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Monthly Defense News Recap – August 2022
How Pakistan Could Optimize its Air Warfare Capabilities
KSEW Cuts Steel for Pakistan’s Second MILGEM Corvette
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Commissioning ceremony of Offshore Patrol Vessel PNS YARMOOK
Damen and Blohm + Voss selected for construction German MKS180 frigates
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Pakistan Navy’s Damen Corvette / Offshore Patrol Vessel
China’s scale gives flexibility for high-tech arms development
Loaded Procurement Pipeline in Tow, The Pakistan Navy Rises (Part 1)
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Pakistan’s Defence Industry Lays Out Ambitious Future Roadmap
IDEAS 2022: The JF-17 Reaches a Key Maturation Phase
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The “Silent Service” is Still the Future of Pakistan’s Navy
ATR-72 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA)
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Monthly Defense News Recap – May 2023
Pakistan’s Defence Industry Lays Out Ambitious Future Roadmap
Pakistan Navy Commissions Last 2 Type 054A/P Frigates
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Monthly Defense News Recap – May 2023
Pakistan’s Defence Industry Lays Out Ambitious Future Roadmap
Pakistan Navy Commissions Last 2 Type 054A/P Frigates
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The Jinnah-Class Frigate: Pakistan’s Next-Generation Warship?
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June 2, 2023
Monthly Defense News Recap – May 2023
by
Bilal Khan
-
May 28, 2023
Turkish Aerospace (TUSAŞ) successfully test flew its T625 Gökbey general purpose helicopter with the indigenously developed TS1400 turboshaft engine....
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Pakistan’s Defence Industry Lays Out Ambitious Future Roadmap
by
Bilal Khan
-
May 22, 2023
Global Industrial and Defence Solutions (GIDS), the commercial wing of Pakistan’s state-owned defence industry vendors, released its future product roadmap....
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Pakistan Navy Commissions Last 2 Type 054A/P Frigates
by
Bilal Khan
-
May 14, 2023
The Pakistan Navy (PN) formally inducted its final pair of Tughril-class multi-mission frigates, completing its Type 054A/P fleet to four ships....
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Türkiye Christens its Next-Gen Fighter as “KAAN”
by
Bilal Khan
-
May 7, 2023
Turkish Aerospace Industries’ next-generation fighter aircraft, the Kaan, reflects the future of Türkiye’s integrated air warfare system....
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Türkiye’s Hürjet Trainer and T-929 Gunship Touch the Sky
by
Bilal Khan
-
Apr 30, 2023
Turkish Aerospace Industries’ (TUSAŞ) carried out the maiden test flight of its Hürjet trainer and started the engines of its T-929 attack helicopter....
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Monthly Defense News Recap – April 2023
by
Bilal Khan
-
Apr 23, 2023
Ukraine receives additional MiG-29s, but are these jets enough? India is aiming to take its next big step with the AMCA. Brazil and the UAE are jointly developing new missiles. ...
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Türkiye Commissions First Drone Carrier – TCG Anadolu
by
Bilal Khan
-
Apr 16, 2023
The Turkish Navy commissioned its lead landing helicopter dock (LHD), the TCG Anadolu. This LHD will also serve as Türkiye’s first ‘drone carrier.’...
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How Policy Culture Derailed Pakistan’s Next-Gen Fighter Efforts
by
Bilal Khan
-
Apr 9, 2023
With Project AZM defunct, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) will have to adjust its next-gen fighter requirements by seeking an off-the-shelf solution....
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New MPA Solutions Look to Take on Boeing P-8A Poseidon
by
Bilal Khan
-
Apr 3, 2023
South Africa’s Paramount Group and Canada’s PAL Aerospace are working to tap into the growing market for next-generation maritime patrol aircraft....
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Monthly Defense News Recap – March 2023
by
Bilal Khan
-
Mar 26, 2023
The defence industries of Türkiye, South Korea, and India are all making progress by developing weapon systems for their respective national militaries. ...
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Türkiye Reaches Key Milestones Across Aviation Programs
by
Bilal Khan
-
Mar 19, 2023
TUSAŞ successfully carried out the ground tests of its MMU and HÜRJET aircraft while also revealing the new ANKA 3 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV)....
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Economic Security: Pakistan’s Fatal Weakness
by
Bilal Khan
-
Mar 12, 2023
Pakistan’s anemic economy (relative to the country’s size, population, and potential) is a critical security vulnerability. ...
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The Post-Swift Retort Environment: Four Years Later
by
Bilal Khan
-
Mar 5, 2023
In just four years, Pakistan greatly added to its air warfare and air defence capabilities based on the lessons of their 2019 skirmish....
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Monthly Defense News Recap – February 2023
by
Bilal Khan
-
Feb 26, 2023
UAE kicked off IDEX 2023 and NAVDEX 2023 in Abu Dhabi. February’s recap looks at the major or uniquely interesting news pieces from these events....
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Pakistan Adds to JF-17 Value Proposition with Taimoor ALCM
by
Bilal Khan
-
Feb 19, 2023
Pakistan is reportedly offering its Taimoor air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) for export. It may package this ALCM with the new JF-17 Block-3....
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Japan to Replace Attack Helicopters With Drones
by
Bilal Khan
-
Feb 12, 2023
Japan announced that it will replace its fleet of manned attack and armed scout helicopters with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV)....
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Monthly Defense News Recap – January 2023
by
Bilal Khan
-
Feb 5, 2023
Turkish Aerospace reaches new milestone. Pakistan cuts steel of first indigenous patrol boat. India works to integrate its own AIP to Scorpene submarine....
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Kyiv Looks to Sharpen its Spear With Advanced Western Arms
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 29, 2023
Ukraine is reportedly expecting the U.S. and its other Western allies to supply upwards of 321 heavy tanks and, potentially later, fighter aircraft....
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J-10CE and JF-17 – Pakistan’s Emerging High-Low Mix
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 22, 2023
Through this decade, the J-10CE and JF-17 Block-3 will form the new mainstay of the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) combat aircraft fleet...
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Why CPEC Went Wrong for Both Pakistan and China
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 15, 2023
Why did CPEC ‘fail’ to deliver on Pakistan’s economic hopes? Was CPEC truly a “Marshall Plan?” ...
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The “Silent Service” is Still the Future of Pakistan’s Navy
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 8, 2023
With the fifth and sixth boats under production, it seems that the Pakistan Navy’s Hangor submarine project is proceeding (but without German engines)....
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2022: Pakistan Finds Modernization Path but Funds a Challenge
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 1, 2023
Islamabad can acquire modern weapons from China, but Pakistan’s corroding economy will hamper long-term plans....
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Monthly Defense News Recap – December 2022
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 25, 2022
Turkish Aerospace continues showcasing the progress it is making on its key aircraft projects....
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Bayraktar Kızılelma: Türkiye’s Homegrown Jet UCAV Takes Flight
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 17, 2022
On 14 December 2022, Baykar Technology announced that it flew its Bayraktar Kızılelma unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) for the first time....
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Turkey Tests Indigenous Vertical Launch System (VLS) – MIDLAS
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 11, 2022
Roketsan test-fired the HİSAR-RF surface-to-air missile (SAM) from its MIDLAS vertical launch system (VLS)....
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Turkey Reveals Prototype of its MMU/TFX Next-Gen Fighter
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 4, 2022
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) revealed the currently in-production prototype of its next-generation fighter, the MMU or TFX....
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Monthly Defense News Recap – November 2022
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 27, 2022
During IDEAS 2022, the Pakistani military set the direction of its modernization efforts by announcing several marque projects, like the Haider tank....
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IDEAS 2022: The JF-17 Reaches a Key Maturation Phase
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 20, 2022
One of the highlights of Pakistan’s most recent biennial defence exhibition, IDEAS 2022, is the story around the JF-17’s growth as a platform. ...
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Pakistan’s Air Warfare Goals for the Decade are Taking Shape
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 13, 2022
Centering on the J-10CE, JF-17 Block-3, and drones, the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) vision for this decade is materializing into concrete outputs....
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Pakistan’s Air Warfare Goals for the Decade are Taking Shape
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 13, 2022
Centering on the J-10CE, JF-17 Block-3, and drones, the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) vision for this decade is materializing into concrete outputs....
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Turkey Provides Glimpses of its New Defence Projects
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 6, 2022
Towards the end of October, the Turkish showcased its growing line up of homegrown weapons, especially in terms of drones. ...
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Monthly Defense News Recap – October 2022
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 30, 2022
The UK puts 14 C-130Js up for sale. Russia is leaning on Iranian drones. Pakistan Navy ships may be using a European VLS....
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First Pakistani Operators Qualify for Bayraktar Akıncı UCAV
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 24, 2022
Baykar announced that it qualified the first Pakistan Air Force (PAF) operators for the Bayraktar Akıncı unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV)....
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Lessons from Ukraine: How Pakistan Can Fine-Tune its A2/AD
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 16, 2022
The Russia-Ukraine War provides valuable lessons for Pakistan on how to improve its anti-access and area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities against a better-equipped foe....
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Pakistan Starts Building Original Patrol Boat
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 9, 2022
On October 06, Karachi Shipyards & Engineering Works cut the steel of the first of 20 new 38.8 metre patrol boats for the Pakistan Navy....
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Lessons from Ukraine: Lethal Air Defence Deployment is a Real Thing
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 2, 2022
Ukraine is using short and medium-range anti-air missiles to deprecate Russia’s air power and, in turn, sustain its counteroffensives....
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Monthly Defense News Recap – September 2022
by
Bilal Khan
-
Sep 25, 2022
The US approves an F-16 maintenance package for Pakistan. Turkey is looking to revive the Pakistani T129 deal. Pakistan may be buying a Turkish submarine....
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Is Ukraine’s Use of the HIMARS Making the Case for Land-Based Strike Capabilities?
by
Bilal Khan
-
Sep 19, 2022
One of the key assets Ukraine has been using in its bid to reclaim territory has been the U.S-supplied M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS)....
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Is Ukraine’s Use of the HIMARS Making the Case for Land-Based Strike Capabilities?
by
Bilal Khan
-
Sep 19, 2022
One of the key assets Ukraine has been using in its bid to reclaim territory has been the U.S-supplied M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS)....
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Turkey Makes Statement in Aerospace & Aims to Soar in 2023
by
Bilal Khan
-
Sep 5, 2022
Turkey wants to make a statement in the aerospace world, especially in 2023, in time for its 100th anniversary....
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Monthly Defense News Recap – August 2022
by
Bilal Khan
-
Aug 29, 2022
A look at top Pakistani defence news topics in the month of August 2022: Pakistan inducts its second Type 054A/P frigate; Turkey tests SIPER long-range SAM....
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A Glance at the Global Used F-16 Market
by
Bilal Khan
-
Aug 21, 2022
While it depends on the remaining life of the specific airframe, a used F-16 could offer a relatively capable and upgradable platform. ...
