Quwa - Pakistan Defence News Coverage & Analysis

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Pakistan’s Mirages: Today’s Success and Tomorrow’s Roadmap

Quwa Team- Feb 28, 2021

Note: This article is a partial re-write of an older Quwa Premium piece – “Pakistan’s Mirages: Specialists Enduring Out of Necessity.” However, the latter half of this article delves into how the PAF used the Mirage...
Pakistan Using JF-17B for Training and Frontline Use

Quwa Team- Feb 21, 2021

In 2019, the PAF Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Mujahid Anwar Khan, revealed that the PAF was acquiring 26 JF-17Bs to serve as conversion aircraft to the JF-17 platform. The PAF is...
Pakistan’s Surface-to-Surface Missiles: Strategic Intent with Conventional Potential

Quwa Team- Feb 14, 2021

Though initially developed to deliver nuclear warheads, the Ghaznavi and Babur-series of surface-to-surface missiles (SSM) could become key conventional strike assets....Read More
New Pakistan Navy Chief Outlines Procurement Plans

Quwa Team- Feb 7, 2021

In an interview with Global Times, Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi, revealed that the Pakistan Navy is looking for new corvettes, submarines, and helicopters....Read More
Pakistan Navy Programs Continue Moving Forward

Quwa Team- Jan 31, 2021

The Pakistan Navy saw through the launch of its second Type 054A/P frigate in China as well as the start to production of its third MILGEM corvette in Turkey....Read More
Pakistan Takes Delivery of CH-4 Drones from China

Quwa Team- Jan 23, 2021

On 15 January 2021, the Pakistan Army took delivery of five CH-4 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) from Aerospace Long-March International (ALIT)....Read More
India Demonstrates Drone Swarming Capability

Quwa Team- Jan 17, 2021

On 16 January 2021, the Indian Army (IA) showcased a newly acquired drone swarming capability during its annual parade. ...Read More
Pakistan Tests Indigenous Fatah-1 Guided MLRS

Quwa Team- Jan 10, 2021

On 07 January 2021, Pakistan’s ISPR announced that the Pakistan Army test-fired an indigenous MLRS – Fatah-1 – with a range of 140 km....Read More
Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Delivers New JF-17B Batch

Quwa Team- Jan 2, 2021

On 30 December 2020, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) rolled out 14 twin-seat JF-17B fighters for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). PAC also showed glimpses of its drone and export projects....Read More
Will Pakistan Procure an Off-the-Shelf Fighter?

Quwa Team- Dec 20, 2020

The PAF repeatedly signalled an interest for an off-the-shelf fighter to complement its current fleet until a next-generation fighter becomes available....Read More
Can Pakistan Mirror Turkey’s Drone-Use Strategy?

Quwa Team- Dec 13, 2020

Turkey’s Bayraktar TB2 has drawn attention for its effectiveness against armoured vehicles and air defence systems in Syria and Libya. Should Pakistan adopt a similar drone-use strategy as Turkey?...Read More
Argentina Will Take Another Look at the JF-17 Thunder

Quwa Team- Dec 6, 2020

In an interview with Pucará Defense, the Chief of the General Staff of the Argentine Air Force, Brigadier Xavier Isaac, revealed that the country will reconsider the JF-17 Thunder. The disclosure follows Buenos Aires’ inability to...
Pakistan’s Opportunity to Form a ‘Third’ Defence Supply Option

Quwa Team- Nov 29, 2020

By building partnerships in Turkey, Ukraine, South Africa, Brazil and other countries, Pakistan can create another supply channel for its defence needs, outside of traditional sellers like the America and China....Read More
Turkey’s TFX: Where Does It Stand Today?

