Search results for "India"

On 30 July 2020, the Indian Air Force (IAF) received the first five of 36 Dassault Rafale multi-role combat aircraft from Dassault. The aircraft were assigned to the IAF’s No. 17 ‘Golden Arrows’ Squadron, which is...

On 30 July 2020, the Indian Air Force (IAF) received the first five of 36 Dassault Rafale multi-role combat aircraft from Dassault. The aircraft were assigned to the IAF’s No. 17 ‘Golden Arrows’ Squadron, which is...

On 13 November 2019, the Indian Army initiated a large-scale combat exercise in Rajasthan. Involving 40,000 troops alongside tanks, artillery and helicopters, the exercise – dubbed “Sindhu Sudarshan” – tests India’s offensive capabilities....Read More

On 13 November 2019, the Indian Army initiated a large-scale combat exercise in Rajasthan. Involving 40,000 troops alongside tanks, artillery and helicopters, the exercise – dubbed “Sindhu Sudarshan” – tests India’s offensive capabilities....Read More

The growing capability – and scale – of India’s air defence ground environment plus its access to some sensitive US technology will require Pakistan to re-think the credibility of its deterrence assets....Read More

Through its deployment of land-attack cruise missiles (LACM) and various ballistic missiles, Pakistan stated that it is maintaining “minimum credible deterrence.” However, while that might be accurate in terms of its nuclear deployment capability, Pakistan’s conventional...

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially received its first four (out of an order of 36) Dassault Rafale multi-role fighter aircraft at Dassault Aviation’s final assembly site for the Rafale in Mérignac, France....Read More

On February 2017, 2019, Pakistan’s ISPR announced that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) shot down 2 Indian Air Force (IAF) fighters. India claimed it shot down a PAF F-16. Thus far, only one downing (an IAF...

On February 2017, 2019, Pakistan’s ISPR announced that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) shot down 2 Indian Air Force (IAF) fighters. India claimed it shot down a PAF F-16. Thus far, only one downing (an IAF...

On 05 October 2018, New Delhi inked a $5.5 billion US contract with Rosoboronexport for the purchase of Almaz-Antey S-400 Triumf long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems. ...Read More

On 05 October 2018, New Delhi inked a $5.5 billion US contract with Rosoboronexport for the purchase of Almaz-Antey S-400 Triumf long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems. ...Read More

On 20 April 2018, reports emerged of the Indian Air Force (IAF) formally ending its participation in the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program it had started with Russia in 2007. This analysis piece offers a...

On 20 April 2018, IHS Jane’s reported that the Indian Air Force (IAF) had formally ended its involvement in the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) it had started with Russia in 2007. Official confirmation has yet...

Turkish defence contractor Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Tic. A.Ş. (STM) announced that the Pakistan Navy Fleet Tanker (PNFT) – PNS Moawin – conducted its first survey mission in the Indian Ocean on 31 March 2018....Read More

India has begun issuing requests-for-information (RFI) for 110 new multi-role fighters to supplant its older aircraft and augment forthcoming Rafale and Tejas procurement. The deal could be amount to up to $20 billion US in business...

The Indian Air Force is reportedly planning to add 201 Tejas Mk2 fighters to its existing order of 123 Tejas. This is conditional on Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd bringing the Tejas Mk2 to fruition....Read More

Introduction On December 07, the then 41-member Wassenaar Arrangement (WA) unanimously approved of India’s entry into the WA. Like the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), which India joined in June 2016 as its 35th member, the...

On December 14 the Indian Navy commissioned the first of six DCNS Scorpene diesel-electric submarines (SSK) – the INS Kalvari....Read More

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully test-fired the BrahMos supersonic-cruising air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) from the Su-30MKI...Read More

The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully test-fired its Nirbhay sub-sonic cruise missile on Tuesday, November 07...Read More

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will outsource nearly 70% of the Tejas multi-role fighter’s production work to India’s private sector...Read More

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly pushing for India’s withdrawal from the PAK-FA 5th-generation fighter program with Russia...Read More

India media reports claim that the DRDO Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System’s (ATAGS) firing tests at Pokhran yielded “world-beating” records...Read More

Saab and Indian infrastructure business Adani Group have announced a partnership to promote the JAS-39E/F Gripen and other defence systems to India...Read More

The Indian Ministry of Defence has received the first batch of Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM) systems for the India Navy...Read More

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is pushing for an additional 36 Dassault Rafale multi-role fighters to augment the 36 fighters on order...Read More

The Government of India has begun the process of procuring 123 anti-submarine warfare-capable naval multirole helicopters and 111 naval utility helicopters...Read More

A panel appointed by the Indian Defence Ministry has recommended that New Delhi participate in the PAK-FA – i.e. Su-57 – stealth fighter program with Russia...Read More

Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) have signed an agreement to jointly market and produce the F-16 Block-70 in India...Read More

The Government of India approved US $203 million for raising a second production line for the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Tejas ...Read More

Saab and Lockheed Martin are competing for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) requirement of new single-engine fighter aircraft to replace its MiG-21s...Read More

With its first domestic airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF), the IAF is setting in motion next-gen AEW&C plans...Read More

The Competition Commission of India cleared Dassault and Reliance ADAG to form a joint venture for the Indian Air Force’s Rafale program...Read More

The Indian Navy issued a Request for International (RFI) for 57 multi-role carrier-borne fighters for its burgeoning aircraft carrier fleet...Read More

In tandem with a logistics hub for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Su-30MKI fleet, New Delhi is in talks with Moscow to bring domestic spare parts manufacturing to India...Read More

Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully test-fired its 5,000 km Agni V intercontinental ballistic missile …...Read More

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has issued a tender for active electronically-scanned array (AESA) radars for the HAL Tejas Mk-1A......Read More

The Indian Navy has determined that the Naval Tejas is not yet adequate for carrier operations because its low thrust-to-weight ratio…...Read More

The Government of India has inked a $750 million U.S. contract for 145 BAE Systems M777 lightweight towed howitzers…...Read More

India has successfully test flown its indigenously developed medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle, the RUSTOM-II…...Read More

The Indian Navy will lease a second Akula-class nuclear attack submarine (SSN) to take over from its current Akula-class SSN, INS Chakra…...Read More

The Indian Navy has reportedly decided to omit to integrate a homegrown air-independent propulsion system to its forthcoming DCNS Scorpene submarines …...Read More

Indian IT services giant HCL Technologies will acquire the U.S.-based engineering consulting firm Butler Aerospace for $85 million U.S. …...Read More

New Delhi and Moscow agreed to jointly manufacture Kamov Ka-226T light utility helicopters in India as a means to help meet Indian armed forces needs......Read More

An overview and analysis of India’s air defence strategy, especially with its recent agreement to purchase S-400 long-range SAM systems from Russia …...Read More

The Government of India has begun the process of selecting probable candidates for replacing the Indian Air Force’s legacy MiG-21 interceptors …...Read More

New Delhi and Moscow signed an intergovernmental agreement over the purchase of S-400 Triumf long-range surface-to-air missile systems …...Read More

Pakistan's off-the-shelf purchase will likely come from China; the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG) J-10B or J-10C would be of interest ... ...Read More

The Indian Ministry of Defence is reportedly not firm on the idea of additional Rafale fighters, may opt for another platform instead …...Read More

Dassault Aviation will partner with private sector Reliance Group to begin executing its commercial offset commitments in India....Read More

Security analysts have received the Government of India’s claim about engaging “surgical strikes” in Pakistani Kashmir with skepticism....Read More

The PAF could argue that it needs a high-tech solution to address a capability gap (before the Block-III). However, most off-the-shelf options are expensive...Read More

The capabilities that make high-quality imports valuable ought to be embraced and then extended to the PAF’s mainstay fighter platform - the JF-17 Thunder. ...Read More

The impact of India's Rafale purchase on Pakistan and Pakistan's ability to manage it in light of its challenges is now at the fore of discussion....Read More

The Government of India has finally inked an $8.8 billion U.S. deal with France for 36 Dassault Rafale multi-role fighters and lucrative offsets....Read More

The Indian Navy’s second Visakhapatnam-class (Project 15B) destroyer, Mormugao, is scheduled to be launched on 17 September 2016....Read More