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Can Turkey Become a Top Defence Exporter?
by
Bilal Khan
-
Aug 14, 2022
Turkey could leverage its bilateral ties with Pakistan and other countries as a means to grow its key defence contractors and drive its exports....
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New Photos of Chinese Z-10ME Show Additional Improvements
by
Bilal Khan
-
Aug 7, 2022
New photos emerged through Weibo of the Z-10ME attack helicopter, an improved variant of the Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAIC) Z-10. ...
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Monthly Defense News Recap – July 2022
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jul 31, 2022
Pakistan will start getting its first of seven ex-Belgian C-130Hs soon. The Pakistan Navy ordered a new batch of OPVs. And South Korea flew its homegrown fighter....
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Bayraktar Akıncı: Turkey’s Next Statement Drone Shows its Potential
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jul 24, 2022
Through June and July, Baykar Makina test-fired several guided air-to-ground munitions from its Bayraktar Akıncı high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). For example, on June 15, Baykar Makina test-fired the KGK-SIHA-82 gliding precision-guided bomb (PGB)....
Argentina Weighs its Fighter Options: Is the JF-17 Still on the Table?
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jul 3, 2022
For Argentina, the challenge of buying the JF-17 is not just a narrow technology issue, but a broader geo-political matter....
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Monthly Defense News Recap – June 2022
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jun 26, 2022
Pakistan’s J-10CE and Type 054A/P frigate programs continue progressing. Pakistan is also aiming to shore up its existing US equipment. ...
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Pakistan’s Economic Flaws Catch Up to Bite Defence Needs
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jun 12, 2022
Pakistan’s near-3% increase to its defence budget will not offset the impact of the country’s structural economic flaws from recent years....
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Ukraine: Showcasing the Benefits and Drawbacks of Drones
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jun 6, 2022
The Russia-Ukraine war crossed its 100th day. Today, the war shows the benefits of drones for area and access denial, but their strategic limits as well....
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Monthly Defense News Recap – May 2022
by
Bilal Khan
-
May 30, 2022
This week’s Quwa Premium article is a recap of some defence news items from around the world. Besides a basic overview of the news, this article also offers short-form analysis of each issue. Turkey Launches Second...
Pakistan’s KSEW Launches Third MILGEM Corvette
by
Bilal Khan
-
May 22, 2022
Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW) launched the Pakistan Navy’s third Babur-class (MILGEM) corvette – PNS Badr....
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The Growth of Pakistan’s Air Defence Environment
by
Bilal Khan
-
May 8, 2022
One of the marque aspects of Pakistan’s defence modernization efforts is its widespread drive to improve its ground-based and sea-based air defence environments. Since Pakistan started this process in the early 2010s, it has improved its...
Monthly Defense News Recap – April
by
Bilal Khan
-
Apr 25, 2022
ASFAT A.Ş. selects SSI’s ShipConstructor solution for Jinnah-class frigate. Pakistan Navy inducts FAC(M)-4, PNS Haibat. Bayraktar TB2 extends its wartime utility....
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J-10CE: The Story of Pakistan’s Newest Fighter Acquisition
by
Bilal Khan
-
Apr 18, 2022
In March 2022, the Pakistan Air Force inducted its first batch of six J-10CE multi-role fighter aircraft from China. This marked the completion of a six-year-long acquisition effort....
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Pakistan Intends to Rely More on China for Armaments
by
Bilal Khan
-
Apr 10, 2022
Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Bajwa, said that Pakistan will ultimately rely more on China for arms....
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Turkey Sets Direction for Indigenous Fighter Engine
by
Bilal Khan
-
Apr 3, 2022
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) is developing an indigenous engine through its subsidiary, TR Motor, which it acquired in 2017....
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Monthly Defense News Recap: March 2022
by
Bilal Khan
-
Mar 27, 2022
Pakistan showcases its new equipment from China, including the J-10CE, VT4, HQ-9P, SH-15, and YLC-18A, among others. ...
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Analysis: The BrahMos-Mian Channu Incident
by
Bilal Khan
-
Mar 20, 2022
Both Pakistan and India will improve their anti-air capabilities to neutralize cruise missile threats. But will incident spur a new foreign relations shift?...
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After Inducting the J-10CE, Pakistan Hints at More Acquisitions
by
Bilal Khan
-
Mar 13, 2022
In a promotional video, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) hinted that it was procuring the Wing Loong 2 as well as Bayraktar TB2 and Akıncı drones and HQ-9BE long-range air defence system....
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Drones: The Future of ‘Budget’ Air Power?
by
Bilal Khan
-
Mar 6, 2022
The success of the Bayraktar TB2 is not only inviting the interest of established air forces. Rather, these drones could be a new entryway for smaller countries to build air power....
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Monthly Defense News Recap: February 2022
by
Bilal Khan
-
Feb 27, 2022
Photos emerged of the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) first J-10CEs. The Pakistan Navy (PN) confirmed that it inducted CH-4 UAVs and revealed other programs. ...
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Analysis: Pakistan’s Jinnah-Class Frigate Program
by
Bilal Khan
-
Feb 20, 2022
With the Jinnah-class frigate, the Pakistan Navy (PN) is trying to produce a capable, cost-effective mainstay surface warship to drive its future fleet....
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Indonesia Orders Rafale to Drive Fighter Modernization
by
Bilal Khan
-
Feb 13, 2022
Indonesia signed a $8.1 billion US deal for 42 Rafale fighters from France’s Dassault. The deal will include an offset element that will return back to the Indonesian economy....
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The Pakistan Army is Evolving its Strike Capabilities
by
Bilal Khan
-
Feb 6, 2022
The induction of the SH-15 self-propelled howitzer is another piece in Pakistan’s efforts to build its long-range, targeted strike capabilities from land....
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Monthly Defense News Recap: January 2022
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 30, 2022
The Pakistan Army takes delivery of Norinco SH-15 self-propelled howitzers. The Pakistan Navy inducts 10 ex-Qatari Sea King helicopters. Turkey’s Bayraktar Akıncı secures an export order....
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Pakistan Air Force Capability Additions for This Decade
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 23, 2022
Pakistan will be extending its air-to-air reach, expanding its strike capacity, and intensifying its electronic warfare capability through the 2020s....
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JF-17B: The Pakistan Air Force’s Growth Asset
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 16, 2022
Being the two-seat variant of the JF-17 Thunder, the Pakistan Air Force’s workhorse multirole fighter aircraft, the JF-17B will play a critical role in training pilots....
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Pakistan Orders J-10CE Fighters from China
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 9, 2022
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) reportedly has a number of Chengdu J-10CE fighters on order from China. The PAF is slated to receive its first J-10CEs by March 2022....
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Pakistan’s 2021: Chinese Solutions & Original Projects Take Lead
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 2, 2022
In 2021, Pakistan cemented its defence modernization strategy through the dual approach of acquiring off-the-shelf Chinese solutions and developing original projects....
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Monthly Defense News Recap: December 2021
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 26, 2021
China launches Pakistan's fourth Type 054A/P frigate. Pakistan receives a new batch of VT4 tanks and kits for upgrading its older tanks....
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Pakistan Reveals New Rifles – POF BW20 and POF BW21
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 19, 2021
Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) revealed its in-house, original rifles, the BW20 and BW21. The POF BW20 and BW21 are chambered for 7.62x51 mm NATO rounds....
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Pakistan’s KSEW Cuts Steel of Fifth Hangor Submarine
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 12, 2021
On 09 December 2021, Karachi Shipyards & Engineering Works (KSEW) cut the steel of the fifth Hangor-class submarine for the Pakistan Navy (PN)....
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Pakistan Showcases New Shahpar-II Drone
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 5, 2021
Pakistan’s GIDS is offering the Shahpar-II medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and Burq missile for export....
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Monthly News Recap: November 2021
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 28, 2021
Kazakhstan orders 3 Anka UAVs from Turkey. Pakistan’s new Type 054A/P frigates seem to be armed with CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missiles. Do sub-1,000 kg drones offer unique value?...
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Turkey’s Indigenous Long-Range SAM Passes Key Milestone
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 21, 2021
On November 06, 2021, Turkey announced that it test-fired its SIPER long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM). It is aiming to induct the SIPER by 2023....
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Pakistan Gets First Type 054A/P Frigate from China
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 14, 2021
On November 08 2021, the Pakistan Navy (PN) commissioned its first of four Type 054A/P frigates – PNS Tughril....
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New Mainstay Weapons: Loitering Munitions
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 7, 2021
Available in various sizes, loitering munitions are versatile weapons that may become a mainstay staple in the world’s militaries and, potentially, non-state actors....
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China’s New Fighters Emerge
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 31, 2021
Last week, photos emerged of two new fighters from China’s burgeoning aerospace industry: the twin-seat variant of the Chengdu J-20, and, potentially, the carrier-borne J-XY (or J-35)....
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Pakistan is Still Seeking a Mobile SHORAD
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 24, 2021
Having fulfilled its long-range air defence requirements with the HQ-9/P, the Pakistan Army (PA) still requires a new mobile short-range air defence system....
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Pakistan Army Inducts HQ-9/P Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile System
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 17, 2021
On 14 October 2021, the Pakistan Army announced that it inducted the HQ-9/P long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system....
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Pakistan’s C4I Evolution
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 10, 2021
Compared to India, Pakistan’s ability to acquire the latest fighter aircraft and other sophisticated weapons (especially from the West) is markedly more limited. However, the nature of modern warfare is that there is more to the...
Analysis: The JF-17’s Unique Value Proposition on the Market
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 3, 2021
As the JF-17 seemingly closes in on its third export sale (to Argentina), this article explores why more countries may seek the Sino-Pak multi-role fighter....
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Pakistan Navy Officially Announces Next-Gen LRMPA Program
by
Bilal Khan
-
Sep 5, 2021
On 02 September 2021, the Pakistan Navy (PN) announced that it will induct three new long-range maritime patrol aircraft based on the Embraer Lineage 1000E....
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Pakistan’s HIT Develops In-House 155 mm Artillery Gun
by
Bilal Khan
-
Aug 30, 2021
Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) revealed that it developed its own 155 mm howitzer gun. The Pakistan Army is currently testing the new artillery gun....
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IDEF 2021: Pakistan Defence News Updates
by
Bilal Khan
-
Aug 22, 2021
IDEF 2021 saw the reveal of Pakistan’s Jinnah-class frigate, a contract between TAI and NESCOM to collaborate on the Anka UAV, and interest in Turkish submarines....
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Pakistan’s First MILGEM Corvette Launched – PNS Babur
by
Bilal Khan
-
Aug 15, 2021
On 15 August 2021, Istanbul Naval Shipyard launched the Pakistan Navy’s (PN) first MILGEM corvette, which the PN has named PNS Babur....
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Turkish Company Reveals Carrier UCAV Concept
by
Bilal Khan
-
Aug 8, 2021
Baykar Makina revealed the MIUS, an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) designed for carrier operations without the need of a catapult....
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Analysis: How Pakistan Will Improve Its Air Power
by
Bilal Khan
-
Aug 1, 2021
Using Swift Retort as a template, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) will likely carry out the following acquisitions and changes....
