Pakistan to Upgrade F-16s with Turkish Air-to-Air Missiles

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is set to receive a significant upgrade with the acquisition of the Bozdoğan short-range air-to-air missile (WVRAAM) developed by Turkey.

This move, announced after a meeting between Pakistani and Turkish military officials, signifies a further deepening of military cooperation between the two countries.

The Bozdoğan, replacing Pakistan’s older AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, boasts advanced features like a high-resolution Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker head, resistance to electronic warfare, and high maneuverability.

Its 25-kilometer range and Mach 3 speed offer enhanced capabilities for air-to-air combat. Notably, the IIR seeker allows the missile to engage even cruise missiles, providing additional defense flexibility.

General İrfan Özsert, representing the Turkish military, met with Pakistan Air Force Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, where the acquisition of the Bozdoğan was confirmed.

The meeting also highlighted the commitment to strengthen military ties through joint working groups focused on technology development and capability exchanges.

This development comes amidst growing regional tensions and a strategic partnership between Pakistan and Turkey.

While the specific number of Bozdoğan missiles being acquired hasn’t been disclosed, the deal marks a significant step in modernizing Pakistan’s air defense capabilities.

 

[NSR]

No worries at all, India has ASRAAM, R-73, and Astra Mk I to outfight it.
India is well prepared for their moves.

Actually, India may get its Astra Mk II with 160+ kms range by end of 2024 and then Terroristan PAF will even refuse to takeoff for a fight.

 

[Radha Ramanan]

it is definitely a game changer for pakistan, we have lost the advantage of WVR dogfight with this missile regarding the f-16. But our only hope is the US blocking the sale as it has US components just like how it blocked the sale of the turkish attack heli with US engines.
As we have seen post balakot, there will be WVR definitely , as both Indian and pak fighter will be coming in hugging the ground where the medium range missile are useless unless within radar range or climbing up like what abhinadan did and got shot with an amraam.
The turkisk misisle is state of the art comparable to the aim-9x which it has been copied from.

 

[Ajath]

we have lost the advantage of WVR dogfight with this missile regarding the f-16. But our only hope is the US blocking the sale

Have you heard about ASRAAM , DERBY , PYTHON 5 , MICA missiles ? If not do some homework before posting your dooms day predictions.

IAF has these missile in it's inventory. They are all WVR missiles. Please stop projecting our defence forces in a poor light and that too without any substantial proof to back up your views.

 

[Jay K Sinhal]

And many corporates have Turkish officers!

 

[Aayush Pratap]

Have you heard about ASRAAM , DERBY , PYTHON 5 , MICA missiles ? If not do some homework before posting your dooms day predictions.

IAF has these missile in it's inventory. They are all WVR missiles. Please stop projecting our defence forces in a poor light and that too without any substantial proof to back up your views.

Well said, bruh. Tired of these fraidy cats running helter skelter at the drop of a hat. They're all wannabe experts without any idea of our capabilities.