Can datalinks be used by AWACS and PAF air units, such as F-7 PGs,etc to scan and track targets, and then launch BVR missiles against targets?

Yes AWACs posses this capability but iam not sure about F-7PGs. Altough F-16s, JF-17s and F-10s can pick up the targets through AWACs. But since F-7PGs have an old radar, thats y it is quite doubtful.

The PG has a Grifo radar and i doubt that it can pick targets from an awacs YET!!!!!

I do not think "client" aspects of Data linking are based on radars. My only contention is that maybe F-7PGs can serve as platforms for AMRAAMs such as SD-10s, which use datalinks for midcourse flight, and Active Radar Homers for terminal flight.

Imagine the possibilities, hunderds of F-7s serving as interceptors, relying on AWACS datalinks, during a war of attrition against the IAF. I single out the F-7 because of their proven ease of production and use.

The data link refers to the sharing of the AWACs power through data linking. Iam not sure about the Grifo 7 radar but i do know is that APG-66 and newer versions can share the AWACs capability. Through data linking capability, the targetting information can be passed to the pilot in real time and for that the main sorce is the AWACs!!

we make our own datalinks, its called c4i, and is currently being upgraded to c5Istar standards (the latest)....slowly you will start seeing new UAVs wich are able to carry munition.

I think a radar of a fighter must support data linking for communication between AEW&C aircraft (SAAB 2000). I don't know whether Grifo 7 supports this feature. By the way, would it be possible to modify the source code of the Grifo 7 radar in order to be able to fire the SD-10? That could save a lot of hassle and cash if possible. In case that isn't possible, PAF will have to replace Grifo 7 radar with most probably Chinese KLJ-7 radar which would in turn also allow data linking with AEW&C. Am I right?

Maybe we can upgrade our current Grifo 7s so that they can utilize the capability of AEW&C and BVR

I'm sure PAF will look into it. Technically I think it shouldn't really be a problem. We can also seek assistance of the Chinese and Italians if required. Upgrading old F-7s that will eventually be replaced with JF-17s would realistically be a waste of time, energy and resources. I understand that the complete number of JF-17s won't be delivered till 2015, but how long will it take to upgrade the F-7s? Also, what numbers are we talking about? It's quite obvious that PAF wants to train and familiarize pilots with BVR capability before the JF-17s are there in full numbers. Upgrading radars cannot be taken lightly though. It can be a very tedious job. Just look at the Indians and their flying coffin's. Pakistan should restrict the number of upgrades in my opinion. Especially if radars were to be replaced. Perhaps select the best airframes and upgrade them for this purpose.

AOA,

I think we shud seriously look for inducting a 4.5 generation fighter instead of wasting money on upgradation.

Mirage IIIOs are ending their life. What do v get if we upgrade an aircraft and it get crashed just due to life completion.even if it was rebuilt. There are a number of such accidents.

Pakistan continued to fly F-86 till 1980. When during flying its wings broke off , then PAF started to groung F-86s.

We can induct a 4.5 generation fighter in small batches just as Egypt did with F-16s.

That is another possibility. Many have been advocating the purchase of UAE/Qatari Mirage fighters which could be handed over to PN. Realistically, considering Pakistan's economic situation I wouldn't really focus too much on that. Except if Pakistan is able to finance through KSA or any other Arab state.

PN already shares a two squardons of Mirage Vs which are based at Faisal AFB, Karachi. I dont think PAF will spend on the setup for Mirage 2000-5s since they are only 12 in Qatars fleet. Rather then its better to share 4 squardons of thunders or Mirage ROSE(s)

AOA,

I think buying UAE Mirage 2000-9s will have less possibility coz, India has a strong influence on UAE. It will come to block us.

The same thing happened with Qatar Mirages.

Qatar asked for customers interested in buying its Mirages, Pakistan gave an affirmative response. India who had made an agreement with France for 10 additional Mirages came and showed its interest in Qatar Mirages too.

India made the highest bid and so decision was made to sell these aircrafts to them, but after sometime it realised its mistake.
It couldnot properly manage the France project and the new Qatari one. Thats how the deal between India and Qatar came into trouble. Many problems arose as a result.

I have read this from airforces monthly magazine.

Moreover, there is only one sqn (not two) of Mirages capable of firing exocet, ie 8 sqn.

Other sqn deployed in masroor has ROSE Mirages, for air defence.

AOA,

I think buying UAE Mirage 2000-9s will have less possibility coz, India has a strong influence on UAE. It will come to block us.

Rehan .. while India does not have a good working relationship with all GCC countries but UAE AF & Navy have people from PAF & PN on deputation as instructors.

Plus we have a security pact with UAE too .. against this we don't have that much leverae with Qatar and there were only 12 planes to ask for + they were all Mirage 2000Q (that is equivalent to maximum 2000-5).

I would say UAE Mirage 2000-9 is an excellent fighting equipment and Pakistan has a very good chance to acquire them and it would be a huge force multiplier !

AOA,

I think it will be a good boost of capability in PAF.

I pray it will happen.

Those 12 Mirage 2000s even dont make a single squardon, so PAf will never adopt this terrible idea. Imagine the upcomming costs.

AOA,

Dear i m talking about the UAE's Mirage 2000-9.

They are better than F-16 Block 15s and their maintenance cost will be lower as we have MRF (which can be upgraded slightly for Mirage 2000-9s)

Capabilities aside. But its not like you are buying a dozen cars. We'll have to train pilots especially for that and alot more work to do. By the way F-16 Block 15s will soon get MLU update and it will make a compatible fleet.

Exactly how does data linking work?! I dont have much insight into it...All i know is that the AWACS somehow 'links' up with the strike jets and provides them with the target...but then what does the aircraft's own radar do in the first place? A bit confused...a little help would do!

The purpose of datalinking isto provide the recieving aircraft the same capability of the Data link platform.

E.G. Take an example of Saab 2000 AEW&C and JF-17,

It is obvious that AEW&Cs radar is much more powerful then the JF-17s RC-400. After datalinking both radars, AEW&Cs radar will provide the RC-400 same range and strike capability thus enhancing JF-17s performance inflight.