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Pakistan Navy Invests in Original Weapon Programs
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jul 24, 2021
The Pakistan Navy’s (PN) Sea Sultan Long-Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft and Jinnah-class frigate programs are key original projects....
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Pakistan’s Drone Programs Poised for Growth
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jul 18, 2021
Pakistan has multiple drone programs under development or procurement as well as a new communications satellite in the roadmap....
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Pakistan May Use VT-4 Technology on al-Khalid 2 Tank
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jul 11, 2021
In an interview, Heavy Industries Taxila’s (HIT) Chairman, Maj. Gen Syed Aamer Raza, suggested that the al-Khalid 2 main battle tank could use technology from the VT-4....
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Pakistan Looks at Expanding Space Development
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jun 27, 2021
Pakistan is allocating funds in its Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) budget for 2021-2022 to study space development growth....
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Pakistan Receives Additional VT4 and Al-Khalid-I Parts
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jun 20, 2021
In May 2021, Pakistan took delivery of additional VT4 main battle tanks (MBT) and subassemblies for the al-Khalid Improved (al-Khalid I)....
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Pakistan Reportedly Launch Customer of Naval CAMM-ER
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jun 13, 2021
The Pakistan Navy (PN) is reportedly the launch customer of MBDA’s Albatros NG Naval Based Air Defence (NBAD) system. In a press release in March 2021, MBDA announced that it won a contract to supply the...
How Pakistan Could Optimize its Air Warfare Capabilities
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jun 6, 2021
The PAF could upgrade its existing JF-17 fleet to acquire fleet-wide ‘first-shot’ and stand-off range strike capabilities in the next five years....
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The Atomic Nucleus of Pakistan-US Ties
by
Bilal Khan
-
May 30, 2021
In recent weeks, there have been reports of the Pakistani government working to “reset” its relationship with the United States. Pakistan’s main goal is to build holistic ties with the U.S across trade, investment, and other...
Nigeria Takes Delivery of 3 JF-17 Thunder Fighters
by
Bilal Khan
-
May 23, 2021
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) took delivery of its three JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighters from Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC)....
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More Pakistan Navy Ships Enter Construction
by
Bilal Khan
-
May 16, 2021
China and Turkey have laid the keels of the Pakistan Navy’s third Type 054A/P frigate and second MILGEM corvette, respectively....
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JF-17 Squares Off for New Users
by
Bilal Khan
-
May 9, 2021
Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) are looking to seal new JF-17 contracts with Argentina and Malaysia....
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JF-17 Block-3 Starts Taking Shape
by
Bilal Khan
-
May 2, 2021
A recent photo of a JF-17 Block-III prototype (3001) equipped with the PL-10 high-off-boresight (HOBS) air-to-air missile (AAM) shows that weapons integration is underway....
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Why ‘Next-Gen’ Will Include Non-Stealth Fighters
by
Bilal Khan
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Apr 25, 2021
The U.S. Air Force (USAF) studying the idea of developing a new ‘fourth-generation’ fighter to replace its F-16s, so ‘next-generation’ fighters may not all be stealth-focused....
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Turkey’s Fighter Efforts Start Catching Momentum
by
Bilal Khan
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Apr 18, 2021
To bring its next-generation fighter (MMU) to fruition, Turkey realized that it would need to develop a wide range of critical inputs. Its efforts are now gaining traction....
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The Pakistan Air Force’s Plans for this Decade
by
Bilal Khan
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Apr 11, 2021
Having appointed its next Chief of Air Staff – Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu – the PAF will be looking ahead to several key programs in the 2020s....
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Pakistan Continues Investing in Drone Development
by
Bilal Khan
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Apr 3, 2021
The reveal of the Shahpar-2 and specifications of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex’s (PAC) larger UAV show that Pakistan is intent on developing a domestic drone industry....
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Pakistan’s Mirages: Today’s Success and Tomorrow’s Roadmap
by
Bilal Khan
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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
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 21, 2021
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is reportedly assigning its newly inducted JF-17Bs to both operational squadrons and a dedicated training unit....
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Pakistan’s Surface-to-Surface Missiles: Strategic Intent with Conventional Potential
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 14, 2021
In February 2021, Pakistan conducted training launches of its Ghaznavi short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) and Babur 1A ground-launched cruise missile (GLCM). The Army Strategic Forces Command (ASFC) had conducted the training launches to assess various operational...
New Pakistan Navy Chief Outlines Procurement Plans
by
Bilal Khan
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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....
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Pakistan Navy Programs Continue Moving Forward
by
Bilal Khan
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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....
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Pakistan Takes Delivery of CH-4 Drones from China
by
Bilal Khan
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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)....
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India Demonstrates Drone Swarming Capability
by
Bilal Khan
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Jan 17, 2021
On 16 January 2021, the Indian Army (IA) showcased a newly acquired drone swarming capability during its annual parade. ...
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Pakistan Tests Indigenous Fatah-1 Guided MLRS
by
Bilal Khan
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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....
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Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Delivers New JF-17B Batch
by
Bilal Khan
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Jan 2, 2021
On 30 December 2020, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) rolled out 14 JF-17B twin-seat fighters for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). These aircraft will join the eight JF-17Bs PAC rolled out in December 2019 – they are...
Will Pakistan Procure an Off-the-Shelf Fighter?
by
Bilal Khan
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Dec 20, 2020
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) repeatedly signalled an interest (or potential need) for an off-the-shelf fighter to complement its current fleet until a next-generation fighter becomes available....
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Can Pakistan Mirror Turkey’s Drone-Use Strategy?
by
Bilal Khan
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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?...
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Argentina Will Take Another Look at the JF-17 Thunder
by
Bilal Khan
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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....
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Pakistan’s Opportunity to Form a ‘Third’ Defence Supply Option
by
Bilal Khan
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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....
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Potential Shifts in Pakistan’s Defence Industry
by
Bilal Khan
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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....
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The Future of Pakistan’s Airborne Nuclear Deterrence
by
Bilal Khan
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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?...
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Pakistan’s A2/AD Efforts: P282 Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile
by
Bilal Khan
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Nov 1, 2020
The Pakistan Navy’s (PN) announcement of the P282 anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) indicates that the PN will continue boosting its anti-access and area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities, despite fleet growth....
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Is Pakistan Getting More Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV)?
by
Bilal Khan
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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
by
Bilal Khan
-
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....
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Outgoing Pakistan Navy Chief Reveals 50-Ship Vision
by
Bilal Khan
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Oct 10, 2020
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.’...
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Pakistan Officially Reveals VT4 Tank Induction
by
Bilal Khan
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Oct 4, 2020
On 22 September 2020, the Pakistan Army (PA) showed-off a newly acquired VT4 main battle tank (MBT) at the Field Firing Ranges near Jhelum. Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Qamar Javed Bajwa, observed the...
Pakistan Offers Glimpses of Next-Generation Fighter Program
by
Bilal Khan
-
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....
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Pakistan Commits to Forming Offset Policy for Defence Imports
by
Bilal Khan
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Sep 13, 2020
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....
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Pakistan Air Force Delves into Artificial Intelligence Development
by
Bilal Khan
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Aug 30, 2020
On 27 August 2020, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) announced that it inaugurated a ‘Centre of Artificial Intelligence & Computing’ (CENTAIC). The PAF hopes to use CENTAIC to drive the development of new military and civilian...
Pakistan’s Chinese Arms Purchases Start Taking Shape
by
Bilal Khan
-
Aug 23, 2020
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...
Pakistan Inducts Batch of al-Khalid-I Tanks
by
Bilal Khan
-
Aug 9, 2020
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)....
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Indian Air Force Inducts First Five Dassault Rafale Fighters
by
Bilal Khan
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Aug 2, 2020
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...
Is the New Klimov RD-93MA Engine an Option for the JF-17?
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jul 12, 2020
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? ...
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Moving Forward With the MILGEM-J Corvette/Frigate
by
Bilal Khan
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Jun 28, 2020
The Pakistan’s MILGEM corvette/frigate design shaping into a capable solution for the Pakistan Navy’s (PN) current and future needs. The PN should commit to additional ships and boost the localization of subsystems, weapons, and other inputs....
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Turkey Makes Inroads in Aero Engine Development
by
Bilal Khan
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Jun 21, 2020
Turkey’s Tusaş Engine Industries (TEI) announced that it successfully tested its TJ300 miniature turbojet engine at Turkish Aerospace Industries’ (TAI) facilities. TEI also tested the “core” of its domestic TS1400 turboshaft engine, and is aiming to...
Drones: How Pakistan Can Learn From Turkey
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jun 14, 2020
Turkey is setting an example of how to use armed UAVs against opposing military forces both today, and in the future. In contrast, Pakistan has not yet reached the level Turkey is at in drone design...
Pakistan Navy Chief Outlines Aviation Modernization Plans
by
Bilal Khan
-
May 24, 2020
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....
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The Groundwork to Induct a Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile
by
Bilal Khan
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May 17, 2020
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 Jinnah-Class Frigate: Pakistan’s Next-Generation Warship?
by
Bilal Khan
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May 3, 2020
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...
Rumours Abound of Large Sino-Pakistan Armour Deal
by
Bilal Khan
-
May 3, 2020
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...
Pakistan Air Warfare Goals by 2030 (Part 3)
by
Bilal Khan
-
Apr 26, 2020
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....
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Pakistan Air Warfare Goals by 2030 (Part 2)
by
Bilal Khan
-
Apr 12, 2020
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...
Type 054A/P: Work Progresses on Pakistan’s New Frigates
by
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...
Pakistan Air Warfare Goals by 2030 (Part 2)
by
Bilal Khan
-
Apr 5, 2020
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...
Pakistan’s Air Warfare Goals by 2030 (Part 1)
by
Bilal Khan
-
Mar 29, 2020
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....
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Germany Cleared EUR 174.4 M in Arms to Pakistan in 2018
by
Bilal Khan
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Mar 15, 2020
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....
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Pakistan Issues Tender for Radomes for TPS-77 MRR and YLC-18A
by
Bilal Khan
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Mar 15, 2020
The Directorate of Procurement (Air) of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) issued a public tender for the “procurement of radomes for TPS-77 MRR and YLC-18-18A radars.”...
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Pakistan May Revise Attack Helicopter Procurement Plans
by
Bilal Khan
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Mar 8, 2020
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....
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Nigeria Will Take Delivery of JF-17 Fighters in November 2020
by
Bilal Khan
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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....
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Pakistan Navy Seeks Platform for Long-Range Anti-Sub Aircraft
by
Bilal Khan
-
Mar 1, 2020
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)....
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The Present and Future Threats to Pakistan’s Submarine Fleet
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 23, 2020
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 and Turkey Look to Deepen Defence Ties
by
Bilal Khan
-
Feb 16, 2020
On 14 February, the governments of Turkey and Pakistan signed 13 new agreements, a number of which were aimed at strengthening bilateral defence, research and development, and industrial ties....