The Government of India may walk away from the idea of acquiring an additional three Scorpene conventional submarines from France’s DCNS....Read More

India and Russia have agreed to a $300 million U.S. plan to establish a logistics hub to support the Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI Flanker fleet....Read More

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully test-launched its scramjet engine from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh....Read More

The Indian Ministry of Defence will re-allocate $8.46 billion U.S. in unspent development funding to procurements....Read More

The Government of India has approved an order of four P-8I Neptune MPA and Varunastra heavyweight torpedoes....Read More

India’s membership in the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) will have a number of implications for Pakistan, but it is not the alarming problem … ...Read More

An overview and analysis of India’s entry into the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), especially in terms of its impact on India's defence programs....Read More

India’s Defence Acquisitions Council (DAC) approves $750 million U.S. deal to procure 145 M777 ultra-lightweight howitzer artillery guns from the U.S....Read More

India’s Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha is on a visit to Saab’s JAS-39 Gripen production facilities in Sweden....Read More

The Government of India has essentially banned (on charges of corruption) the Italian defence giant Leonardo from competing for Indian military contracts....Read More

Bureaucratic friction once again grinds the Indian Air Force (IAF)’s Rafale purchase - $8.9 billion for 36 fighters and offsets - to a halt...Read More

After protracted negotiations, India and France have finalized an $8.8 billion U.S. purchase for 36 Dassault Rafale multi-role fighters....Read More

The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD)’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is in the process of approving a multi-billion dollar purchase of five S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems from Russia. ...Read More

It is no secret that India’s immense and once burgeoning public sector defence industry has its shortfalls, particularly in terms of its inefficiencies, which have consistently delayed and inflated key military programs, most notably the Light...

By Bilal Khan It is not an understatement to state that India’s Medium Multi-role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) program has been a very long and arduous journey for the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Indian Government, and...

Pakistan’s outgoing Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmoud Abbasi, revealed that the service arm is working to build a fleet of 50 ships, of which at least 20 would be ‘major surface vessels.’...Read More

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

In its most recent ‘Two Years Performance Report,’ the Pakistan Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) revealed that it drafted and proposed a new defence offset policy to accompany its arms procurement....Read More

By Arslan Khan Arslan Khan is an aerospace engineering student and an analyst/observer of Pakistani defence issues. In July 2018, Pakistan inked a contract with Turkey’s Military Factory and Shipyard Corporation (i.e., ASFAT A.Ş.) for four...

By Arslan Khan In July 2018, Pakistan inked a contract with Turkey’s Military Factory and Shipyard Corporation (i.e., ASFAT A.Ş.) for four MILGEM corvettes for the Pakistan Navy (PN). In addition to acquiring a heavily customized...

From new armoured vehicles to high-tech naval vessels, Pakistan’s major arms acquisitions from China are starting to take shape. Pakistan will induct a large assortment of new weapon systems through the 2020s, with China serving as...

On 28 July 2020, the Pakistan Army’s Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced that Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) delivered a batch of al-Khalid-I main battle tanks (MBT)....Read More

Pakistan’s frigate and corvette acquisition/upgrade programs will deliver a considerably more capable force by the middle of the coming decade, but there may still be room for improvement....Read More

Pakistan’s frigate and corvette acquisition/upgrade programs will deliver a considerably more capable force by the middle of the coming decade, but there may still be room for improvement....Read More

The central goal of Pakistan’s ‘Project Azm’ is the development of a fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA). Since the first announcement of Project Azm in 2017, the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) Air Staff Requirements (ASR) for the...

With Russia’s United Engine Corporation (UEC) announcing that it started testing its RD-93MA turbofan engine, could the new powerplant make its way to the JF-17? ...Read More

The importance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the modern battlespace is widely recognized in our times. With the success that UAVs have had in military operations in Libya and Syria, the importance of UAVs has...

Pakistan’s reported VT-4 purchase is a stopgap measure in response to India’s T-90MS acquisition, but its effectiveness is debateable and Pakistan’s wider MBT modernisation options limited....Read More

Pakistan’s reported VT-4 purchase is a stopgap measure in response to India’s T-90MS acquisition, but its effectiveness is debateable and Pakistan’s wider MBT modernization options limited....Read More

The Pakistan Navy (PN) Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, said that the PN will acquire new long-range maritime patrol aircraft (LRMPA), drones and helicopters....Read More

The draw the full effectiveness of a long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM), the end-user must employ an integrated radar surveillance system. This system must eliminate coverage blind spots caused by the curvature of the Earth, and guide...

The draw the full effectiveness of a long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM), the end-user must employ an integrated radar surveillance system. This system must eliminate coverage blind spots caused by the curvature of the Earth, and guide...

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...

On 05 July 2018, the Pakistan Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) signed a deal with Turkey’s Military Factory and Shipyard Corporation (ASFAT A.Ş.) for the purchase of four customized MILGEM Ada corvettes for the Pakistan Navy...

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

China’s state-owned NORINCO announced that it will deliver two customized VT4 main battle tanks to an undisclosed customer. Reports suggest that the VT4s are meant for the Pakistan Army, which may have committed to ordering approximately...

The final outcome of Swift Retort will see the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) tailor its training for large scale air operations and modern platforms at all stages....Read More

Major fighter-jet producers have extensive flight dynamics and control groups and invest heavily in flight dynamics and control technologies and human resource. The lack of emphasis on this key technology in the institutional breakup for Project...

In Operation Swift Retort, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) lauded the effectiveness of its electronic warfare (EW) capabilities. However, India will work to deprecate the PAF’s EW capabilities, and in turn, the PAF will need to...

In Operation Swift Retort, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) lauded the effectiveness of its electronic warfare (EW) capabilities. However, India will work to deprecate the PAF’s EW capabilities, and in turn, the PAF will need to...

Part 2 of ‘Pakistan’s 2030 Air Warfare Goals’ series argues that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) should modernize (or expand) its fighter fleet with solely the JF-17. ...Read More

Part 2 of ‘Pakistan’s 2030 Air Warfare Goals’ series argues that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) should modernize (or expand) its fighter fleet with solely the JF-17. Procuring an off-the-shelf fighter may offer marginal benefits relative...

Though a limited-scale conflict, Operation Swift Retort has given the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) a template of how to modernize itself through the 2020s – and the potential risks it must address....Read More

Though a limited-scale conflict, Operation Swift Retort has given the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) a template of how to modernize itself through the 2020s – and the potential risks it must address....Read More

The Pakistan Armed Forces has deficiency in tank numbers and is attempting to find ways to mitigate this deficiency. Among the solutions is to increase local production and up-gradation of tanks....Read More

Tanks play an important role in war. The Pakistan Armed Forces has deficiency in tank numbers and is attempting to find ways to mitigate this deficiency. Among the solutions is to increase local production and up-gradation...

According to Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy’s 2018 Military Equipment Export Report, Berlin approved €174.4 million ($194.35 million US) in arms sales to Pakistan....Read More

With the US unwilling to subsidize Pakistan’s AH-1Z order or approve Turkey’s re-export licenses for the T129, the Pakistan Army may look at China’s Z-10ME as an alternative....Read More

In January 2020, the Pakistan Navy (PN) released a tender for one twin-engine jet-powered aircraft intended for conversion into a long-range maritime patrol aircraft (LRMPA)....Read More

Pakistan is working to quadruple the size of its submarine fleet, while India is now aggressively working to build an extensive anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability. Can Pakistan overcome India’s efforts and, in turn, maintain a high-threat...

Pakistan is working to quadruple the size of its submarine fleet, while India is now aggressively working to build an extensive anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability. Can Pakistan overcome India’s efforts and, in turn, maintain a high-threat...

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) selected the NRIET KLJ-7A active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for its forthcoming multi-role combat aircraft, the JF-17 Block-III....Read More

The Pakistan Navy received Marine Assault Boats (MAB) from Poland. The Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) Chief of Air Staff says the PAF will have a solution for India’s Rafale. And the Pakistan Army may need to...

The Pakistan Navy received Marine Assault Boats (MAB) from Poland. The Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) Chief of Air Staff says the PAF will have a solution for India’s Rafale. And the Pakistan Army may need to...

