegation met with Pakistan Air Force Commander Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu to discuss military cooperation. Both parties agreed to further strengthen their partnership through Joint Working Groups focusing on technology development and core capability exchanges.
According to a statement from the Pakistan Air Force, the continuation of the Air-to-Air Missile Technology exchange program was also discussed to ensure maximum benefit for both Air Forces. Additionally, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation from state to state, company to company, military authorities, and Air Force to Air Force.
The defense industry cooperation between Turkey and Pakistan has been growing steadily. ASPHAT A.Ş., as the main contractor, is currently working on the construction activities of 4 MİLGEM Corvettes for the Pakistan Navy. The first ship, PNS BABUR, was recently delivered.
Furthermore, BAYKAR has exported both AKINCI TİHA and Bayraktar TB2 SIHA to Pakistan, showcasing the expanding defense technology collaboration between the two countries.
The GÖKTUĞ Project, aimed at meeting the air-air missile needs of the Turkish Air Force, has made significant progress. The project involves the design and development of the missile in two different configurations for F-16 PO-I aircraft, In-Visibility (BOZDOĞAN-GİF) and Beyond-Visibility (GÖKDOĞAN-GÖF).
The BOZDOĞAN missile, developed as an In-Sight Air-to-Air Missile, is the counterpart of the US-produced AIM-9X. With high-resolution Imaging Infrared (IIR) Seeker Head, the missile has a range of approximately 25 kilometers and can reach a speed of 3 times the speed of sound (Mach 3).
Additionally, the GÖKDOĞAN missile, a Beyond Visual Air-to-Air Missile that is the counterpart of the US-produced AIM-120 AMRAAM, has the ability to fire and forget, lock on multiple targets, lock after shooting, and shoot from any angle.
Overall, the collaboration between the Turkish and Pakistani Air Forces in the field of air-to-air missile technology is set to enhance their defense capabilities and strategic partnership.
Source: DefenseSanayiST.com