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Pakistan Selects KLJ-7A AESA Radar for JF-17 Block-III
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 9, 2020
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....
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Pakistan Selects KLJ-7A AESA Radar for JF-17 Block-III
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 9, 2020
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....
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Pakistan’s Economic Challenges: The Trade Deficit
by
Bilal Khan
-
Feb 2, 2020
Pakistan’s ongoing trade deficit will perpetually weaken its ability to sustain big-ticket arms or defence procurements. The fiscal funding necessary will continuously go towards repaying the debt created by the deficit, reducing the amount available for...
Pakistan’s Economic Challenges (Part 1): The Trade Deficit
by
Bilal Khan
-
Feb 2, 2020
Pakistan’s ongoing trade deficit will perpetually weaken its ability to sustain big-ticket arms or defence procurements. The fiscal funding necessary will continuously go towards repaying the debt created by the deficit, reducing the amount available for...
Pakistan Defence Review: News Updates and Short Analysis
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 26, 2020
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...
Pakistan Defence Review: News Updates and Short Analysis
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 26, 2020
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...
Boeing Says Bangladesh is Considering AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters
by
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
by
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....
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Turkey Announces Akya Heavyweight Torpedo Tests
by
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
by
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) ...
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Why is the Pakistan Air Force Procuring 26 JF-17B Fighters?
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 19, 2020
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. ...
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Why is the Pakistan Air Force Procuring 26 JF-17Bs?
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 19, 2020
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. ...
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Pakistan Navy’s Damen Corvette / Offshore Patrol Vessel
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 16, 2020
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....
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Gentium and Damen Shipyards Group to Grow Bangladeshi Shipbuilding
by
Bilal Khan
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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
by
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....
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Pakistani Senate Committee Sets Goals for PAC
by
Bilal Khan
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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...
Why the JF-17 Block-III Needs a Dedicated IRST System
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 12, 2020
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...
Why the JF-17 Block-III Needs a Dedicated IRST System
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 12, 2020
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...
Turkey Extends Aircraft Co-Production Offer to Malaysia
by
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. ...
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Can Pakistan Capitalize on Ukraine’s Defence Industry?
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 9, 2020
Ukraine is implementing an extensive re-armament program for its armed forces along, in tandem, with growing the output and activity of its defence industry. The policy was cemented in August 2017, when Ukraine’s President, Petro Poroshenko,...
Leonardo Demos Next Generation Radar Warning Receiver (RWR)
by
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....
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Pakistan Extends T129 ATAK Delivery Window by One Year
by
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. ...
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Turkish Aerospace Opens Office in Pakistan
by
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. ...
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Pakistan Navy Officially Inducts ATR-72 MPA and LUNA NG UAV
by
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)....
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JF-17 Block-III: Pakistan’s New Fighter
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 5, 2020
In December 2019, the prototype of the JF-17 Block-III made its maiden test flight at CAIG’s facility in Chengdu. The Block-III retains the airframe of the preceding Block-I and Block-II, however, though the design will incorporate...
JF-17 Block-III: Pakistan’s New Fighter
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 5, 2020
In December 2019, the prototype of the JF-17 Block-III made its maiden test flight at CAIG’s facility in Chengdu. The Block-III retains the airframe of the preceding Block-I and Block-II, however, though the design will incorporate...
Pakistan’s PAC and AVIC Sign Agreement to Co-Produce Chinese Commercial Aircraft
by
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....
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Pakistan’s PAC Inaugurates JF-17 Integration Facility
by
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....
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JF-17 Block 3 Prototype Takes Flight
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 31, 2019
In December 2019, the prototype of the JF-17 Block III conducted its maiden test flight. There are only minor changes to the airframe, most of the upgrades are either internal or subsystem related....
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The Question of Collaborating with Turkey on Defence
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 29, 2019
In recent years, Turkey has risen to becoming Pakistan’s second leading arms supplier, following China. Could this relationship extend beyond procurement and stem into joint development and production?...
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The Question of Collaborating with Turkey on Defence
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 28, 2019
In recent years, Turkey has risen to becoming Pakistan’s second leading arms supplier, following China. Could this relationship extend beyond procurement and stem into joint development and production?...
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A Joint Land and Air Approach to SEAD/DEAD
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 22, 2019
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....
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A Joint Land and Air Approach to SEAD/DEAD
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 22, 2019
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....
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The Push to Boost Pakistan’s Space Program
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 17, 2019
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...
Pakistan’s Integrated Dynamics Reveals Pseudo-Satellite Project
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 16, 2019
Integrated Dynamics, a private sector company in Pakistan, says it is developing High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) platforms in the form of solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV)....
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Tests Scheduled for Pakistan’s First Upgraded Agosta 90B in 2020
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 15, 2019
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....
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The Post Swift Retort Environment
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 15, 2019
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....
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The Post Swift Retort Environment
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 15, 2019
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....
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Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Shows Off Ongoing Projects
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 12, 2019
Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) is currently working on multiple programs, including a high-speed target drone, precision-guided bombs, targeting pod integration, and possibly its MALE UAV project....
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Turkey’s Aselsan to Open an Office in Pakistan
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 11, 2019
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....
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Why the JF-17 Block 3 Matters to the Pakistan Air Force
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 10, 2019
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...
Turkey’s Akıncı Drone Completes First Test Flight
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 9, 2019
On 06 December 2019, the privately-owned Turkish aerospace company Baykar announced that its new twin-engine drone, the Akıncı, performed its maiden test flight....
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Saab Delivers Deployable Maintenance Facility Solution to Hungary
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 8, 2019
The ‘Deployable Maintenance Facility’ (DAM) is a unique approach on forward aircraft deployment by enabling the end-user to move both the aircraft and its maintenance support elements with ease, i.e., without investing in fixed logistics infrastructure...
South Africa’s Atlas Carver | Lessons for Pakistan?
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 8, 2019
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...
South Africa’s Atlas Carver | Lessons for Pakistan?
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 8, 2019
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...
Pakistan Army Conducts Training Exercise in Bahawalpur
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 5, 2019
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. ...
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Rheinmetall Tests 76 km Range Artillery System
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 4, 2019
On 06 November 2019, Germany’s Rheinmetall test-fired an artillery round from a South African Denel Land Systems G6 howitzer and achieved a range of 76, the highest achieved range for a 155 shell. ...
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A Look at Pakistan’s Sonmiani Weapon Test Range
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 3, 2019
On 02 February 2018, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) announced that it established an instrumented Weapon Test Range (WTR) at the Sonmiani Firing Range....
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Update (2019): Pakistan’s T129 ATAK Attack Helicopter Purchase
by
Bilal Khan
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Dec 2, 2019
In an interview published on 02 December 2019, the head of Turkey’s Defense Industries Presidency (SSB), Dr. İsmail Demir said the sale of 30 T129 ATAK attack helicopters to Pakistan is still proceeding....
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Calidus B-250 Light Attack Aircraft
by
Bilal Khan
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Dec 1, 2019
Offered by the UAE-based company Calidus, the B-250 is a turboprop-powered light combat aircraft for primarily counterinsurgency (COIN) and counterterrorism (CT) missions. In 2019, Calidus secured its first contract from the UAE for 24 B-250 aircraft...
How Pakistan Might Pursue its Future Strike Aircraft Needs
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 1, 2019
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...
How Pakistan Might Pursue its Future Strike Aircraft Needs
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 1, 2019
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...
Pakistan Conducts ‘Command Level Operation’ Exercise
by
Bilal Khan
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Dec 1, 2019
On 29 November 2019, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) announced that it held a ‘command level operation’ exercise – designated ‘Hawk-Eye’ – across all three of its Regional Commands. ...
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Pakistan Shows Glimpse of its New Drones
by
Bilal Khan
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Nov 28, 2019
At the 2019 Dubai Air Show, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) showed both an illustration and a photo a test-launch of its new jet-powered target drone. It also showed an illustration of its medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned...
Pakistan’s KSEW Launches Fourth Fast Attack Craft (Missile)
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 27, 2019
Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW) launched the Pakistan Navy’s (PN) fourth Azmat-class fast attack craft (missile) – or FAC(M) – on 27 November 2019. ...
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Turkey Starts Testing S-400 Air Defence System
by
Bilal Khan
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Nov 26, 2019
The Ankara Governorate announced that the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) has started testing the radar systems of its newly acquired S-400 long-range air defence system....
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South Africa Blocks New Arms Transfers to Saudi Arabia and UAE
by
Bilal Khan
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Nov 25, 2019
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....
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China Officially Promotes J-10C for Export
by
Bilal Khan
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Nov 24, 2019
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. ...
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Damen Oskarshamnsvarvet signs EPC contract with Swedish Coastguard
by
Bilal Khan
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Nov 24, 2019
Damen Oskarshamnsvarvet has signed an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract with Kustbevakningen, the Swedish Coastguard (KBV), for a modernisation and modification project on the vessel KBV 181. ...
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Hürjet: A Look at Turkey’s Next Generation Trainer Aircraft
by
Bilal Khan
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Nov 24, 2019
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...
Hürjet: A Look at Turkey’s Next Generation Trainer Aircraft
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 24, 2019
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...
Pakistan Apparently Received a JY-27A Radar from China
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 21, 2019
Satellite images revealed the presence of a radar system, potentially the CETC JY-27A, at the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) M.M Alam Air Base. ...
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JF-17 to Take Part in Malaysia’s New Fighter Competition
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 20, 2019
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....
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Pakistan Will Need Submarine Rescue Capabilities
by
Bilal Khan
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Nov 19, 2019
In its 2015-2016 disclosure, Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) listed the construction of a submarine rescue and salvage vessel for the Pakistan Navy (PN) at KSEW. The MoDP did not provide a specific timeline, but...
Aselsan Secures €176.9 m Contract for Pakistan’s MILGEM Corvette Program
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 18, 2019
On 14 November 2019, Aselsan announced that it signed a €176.9 m contract with ASFAT A.Ş to supply subsystems for the Pakistan Navy’s MILGEM corvettes....
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Pakistan’s Naval Chief Visits Romania & Reviews Upcoming Corvette
by
Bilal Khan
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Nov 17, 2019
On 16 November 2019, the Pakistan Navy (PN) announced that the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, paid an official visit to Romania. The CNS also visited Damen Shipyards Galati, which constructed the...
Indian Army Undertakes Massive Combat Exercise in Thar
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 17, 2019
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....
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Indian Army Undertakes Massive Combat Exercise in Thar
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 17, 2019
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....
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Pakistan’s Defence Industry: Constructing a Domestic Marketplace & Examining Offsets
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 14, 2019
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....
Pakistan Navy Takes Part in Multi-National Exercise in Turkey
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 13, 2019
The PNS Alamgir has been in Turkey since 09 November 2019 for a 12-day multinational maritime exercise – designated Operation Mediterranean Shield – in the Aegean Sea....
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Turkey Test Fires Atmaca Anti-Ship Missile from MILGEM Corvette
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 12, 2019
On 4 November 2019, Turkey’s Defense Industries Presidency announced that the Turkish Navy’s TCG Kinaliada, a MILGEM corvette, successfully test-fired an Atmaca anti-ship cruising missile....