In December 2019, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) rolled-out the first eight of 26 twin-seat JF-17B fighters for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). PAC will produce another 14 in 2020. ...Read More

The Pakistan Navy (PN) will equip its two 2,300-ton corvettes/offshore patrol vessels (OPV) from Damen Shipyards with anti-surface, anti-air, and surveillance/intelligence gathering systems....Read More

The JF-17 Block-III is likely to incorporate a dedicated hardpoint for special mission pods, and while the addition of targeting and electronic warfare pods is confirmed, Pakistan should consider fitting the JF-17 with an infrared search...

In environments with increasingly saturated and layered air defence systems, it is likely that the future of Pakistan’s SEAD/DEAD capability rests on joint air and land operations....Read More

In environments with increasingly saturated and layered air defence systems, it is likely that the future of Pakistan’s SEAD/DEAD capability rests on joint air and land operations....Read More

In his speech during the AirTech ’17 conference in December 2017 at Air University Islamabad, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Sohail Aman, stated that Pakistan...

Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik A.Ş. (STM) is planning to start the sea trials of the Pakistan Navy’s (PN) first upgraded Agosta 90B submarine – PNS/M Hamza – in early 2020....Read More

Though brief, the air skirmish of February 2019 between Pakistan and India could lead to major changes in South Asia’s air warfare environment – especially along the Line-of-Control (LoC) – in the 2020s....Read More

Though brief, the air skirmish of February 2019 between Pakistan and India could lead to major changes in South Asia’s air warfare environment – especially along the Line-of-Control (LoC) – in the 2020s....Read More

The Turkish defence electronics supplier Aselsan is reportedly planning to open an office in Pakistan, one of its leading overseas customers across multiple big-ticket programs....Read More

The JF-17 Block-III is the first major iterative upgrade to the JF-17: it will introduce an active-electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, an integrated electronic warfare (EW) and electronic countermeasures (ECM) suite, updated avionics suite, three-axis/all-digital fly-by-wire...

In the 1980s South Africa tasked its prime defence contractor Atlas to design, develop and manufacture an indigenous fourth-generation multi-role fighter. Designated “Carver,” the program was an ambitious play at replacing the South African Air Force’s...

On 05 December 2019, the Pakistan Army’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa observed a training exercise involving an Army Strike Corps in Bahawalpur, Punjab. ...Read More

For the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), dedicated long-range attack aircraft have neither been available nor affordable. However, it has sought to build conventional deep-strike capabilities for decades, and with the market not responding, the PAF is...

For the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), dedicated long-range attack aircraft have neither been available nor affordable. However, it has sought to build conventional deep-strike capabilities for decades, and with the market not responding, the PAF is...

The South African government blocked the sale of new arms to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and several other countries over a dispute over inspections....Read More

The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) has begun promoting a variant of the J-10C for export. Designated FC-20E, the product was officially put on display as a mock-up at the 2019 Dubai Air Show. ...Read More

On 22 July 2017, the Turkish Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) announced that the Turkish Air Force and Turkish Aerospace Industries signed onto the Hürjet program. With a target flight date of 2022 (or 2023), the...

Malaysia shortlisted the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex/Aviation Industry Corporation of China JF-17 as one of seven potential fighters for its light combat aircraft competition....Read More

Note: This article was previously a Quwa Premium piece, it is now freely available.  On 01 February 2018 observers spotted a large cannon turret placed onboard a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Type 072III landing ship...

A cursory look at the development of ‘loyal wingman’ unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) throughout the world, but with particular attention paid to what a country requires to successfully develop one....Read More

A cursory look at the development of ‘loyal wingman’ unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) throughout the world, but with particular attention paid to what a country requires to successfully develop one....Read More

In 2017-2018, the Pakistan Army started taking steps towards adding modern anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) to its inventory, and across its infantry, armoured, and aviation platforms. ...Read More

According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP), the country’s defence exports had reached $212.6 million US from August 2018 to August 2019. ...Read More

In 1974 the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) formally requested information on the LTV A-7 Corsair II. A deal for as many as 110 A-7s for the PAF was in the works until the Carter Administration withheld...

In 1974 the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) formally requested information on the LTV A-7 Corsair II. A deal for as many as 110 A-7s for the PAF was in the works until the Carter Administration withheld...

According to the Ministry of Defence Production’s (MoDP) yearbook for 2017-2018, Pakistan’s Aviation Research, Innovation and Development (AvRID) Secretariat completed the first of four “conceptual design phase” cycles for the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) fifth-generation fighter...

This Quwa Premium report examines the viability of commercial offsets (tied to big-ticket defence purchases) in Pakistan. In this report, Quwa briefly reviews the checkered history of offset packages, especially in the developing world. ...Read More

In its yearbook for 2017-2018, the Pakistan Ministry of Defence Production confirmed that the Pakistan Air Force ordered its sixth Saab 2000 Erieye airborne early warning and control aircraft....Read More

While one can expect the PN to configure its larger ships – such as the forthcoming Type 054A/P frigate and Jinnah-class corvette/light frigate – with the supersonic missile, the optimal scenario would be to also arm...

While one can expect the PN to configure its larger ships – such as the forthcoming Type 054A/P frigate and Jinnah-class corvette/light frigate – with the supersonic missile, the optimal scenario would be to also arm...

Marketed as a ‘supersonic anti-ship missile’, the CM-400AKG is among the proposed stand-off range weapon options for the JF-17 Thunder, a multi-role fighter co-produced by Pakistan and China. The CM-400AKG is marketed with a weight of...

According to the Pakistan Ministry of Defence Production’s disclosure for 2017-2018, the Directorate General of Munitions Production (DGMP) signed-off on the local development of a supersonic missile for the Pakistan Navy....Read More

Though the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is likely to select a Chinese active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for the JF-17 Block-3, the Leonardo Grifo-E is an option. The Grifo-E presents the JF-17 with a Western...

The Pakistan Army’s armour and artillery modernization efforts are moving at a slow pace, but they are progressing across multiple fronts, including the development of next-generation systems....Read More

With its maiden flight slated by the end of 2019, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is preparing for the production and induction of the JF-17 Block 3. The JF-17 Block 3 is the first major iterative...

With reportedly 50 Aselsan ASELPOD targeting pods on order, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is clearly steering the JF-17 to take the lead in ground attack missions. ...Read More

On 17 May 2019, Damen Shipyards launched the first of two 2,300-ton offshore patrol vessels (OPV) or corvettes for the Pakistan Navy (PN). Damen is constructing both PN ships at its facilities in Galati, Romania. The...

Speaking to the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI), the previous Chief of Air Staff (CAS) of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), retired Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Sohail Aman had reportedly stated that the PAF...

On 23 April 2019, the Pakistan Navy announced that it test-fired a cruise missile with dual-anti-ship and land-attack capabilities from one of its fast attack crafts (FAC)....Read More

The Italian defence giant Leonardo International inaugurated its new office in Islamabad, Pakistan on 11 April 2019. Its among a handful of Western defence suppliers to maintain a direct formal presence in the country as a...

The Italian defence giant Leonardo International inaugurated its new office in Islamabad, Pakistan on 11 April 2019. Its among a handful of Western defence suppliers to maintain a direct formal presence in the country as a...

Though a lack of willing suppliers and tight funding are factors, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has valid technically-driven strategic reasons to expand the JF-17 program. ...Read More

Though a lack of willing suppliers and tight funding are factors, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has valid technically-driven strategic reasons to expand the JF-17 program. ...Read More

Denel Land Systems is reportedly negotiating to sell T5-52 self-propelled howitzers to an undisclosed Asian country. The T5-52 is a 52-calibre 155 mm system mounted on an 8x8 wheeled truck....Read More

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) are renewing their efforts to sell JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighters, with Azerbaijan and Malaysia headlining its campaigns. ...Read More

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) are renewing their efforts to sell JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighters, with Azerbaijan and Malaysia headlining its campaigns. ...Read More

This is the first encounter between India and Pakistan involving the apparent use of stand-off range weapons (SOW) and beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAM)....Read More

This is the first encounter between India and Pakistan involving the apparent use of stand-off range weapons (SOW) and beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAM)....Read More

In a series of interviews during the Pakistan Navy’s (PN) marquee exercise, AMAN, the PN Chief of Naval Staff Adm. Zafar Mahmood Abbasi outlined the force’s future capability goals and duties....Read More

While the Nasr SRBM is lauded for its value in mitigating attempts at stopping Pakistan from leaning on its nuclear deterrence factor, it does not necessarily compensate for conventional deterrence....Read More

While the Nasr SRBM is lauded for its value in mitigating attempts at stopping Pakistan from leaning on its nuclear deterrence factor, it does not necessarily compensate for conventional deterrence....Read More

In part-two, we examine the countries that Pakistan could collaborate with to develop new air-to-air, air-to-surface, surface-to-air, and surface-to-surface munitions....Read More

The Pakistan Navy is slated to have 11 air-independent propulsion (AIP)-equipped submarines by 2028. There are also tentative plans to add a miniature submarine, which – if procured – would, without doubt, give Pakistan one of...

