A Little Q & A with POF.

Pakistan Ordnance Factories, also known as POF, have traditionally been involved in the manufacture of medium-level technology weapons for Pakistan's forces. Armada Editor-in-Chief Eric H. Biass has asked a few questions to Chairman Lt Gen Abdul Qayyum on the next steps POF will be taking both in terms of technologies and development.

Armada: To begin with, could you give us an "identity card" of Pakistan Ordnance Factories in terms of number of plants, overall workforce and turnover?

Qayyum: During World War Two, the British raised 16 ordnance factories in the Sub-Continent which remained under their colonial rule for nearly 100 years. At the time of the creation of Pakistan in 1947, all these industries fell to Indian share as they were physically located in the present day India. Pakistan, therefore, had to start from scratch. Presently, we have fourteen ordnance factories with a workforce of 30 000, including highly qualified engineers and skilled craftsmen. Turnover during the last financial year was $145.5 million.

Armada: Many years have elapsed since Armada last interviewed the leading officer of POF. Could you kindly highlight the major developments that have taken place at POF since 1991?

Qayyum: POF is tasked to meet the requirements of Pakistan's Armed Forces so far as small arms and ammunition are concerned. The category and range of our products correspond to these requirements. In the past decade, POF established the production of 125 mm APFSDS and HE tank ammunition. This includes the manufacture of tungsten alloy penetrators as well the Combustible Cartridge Case. Similarly, the facility to manufacture 5.56 mm x 45 Nato standard ammunition has been established for export purposes. Facilities for the manufacture of artillery fuzes have been streamlined and production capacity enhanced.

Armada: Which are the POF items that have currently established themselves as the key products within each one of the services?

Qayyum: As mentioned earlier, POF has to meet the recurring requirements of Pakistan's armed forces. This includes small arms, e.g. the assault rifle G-3, machine gun MG-3, the MP-5 and the 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine-gun, and ammunition for these weapons. The full range of artillery ammunition for 105 mm, 122 mm, 130 mm and 155 mm guns and the 8-inch Ammos, in addition to the 122 mm MBRL artillery rocket is being produced. Aircraft ammunition in 30 mm calibre, aircraft bombs (500 lb low drag) and anti-aircraft ammunition in 37 mm are also produced. The tank and anti-tank ammunition produced for the Pak Army includes 105 mm APFSDS, 105 mm HE, 125 mm APFSDS and 125 mm HE ammo, 106 mm RR Heat, RPG-7 and SPG-9. The whole range of mortar ammunition in 60 mm, 81 mm and 120 mm calibres is also produced.

Armada: Well, same question as above, really, but on export this time.

Qayyum: In the highly competitive export market, POF has established itself fairly well, so far as sales of mortar ammunition (81 mm, 120 mm), artillery ammunition (105 mm & 122 mm How) and small arms, especially the MP-5, are concerned. Besides, we also export 12 bore shotgun cartridges, all types of tents, brass strips & rods and clothing items indluding military uniforms. Our highly competitive prices and top quality of the products delivered at short notice are the main strength for achieving the export orders.

Armada: Do you have, or intend to have, co-operation agreements with foreign manufacturers?

Qayyum: It may be recalled that POF started production in the late forties in active collaboration with Royal Ordnance (RO), which we regard as our mother industry. In the latter years, POF had license agreements with Heckler & Koch for the G-3 and the SMG MP-5 and with Rheinmetall. The production of 105 mm APFSDS was established under license from RO, and lately the production of 125 mm APFSDS and HE tank ammunition began under co-operation with Norinco of China. Over time, due to highly discriminatory sanctions and restrictions, the avenues for co-operation with Western companies has diminished. Nevertheless, it is POF's endeavour to be in touch with the leading manufacturers of armament worldwide.

Armada: What is your vision of POF in say, ten year's time and what sort of feathers would you wish it to see add to its cap?

Qayyum: Having started as a small and modest facility, we have grown to a sprawling complex of factories stretched over an area of 100 [km.sup.2]. We work with medium level technologies. Our objectives in the foreseeable future include full computerization of all factories and departments, induction of more CNC machines, enhancement of a range of mortar and artillery ammo, production of electronic fuzes, attainment of ISO 14000 and perhaps shifting to a lighter weapon system like 5.56, if so approved by our clients. We also intend to branch into the vending industry for enhancing our production to meet the ever raising export demands from countries in South Asia, South East Asia and the Middle East. POF management also intends to undertake mega (civil) commercial pursuits to further consolidate its financial position. In the private arena, we have already joined national and international ventures including our collaboration with Bofors in the Wah Nobel group of industries. We intend to enhance such national and international joint collaborations."