ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Air Force has achieved a significant breakthroughin its indigenous defence capabilities with the successful test-firing ofan advanced glide precision guided bomb from a JF-17 Thunder fighteraircraft. The test involved serial number 09-109 equipped with the RangeExtension Kit (REK/SOW), converting standard MK-80 series general-purposebombs into GPS/INS-guided smart weapons. This development marks a crucialstep forward in bolstering the nation’s aerial standoff strike potentialamid evolving regional security dynamics.
The trial demonstrated the weapon’s impressive operational parameters,including an effective range of 50 to 60 kilometers and accuracy with acircular error probable of less than 20 meters. Such specifications allowaircraft to engage high-value targets from safe distances, minimizingexposure to enemy air defence systems. The REK kit, developed domestically,transforms conventional unguided ordnance into all-weather precisionmunitions, reflecting Pakistan’s growing self-reliance in advanced weaponryproduction.
This success builds on years of progressive integration efforts for theJF-17 platform. The REK system, often associated with names like AZB orTakbir in defence circles, has been in operational use since around 2017following initial integration announcements. Early variants focused onbasic glide extensions, while subsequent improvements enhanced range andreliability, enabling deployment across multiple platforms including theJF-17 Thunder, Mirage series, and even certain unmanned aerial vehicles.
The Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and associated entities such as QaswaIndustries have played pivotal roles in the kit’s design and manufacturing.By incorporating foldable wing extensions and tail-mounted guidance units,the system achieves extended glide flight without onboard propulsion,relying on release altitude and speed for standoff reach. Thiscost-effective approach provides a strategic alternative to more expensiveimported cruise missiles, aligning with national priorities for indigenousdefence industrialisation.
Experts note that such precision-guided munitions significantly augment theJF-17’s multirole versatility. The aircraft, jointly developed with China,already supports diverse ordnance including air-to-air missiles andlaser-guided bombs. The addition of REK-equipped glide bombs expands itsground attack profile, particularly in contested environments wheremaintaining aircraft survivability remains paramount. This capability hasbeen progressively refined through multiple tests and operationaldeployments over the past decade.
The test underscores broader advancements in Pakistan’s air forcemodernisation programme. The JF-17 Block III variant, featuring activeelectronically scanned array radar and other upgrades, further complementsthese munitions. Recent exhibitions and international engagements havehighlighted the platform’s export potential, with discussions ongoing fortransfers to several countries seeking affordable yet capable multirolefighters equipped with precision standoff weapons.
Regionally, enhanced standoff precision strike options contribute todeterrence strategies by enabling engagement of fixed infrastructure frombeyond many short-range surface-to-air missile threats. The system’sall-weather functionality, supported by inertial navigation fallback duringpotential GPS denial, ensures operational resilience in diverse conditions.This milestone reinforces the Pakistan Air Force’s commitment totechnological autonomy and operational readiness.
Defence analysts view the achievement as part of a sustained effort toupgrade legacy munitions inventories. Comparable systems worldwide, such asthe American JDAM-ER or Turkish KGK, demonstrate similar principles ofconverting dumb bombs into smart glide weapons. Pakistan’s indigenousversion offers comparable performance while avoiding external supplydependencies, a critical factor in maintaining credible defence postures.
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The successful firing from serial 09-109 highlights rigorous testingprotocols and integration maturity. Such demonstrations provide confidencein the weapon’s day-and-night precision engagement across varied targets.As the air force continues to induct advanced variants and munitions, thesecapabilities are expected to play an increasingly central role in futureoperational scenarios.
Overall, this test represents not only a technical triumph but also astrategic enhancement for national security. It exemplifies how focusedinvestment in research and development can yield substantial improvementsin aerial combat effectiveness, positioning the Pakistan Air Force as amore potent force in the regional balance.
Source:https://quwa.org/pakistan/munitions/qaswa-industries-azb-range-extension-kit-rek
Tags: Pakistan, JF-17 Thunder, Pakistan Air Force, Range Extension Kit
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