On 18 December the US State Department greenlit a proposed $3.5 billion contract for PAC-3 Patriot long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems to Turkey. As per a statement released by the State Department’s Defence Security Cooperation Agency...

Besides announcing a new lead-in fighter-trainer (LIFT) program, much of the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) procurement activity centers on staying the course with a pre-existing, long-term modernization plan....Read More

Besides announcing a new lead-in fighter-trainer (LIFT) program, much of the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) procurement activity centers on staying the course with a pre-existing, long-term modernization plan....Read More

Besides inducting many new surface, sub-surface and aerial platforms, the Pakistan Navy is focusing on improving its network-enabled warfare and threat-response capabilities against conventional and non-conventional threats. It is also focused on improving Pakistan’s maritime economy....Read More

Be it an improved sensor and avionics suite or the ability to deploy a miniature cruise missile and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) torpedo, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) is promising large capability gains with the...

The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) has officially unveiled two new active electronically-scanned array (AESA) radars for use on the JF-17 Block-III. First, an updated variant of the NRIET KLJ-7A, which was originally revealed in...

Having brought the JF-17 Thunder to fruition, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is now setting its sights on the future, i.e. a next-generation fighter (NGF) platform. Through Project Azm, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) will spearhead the...

Having brought the JF-17 Thunder to fruition, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is now setting its sights on the future, i.e. a next-generation fighter (NGF) platform. Through Project Azm, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) will spearhead the...

The Pakistan Navy’s (PN) Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi reportedly stated that the PN is seeking a new, jet-powered maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) to replace its aging P-3C Orion MPAs. As per Adm....

The Pakistan Navy’s (PN) Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi reportedly stated that the PN is seeking a new, jet-powered maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) to replace its aging P-3C Orion MPAs. As per Adm....

The Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) search for a domestically built, sanction-free multi-role fighter ended through the induction of the JF-17 Thunder. However, it had been a long-term process with starts and stops that, arguably, date as...

The emergence of the JF-17 as the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) backbone fighter certainly prevented many adverse scenarios, not least continuing to rely on the F-7P as the workhorse into the 2020s. However, though a solution...

In an attempt to circumvent the impact of US sanctions and to expand its market-share across a wide-range of industries, including defence, Russia is considering trade in the currencies of its customers. The move, if brought...

During the 2018 International Military-Technical Forum “Army 2018”, which took place in Moscow, Russia in August 2018, Russia’s commercial trade agency for defence Rosoboronexport announced that it would consider trading in the local currencies of its...

AK-308: Kalashnikov’s New 7.62 NATO Rifle During the 2018 International Military-Technical Forum “Army 2018” in August 2018, Russia’s Kalashnikov Concern unveiled a new 7.62x51 mm NATO assault rifle intended for overseas users, the AK-308. According to...

Turkey’s current tensions with the US have cast doubt on the viability of Turkish Aerospace’s sale of 30 T129 ATAK attack helicopters to Pakistan. Granted, this has largely emanated from observers who are uncertain if the...

Pakistan is reportedly planning to have Russia upgrade its T-80UD main battle tanks (MBT); the Pakistan Army is bolstering its self-propelled artillery with surplus M109L howitzers from Italy; the PRSS-O1 (i.e. Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellite) is...

On 06 and 07 August, the respective defence ministries of Pakistan and Russia had conducted their first bilateral meeting under the Russian-Pakistan Military Advisory Committee on Defence and Security. In addition to discussing “prospects of bilateral...

On the heels of Russia and Pakistan signing a memorandum-of-understanding (MoU) to enhance naval cooperation, discussion surrounding the potential scope of bilateral defence ties between Pakistan and Russia has again emerged. Simply, New Delhi’s preference for...

On the heels of Russia and Pakistan signing a memorandum-of-understanding (MoU) to enhance naval cooperation, discussion surrounding the potential scope of bilateral defence ties between Pakistan and Russia has again emerged. Simply, New Delhi’s preference for...

Despite an overt push by Cape Town to court Pakistan’s defence market, the Pakistani armed forces are not pursuing the defence technology and development opportunities available in South Africa, notably through Denel Group and Paramount Group....Read More

Despite an overt push by Cape Town to court Pakistan’s defence market, the Pakistani armed forces are not pursuing the defence technology and development opportunities available in South Africa, notably through Denel Group and Paramount Group....Read More

Between 2016 and 2018, Turkey booked nearly $3 billion US in big-ticket defence sales to Pakistan, with items ranging from 30 T129 ATAK attack helicopters, four MILGEM Ada corvettes, a subsystems upgrade for Pakistan’s three Agosta...

In June 2018, the Pakistan Army’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa led a delegation to Poland with the aim of visiting the Polish Ministry of Defence and the Polish Armament Group (Polska...

The capacity to effectively undertake stand-off range targeting – especially by networking sensors to offboard munitions – along with building a comprehensive situational awareness capability is essential to Pakistan’s anti-access and area-denial (A2/AD) efforts. Not only...

On 26 June 2018, the Azerbaijani Military had showcased a Roketsan SOM air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) as part of its annual parade in the capital Baku. Although the Azerbaijani Air Force (AAF) has a number of...

Responding to the Brazilian Navy’s bid for a new corvette, Turkey’s Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik A.Ş. (STM) partnered with a number of local defence suppliers to offer a modified variant of its MILGEM Ada corvette. In contrast...

The Pakistan Navy is well on its way in terms of constructing a sizable conventional submarine fleet. Its three existing Agosta 90Bs are undergoing a mid-life upgrade ahead of the much-anticipated delivery of eight Hangor (II)-class...

Building upon an earlier analysis of Pakistan’s limited ability to build sea-control capabilities, even with an expanded surface fleet, Quwa offers an analysis of an alternative method to maritime defence: anti-access and area-denial (A2/AD). The advancements...

Building upon an earlier analysis of Pakistan’s limited ability to build sea-control capabilities, even with an expanded surface fleet, Quwa offers an analysis of an alternative method to maritime defence: anti-access and area-denial (A2/AD). The advancements...

In June 2018, the Pakistan Navy announced that it ordered a total of four Type 054A multi-mission frigates through China Shipbuilding Trading Co. Ltd. (CSTC). With induction of the four ships slotted by 2021, it is...

Today, the Armed Forces of Pakistan have at least three marquee and indispensable big-ticket weapon systems in the pipeline from China: in 2015, it inked a purchase of eight air-independent propulsion (AIP)-powered submarines; in 2017, the...

Today, the Armed Forces of Pakistan have at least three marquee and indispensable big-ticket weapon systems in the pipeline from China: in 2015, it inked a purchase of eight air-independent propulsion (AIP)-powered submarines; in 2017, the...

On 01 June 2018, the Pakistan Navy officially announced that it ordered a total of four Type 054A multi-mission frigates from China Shipbuilding Trading Co. Ltd. (CSTC). Pakistan ordered its Type 054As in two batches of...

Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) has signed a contract with China Shipbuilding Trading Co. Ltd. (CSTC) for two Type 054A multi-mission frigates. According to the MoDP, this is a follow-on order to an earlier order...

Speaking to TRT Haber, the head of Turkey’s Undersecretariat of Defence Industries (SSM) Dr. Ismail Demir stated that Pakistan could sign a contract for Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) T129 ATAK attack helicopters in the coming weeks....Read More

Pakistan sought nuclear weapons as its guarantor of sovereignty and territorial integrity. However, though it could not trust foreign relations gains (e.g. ties with the US or China) to guarantee security, it required foreign relations to...