Quwa Team- Nov 22, 2020

Turkey’s reliance on Western suppliers for critical inputs (such as engines and electronics) may help drive the development of the TFX, but at the cost of limiting exportability....Read More
Potential Shifts in Pakistan’s Defence Industry

Quwa Team- Nov 15, 2020

Pakistan is at the crossroad of deciding whether it wants to continue investing in its defence industry, at least in regards to specific state-owned organizations....Read More
The Future of Pakistan’s Airborne Nuclear Deterrence

Quwa Team- Nov 8, 2020

The Ra’ad-series of cruise missiles form the lynchpin of Pakistan’s airborne nuclear deterrence posture. However, would future platforms improve this posture in terms of reach and impact?...Read More
Pakistan’s A2/AD Efforts: P282 Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile

Quwa Team- Nov 1, 2020

In October 2020, the Pakistan Navy (PN) revealed that it will expand its surface fleet to over 50 ships, and it would aim for 20 ‘major surface vessels’ such as frigates as part of its enlarged...
Is Pakistan Getting More Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV)?

Quwa Team- Oct 25, 2020

Pakistan’s previous Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) seemingly indicated that the Navy will acquire six offshore patrol vessels (OPV) of “larger tonnage.” Quwa examines if additional OPVs are on the roadmap, and if so, how they...
Analysis: Pakistan Navy’s New LRMPA Project

Quwa Team- Oct 18, 2020

The Pakistan Navy announced that it acquired one twin-engine commercial jet aircraft for use as a new long-range maritime patrol aircraft (LRMPA). Pakistan is currently seeking a total of 10 LRMPAs....Read More
Outgoing Pakistan Navy Chief Sets Massive 50-Ship Fleet Vision

Quwa Team- Oct 10, 2020

Pakistan’s outgoing Chief of Naval Staff revealed that the service is working to build a fleet of 50 ships, of which 20 would be ‘major surface vessels.’...Read More
Pakistan Officially Reveals VT4 Tank Induction

Quwa Team- Oct 4, 2020

On 22 September 2020, the Pakistan Army showed-off a newly acquired VT4 main battle tank (MBT) at its Field Firing Ranges near Jhelum. It confirmed that it will induct the VT4 tank....Read More
The US NGAD and Digital Engineering: Lessons for Pakistan

Quwa Team- Sep 27, 2020

From the onset, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) cannot – and should not – try mimicking the USAF’s approach. However, it can learn important lessons from the U.S.’ use of digital engineering, and the Digital Century Series...
Pakistan Offers Glimpses of Next-Generation Fighter Program

Quwa Team- Sep 20, 2020

In its commemoration event of the 1965 and 1971 Wars, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) showed a number of activities that may hint at its next-generation fighter aircraft program, Project Azm....Read More
Pakistan Commits to Forming Offset Policy for Defence Imports

Quwa Team- Sep 13, 2020

In its latest ‘Two Years Performance Report,’ the Pakistani Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) said that it drafted and circulated a new defence offset policy. The offset policy is part of the MoDP’s effort to encourage...

Latest News

KSEW Cuts Steel for Pakistan’s Second MILGEM Corvette

Quwa Team- Jun 10, 2020

Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW) held the steel-cutting ceremony for the Pakistan Navy’s (PN) second MILGEM corvette. Pakistan ordered four MILGEMs in 2018, it is to receive all four by 2025....Read More
Istanbul Naval Shipyard Lays Keel for First Pakistani MILGEM

Quwa Team- Jun 6, 2020

Istanbul Naval Shipyard (INSY) announced that it laid the keel for the Pakistan Navy’s (PN) first MILGEM warship. Pakistan signed a contract for four MILGEM shops in July 2018....Read More
Zulfiquar-Class (F-22P) Frigate

Quwa Team- Jun 6, 2020

In May 2006, Pakistan signed a contract with China for four F-22P frigates for the Pakistan Navy (PN). The contract – which included the ships with transfer-of-technology (ToT), six Harbin Z-9EC helicopters, and a munitions package...
Saab Announces Undisclosed Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C Buyer

Quwa Team- May 25, 2020

On 18 May 2020, Saab announced that it signed a SEK 1.553 billion ($160.5 million US) contract with an undisclosed buyer for its Saab 2000 Erieye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system....Read More
Type 054A/P Frigate: Pakistan’s New Multi-Mission Frigates

