PAF Conducts successful test of indigenously developed FAAZ BVRAAM

[Mujahid]

A few important points worth noting:

1. As already pointed out by members here, the missile appears to be a long-range IIR (Imaging Infrared) variant.

2. The aircraft carrying it is a Block I (Serial No. 109), which retains the PL-5E as its short-range missile mounted on the wingtip.

In my opinion, FAAZ could be a solution to the Block I's limitations in employing the SD-10A. The IIR seeker potentially provides an extended-range BVR engagement capability without requiring an upgrade to the aircraft's radar or other onboard systems.

Essentially, FAAZ could be viewed as an SD-10ER-type missile with an IIR seeker, designed to compensate for the Block I's limitations in mid-course missile guidance. By relying on an imaging infrared seeker for terminal acquisition, it could potentially offer an extended-range engagement option while reducing dependence on the aircraft's existing radar and guidance architecture.

This would be a relatively cost-effective way of extending the Block I's BVR capability without undertaking a comprehensive avionics upgrade.

IMHO, this is the most plausible operational rationale behind the integration, although the precise capabilities and guidance architecture would need to be confirmed.

If sucessful, this missile also opens up the potential to export as an intermediate BVR solution for the existing 3rd Gen platforms like Mirage III/Vs , 2K and F-7s etc.

There was already a SD10 on opposite wing pylon if u look closely

 

[TheThirdFaculty]

If it’s msss produced and deployed in large enough numbers even on SAM levels it give an extra edge

 

[Mujahid]

Just to prove that people will argue on anything, here's a stick.View attachment 221979


Also my claim that this is an air intake, not a cable runner.

View attachment 221980

Also this view from the back. Tge white circle below the rocket motor.
Unless PAF is using cable from a بجلی کا کھمبا۔ , a missile cable runner cannot be that thick and protruding all the way to the exaust.
View attachment 221981


Also this side view . I have circled the structure of interest. Too big for just being a cable runner. Looks like an air intake.
View attachment 221982


I hereby claim this is a Meteor style RAM Jet , and a normal solid fuel combo .

For further reference here is a banana for scale.

View attachment 221983

Good analysis.. now tell me how a passive seeker missile will not kill friendly.. does it has an IFF seeker too? How will it lock a jet 100 of kilometers away from IRST? Does IRST has this much range? Jf 17 has no IRST till now

 

[TheThirdFaculty]

I think the next step is to roll out UCAVs capable of launching these imagine hundreds in the sky armed with air to air missiles picking out su-30mkis and rafales just like in May 25.