The starting-point for understanding Pakistan’s rationale for having nuclear weapons is to visit the history of its foreign relations and security efforts. Naturally, one might view India’s underground nuclear tests in 1974 – i.e. Smiling Buddha...

In April 2018, the AFP News Agency published an article detailing its visit to the Mirage Rebuild Factory (MRF) at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC). The complete AFP article is available on Dawn News, but it provides...

On 28 May 1998, Pakistan conducted five simultaneous underground nuclear tests in the Ras Koh Hills in Chagai District, Baluchistan. Though there had been rumblings of Pakistan already possessing – and even testing a live nuclear...

On 28 May 1998, Pakistan conducted five simultaneous underground nuclear tests in the Ras Koh Hills in Chagai District, Baluchistan. Though there had been rumblings of Pakistan already possessing – and even testing a live nuclear...

This is a review of ancillary Pakistani defence news topics with short-hand analysis to provide clarity and context. Pakistan announced that it will increase its defence budget by 19.6% - i.e. to PKR 1.1 trillion (i.e....

This is a review of main and ancillary Pakistani defence news topics along with short-hand analysis to offer clarity and context: Pakistan announced its defence budget for 2018-2019; the Public Sector Development Program’s (PSDP) budget includes...

On April 20, a retired Indian Army officer – Col. Vinayak Bhat – provided a detailed insight of the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) new main operating base (MOB), PAF Bholari. Available on The Print, Bhat’s analysis...

Though it was not mentioned by the Pakistani Minister of Defence, Khurram Dastgir Khan, in his comments to the Russian News Agency RIA Novosti, helicopters are an issue of mutual interest between Russia and Pakistan. The...

Pakistan’s Minister of Defence (MoD) Khurram Dastgir Khan was quoted by the Russian News Agency RIA Novosti that Pakistan had begun negotiating with Russia for various big-ticket armaments, including T-90 main battle tanks (MBT), Su-35 fighters...

On 05 April, Pakistan’s Minister of Defence (MoD) Khurram Dastgir Khan confirmed to the Russian News Agency RIA Novosti that Pakistan had begun talks with Russia for the purchase of Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E multi-role fighters, T-90...

Pakistan’s Minister of Defence Khurram Dastgir Khan told the Russian News Agency RIA Novosti that Pakistan is negotiating with Russia for the Sukhoi Su-35 fighters, air defence systems and potentially T-90 main battle tanks. He did...

Pakistan has been negotiating with Turkey’s Undersecretariat for Defence Industries (SSM) and its defence contractor - Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.Ş. (STM) – for the purchase of four MILGEM Ada corvettes since June 2016. Pakistan...

The Nanjing Research Institute of Electronics Technology (NRIET) is integrating its newly-revealed KLJ-7A active electronically-scanned array (AESA) radar to the forthcoming JF-17 Block-III. NRIET says that the new AESA radar will provide improved range, target tracking/engagement...

This is a review of ancillary Pakistani defence news topics with short-hand analysis to provide clarity and context. In March 2018: 3 Turkish T129 attack helicopters took part at the Pakistan Day Parade; ASELPOD spotted on...

In his final address to Air Headquarters, the previous Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Sohail Aman outlined the need to maintain quantitative parity with India in terms of...

With the JF-17 Block-III’s design being ‘finalized’ following a two-and-a-half-year period, this article examines why the JF-17 Block-III matters to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). It is not simply an issue of it being a more...

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its research on worldwide defence procurement activities from 2013 to 2017. Quwa analyzes SIPRI’s findings regarding the reduction in Pakistan’s defence imports, touching upon structural economic woes and...

The Pakistan Navy announced that it had test-fired an anti-ship missile (AShM) as part of a training drill on 10 March 2018. No details were provided into the type or specifications....Read More

Under RIBAT-2018, the Pakistan Navy sought to validate its interoperability with the Pakistan Air Force as well as its capacity to undertake peacetime maritime security tasks, particularly in terms of interdicting ‘sub-conventional warfare’ threats....Read More

On 06 March the Pakistan Navy (PN) and the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) concluded their joint-exercise in the North Arabian Sea – RIBAT-2018....Read More

Introduction: The Pakistan Navy (PN) and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) conducted a joint exercise in the North Arabian Sea – RIBAT-2018 – from 24 February to 06 March 2018 to “validate … war fighting concepts under...

Following a spate of conflicting and official statements and news reports, the Pakistani government plainly confirmed that the country will be placed on the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) ‘grey list’ from June 2018. On 01...

Quwa Premium’s Monthly Report for February 2018 provides a detailed overview of the leading events affecting the development of the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter program. It starts with discussing the factors that...

In light of Saab revealing the GlobalEye Swing Role Surveillance System (SRSS) platform, one might ask if the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), which flies four Saab Erieye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft with another...

The Airbus Helicopters H125M Fennec forms the mainstay of the Pakistan Army Aviation Corps’ (PAA) high-altitude operations fleet. On 26 January 2018, two PAA H125Ms were deployed to execute the rescue of two European climbers on...

This is an overview of the current state of Pakistan’s bilateral relations with Russia in terms of foreign relations, economic/trade relations and defence ties. It is too early to expect robust bilateral defence relations, but even...

At the 2018 Singapore Air Show, Airbus Defence & Space said it was considering the prospect of offering MPA and ISR variants of the A320neo....Read More

Introduction On 02 February, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) announced that it established an instrumented Weapon Test Range (WTR) at the Sonmiani Firing Range. This is an important induction for the PAF – and the Pakistani...

According to Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia, Kazi Khalilullah, says that Pakistan will participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) exercise ‘Peace Mission 2018’ in September....Read More

On his official visit to Turkey in November 24-26, 2017, Pakistan’s Minister of Defence Production (MoDP) Rana Tanveer Hussain stated that a potential Pakistani purchase of T129 ATAK attack helicopters from Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) was...

Pakistan’s Minister of Defence Khurram Dastgir Khan said that Pakistan is engaging with Russia for the supply of new military hardware....Read More

Introduction The core element of the Pakistan Navy’s long-term development efforts is the expansion of its submarine fleet, which is slated to swell to as many as 13 ships equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP) from the...

Pakistan is expanding its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) fleet through the procurement of new medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) drones, most notably with Project Azm (resolve), under which a MALE UAV is being developed along with a fifth-generation...

Russia has reportedly begun delivering Almaz-Antey S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile systems to China, the launch export customer of the S-400....Read More

Introduction China is a marquee element in Pakistan’s foreign relations landscape since the 1960s, having resulted in a spate of big-ticket defence procurement and, since 2015, significant economic interaction via the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). However,...

Introduction On January 06 photos emerged purporting that a NORINCO VT4 main battle tank (MBT) was in Pakistan, ostensibly for trials for an apparent Pakistan Army bid for an off-the-shelf MBT to augment its growing –...

Introduction On January 03, the Pakistan Navy announced that it test-fired a new anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) with land-attack capabilities, the “Harba.” The dual-ASCM/land-attack cruise missile (LACM) was fired from an Azmat-class fast attack craft (FAC),...

U.S. President Donald J. Trump began 2018 with a tweet accusing Pakistan of duplicity with regards to the ongoing – and over 16-year-long – U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan. Trump reiterated how the U.S. provided Pakistan...

Turkey and Russia have formally concluded a deal to procure an S-400 long-range air defence system with an option for one more....Read More

Introduction In his speech during the AirTech ’17 conference in December 2017 at Air University Islamabad, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Sohail Aman, stated that...

Quwa Premium Sample: The following report is a free and complete Quwa Premium sample for all readers. At Quwa, we make a concerted effort to provide high-quality, detailed and timely research and analysis of current Pakistani defence and...

Prologue This article is part of a series Quwa will publish under Quwa Premium through 2018. For this week, we are broadly overviewing the key aspects of Pakistan’s relations with China, which – in some respects,...

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) formally inaugurated its new air base, PAF Bholari, on December 25....Read More

Introduction Jointly developed, marketed and produced by Russia and India, the BrahMos is a supersonic anti-ship cruising missile (ASCM). Weighing 2,500 kg and with an engagement range of 450 km, the Brahmos is one of India’s...

Prologue: This is a continuation of the Quwa Premium articles discussing the Pakistani defence industry, specifically its inability to produce a domestic marketplace to which the Pakistani armed forces and foreign customers can consult, its nascent...