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Profile: Pakistan’s New Hangor Submarine
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 11, 2019
The Pakistan Navy has eight Hangor submarines on order from China. The first four will be inducted in 2022-2023, and the last four by 2028. ...
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India’s Air Defence Efforts are Eroding Pakistan’s Offensive Ability
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 10, 2019
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....
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India’s Air Defence Efforts are Eroding Pakistan’s Offensive Ability
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 10, 2019
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...
UAE Launches New Company ‘Edge’ to Spearhead Defence Industry
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 10, 2019
The United Arab Emirates launched EDGE Group, a new state-owned enterprise, to consolidate the country’s 25 defence suppliers to provide new solutions for the domestic UAE and overseas markets. ...
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EU Military Committee Chairman Makes Official Visit to Pakistan
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 7, 2019
The Chairman of the European Union Military Committee, General Claudio Graziano, visited Air Headquarters Islamabad on Wednesday, 06 November 2019....
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Pakistan Navy Tests Land-Based Anti-Ship Missile (Zarb)
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 6, 2019
The Pakistan Navy announced that it test-fired the land-based anti-ship cruising missile (ASCM), designated “Zarb,” on 05 November 2019. ...
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China’s scale gives flexibility for high-tech arms development
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 5, 2019
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...
Indonesia is Planning to Procure 2 F-16 Block-72 Squadrons
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 4, 2019
The Indonesian Air Force’s (TNI-AU) Chief of Air Staff, Marshal Yuyu Sutisna, announced the TNI-AU is planning to procure two squadrons of Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Block-72 fighters from 2020 to 2024....
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Steel Cut for 2 Pakistan Navy Type 054A/P Frigates
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 3, 2019
China Shipbuilding Trading Co. Ltd. (CSTC) conducted the steel cutting ceremony of two Type 054A/P frigates for the Pakistan Navy (PN). The PN is slated to receive all four Type 054A/P frigates by 2021....
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A Look into the ‘Loyal Wingman’ Drone Concept
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 3, 2019
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....
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A Look into the ‘Loyal Wingman’ Drone Concept
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 3, 2019
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....
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Pakistan Ordnance Factories Reveals New PK18 and PK21 Assault Rifles
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 31, 2019
At the 5th Pak-Turkey Defence Exhibition (Defence Port Turkey), Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) revealed three new firearms: the PK18 assault rifle, PK21 submachine gun, and POF10 pistol. ...
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Bangladesh Orders AESA Air Defence Radars from Leonardo
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 30, 2019
The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) selected the Leonardo KRONOS Land radar for its future air surveillance and air defence needs. Leonardo announced the order at the 2019 Bahrain International Defence Exhibition and Conference (BIDEC). ...
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Pakistan Air Force Chief Visited South Africa
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 30, 2019
The Pakistan Air Force’s Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Mujahid Anwar Khan paid an official visit to South Africa on 24 October 2019. ACM Khan discussed various matters of professional interest with his...
Loaded Procurement Pipeline in Tow, The Pakistan Navy Rises (Part 1)
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 29, 2019
With a relatively deep – and active – procurement roadmap of new submarines, frigates and other assets, the Pakistan Navy is aims to implement an ambitious modernization project in the next decade....
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Turkish Aerospace to Develop ‘T629’ Armed or Attack Helicopter
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 28, 2019
Turkish Aerospace’s General Manager and CEO, Temel Kotil, revealed that the company will develop a six-ton attack or armed helicopter that will fill a gap between the T129 ATAK and 10-ton ATAK II attack helicopters. The...
South Africa’s CSIR Raises Possibility of Wingman Drone Research
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 27, 2019
South Africa’s government-owned think-tank, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), proposed studying drone wingmen for the South African Air Force’s (SAAF) Gripen fleet....
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Pakistan’s Anti-Tank Guided Missile Requirements
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 27, 2019
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. ...
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Pakistan’s Anti-Tank Guided Missile Requirements
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 27, 2019
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. ...
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Pakistan’s Defence Exports Reached USD 212.6 million in 2018-2019
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 24, 2019
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. ...
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Turkey’s Baykar Delivers Second TB2 UAV Batch to Ukraine
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 23, 2019
The Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar announced that it delivered a second batch of Bayraktar TB2 armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to Ukraine....
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AW139: The Pakistan Air Force’s New Mainstay SAR Helicopter
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 22, 2019
On 03 March 2018, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) formally equipped the No. 88 Search-and-Rescue (SAR) squadron with two Leonardo AW139 utility helicopters. The No. 88 “Combat Support Squadron and Advanced Helicopter Training School” operates from...
Italy Approved $762 m in Arms Sales to Pakistan in 2018
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 21, 2019
According to Italy’s “Report on Authorized Transactions Carried Out for Export, Import and Transit Control of Armament Materials,” the Italian government approved €682.91 million (i.e., $762 million US) in arms sales to Pakistan in 2018. However,...
Italian Defence Industry Heads Visit Pakistan
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 20, 2019
On 17 October 2019, the President of the AIAD (Italian Companies for Aerospace, Defence and Security), Guido Crosetto, and CEO of MBDA Italy, Pasquale Di Bartolomeo, met with the Pakistan Navy’s Chief of Naval Staff (CNS)...
That Time When Pakistan Sought The A-7 Corsair II
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 20, 2019
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...
That Time When Pakistan Sought The A-7 Corsair II
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 20, 2019
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...
Ukraine Unveils New Supersonic Air-to-Surface Missile Program
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 17, 2019
Ukraine’s Yuzhnoye Design Office revealed that it is developing a new supersonic-cruising air-to-surface missile (ASM) called the ‘Bliskavka’ (Lightning). It showcased a mock-up of the Bliskavka at Ukraine’s marquee defence exhibition, Arms and Security 2019. ...
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BMC Says Altay MBT Will Be Ready in Two Years
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 16, 2019
BMC, the Turkish manufacturer awarded with the contract of manufacturing the Altay main battle tank for the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), said that the TSK will operate the Altay MBT in two years....
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Saab and Boeing Successfully Test Fire GLSDB
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 15, 2019
On 14 October 2019, Saab and Boeing announced that they successfully test-fired the Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB) system in Norway towards the end of September 2019....
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China Releases New Details on the AVIC Z-20 Helicopter
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 14, 2019
China’s state-owned newspaper provided details of the Z-20, the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) new transport helicopter....
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Turkey Completes HİSAR-A Surface-to-Air Missile Tests
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 13, 2019
Turkey’s Defense Industry President İsmail Demir announced that Roketsan and Aselsan completed the development of the HİSAR-A surface-to-air missile (SAM) system....
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Pakistan Makes Progress on Next-Gen Fighter Program
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 12, 2019
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...
Pakistan Makes Progress on Next-Gen Fighter Program
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 12, 2019
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...
Can Offsets Work in Pakistan? (Quwa Premium Sample)
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 10, 2019
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. ...
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Dassault Delivers First Four Rafale Fighters to India
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 9, 2019
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....
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Pakistan Confirms Deliveries of Follow-On Erieye AEW&C
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 8, 2019
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....
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Denel Dynamics Certifies A-Darter Air-to-Air Missile
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 7, 2019
On 02 October 2019, Denel Dynamics announced that it has completed the qualification and certification of the A-Darter, a high off-boresight (HOBS) air-to-air missile (AAM)....
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Pakistan Ordered Kornet-E Anti-Tank Guided Missiles in 2017-2018
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 6, 2019
According to the Ministry of Defence Production’s (MoDP) 2017-2018 yearbook, Pakistan’s Directorate General Defence Purchase (DGDP) ordered Kornet anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) for $62.46 m US....
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Pakistan’s Supersonic Missile Should Work From Small Launch Platforms
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 6, 2019
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...
Pakistan’s Supersonic Missile Should Work From Small Launch Platforms
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 6, 2019
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...
The JF-17’s air-launched rocket (CM-400AKG)
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 3, 2019
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...
Pakistan to Develop a Supersonic Missile for Naval Usage
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 2, 2019
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....
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South Korea’s KAI to Start Work on KF-X Prototype
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 1, 2019
According to a press release by the Defense Acquisition Programme Administration, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) will begin work on the first prototype of its next-generation KF-X combat aircraft....
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Pakistan Rolls Out First Locally Overhauled JF-17 Fighters
by
Bilal Khan
-
Sep 30, 2019
On 26 September 2019, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) announced that it rolled-out its first two domestically overhauled JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighters. ...
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Steel Cut for Pakistan Navy’s First MILGEM Corvette
by
Bilal Khan
-
Sep 29, 2019
On Sunday, 29 September 2019, Istanbul Shipyard conducted the steel-cutting ceremony of the first MILGEM corvette slated for the Pakistan Navy. Pakistan has four MILGEM corvettes on order as part of a $1 to $1.5 billion...
Could a Western Radar Work on the JF-17?
by
Bilal Khan
-
Sep 28, 2019
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...
Could a Western Radar Work on the JF-17?
by
Bilal Khan
-
Sep 28, 2019
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...
Pakistan Navy’s Damen Corvette / Offshore Patrol Vessel
by
Bilal Khan
-
Sep 28, 2019
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....
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Though Slow, Pakistan’s Armour and Artillery Modernization is Moving
by
Bilal Khan
-
Sep 28, 2019
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....
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Though Slow, Pakistan’s Armour and Artillery Modernization is Moving
by
Bilal Khan
-
Sep 28, 2019
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....
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Understanding Pakistan’s Defence Industry Woes
by
Bilal Khan
-
Aug 13, 2019
In July 2019, the Pakistan Army’s Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa called for greater public-private sector collaboration in Pakistan’s defence space. However, bar a comprehensive shift in policy, such change is unlikely to...
Understanding Pakistan’s Defence Industry Woes
by
Bilal Khan
-
Aug 13, 2019
In July 2019, the Pakistan Army’s Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa called for greater public-private sector collaboration in Pakistan’s defence space. However, bar a comprehensive shift in policy, such change is unlikely to...
Overview: Turkish Aerospace’s Future Helicopter Programs
by
Bilal Khan
-
Aug 12, 2019
A summary of Turkish Aerospace Industries’ (TAI) forthcoming helicopter programs: the 10-ton ATAK-2 Heavy Attack Helicopter, 10-ton General Utility/Transport Helicopter, and T-625 Utility Helicopter. ...
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Overview: Turkish Aerospace’s Future Helicopter Programs
by
Bilal Khan
-
Aug 12, 2019
A summary of Turkish Aerospace Industries’ (TAI) forthcoming helicopter programs: the 10-ton ATAK-2 Heavy Attack Helicopter, 10-ton General Utility/Transport Helicopter, and T-625 Utility Helicopter. ...
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A Look at How the Pakistan Navy’s Pairing Eastern & Western Solutions
by
Bilal Khan
-
Aug 10, 2019
Through its MILGEM corvette/frigate and Damen corvette/offshore patrol vessel programs, the Pakistan Navy is opting to pair Chinese, Turkish and Western systems to create bespoke solutions....