Quwa Team- May 15, 2020

The Pakistan Navy (PN) currently has four Type 054A/P frigates from China Shipbuilding Trading Co. Ltd (CSTC). It ordered the ships in two equal batches in 2017 and 2018. The PN is scheduled to receive all...
China Showcases PCL-181 Self-Propelled Howitzer

Quwa Team- May 12, 2020

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) showcased its new self-propelled howitzer, the PCL-181. The PCL-181 is a wheeled 155mm howitzer system with new automated features and reduced weight....Read More
Skepticism Clouds Over US Navy’s FFG(X) Cost Estimates

Quwa Team- May 11, 2020

Though the USN took steps to mitigate the risk of cost overruns by selecting an existing ship design, the Congressional Research Service (CRS) is urging caution about the USN’s estimates. The USN intends to acquire 20...
Havelsan to Assist with TF-X Next-Generation Fighter

Quwa Team- May 10, 2020

Turkish defence electronics manufacturer Havelsan will participate in Turkey’s next-generation fighter, the TF-X, alongside the program’s main contractor Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI)....Read More
Saudi Arabia Inks Drone Manufacturing Deal

Quwa Team- May 6, 2020

Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Military Industries (GAMI) announced that the country will acquire 46 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) from Intra Defence Technologies, a local defence supplier....Read More
Boeing-Embraer Joint-Venture Falls Through

Quwa Team- May 5, 2020

On 25 April 2020, Boeing let its deadline to acquire 80% of Embraer’s commercial aircraft business expire, therefore scuttling plans from 2018 for a jointly owned commercial aircraft company....Read More
Russia Studies Next Generation Lightweight Fighter

Quwa Team- May 4, 2020

Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation announced that its MiG RSK division is designing a next-generation, twin-engine lightweight fighter. According to Russian media, the initial development phase of the new fighter will occur from 2020 to 2025....Read More
Azerbaijan Expresses Interest in Russian Combat Aircraft

Quwa Team- May 3, 2020

According to Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defence (MoD), Azerbaijan Government and Azerbaijan Air Force officials had visited United Aircraft Corporation’s (UAC) facilities to examine UAC’s Su-35 and MiG-35 multi-role combat aircraft. Azerbaijani officials expressed interest in acquiring...
Type 054A/P: Work Progresses on Pakistan’s New Frigates

Bilal Khan- Apr 5, 2020

On 23 March 2020, the Pakistan Navy announced that the China Shipbuilding Trading Co. Limited (CSTC) laid the keel for Pakistan’s second Type 054A/P frigate. Pakistan has four Type 054A/P frigates on order, all of which...
Nigeria Will Take Delivery of JF-17 Fighters in November 2020

Bilal Khan- Mar 1, 2020

The Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar announced that the NAF will receive its three JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighters in November 2020....Read More
Pakistan Tests Ra’ad-II Air-Launched Cruise Missile

Quwa Team- Feb 18, 2020

On 18 February 2020, Pakistan’s Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) test-fired the Ra’ad-II air-launched cruise missile (ALCM). The Ra’ad II has a stated range of 600 km, and it...
Profile: Singapore’s Independence-Class Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV)

Quwa Team- Feb 2, 2020

Singapore’s Independence-class Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV) joins a growing list of 1,000 to 1,500-ton naval ships equipped with the combat capabilities of larger frigate designs. The LMV has a displacement of 1,250 tons and is equipped...
Boeing Says Bangladesh is Considering AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters

Bilal Khan- Jan 22, 2020

Boeing confirmed to reporters that its AH-64E was “down-selected” for a potential acquisition program in Bangladesh. If it materializes, it would be the first major big-ticket US arms sale to Dhaka following Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan...
US Demonstrates Anti-Cruise Missile Capability via Laser-Guided Rockets

Bilal Khan- Jan 21, 2020

The US Air Force’s 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron demonstrated an ability to shoot down subsonic cruise missiles using AGR-20A APKWS laser-guided rockets from F-16s....Read More
Turkey Announces Akya Heavyweight Torpedo Tests

Bilal Khan- Jan 20, 2020

On 16 January 2020, the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, highlighted the progress Turkey is making with its defence industry, and announced that the country also test-fired its own heavyweight anti-submarine warfare (ASW) torpedo, the...
Turkey Tests Indigenous Air-to-Air Missile