The Indonesian Army (TNI-AD) took delivery of its first Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter on December 18....Read More

Officially, the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) fifth-generation fighter (FGF) program is being executed under ‘Project Azm’ (resolve). Under the PAF’s long-term plan, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra has been entrusted to manufacture a FGF as well as...

Constructing a Domestic Marketplace of Products One of the drawbacks of nascent private sector activity in the defence industry, especially in new product development, is that Pakistan lacks a domestic marketplace to consult for its requirements....

The Qatari government has exercised its option for 12 additional Dassault Rafale multi-role fighters, increasing its slotted Rafale fleet to 36...Read More

The United Arab Emirates’ Mirage 2000-9s will reportedly be upgraded with the Thales RDY-3 radar and TALIOS targeting pod...Read More

In a speech, the Philippines’ President Rodrigo Duterte outlined his government’s intentions to acquire attack helicopters for close air support...Read More

With its array of big-ticket defence solutions, Moscow is working to secure new markets in the Middle East as well as rebuild ties with legacy buyers...Read More

Pakistan is in talks for 30 T129 ATAK attack helicopters for $1.5 billion U.S. from Turkey. The deal may include final assembly and parts production work...Read More

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi confirmed that negotiations for the T129 and MILGEM were taking place with Turkey....Read More

Egypt is reportedly planning to exercise its optional clauses for 12 additional Rafale fighters and two Gowind 2500 corvettes from France...Read More

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is reportedly planning to sign on for a squadron (or more) of Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E multi-role fighters from Russia...Read More

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has begun the process of launching an Initial Public Offering (IPO) for partial privatization ...Read More

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi asserted that while Pakistan would prefer buying F-16s, it could look to other options...Read More

On his official visit to the U.K., Pakistan’s Minister of Defence Production Rana Tanveer Hussain had called for growth in bilateral defence relations...Read More

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan revealed to Turkish journalists that Ankara has already paid a deposit for the purchase of S-400 systems from Russia...Read More

Shaheen VI is the sixth iteration of the bilateral air exercise between the PAF and PLAAF. It began on September 7 and will conclude on September 27...Read More

The Pakistan Navy assumed command of the multinational maritime coalition Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) from the French Navy on August 17...Read More

India’s Ministry of Defence Production has approved a $654.6 million U.S. purchase for six Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopters...Read More

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) conducted the maiden flight of the first EL/M-2052 AESA radar-equipped SEPECAT Jaguar DARIN III on August 10...Read More

DRDO has showcased its newly developed Muntra unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) for operations in specific high-threat conditions...Read More

The Pakistan Navy has commissioned its third Azmat-class fast attack craft (FAC) – the PNS Himmat – which also features an ‘indigenous missile system’...Read More

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that his government has “inked” the purchase of Almaz-Antey S-400 long-range SAM systems...Read More

United Aircraft Corporation has signed an agreement with Kazakhstan Engineering to jointly market the MiG-35 to Astana, promising parts production...Read More

A ground-breaking ceremony shows that the 21st Air Defence Battalion of the Pakistan Navy Marine has been assigned to Ormara, Baluchistan. ...Read More

Turkey has reportedly agreed to a $2.5 billion U.S. deal for four Almaz-Antey S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems from Russia...Read More

Pakistan’s Strategic Plans Division (SPD) test-fired an improved variant of the Hatf IX Nasr short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) on July 05, 2017...Read More

Jiangnan-Changxing Shipyard in Shanghai launched a Type 055 destroyer for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) on Wednesday, June 28...Read More

Moscow and Ankara have reportedly agreed upon a contract for the supply of S-400 long-range SAM systems to Turkey, still need to agree on financing...Read More

In January, the Pakistan Army’s Inspectorate of Armaments imported weapons from Hanwha Corporation and Poongsan Corporation for possible tests...Read More

In a press conference with Turkish media outlets, Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined negotiations for sale of S-400 to Turkey are in its final stages...Read More

In its annual disclosure, Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production listed the development and construction of a miniature submarine...Read More

The Indonesian Army’s (TNI-AD) first Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian is undergoing tests. The TNI-AD has eight AH-64Es on order in a $1.4 billion U.S. package...Read More

French defence aviation vendor Dassault is anticipating a new sale for its Rafale multi-role fighter in 2018. It is negotiating with Malaysia and India...Read More

By introducing several key technologies and improvements to the platform, the JF-17B may form the basis of the JF-17 Block-III...Read More

In its annual report for 2016, Denel Group positioned the Denel Aviation Rooivalk Mk2 as a “flagship program” for the South African defence industry...Read More

The Turkish government is reportedly nearing its final decision towards purchasing Almaz-Antey S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile systems from Russia...Read More

The French National Gendarmerie Intervention Group (GIGN) ordered CZ-806 BREN 2 assault rifles chambered in 7.62x39mm ...Read More

Turkish and Russian officials have told their respective news media outlets that talks regarding the sale of S-400 SAM systems to Turkey are progressing...Read More

Overview and analysis of the Pakistan Navy’s corvette options, which it may examine as a means to build a sizable surface fleet for peacetime patrol duties ...Read More

The MiG Corporation has reportedly begun its marketing push for the MiG-35 multi-role fighter, particularly in developing world markets...Read More

The issue of Turkey’s interest in the S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system is expected to come up in President Erdogan’s visit to Moscow...Read More

Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Defence Purchases (DGDP) released its tender for up to 12 new-built multi-role combat aircraft...Read More

While committing to retain F-16 manufacturing in the U.S., Lockheed Martin is hopeful of securing new sales and upgrade contracts in the Middle East...Read More

A high-level Pakistani official reportedly told Russia media that Pakistan was interested in many Russian arms, but it will decide based on its fiscal means...Read More

The JF-17 Block-III, the forthcoming variant of the Pakistan Air Force’s emerging backbone fighter, could reflect current industry trends in electronics...Read More

Estonia has reportedly entered talks with South Korea for 12 K9 Thunder 155 mm self-propelled tracked howitzers, joining Finland...Read More

The Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer is taking aim at Germany and the European market at large for KC-390 multi-role tanker and transport sales...Read More

United Aircraft Corporation’s (UAC) high-performance low-cost pitch for the MiG-35 may support Russia’s defence and aerospace exports initiatives...Read More

United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has officially added the Mikoyan MiG-35 to its marketable product catalogue for domestic and overseas sales...Read More

Pakistan reports that it recently tested the Ababeel, a 2,200-km ballistic missile capable of deploying multiple independent re-entry vehicles (MIRV)....Read More

The Indian Navy’s second DCNS Scorpene – i.e. Kalvari-class – diesel-electric submarine (SSK) was launched at the Mazagon Dock Shipyard...Read More

A Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) delegation visited Pakistan on Wednesday, 11 January 2017...Read More

Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Dmitry Rogozin, announced that the Russian Air Force’s Mikoyan MiG-35 will begin its test flights in January...Read More

An overview of Pakistan’s efforts in 2016 to build deterrence assets and an examination of Pakistan’s intent in other deterrence areas...Read More

Overview of the Pakistan Air Force’s major armament procurement activities in 2016 and a discussion of what to expect moving forward, be it short-term or long-term...Read More

Overview of the Pakistan Army’s major armament procurement activities in 2016 and a discussion of what to expect moving forward, be it short-term or long-term....Read More

The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) tested its Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW), a new air-to-surface precision-guided munition…...Read More

The new Pakistan Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa affirmed his commitment to the country’s longstanding counterinsurgency effort…...Read More

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully launched the remote-sensing satellite Resourcesat-2A into orbit…...Read More

As per a news publisher, Pakistan and French electronics giant Thales may be negotiating a deal for an air defence system…...Read More

The German small-arms maker Heckler & Koch is reportedly abandoning its efforts to market and sell firearms to government clients outside of NATO…...Read More

France’s Safran Group will be supporting Gas Turbine Research Establishment in the final development work areas of the Kaveri turbofan…...Read More

Turkish Defence Minister Fikri Işık said that Turkey is seeking the S-400 Triumf long-range surface-to-air missile system from Russia…...Read More

The Pakistan Navy has commissioned a new naval base – PNS Hameed – in Sindh. PNS Hameed is also Pakistan’s first installation with very low frequency…...Read More