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A Look at How the Pakistan Navy’s Pairing Eastern & Western Solutions
by
Bilal Khan
-
Aug 10, 2019
Through its MILGEM corvette/frigate and Damen corvette/offshore patrol vessel programs, the Pakistan Navy is opting to pair Chinese, Turkish and Western systems to create bespoke solutions....
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Pakistan Outlines MILGEM Configuration
by
Bilal Khan
-
Aug 10, 2019
The Pakistan Navy disclosed to the Turkish Media the anti-ship warfare (AShW) and anti-air warfare (AAW) configuration of its forthcoming MILGEM corvettes/frigates....
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Pakistan Outlines MILGEM Configuration
by
Bilal Khan
-
Aug 10, 2019
The Pakistan Navy disclosed to the Turkish Media the anti-ship warfare (AShW) and anti-air warfare (AAW) configuration of its forthcoming MILGEM corvettes/frigates....
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Pakistan Inches Closer to Inducting the JF-17 Block 3
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jul 1, 2019
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...
Pakistan Inches Closer to Inducting the JF-17 Block 3
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jul 1, 2019
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...
Pakistan Positioning JF-17 for Ground Attack Role
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jul 1, 2019
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. ...
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Pakistan Positioning JF-17 for Ground Attack Role
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jul 1, 2019
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. ...
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Pakistan Defence Review: News Updates
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jul 1, 2019
The official designation of the Pakistan Navy’s ATR-72 MPA is ‘Sea Eagle.’ The Pakistan Navy selected Aselsan’s Zargana and ALPER for the Agosta 90B and Damen OPV 1900, respectively. Pakistan is seeking new suppliers in lieu...
Pakistan Defence Review: News Updates
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jul 1, 2019
The official designation of the Pakistan Navy’s ATR-72 MPA is ‘Sea Eagle.’ The Pakistan Navy selected Aselsan’s Zargana and ALPER for the Agosta 90B and Damen OPV 1900, respectively. Pakistan is seeking new suppliers in lieu...
Damen Shipyards Launches Pakistan’s First Corvette
by
Bilal Khan
-
May 27, 2019
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...
Damen Shipyards Launches Pakistan’s First Corvette
by
Bilal Khan
-
May 27, 2019
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...
Pakistan Air Force CAS Outlines Next Procurement Steps
by
Bilal Khan
-
May 26, 2019
The Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Mujahid Anwar Khan laid-out the PAF’s upcoming procurement plans, which include expanding the JF-17 order, buying lead-in-fighter-trainers (LIFT), and defining the next-generation...
Pakistan Air Force CAS Outlines Next Procurement Steps
by
Bilal Khan
-
May 26, 2019
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...
Pakistan Open Minded on Turkey’s Next-Gen Fighter TF-X
by
Bilal Khan
-
May 3, 2019
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had expressed a willingness to engage with Turkey on the development of a next-generation fighter since 2016. However, the two sides are far from achieving traction. ...
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Pakistan Open Minded on Turkey’s Next-Gen Fighter TF-X
by
Bilal Khan
-
May 3, 2019
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had expressed a willingness to engage with Turkey on the development of a next-generation fighter since 2016. However, the two sides are far from achieving traction. ...
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Pakistan Defence Review (April 2019): Modest Steps for the Short-Term & Significant Plans for the Long-Term
by
Bilal Khan
-
Apr 30, 2019
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...
Pakistan Defence Review (April 2019): Modest Steps for the Short-Term & Significant Plans for the Long-Term
by
Bilal Khan
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Apr 30, 2019
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...
Pakistan Navy Tests Dual Land-Attack & Anti-Ship Cruise Missile
by
Bilal Khan
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Apr 28, 2019
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)....
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Pakistan Navy Tests Dual Land-Attack & Anti-Ship Cruise Missile
by
Bilal Khan
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Apr 28, 2019
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)....
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Leonardo Inaugurates Office in Islamabad
by
Bilal Khan
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Apr 19, 2019
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...
Leonardo Inaugurates Office in Islamabad
by
Bilal Khan
-
Apr 19, 2019
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...
PAC Releases Tender for ‘Data Link Items for MALE UAV’
by
Bilal Khan
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Apr 16, 2019
Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) released a tender for the “procurement of data link items” for a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). ...
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PAC Releases Tender for ‘Data Link Items for MALE UAV’
by
Bilal Khan
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Apr 16, 2019
Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) released a tender for the “procurement of data link items” for a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). ...
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Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Issues Tender for JF-17 MRO Warehouse
by
Bilal Khan
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Apr 16, 2019
On 22 April 2019, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) issued a tender for a warehouse for the JF-17’s maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility....
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Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Issues Tender for JF-17 MRO Warehouse
by
Bilal Khan
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Apr 16, 2019
On 22 April 2019, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) issued a tender for a warehouse for the JF-17’s maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility....
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Pakistan Air Force Takes Delivery of 3 Saab 2000 Aircraft
by
Bilal Khan
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Apr 14, 2019
In April 2019, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) took delivery of three Saab 2000 aircraft, which Pakistan’s Directorate General of Defence Purchases (DGDP) ordered in February 2018. This may be connected to the PAF’s reported order...
Pakistan Air Force Takes Delivery of 3 Saab 2000 Aircraft
by
Bilal Khan
-
Apr 14, 2019
In April 2019, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) took delivery of three Saab 2000 aircraft, which Pakistan’s Directorate General of Defence Purchases (DGDP) ordered in February 2018. This may be connected to the PAF’s reported order...
Why Reinforcing the JF-17 Program is a Valid Strategic Move
by
Bilal Khan
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Apr 14, 2019
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. ...
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Why Reinforcing the JF-17 Program is a Valid Strategic Move
by
Bilal Khan
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Apr 14, 2019
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. ...
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Denel Reportedly in Talks to Sell Artillery to a Country in Asia
by
Bilal Khan
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Mar 27, 2019
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....
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Denel Reportedly in Talks to Sell Artillery to a Country in Asia
by
Bilal Khan
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Mar 27, 2019
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....
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Damen Shipyards Den Helder signs order with Netherlands’ Defense Material Organization for Expeditionary Survey Boat
by
Bilal Khan
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Mar 25, 2019
Damen Shipyards Den Helder (DSDH) and the Netherlands’ Defense Material Organization (DMO) procurement agency have signed a contract for the design, build and delivery of a prototype Expeditionary Survey Boat (ESB). The craft will be optimised...
Malaysia and Azerbaijan Headline Pakistan’s Fresh JF-17 Sales Efforts
by
Bilal Khan
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Mar 24, 2019
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. ...
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Malaysia and Azerbaijan Headline Pakistan’s Fresh JF-17 Sales Efforts
by
Bilal Khan
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Mar 24, 2019
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. ...
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Pakistan Adds to Agosta 90B Submarine Upgrade Program
by
Bilal Khan
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Mar 15, 2019
On 08 March 2019, Pakistan signed a contract with Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.Ş. (STM) of Turkey to configure the Pakistan Navy’s Agosta 90B submarines with acoustic measurement sensors and torpedo countermeasure systems. ...
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Pakistan Adds to Agosta 90B Submarine Upgrade Program
by
Bilal Khan
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Mar 15, 2019
On 08 March 2019, Pakistan signed a contract with Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.Ş. (STM) of Turkey to configure the Pakistan Navy’s Agosta 90B submarines with acoustic measurement sensors and torpedo countermeasure systems. ...
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Pakistan Air Force’s JF-17 Test Fires New Precision Guided Weapon
by
Bilal Khan
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Mar 12, 2019
On March 12, 2019 the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) announced that it test-fired a new “extended range” precision-guided weapon from a JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter....
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Pakistan Air Force’s JF-17 Test Fires New Precision Guided Weapon
by
Bilal Khan
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Mar 12, 2019
On March 12, 2019 the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) announced that it test-fired a new “extended range” precision-guided weapon from a JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter....
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February Skirmish: Stand-Off Weapons & Long-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (Part 2)
by
Bilal Khan
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Mar 9, 2019
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)....
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February Skirmish: Stand-Off Weapons & Long-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (Part 2)
by
Bilal Khan
-
Mar 9, 2019
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)....
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February Skirmish: Aftermath of the India-Pakistan Air Battle (Part 1)
by
Bilal Khan
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Mar 8, 2019
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...
February Skirmish: Aftermath of the India-Pakistan Air Battle (Part 1)
by
Bilal Khan
-
Mar 8, 2019
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...
Pakistan’s Naval Chief Outlines Future Procurement Goals
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 24, 2019
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....
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Pakistan’s Naval Chief Outlines Future Procurement Goals
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 24, 2019
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....
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Movement in Pakistan Army Aviation’s Procurement Efforts
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 18, 2019
Following a spate of major contract signings, the Pakistan Army and its vendors have begun engaging on implementation – attack helicopters, anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM), and training are on the table....
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Movement in Pakistan Army Aviation’s Procurement Efforts
by
Bilal Khan
-
Feb 18, 2019
Following a spate of major contract signings, the Pakistan Army and its vendors have begun engaging on implementation – attack helicopters, anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM), and training are on the table....
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Armoured Vehicles (Part 1): How Pakistan is Not Pushing the Manufacturing Needle Far Enough
by
Bilal Khan
-
Feb 10, 2019
Though local vendors have showcased various wheeled armoured vehicle designs, little focus is being paid to localizing key inputs (e.g., engine, transmission, etc) when proposing solutions to major needs....
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Armoured Vehicles (Part 1): How Pakistan is Not Pushing the Manufacturing Needle Far Enough
by
Bilal Khan
-
Feb 10, 2019
Though local vendors have showcased various wheeled armoured vehicle designs, little focus is being paid to localizing key inputs (e.g., engine, transmission, etc) when proposing solutions to major needs....
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Examining the Case for Conventional Deterrence in Pakistan
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 3, 2019
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....
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Examining the Case for Conventional Deterrence in Pakistan
by
Bilal Khan
-
Feb 3, 2019
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....
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IDEAS 2018: Is Pakistan Prioritizing New Munitions Development? (Part 3)
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 24, 2019
In part-three, we examine the potential scope of collaboration between Pakistan and Ukraine, Turkey, South Africa and others on munitions development....
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IDEAS 2018: Is Pakistan Prioritizing New Munitions Development? (Part 3)
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 24, 2019
In part-three, we examine the potential scope of collaboration between Pakistan and Ukraine, Turkey, South Africa and others on munitions development....
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IDEAS 2018: Is Pakistan Prioritizing New Munitions Development? (Part 2)
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 21, 2019
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....
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IDEAS 2018: Is Pakistan Prioritizing New Munitions Development? (Part 2)
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 21, 2019
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....
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The Pakistan Navy Rises (Part 4): The Silent Service Grows
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 18, 2019
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...
The Pakistan Navy Rises (Part 4): The Silent Service Will Grow
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 18, 2019
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...