Bilal Khan- Jan 19, 2020

Turkey’s TÜBİTAK-SAGE announced that it test fired its currently under-development Gökdoğan beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile (AAM) ...Read More
Gentium and Damen Shipyards Group to Grow Bangladeshi Shipbuilding

Bilal Khan- Jan 15, 2020

On 14 January, Gentium and Damen Shipyards Group signed a memorandum-of-understanding with the Bangladeshi Ministry of Industry to “establish and develop a shipbuilding and ship repair industry” in the country aimed at fulfilling local and foreign...
US to Remove Turkey From F-35 Work by End of 2020

Bilal Khan- Jan 14, 2020

The Pentagon is working to remove Turkey from the majority of F-35 Lightning II supply work by March 2020, while aiming to completely end Ankara’s involvement in the program by end of year....Read More
Pakistani Senate Committee Sets Goals for PAC

Bilal Khan- Jan 13, 2020

On 07 January 2020, Pakistan’s Senate Standing Committee on Defence Production called on Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) to continue meeting the needs of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) while taking on more commercial ventures and reducing...
Turkey Extends Aircraft Co-Production Offer to Malaysia

Bilal Khan- Jan 12, 2020

Turkish Aerospace’s CEO announced that the company invited Malaysia to participate in the production of the Hürjet trainer/light combat aircraft and TF-X next-generation fighter. ...Read More
Leonardo Demos Next Generation Radar Warning Receiver (RWR)

Bilal Khan- Jan 8, 2020

Leonardo UK demonstrated a next-generation radar warning receiver (RWR) system that it says is four times as accurate as existing RWRs, but one-tenth the size....Read More
Pakistan Extends T129 ATAK Delivery Window by One Year

Bilal Khan- Jan 7, 2020

According to Turkey’s President of Defense Industries (SSB), Dr. Ismail Demir, Pakistan extended its delivery window for the T129 ATAK attack helicopter by one year. ...Read More
Turkish Aerospace Opens Office in Pakistan

Bilal Khan- Jan 6, 2020

Turkey’s main aerospace contractor Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (TUSAŞ) opened an office in Pakistan’s National Science & Technology Park in 2019, becoming the first Turkish entity to do so. ...Read More
Pakistan Navy Officially Inducts ATR-72 MPA and LUNA NG UAV

Bilal Khan- Jan 5, 2020

The Pakistan Navy’s (PN) Director General of Public Relations announced that the PN inducted ATR-72 maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) and Luna NG unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV)....Read More
Pakistan’s PAC and AVIC Sign Agreement to Co-Produce Chinese Commercial Aircraft

Bilal Khan- Jan 2, 2020

Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) signed an agreement with the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) to “co-produce” the latter’s commercial aircraft....Read More
Pakistan’s PAC Inaugurates JF-17 Integration Facility

Bilal Khan- Jan 1, 2020

On 27 December 2019, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) inaugurated a new integration facility for installing, testing and qualifying electronics and munitions to the JF-17 domestically....Read More

Pakistan Military Information

ATR-72 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA)

Pakistan Military Info 486 0

The RAS-72 Sea Eagle is among the Pakistan Navy’s (PN) newer inductions. The RAS-72 is a maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) based on the ATR-72, a commercially available commuter aircraft. ...Read More

Zulfiquar-Class (F-22P) Frigate

Quwa Team - Jun 6, 2020
Daily News
Yarmook-Class Corvette (Damen OPV 1900)

Quwa Team - May 27, 2020
Pakistan Military Info
Type 054A/P Frigate: Pakistan’s New Mul ...

Quwa Team - May 15, 2020
Daily News

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The Jinnah-Class Frigate: Pakistan’s Next-Generation Warship?

Monthly Report Sample 659 0

In its contract for four MILGEM warships, the Pakistan Navy (PN) also bought assistance to design its own frigate. Considering that the PN is paying for both the design assistance and intellectual property (IP) rights, this new frigate will likely be the basis of the PN’s next-generation surface warship....Read More

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