The Government of India has ordered 83 Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Tejas fighters, 15 HAL Light Combat Helicopters, and 494 T-90 main battle tanks…...Read More

An analysis of the Pakistan Navy’s recent purchase of eight conventional submarines from China, especially in terms of propulsion & strategic deterrence…...Read More

By seeking Airbus Group’s shares in the French-Italian aircraft manufacturer ATR, Leonardo is eying the same budget-sensitive market as Airbus DS…...Read More

South Korean shipbuilder Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) launched the second of three Type 209/1400 SSKs for the Indonesian Navy …...Read More

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Safran Helicopters Engines inaugurated a jointly-owned maintenance, repair and overhaul facility for turboshaft engines…...Read More

The Ecuadorian Air Force is looking to sell-off its three remaining Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Dhruv helicopters following a challenging operational run since 2009…...Read More

Hyundai Heavy Industries has released an illustration alongside preliminary information regarding its recently won contract to supply the Philippines ......Read More

The Bulgarian shipbuilder MTG Dolphin has revealed its K-90 corvette design during the Euronaval 2016 exhibition taking place in Paris …...Read More

In the backdrop of Dassault’s Rafale sales over the past year to Egypt, Qatar, and India, BAE is working to secure fresh Eurofighter Typhoon sales …...Read More

An overview of the history, organization, capacity, and objectives of the Combat Commanders School, the Pakistan Air Force’s leadership training school....Read More

Rolls-Royce is reportedly seeking to participate in the TFX, the Turkish Air Force’s envisaged next-generation fighter program …...Read More

The French Navy, DCNS, Thales, and the DGA have been collaborating on designing a new 4,000-ton multi-role frigate for the French fleet and export market....Read More

Pakistan’s Minister of Defence Production and the Chairman of Heavy Industries Taxila are visiting Ukraine to attend the 2016 Arms and Security exhibition....Read More

The White House – and 40 other countries – have introduced a joint declaration to guide the export of armed unmanned aerial vehicles …...Read More

Overview of the MBDA Common Anti-Air Modular Missile (CAMM), a surface-to-air missile system for land and naval air defence applications....Read More

A proposed sale of new-built F-16V multi-role fighters would allow Lockheed Martin to keep its F-16 production line open....Read More

The third Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Series Production (SP) unit for the Indian Air Force (IAF) is close to induction…...Read More

With 200 soldiers from both countries participating, Pakistan and Russia have kicked-off their first ever bilateral exercise – Friendship 2016....Read More

Pakistan’s baggage, be it real or perceived, has not entirely displaced the value the U.S. has apparently placed on Islamabad's war in the Tribal Areas....Read More

Unperturbed by a rise in tensions along the Line of Control, Pakistan has initiated High Mark 2016, a major air exercise…...Read More

According to Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia Qazi Khalilullah, the country’s military exercises with Russia will be proceeding as planned....Read More

Denel Aviation and Airbus Helicopters have agreed to collaborate on upgrading the Rooivalk Mk1 helicopters currently in use by South Africa....Read More

Pakistan and Russia will be holding their first bilateral military exercise – designated ‘Friendship-2016’ - before the end of this year....Read More

Tata Advanced Materials Limited will produce various composite materials, namely interior panels, for Boeing’s P-8 maritime patrol aircraft....Read More

An overview and analysis of Pakistan’s defence relationship with Russia in terms of its growth, the challenges, and future prospects....Read More

An analysis and discussion of the steps the Pakistan Air Force could take in order to acquire a helmet mounted display and sight system ......Read More

On 6 September, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s Light Utility Helicopter successfully undertook its maiden test flight....Read More

A look at the apparent shift in the naval shipbuilding industry whereby new market entrants are making in-roads in the developing world....Read More

The United States State Department has begun proposing a series of measures to a number countries aimed at managing the export of armed drones. ...Read More

The Pakistan Navy will receive the first of its eight conventional submarines on order from China from 2022. The order will be completed by 2028....Read More

Confidential details of DCNS’s Scorpene-class submarine, which is in use by India, Malaysia, and Chile were leaked in a 22K+ page document....Read More

The Pakistan Air Force Chief of Air Staff (CAS)’s visit to Sri Lanka is a bid to continue enhancing defence ties between Sri Lanka & Pakistan....Read More

A discussion of what Pakistan has done – and is planning to do – in order to diversify from its dependence on high-tech American arms....Read More

Tata Technologies Limited, India’s growing defence giant, is seeking to expand and grow in prominence through targeted acquisitions....Read More

A discussion of why some countries, especially developing ones such as Pakistan, seek used military equipment in order to fulfil their defence needs....Read More

Has the Pakistan Army selected the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) T-129 ATAK for its dedicated attack helicopter needs?...Read More

Is Pakistan in talks with Qatar for the purchase of the Qatar Emiri Air Force’s Mirage 2000-5s?...Read More

The commander of the Pakistan Air Force went on an official visit to Russia in a bid to enhance defence ties between Islamabad and Moscow....Read More

Despite a complete dearth in orders for new-built aircraft, Lockheed Martin will keep the production line of its F-16 multi-role fighter alive....Read More

According to China’s NORINCO, the AH4 lightweight 155mm howitzer development is complete, and the howitzer is now ready for production....Read More

According to Senator and Chairman Defence Mushahid Hussain, the Pakistan Navy was poised to take on a significant role in Pakistan’s geo-political future....Read More

An overview of the JF-17's value to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), mainly as a new backbone fighter for mainstreaming current capabilities to the fleet....Read More

An introductory overview of transfer-of-technology (ToT) and commercial offsets in the context of developing world defence industries and militaries. ...Read More

This is part three of Quwa’s discussion on Pakistan’s pursuit of force multiplier assets. Part one offered an overview of the – primarily economic – limitations preventing Pakistan from maintaining parity with India in terms of...

Force multipliers such as stand-off range weapons will likely be central aspects of the Pakistan Air Force’s procurement plans in the short and medium-term....Read More

An overview of financially sound and technically feasible options available to Pakistan in its efforts to achieve and maintain deterrence against its foes....Read More

As part of its offset commitments for India’s Rafale acquisition, France is offering to invest over a billion dollars in India’s homegrown fighter engine....Read More

Not a conventional comparison of the JF-17 Thunder and LCA Tejas, but a look at cases where each platform shines in comparative to the other....Read More

India’s favoured status with the United States has positioned New Delhi for success, Pakistan needs to adapt to this reality in earnest....Read More

A comparison of the Turkish TFX with the Shenyang/AVIC FC-31, which is considered an option for Pakistan's next generation fighter needs....Read More

With funding challenges in mind, Pakistan commits to hardware upgrades and improvements with the help of its key partners....Read More

Boeing has begun construction on a new AH-64 Apache production facility in partnership with Tata. India will become the source of key AH-64 parts....Read More

Qatar bought itself a brand new navy, Botswana is building a new air force, and Pakistan is forging a new path....Read More

Every Sunday, Quwa will close the week’s news with a review and analysis with the aim to tie together several topics into broader themes....Read More

An overview of the Ada-class (MILGEM)'s specifications and value, and an insight into how Pakistan would need to equip the corvette....Read More

The Pakistan Navy requested four Ada-class corvettes from Turkey, but what is driving the Pakistan Navy to select the MILGEM platform?...Read More

An overview of how Pakistan’s nuclear weapons program has developed since the Chagai-I and Chagai-II tests in 1998....Read More

According to its ambassador in Russia, Indonesia is interested in acquiring two Kilo-class submarines and other arms from Russia....Read More

According to India’s defence minister, the Indian Air Force (IAF)’s Rafale deal will be finalized in June....Read More

The Turkish Navy is looking for a long-range maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) to supplement its fleet of ATR-72 and CN-235 MPA fleets....Read More

Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) has selected General Electric (GE) to supply the powerplant that will be used on the KFX...Read More

In ignoring Ukraine’s desire for enhanced defence cooperation, is Pakistan actually missing out on the opportunity to access valuable technology?...Read More

The Pakistan Navy is undergoing modernization, but new frigates are not (yet) on the horizon; are they really necessary? Or are frigates antiquated?...Read More

Pakistan could be in the process of procuring the FD-2000 or HQ-9 long-range surface-to-air missiles to bolster its integrated air defence system...Read More

