Transition Time In Pakistan — страница 6

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fast-moving battles likely during the advance of the strike formations and in countering similar Indian thrust(s) into Pakistan, is limited to a dozen regiments-worth of US M-109s. In spite of US embargoes, spares are bought on the world market, with some manufactured at POF. As the barrels are well within their first quarter of life, there is no pressing need for replacement. The problem is in enlarging the holding, as the USA is an unreliable supplier. There is no compatibility between the M-109 and the likely alternative, the Norinco 122mm SP gun. Air defence Until the early 1990s the army paid insufficient attention to co-operation with the air force. Joint exercises were few, and were more demonstrations than tests. During obstacle crossings, soldiers from divisional air

defence regiments were used as guides, making far bank AD almost negligible as there were no procedures for marrying-up troops with equipments after lodgement. They would also be so tired as to make them ineffective at the very time of major air threat. Tactical liaison with the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) was poor or non-existent and the risk of mistaken engagement of own troops was unacceptably high. Procedures for ‘weapons tight’ were not practised. Creation of Air Defence Command, consisting of 3 anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) Groups (8 brigades), and emphasis on joint co-operation and training has gone far to rectify the unsatisfactory position. However, much remains to be done. Unfortunately for the army and the PAF, budget restrictions have cut the number of exercises that

are necessary to practise and refine procedures to the required degree, although computer and dry training is conducted. Most equipments are towed guns, but study of AAA tactics worldwide has resulted in doctrine based on local airspace saturation. Hand-held/vehicle-mounted surface-to-air missiles, including Stinger, RBS-70 (180 launchers) and Chinese HN-5, are deployed mainly in strike units, and the cheaply produced Anza infra-red homing missile, a SA-7 ‘Grail’ surface-to-air missile copy, is in wide service. Nuclear units Since the formation of the first ‘Composite Missile Regiment’ at Kharian, near Lahore, in 1989, there has been exercise and development of tactical missile doctrine. However, procedures are as yet by no means effective. The army as a whole is unaware

of nuclear doctrine. A recent test of the indigenous Hatf 1A missile (February) and information concerning warhead miniaturisation seems to indicate that this 100km battlefield weapon may be at the stage where the motor assembly could be married to a nuclear warhead. There is a new launcher, and it is assessed that the missile is now deployable in unit strength, probably in four batteries each of two launchers. Other missile units have been formed, and training has taken place since 1994 for employment of the Chinese M-11 surface-to-surface missile (SSM), designed for nuclear warhead carriage. It may have this capability in Pakistan service. The Ghauri missile, supplied by North Korea, is intended for nuclear use, but it is unlikely that Pakistan has produced such a warhead yet.

Pakistan’s short-range nuclear SSM capability is more advanced than that of India. Fitness for role The Pakistan Army has many problems, including denial of spares for US equipments, shortage of junior officers, an old-fashioned higher command system, less mobility than desirable, increasing distrust of the West by junior officers, and, currently, the siphoning-off of high-grade officers and junior ranks to civilian tasks. However, it has high morale, excellent leadership, good tactics, adequate equipment and the will to win. It is hoped it will never have to prove its effectiveness. + PARAMILITARY FORCES There are two main paramilitary groups and five essentially civilian organisations with police-style functions. The Frontier Corps (FC) is about 65,000 strong and is divided

in two elements: FC Balochistan (south) and FC North West Frontier Province (NWFP) (north), each commanded by an army two-star, titled Inspector General. The two forces have different emphasis: FC Balochistan concentrates more on anti-smuggling; FC NWFP on peacemaking and peacekeeping in the border and tribal areas. The FC has 11 ‘corps’ in the south and 12 in the north, with names such as the Maiwand Rifles and Ghazaband Scouts in Balochistan, and Khyber Rifles and Kurram Militia in NWFP. Each corps is commanded by a Colonel/Lieutenant Colonel, and is divided into wings commanded by majors. HQ and some other officers are also on secondment from the army for 23 years. Morale in these units is high. The soldiers know their regions and are well trained. However, they are