The Pakistan Navy Rises (Part 3): The Support Fleet
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 15, 2019
The Pakistan Navy’s surface and sub-surface fleet expansion will see its support or auxiliary fleet not only grow, but evolve with new ships and capabilities....
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The Pakistan Navy Rises (Part 3): The Support Fleet
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 15, 2019
The Pakistan Navy’s surface and sub-surface fleet expansion will see its support or auxiliary fleet not only grow, but evolve with new ships and capabilities....
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The Pakistan Navy Rises (Part 2): Naval Aviation
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 11, 2019
Confirming earlier reports, the CNS had stated that the PN wishes to procure a new long-range maritime patrol aircraft (LRMP). ...
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The Pakistan Navy Rises (Part 2): Naval Aviation
by
Bilal Khan
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Jan 11, 2019
Confirming earlier reports, the CNS had stated that the PN wishes to procure a new long-range maritime patrol aircraft (LRMP). ...
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Loaded Procurement Pipeline in Tow, The Pakistan Navy Rises (Part 1)
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 8, 2019
With a relatively deep – and active – procurement roadmap of new submarines, frigates and other assets, the Pakistan Navy is aims to implement an ambitious modernization project in the next decade....
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IDEAS 2018: Is Pakistan Prioritizing New Munitions Development? (Part 1)
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 27, 2018
By agreeing to collaborate with Ukraine on the development of “high-precision missiles of various classes” and, reportedly, Roketsan on guided anti-tank, air-to-air, and air-to-surface missiles, it appears that Pakistan is prioritizing new munitions development....
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IDEAS 2018: Is Pakistan Prioritizing New Munitions Development? (Part 1)
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 27, 2018
By agreeing to collaborate with Ukraine on the development of “high-precision missiles of various classes” and, reportedly, Roketsan on guided anti-tank, air-to-air, and air-to-surface missiles, it appears that Pakistan is prioritizing new munitions development....
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Steel Cut for the Second of Pakistan’s Four Type 054A/P Frigates
by
Bilal Khan
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Dec 20, 2018
On 20 December, the China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) held the steel-cutting ceremony of the Pakistan Navy’s (PN) second (of four) Type 054A/P multi-mission frigates....
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IDEAS 2018: Project Azm Updates
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 20, 2018
At IDEAS 2018, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) leadership had outlined its intentions for an indigenous, next-generation fighter. Little is known about the fighter program or how the PAF will implement it, but China will play...
IDEAS 2018: Project Azm Updates
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 20, 2018
At IDEAS 2018, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) leadership had outlined its intentions for an indigenous, next-generation fighter. Little is known about the fighter program or how the PAF will implement it, but China will play...
US Greenlights PAC-3 Patriot Sale to Turkey
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 19, 2018
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...
Turkey Gives the T625 Helicopter the Name ‘Gökbey’
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 18, 2018
The production version of the T625 Gökbey six-ton utility helicopter will also use Turkey’s domestically developed TS1400 turboshaft engine. The Gökbey will enter production in 2021....
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IDEAS 2018: Pakistan Air Force Updates
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 17, 2018
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....
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IDEAS 2018: Pakistan Air Force Updates
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 17, 2018
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....
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Pakistan Navy Inducts Sea King Helicopters and ATR-72 MPA
by
Bilal Khan
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Dec 13, 2018
On 12 December 2018, the Pakistan Navy (PN) formally inducted two refurbished, former Royal Navy Westland Sea King (one HAR3A and one HC4) naval helicopters and its first ATR-72-based maritime patrol aircraft (MPA). The PN also...
IDEAS 2018: Pakistan Air Force is Seeking a Lead-in Fighter Trainer
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 12, 2018
In surprise news, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) unveiled plans for a new lead-in fighter-trainer (LIFT) with an afterburning engine. Leonardo and the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) are working on their proposals, but it...
IDEAS 2018: Pakistan Air Force is Seeking a Lead-in Fighter Trainer
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 12, 2018
In surprise news, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) unveiled plans for a new lead-in fighter-trainer (LIFT) with an afterburning engine. Leonardo and the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) are working on their proposals, but it...
IDEAS 2018: Hajvairy Group Partners with Kia Motors to Propose Light Armoured Vehicle to the Pakistan Army
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 11, 2018
The private sector entity Hajvairy Group partnered with Kia Motors of South Korea to propose the latter’s Light Tactical Vehicle to the Pakistan Army. ...
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IDEAS 2018: Pakistan Navy Updates
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 10, 2018
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....
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IDEAS 2018: Pakistan Navy Updates
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 10, 2018
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....
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Pakistan and Ukraine to Explore Opportunities for Defence Collaboration
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 9, 2018
At IDEAS 2018, Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) and Ukraine’s UkrOboronProm had agreed to explore opportunities for defence collaboration across land, naval and aerial applications....
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IDEAS 2018: Pakistan and Ukraine to Collaborate on Precision Munitions
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 7, 2018
During the 2018 International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS), Pakistan and Ukraine mutually agreed to collaborate on precision-guided munitions, such as anti-tank missiles....
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IDEAS 2018: Pakistan Navy MILGEM Corvette (and Frigate?) Update
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 6, 2018
The Pakistan Navy announced that its MILGEM purchase from Turkey’s ASFAT A.S. comprises of two parts: three anti-submarine warfare (ASW) corvettes and a lone, domestically designed, frigate. The final ship will start the ‘Jinnah-class’ line of...
IDEAS 2018: Pakistan Navy MILGEM Corvette (and Frigate?) Update
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 6, 2018
The Pakistan Navy announced that its MILGEM purchase from Turkey’s ASFAT A.S. comprises of two parts: three anti-submarine warfare (ASW) corvettes and a lone, domestically designed, frigate. The final ship will start the ‘Jinnah-class’ line of...
Pakistan Reportedly Seeking FD-2000 Long Range Anti-Air Missiles
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 5, 2018
Having successfully procured nine HQ-16-based LY-80 40-km range surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems from China, Pakistan is now reportedly setting its focus on the long-range FD-2000, an export variant of the HQ-9 long-range SAM system....
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IDEAS 2018: Updates to the Pakistan Army’s T129 ATAK Program
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 4, 2018
According to Turkish Aerospace, the Pakistan Army Aviation Corps (PAA) is slated to receive its first T129 ATAK attack helicopters in late 2020. Currently, Turkish Aerospace says that it does not expect problems with receiving third-party...
IDEAS 2018: Updates to the Pakistan Army’s T129 ATAK Program
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 4, 2018
According to Turkish Aerospace, the Pakistan Army Aviation Corps (PAA) is slated to receive its first T129 ATAK attack helicopters in late 2020. Currently, Turkish Aerospace says that it does not expect problems with receiving third-party...
IDEAS 2018: Summary
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 1, 2018
Preliminary observations from the 2018 International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) held in Karachi, Pakistan on 27-30 November 2018. ...
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IDEAS 2018: Summary
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 1, 2018
Preliminary observations from the 2018 International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) held in Karachi, Pakistan on 27-30 November 2018. ...
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IDEAS 2018: Pakistan Navy is Negotiating for Anka-S UAV
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 29, 2018
The Pakistan Navy is interested in Turkish Aerospace’s Anka-S medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). According to Turkish Aerospace, negotiations are underway....
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IDEAS 2018: Pakistan Navy is Negotiating for Anka-S UAV
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 29, 2018
The Pakistan Navy is interested in Turkish Aerospace’s Anka-S medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). According to Turkish Aerospace, negotiations are underway....
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China’s Z-10ME Promises Significant Capability Gains
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 29, 2018
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...
China’s Z-10ME Promises Significant Capability Gains
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 29, 2018
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...
Pakistan Defence Review: Updates
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 24, 2018
Turkish Aerospace says T129 ATAK attack helicopter deliveries to Pakistan are still on-track; Pakistan is reportedly interested in the Anka UAV; the 12 Bell Helicopter AH-1Z built for Pakistan will be stored, but not re-routed....
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Pakistan Defence Review: Updates
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 24, 2018
Turkish Aerospace says T129 ATAK attack helicopter deliveries to Pakistan are still on-track; Pakistan is reportedly interested in the Anka UAV; the 12 Bell Helicopter AH-1Z built for Pakistan will be stored, but not re-routed....
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Pakistan Defence Review: News Updates
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 16, 2018
The US shipbuilder Swiftships says that talks are ongoing with Pakistan for an undisclosed platform to build at Karachi Shipyards & Engineering Works (KSEW); the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is now reportedly seeking a Lead-in-Fighter-Trainer (LIFT);...
Pakistan Defence Review: News Updates
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 16, 2018
The US shipbuilder Swiftships says that talks are ongoing with Pakistan for an undisclosed platform to build at Karachi Shipyards & Engineering Works (KSEW); the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is now reportedly seeking a Lead-in-Fighter-Trainer (LIFT);...
Airshow China 2018: AVIC Showcases AESA Radars for the JF-17 Block-III
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 9, 2018
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...
Airshow China 2018: AVIC Showcases Subsystems for the JF-17 Block-III and Demonstrates the Thunder’s Potential
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 9, 2018
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...
Pakistan Defence Review: News Updates
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 21, 2018
Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) orders CNC machines Usel Makina in Turkey; the Pakistan Navy (PN) commissions its new 17,000-ton tanker – PNS Moawin; the Pakistan Navy commences its marquee exercise – ‘Sea Spark 2018’;...
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Pakistan Defence Review: News Updates
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 21, 2018
Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) orders CNC machines Usel Makina in Turkey; the Pakistan Navy (PN) commissions its new 17,000-ton tanker – PNS Moawin; the Pakistan Navy commences its marquee exercise – ‘Sea Spark 2018’; ...
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Details of the Pakistan Navy’s Agosta 90B Submarine Upgrade Program
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 17, 2018
In June 2016 the Pakistan Navy (PN) signed a $350 million US contract with Turkey’s Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik A.Ş. (STM) to upgrade its three Agosta 90B air-independent propulsion (AIP) submarines. As per STM, the first upgraded...
Details of the Pakistan Navy’s Agosta 90B Submarine Upgrade Program
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 17, 2018
This is a compilation of verifiable information regarding the subsystems, costs and timelines regarding the Pakistan Navy’s Agosta 90B submarine upgrade program....
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Pakistan Defence Review: Updates
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 12, 2018
This is a review of ancillary Pakistani defence news topics with short-hand analysis to provide clarity and context. Is Pakistan buying Wing Loong II UAVs from China? On 12 October, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) concluded...
Pakistan Defence Review: Updates
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 12, 2018
This is a review of ancillary Pakistani defence news topics with short-hand analysis to provide clarity and context. Is Pakistan buying Wing Loong II UAVs from China? On 12 October, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) concluded...
India Inks Contract for S-400 Long-Range Air Defence System
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 8, 2018
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. ...
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India Inks Contract for S-400 Long-Range Air Defence System
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 8, 2018
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. ...
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Pakistan’s Quest for a Domestic Fighter (Part 3): Project Azm
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 1, 2018
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...