Earlier this week, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had initiated Tempest II, a key exercise designed to assess the effectiveness of its air warfare assets....Read More

India's introduction of the Arihant will certainly alter the strategic balance in South Asia, but Pakistan's response may not mirror India's push....Read More

Could the Pakistan Navy one day acquire nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSN) and ballistic missile submarines (SSBN)?...Read More

The Sri Lankan Air Force is reportedly dropping the JF-17 and LCA in favour of a Russian fighter, potentially the Yak-130...Read More

An overview of how Aselsan - Turkey’s leading avionics vendor - could potentially equip the JF-17 Thunder, especially for export purposes...Read More

An analysis of why the PAF should focus on the JF-17 and possible next steps to enhance the Thunder’s development process...Read More

It has to be asked – what new qualitative capability is the $70-80 million a unit F-16 Block-52+ bringing to the Pakistan Air Force?...Read More

Pakistan’s Minister of Defence Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain, told media outlets that Pakistan would begin exporting missiles with ranges of under 300km....Read More

Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told Sputnik News that Pakistan was “in touch” with Russia for the possible buy of helicopters, SAMs & tanks....Read More

Being the world’s fourth highest defence spender, Saudi Arabia is aiming to direct its expenditure to develop a robust domestic defence industry....Read More

Despite the challenges, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex is eager to market the JF-17 in Africa, especially Morocco and Nigeria...Read More

Pakistan may not have many avenues to explore in the Pacific Asia defence market, but firms such as Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) do have a real shot if they play their cards correctly. ...Read More

Although risky and costly, the Marlin could be Pakistan’s opportunity to secure valuable technology for air-to-air and surface-to-air missile applications...Read More

According to several recent news reports, Pakistan is in active talks with Russia for the acquisition of Su-35s and Mi-28NEs...Read More

The Pakistan Air Force is aiming to retire 190 fighters by 2020. The F-16 & JF-17 will be at the center of these plans, but other fighters may be possible....Read More

Pakistan F-16 sale crosses through Senate; Dassault still committed India Rafale deal; UK and France agree to develop new UCAV ...Read More

Jordan takes delivery of surplus Blackhawk helicopters from the U.S; India clears $3 billion U.S. in arms purchases from Israel; and more ...Read More

The next several years will be critical for the PAF as it intends to phase-out a significant number of its legacy fighters by 2020. For the foreseeable future, the PAF will center its fighter acquisition plans...

Every Friday, Quwa offers coverage and short-form analysis of various news topics. It can be a challenge to offer in-depth reporting for every interesting news piece, so we invite you, our readers, to engage and share...

Beyond visual range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAM) are aerially launched munitions designed to engage targets in excess of 30km. ...Read More

22-28 January 2016 - JF-17 spotted with alternate refuelling probe; Pakistan looks to expand its shipbuilding capacity; Pakistan’s initiates C-130B/E upgrade & life-extension plan...Read More

Pakistan, who has sought to cultivate strong defence ties with Ankara over the past decade through a series of arms purchases, joint-exercises and a bilateral pilot training exchange program, is interested in the Altay MBT...Read More

Every Friday, Quwa offers coverage and short-form analysis of various news topics. It is difficult to offer in-depth coverage of every interesting piece of news, especially in areas unfamiliar to the staff......Read More

While China has been a major source of weapons for Pakistan over the past 50 years, new Chinese export programs will form the nuclei of Pakistan's future needs. China has become a preferred vendor....Read More

Pakistan reportedly closed the sale of eight JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft to Sri Lanka on 05 January 2016. This marks the second finalized overseas JF-17 sale for Pakistan, the first likely being Myanmar...Read More

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Sohail Aman confirmed to numerous Pakistani media outlets that the PAF was in negotiations with the U.S for “the latest” F-16s...Read More

The Antonov An-178 is quickly shaping up to be an attractive utility air lift option for countries seeking to augment or supplant their transport aircraft fleets....Read More

This article will offer some detail into the roles of the Army and the Frontier Corps in regards to Pakistan’s counterinsurgency (COIN) campaign, and how they changed over the past decade. ...Read More

Last week an article emerged on Ceylon Today outlining not only a possible sale of 10 JF-17s to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), but additional news about mounting Indian...

In addition to officially confirming the PAF’s plans to acquire a 5th generation platform, Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Sohail Aman apparently told The News that the F-35 Lightning II, alongside three other options, was under consideration....Read More

04 December 2015 By Bilal Khan Continuing from last week (Pakistan’s Shift to COIN Part 1) Amongst the earliest comprehensive military development programs set up by the U.S was the refreshing and enhancement of the Pakistan...

The Pakistani armed forces were not trained to think or fight in terms of counterinsurgency (COIN), and as a result, many of the armed forces’ early engagements were wrought with casualties and inefficiencies....Read More

It has been a rocky road for the U.S Air Force (USAF) and U.S Army’s current Boeing 707-based E-8 Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) ‘replacement’ program, and it will likely remain so for the...

The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) recently unveiled the FC-31 Gyrfalcon at the 2015 Dubai Air Show. The twin-engine FC-31 is marketed as a 5th-generation multi-role stealth fighter based on the J-31 that has been...

25 October 2015 By Bilal Khan The recent news about the U.S looking to offer a nuclear technology and fuel deal to Pakistan in exchange for Islamabad curbing its tactical nuclear weapons program was not unexpected....

22 October 2015 By Bilal Khan In the backdrop of a possible civilian nuclear energy deal between the U.S and Pakistan (which I intend to write about in the coming days), the U.S government just cleared...

  The information below will not be new to most Pakistani defence enthusiasts, especially those following the development of the JF-17 Thunder, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF)’s new mainstay multi-role fighter. That said, all of what...

10 October 2015 By Bilal Khan On October 7th Rana Tanveer Hussain, the Minister of Defence Production, announced that the major purchase of eight new submarines from China had been finalized, and that four of the...

03 October 2015 By Bilal Khan Compared to its sibling service arms, i.e. the Pakistan Army (PA) and Pakistan Air Force (PAF), the Pakistan Navy (PN) is, to put it politely, under-appraised. It is not that...

By Bilal Khan Anti-ship missiles (AShM) are a vital staple in the naval munitions inventory of modern militaries. As the name would probably suggest, AShMs are designed to target and sink enemy naval vessels. The concept...

26 September 2015 By Bilal Khan The French President Francois Hollande confirmed that Egypt is looking to buy the two Mistral-class helicopter carrier and amphibious assault ships from France. The two ships were originally built for...

By Bilal Khan 19 September 2015 It has been an interesting month for Russian-Pakistani relations. On the heels of a successfully concluded sale of an initial batch of four Mi-35 attack helicopters to Pakistan, reports about...

By Bilal Khan On September 9th 2015 the news agency Sputnik International reported (link) that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) was in talks with Russia for the purchase of the Sukhoi Su-35. Dawn News picked up...

By Bilal Khan As with the Yak-130 story, there are reports floating around claiming that Pakistan may be interested in the Sukhoi Su-35, Russia’s current 4+/4.5 generation fighter. The short of my point is that it...

By Bilal Khan The previous part of Quwa’s JF-17 series outlined the major changes coming to the platform via the development of JF-17 Block-3. Whereas the JF-17 of today is a significant improvement for the Pakistan...

By Bilal Khan DefenseNews published an interesting article the other day about a Chinese firm, NAV Technology, putting out a marketing document showing a fighter radar that is identical to the Israeli Elta ELM-2052 Active Electronically...

By Bilal Khan In April the U.S Defense Security Cooperation Agency sent Congress a request to approve a near $1bn US sale involving AH-1Z ‘Viper’ attack helicopters and 1000 AGM-114R Hellfire II missiles to the Pakistan...

By Bilal Khan In my previous piece I took a high level look at the JF-17 program, and in broad strokes I identified the improvements it brought (and will continue) to bring to the Pakistan Air...

By Bilal Khan Muhammad Ali Ehsan, a retired Pakistan Army lieutenant-colonel posted a thoughtful piece on the Express Tribune the other day that I found quite interesting. Essentially a response to the Sino-Pak submarine deal (reportedly...

Note: This was Quwa’s very first article, published over four years ago in 2015.  Whether it be wars with its rival India or periods of not-so-great relations with the U.S, the PAF has often suffered as...