The Pakistan Navy is set to enhance its maritime patrol capabilities with the acquisition of the first Embraer Lineage 1000 aircraft, modified by Leonardo and Paramount Aerospace Systems, for the maritime patrol role. Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of Naval Staff of the Pakistan Navy, confirmed that the aircraft will be delivered in 2026.
Contract and Modification Details
In mid-2021, Pakistan contracted Leonardo to convert three Embraer Lineage 1000 aircraft into long-range maritime patrol aircraft as part of its long-term plans to replace the aging P-3C Orion fleet. A year later, Paramount Aerospace Systems announced its involvement in the pre-conversion maintenance, repair, and overhaul of the aircraft. Leonardo is responsible for acquiring two additional aircraft to join the single Lineage 1000 already in Pakistan, followed by the design, modification, installation, and integration of an anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol package.
The $190 million contract, signed between the Pakistani Ministry of Defence Production and Leonardo in June 2021, followed three months of technical discussions. The conversion is expected to add advanced features such as electronic support measures/electronic intelligence (ESM/ELINT) sensors, an electro-optical turret, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, satellite communications, chaff/flare dispensers, and torpedo/sonobuoy/depth charge launchers.
Enhancing Maritime Patrol Capabilities
Admiral Naveed Ashraf expressed his enthusiasm for the addition of the Lineage 1000 maritime patrol aircraft to the Fleet Air Arm. “The induction of the Lineage 1000 maritime patrol aircraft into the Fleet Air Arm is a remarkable addition to our maritime patrol capabilities,” he told defenceWeb.
“The aircraft is presently being modified in South Africa and is expected to be delivered in 2026, with subsequent deliveries planned over the coming years as part of a phased approach to modernize our naval aviation. With its state-of-the-art technology, the Sea Sultan will complement our existing platforms, such as the older P-3C Orion and ATR 72 aircraft, while offering superior performance in terms of range, endurance, anti-submarine warfare, and anti-surface vessel capabilities,” he added.
The Pakistan Navy plans to ultimately replace its P-3C Orion fleet with ten converted commercial jets. The first Lineage 1000 was inducted in September 2021 at a ceremony at Pakistan Naval Station Mehran in Karachi, where it is currently used for crew training in its unmodified state.
Collaboration with South African Companies
Apart from Paramount, other South African companies are involved in the Sea Sultan project. Aerosud, an aerospace engineering and manufacturing company, has been contracted to supply two sets of interiors. After an 18-month design phase, Aerosud began manufacturing interior components for the special mission configuration in May, with a planned completion date of mid-2025. These configurations include specialized components such as galleys, observer tables, class dividers, and equipment stowages.
Aerosud highlighted the significance of this contract, stating, “This contract not only highlights Aerosud’s technical capabilities but also underscores its strategic approach to collaboration and project execution. By partnering with Paramount Aerospace Systems, Aerosud continues to expand its portfolio of projects, reinforcing its position as a trusted supplier in the aerospace industry.”
Pakistani-South African relations
Meanwhile, in a move aimed at bolstering bilateral military cooperation, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, Chief of Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), embarked on a six-day visit to South Africa in August this year.
The Goodwill visit of the Pakistan Air Force to the Republic of South Africa that occured from 29 July to 03 August 2024 is said to be of great significance for both countries.
Subsequently, in November, Special Forces comprising the Pakistan Army’s Special Services Group (SSG) and South African Special Forces Concluded two week-long Iqbal-I joint exercises bilateral exercises in Cherat, Pakistan. The exercise commenced on 15 October 2024 and concluded yesterday. Through joint training, it aimed to refine the drills, procedures, and techniques involved in CT operations.