From the initial introduction of aircraft into combat during the First World War the means to achieve air defense has only grown. It included infantry firearms, light anti-aircraft weapons, cannons and anti-aircraft artillery. We also saw barrage balloons and interceptor aircraft, with all aided by radar installations, growing in power and accuracy over the course of the 20th century, particularly with the introduction of the surface-to-air missile to self-propelled anti-aircraft weapons.
Pakistan’s Army Air Defence was born on 23 March 1989, when it was separated from Artillery and recognized as the youngest Arm of Pakistan Army. This was officially proclaimed on 10 October 1989. It successfully faced the challenge by reorganizing in harmony with its Concept of Integrated Air Defence.
Pakistan Air Defence is equipped with Anti-aircraft guns: ZU-23/-33, -30, -36, -37, -57 mm, Bofors RBS-23 BAMSE, Bofors RBS-70, SA-7 Grail, General Dynamics FIM-92 Stinger, General Dynamics FIM-43 Redeye, Anza MKI, Anza MKII and Anza MKIII, HQ-2B, Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon, Bofors 40 mm gun.
Oerlikon 35mm Twin Cannon:
The Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon is a towed anti-aircraft gun made by Oerlikon-Contraves. The system was originally designated as 2 ZLA/353 ML but this was later changed to GDF-001. It was developed in the late 1950s and is used by around 30 countries. The system uses 35 mm autocannons, which were originally designated 353 MK and are now designated as the KD series. The same KD series 35 mm cannons are used in the Leopard tank based Gepard and T-55 based Marksman self-propelled anti-aircraft guns. The system could be paired with the off-gun Super Fledermaus fire control radar, which in the late 1970s was upgraded to the Skyguard system.
In 1980 an upgraded model, the GDF-002 was produced, which featured an improved sight, and the ability to be directed by an off-gun digital control system. A few years later a third version of the system was being produced, the GDF-003, which was broadly similar to the GDF-002, but included some enhancements like self-lubricating weapons and integrated protective covers.
In 1985 a further upgraded model was produced, the GDF-005, which was introduced, featuring the Gunking 3D computer-controlled sight with an integrated laser range-finder and digital control system. The guns are usually transported by a 5-tonne 6×6 truck.
Pakistan operates 200 aging Oerlikon GDF-002 35mm AAA guns and an unknown quantity of the more modern GDF-005 version. Although both are potent against helicopters and low flying aircraft they are not fitted with the advanced AHEAD anti-missile rounds and do not present a credible defense against missile attack. These weapons are radar controlled with SkyGuard I fire control radars. Pakistan also recently procured at least 6 more SkyGuard radars although the exact version of these is unclear. Pakistan also has a number of Swedish Giraffe 75 mast mounted radars although it is not clear if these are integrated with the SkyGuard systems.
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Oerlikon 35mm Ammo Production in Pakistan:
Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) Pakistan’s premier Defence Industrial Establishment has concluded a joint venture with a European giant for high technology weapons system in april 2009. Chairman POF Board Lieutenant General Syed Sabahat Husain from POF and Peter Weilenmann President from Oerlikon (Waffer Rheinmetall Munition) of Switzerland signed a letter of understanding on the 2nd day of the defence exhibition IDEF-2009 being held at Istanbul Turkey for co-production & co-marketing of 35mm Air Defence Ammo at POF.
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It is pertinent to mention here that the technology of this Ammo will be transferred to POF free of cost. This ammo is the dire need of the Armed Forces of Pakistan and presently, the requirement of this ammo is being met through import from the various countries of the world.
The production of this ammo at POF will strengthen our Air Defence and will enhance the capability of the Armed Forces of Pakistan. Through the production of this latest ammo at POF Wah, Pakistan will be able to save huge foreign exchange being met on the procurement of this Air Defence ammo.
Pakistan’s Army Air Defence was born on 23 March 1989, when it was separated from Artillery and recognized as the youngest Arm of Pakistan Army. This was officially proclaimed on 10 October 1989. It successfully faced the challenge by reorganizing in harmony with its Concept of Integrated Air Defence.
Pakistan Air Defence is equipped with Anti-aircraft guns: ZU-23/-33, -30, -36, -37, -57 mm, Bofors RBS-23 BAMSE, Bofors RBS-70, SA-7 Grail, General Dynamics FIM-92 Stinger, General Dynamics FIM-43 Redeye, Anza MKI, Anza MKII and Anza MKIII, HQ-2B, Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon, Bofors 40 mm gun.
Oerlikon 35mm Twin Cannon:
The Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon is a towed anti-aircraft gun made by Oerlikon-Contraves. The system was originally designated as 2 ZLA/353 ML but this was later changed to GDF-001. It was developed in the late 1950s and is used by around 30 countries. The system uses 35 mm autocannons, which were originally designated 353 MK and are now designated as the KD series. The same KD series 35 mm cannons are used in the Leopard tank based Gepard and T-55 based Marksman self-propelled anti-aircraft guns. The system could be paired with the off-gun Super Fledermaus fire control radar, which in the late 1970s was upgraded to the Skyguard system.
In 1980 an upgraded model, the GDF-002 was produced, which featured an improved sight, and the ability to be directed by an off-gun digital control system. A few years later a third version of the system was being produced, the GDF-003, which was broadly similar to the GDF-002, but included some enhancements like self-lubricating weapons and integrated protective covers.
In 1985 a further upgraded model was produced, the GDF-005, which was introduced, featuring the Gunking 3D computer-controlled sight with an integrated laser range-finder and digital control system. The guns are usually transported by a 5-tonne 6×6 truck.
Pakistan operates 200 aging Oerlikon GDF-002 35mm AAA guns and an unknown quantity of the more modern GDF-005 version. Although both are potent against helicopters and low flying aircraft they are not fitted with the advanced AHEAD anti-missile rounds and do not present a credible defense against missile attack. These weapons are radar controlled with SkyGuard I fire control radars. Pakistan also recently procured at least 6 more SkyGuard radars although the exact version of these is unclear. Pakistan also has a number of Swedish Giraffe 75 mast mounted radars although it is not clear if these are integrated with the SkyGuard systems.
Oerlikon 35mm Ammo Production in Pakistan:
Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) Pakistan’s premier Defence Industrial Establishment has concluded a joint venture with a European giant for high technology weapons system in april 2009. Chairman POF Board Lieutenant General Syed Sabahat Husain from POF and Peter Weilenmann President from Oerlikon (Waffer Rheinmetall Munition) of Switzerland signed a letter of understanding on the 2nd day of the defence exhibition IDEF-2009 being held at Istanbul Turkey for co-production & co-marketing of 35mm Air Defence Ammo at POF.
It is pertinent to mention here that the technology of this Ammo will be transferred to POF free of cost. This ammo is the dire need of the Armed Forces of Pakistan and presently, the requirement of this ammo is being met through import from the various countries of the world.
The production of this ammo at POF will strengthen our Air Defence and will enhance the capability of the Armed Forces of Pakistan. Through the production of this latest ammo at POF Wah, Pakistan will be able to save huge foreign exchange being met on the procurement of this Air Defence ammo.