A Ukrainian Bayraktar TB2 UAV with its mobile ground control stations in the background. Previous satellite imagery has identified one TB2 at the PAF's Murid Air Force Base. (Ukroboronprom)
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has been working to integrate new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) assets into its air-defence network. This includes the country's recent acquisition of the Baykar Bayraktar (Standard-Bearer) TB2 medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) tactical UAV.
In a statement on 28 September, the PAF said that it conducted an operational air-defence exercise to foster “synergy” in counter-air operations. In video imagery of the exercise, the PAF showed the involvement of two TB2s and at least three Leonardo Airborne and Space Systems Falco UAVs.
Janes has learnt that the UAVs are being integrated with the air-defence network in the PAF's Southern Air Command.
According to the air force, the PAF Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, visited an unidentified operational airbase to “assess the integration of newly acquired UAS into the PAF's operational construct”.
The PAF imagery confirms the operational deployment of TB2s in the air force. Video imagery of the exercise suggests that the PAF has purchased at least two TB2s.
This is based on the serial number (22-102), which appears in one of the TB2s depicted in the video. Based on the PAF's numeral system, this indicates that the UAV is the second aircraft in the series to be acquired.
Janes had earlier reported about a video shared by PAF's Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR) on 11 March, which included imagery of the TB2 and the Bayraktar Akıncı. At the time, the TB2 was shown with PAF insignia.
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