Pakistan’s Quest for a Domestic Fighter (Part 3): Project Azm
by
Bilal Khan
-
Oct 1, 2018
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...
Czech Firearms Maker CZ Reveals BREN 2 in 7.62×51 mm
by
Bilal Khan
-
Sep 26, 2018
The Czech firearms maker Česká zbrojovka (CZ) unveiled a 7.62x51 mm (or 7.62 NATO) version of its BREN 2 assault rifle, i.e. BREN 2 BR....
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Denel Dynamics Completes A-Darter Missile Qualification Tests
by
Bilal Khan
-
Sep 25, 2018
South Africa’s Denel Dynamics announced that it has completed the missile qualification tests of its high off-boresight (HOBS) air-to-air missile (AAM), the A-Darter....
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Z-10ME: Photos Emerge of New Z-10 Attack Helicopter Variant
by
Bilal Khan
-
Sep 24, 2018
Photos have emerged of what appears to be a Z-10ME, an improved variant of the Z-10 attack helicopter manufactured by Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation’s (CAIC). The Z-10ME reportedly incorporates a higher-output turboshaft engine compared to the...
Paramount Group and Leonardo Agree to Weaponize M-345
by
Bilal Khan
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Sep 23, 2018
Paramount Group and Leonardo signed an agreement to arm Leonardo’s M-345 for combat operations. This will be done by integrating Paramount’s SWIFT (Smart Weapons Integration on Fast-Jet Trainers) mission system to the M-345, alongside configuring the...
Pakistan Navy Reportedly Seeking a New Maritime Patrol Aircraft
by
Bilal Khan
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Sep 21, 2018
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....
Pakistan Navy Reportedly Seeking a New Maritime Patrol Aircraft
by
Bilal Khan
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Sep 21, 2018
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....
Pakistan’s Quest for a Domestic Fighter (Part 2): The JF-17 Emerges as Pakistan’s Mainstay Fighter
by
Bilal Khan
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Sep 16, 2018
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......
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Pakistan’s Quest for a Domestic Fighter: The JF-17 Emerges as Pakistan’s Mainstay Fighter (Part 2)
by
Bilal Khan
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Sep 16, 2018
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...
Pakistan’s Quest for a Domestic Fighter (Part 1): On-and-Off Efforts to Build a Fighter Aircraft
by
Bilal Khan
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Sep 16, 2018
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...
Pakistan’s Quest for a Domestic Fighter (Part 1): On-and-Off Efforts to Build a Fighter Aircraft
by
Bilal Khan
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Sep 16, 2018
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...
Russia Considers Trading in the Currencies of its Buyers
by
Bilal Khan
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Sep 12, 2018
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...
Russia Considers Trading in the Currencies of its Buyers
by
Bilal Khan
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Sep 12, 2018
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...
Pakistan Defence Review: Updates
by
Bilal Khan
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Sep 10, 2018
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 7.62×51 mm NATO assault rifle intended for overseas users, the AK-308. According to...
Pakistan Defence Review: Updates
by
Bilal Khan
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Sep 10, 2018
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...
For Pakistan the Denel Rooivalk Mk2 is a Credible Contingency Option
by
Bilal Khan
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Sep 4, 2018
Current tensions between Ankara and Washington have cast doubt on whether Turkish Aerospace will be able to bring Pakistan’s order for 30 T129 ATAK attack helicopters to fruition. The concern stems from the fact that the...
For Pakistan the Denel Rooivalk Mk2 is a Credible Contingency Option
by
Bilal Khan
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Sep 4, 2018
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-US Defence Ties: Recalibration or Repudiation?
by
Bilal Khan
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Sep 3, 2018
On the heels of cutting $300 m in intended funding to Pakistan under the Coalition Support Fund (CSF), the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will make an official visit to Pakistan to meet the new...
Pakistan-US Defence Ties: Recalibration or Repudiation?
by
Bilal Khan
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Sep 3, 2018
On the heels of cutting $300 m in intended funding to Pakistan under the Coalition Support Fund (CSF), the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will make an official visit to Pakistan to meet the new...
Pakistan Defence Review: Updates
by
Bilal Khan
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Aug 27, 2018
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...
Pakistan Defence Review: Updates
by
Bilal Khan
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Aug 27, 2018
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...
How ITAR Impacts Pakistan’s T129 ATAK Purchase from Turkey
by
Bilal Khan
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Aug 19, 2018
In light of the 2019 National Defence Authorization Act (NDAA) signed into law by President Trump, the sale of 30 T129 ATAK attack helicopters by Turkey to Pakistan could, as per some observers, potentially be blocked...
How ITAR Impacts Pakistan’s T129 ATAK Purchase from Turkey
by
Bilal Khan
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Aug 19, 2018
In light of current tensions between Ankara and Washington – which escalated to Washington ordering a stay on the delivery of F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft to Turkey through its newly-signed 2019 National Defence Authorization Act...
White House and Senate Block the Transfer of F-35 fighters to Turkey
by
Bilal Khan
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Aug 19, 2018
On 13 August 2018 US President Donald Trump signed into law the $716 billion US National Defence Authorization Act. Of its salient mandates, the bill has currently barred the delivery of Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II...
White House and Senate Block the Transfer of F-35 fighters to Turkey
by
Bilal Khan
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Aug 19, 2018
On 13 August 2018, US President Donald Trump signed into law the 2019 National Defence Authorization Act, a $716 billion bill outlining the US’ fiscal defence priorities for the next year. A marquee aspect of the...
Pakistan Defence Review: Updates
by
Bilal Khan
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Aug 12, 2018
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...
Pakistan Defence Review: Updates
by
Bilal Khan
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Aug 12, 2018
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...
Russia Debates on Expanding Defence Relations with Pakistan
by
Bilal Khan
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Aug 6, 2018
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...
Russia Debates on Expanding Defence Relations with Pakistan
by
Bilal Khan
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Aug 6, 2018
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...
Update: Pakistan Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Program
by
Bilal Khan
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Aug 3, 2018
Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) signed a memorandum-of-understanding (MoU) with Havelsan, a Turkish defence electronics vendor, to co-develop subsystems for PAC’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program and to contribute towards the Kamra Aviation City initiative....
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Update: Pakistan Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Program
by
Bilal Khan
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Aug 3, 2018
Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) signed a memorandum-of-understanding (MoU) with Havelsan, a Turkish defence electronics vendor, to co-develop subsystems for PAC’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program and to contribute towards the Kamra Aviation City initiative....
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Pakistan’s Opportunity to Develop Munitions with South Africa
by
Bilal Khan
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Jul 29, 2018
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....
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Pakistan’s Opportunity to Develop Munitions with South Africa
by
Bilal Khan
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Jul 29, 2018
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....
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Analysis: Pakistan’s T129 ATAK Purchase
by
Bilal Khan
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Jul 24, 2018
An analysis of how Pakistan’s purchase of 30 Turkish Aerospace T129 ATAK attack helicopters will improve the air combat capabilities of the Pakistan Army Aviation Corps (PAA)....
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Analysis: Pakistan’s T129 ATAK Purchase
by
Bilal Khan
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Jul 24, 2018
An analysis of how Pakistan’s purchase of 30 Turkish Aerospace T129 ATAK attack helicopters will improve the air combat capabilities of the Pakistan Army Aviation Corps (PAA)....
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Aselsan Confirms ASELPOD Integration on Pakistani JF-17
by
Bilal Khan
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Jul 23, 2018
Turkish defence giant Aselsan confirmed (in its Annual Yearbook for 2017) that its ASELPOD advanced targeting pod was successfully integrated and tested from the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighters....
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Turkey Books $3 billion in Pakistani Defence Deals
by
Bilal Khan
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Jul 22, 2018
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...
Turkey Books $3 billion in Pakistani Defence Deals
by
Bilal Khan
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Jul 22, 2018
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...
Pakistan’s Senate Calls for Stronger Emphasis on Domestic R&D
by
Bilal Khan
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Jul 19, 2018
The Pakistani Senate’s Standing Committee on Defence Production recommended that the country’s state-owned defence industry entities to commit to domestic research and development (R&D). This is to be done by staffing R&D departments with “competent professionals”...
Pakistan and Italy Agree to Explore Joint Defence Production
by
Bilal Khan
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Jul 18, 2018
On 09 July 2018, Pakistan’s state-owned news agency reports that “Pakistan and Italy stressed upon the need to explore the field of joint defence production.” The call comes following meetings between the Pakistan Minister of Defence...
Turkey Expects First S-400 Air Defence System Delivery in 2019
by
Bilal Khan
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Jul 17, 2018
Turkey’s foreign minister, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, announced that Ankara expects the first deliveries of the Almaz-Antey S-400 Triumf long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system before late 2019....
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Leonardo Unveils Low-Cost ‘Grifo-E’ AESA Radar
by
Bilal Khan
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Jul 16, 2018
On 13 July 2018, Leonardo officially launched the ‘Grifo-E’, an active electronically-scanned array (AESA) radar that aims to offer a “flexible, cost-effective package” for a wide-range of combat aircraft. Though the Grifo-E will be qualified in...
Pakistan Navy Receives its First ATR-72 Maritime Patrol Aircraft
by
Bilal Khan
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Jul 15, 2018
The Pakistan Navy received its first of two ATR-72 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) from Rheinland Air Service (RAS) and Aerodata in “the second quarter” of 2018. Conversion work on the second ATR-72 has reportedly begun, it...
Pakistan inks contract for T129 ATAK attack helicopters
by
Bilal Khan
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Jul 14, 2018
On 13 July, the Turkish Undersecretary of Defence Industries (SSM) Ismail Demir announced that Pakistan inked a contract for 30 T129 ATAK attack helicopters from Turkish Aerospace (TA), formerly known Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). Following the...
Pakistan inks contract for T129 ATAK attack helicopters
by
Bilal Khan
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Jul 14, 2018
On 13 July, the Turkish Undersecretary of Defence Industries (SSM) Ismail Demir announced that Pakistan inked a contract for 30 T129 ATAK attack helicopters from Turkish Aerospace (TA), formerly known Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). Following the...
Nigeria Approves Budget with New Payments for JF-17 fighters
by
Bilal Khan
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Jul 14, 2018
On 20 June 2018, Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari signed the country’s next fiscal budget – i.e. the 2018 Appropriation Bill of the Federal Government of Nigeria – into law. Not only did the final budget retain...
Nigeria Approves Budget with New Payments for JF-17 fighters
by
Bilal Khan
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Jul 14, 2018
On 20 June 2018, Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari signed the country’s next fiscal budget – i.e. the 2018 Appropriation Bill of the Federal Government of Nigeria – into law. Not only did the final budget retain...
Pakistan Inks Contract for 4 MILGEM Ada Corvettes from Turkey
by
Bilal Khan
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Jul 7, 2018
Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) has formally inked a contract with Turkey’s Military Factory and Shipyard Corporation (Askeri Fabrika ve Tersane İşletme Anonim Şirketi: ASFAT A.Ş.) for the purchase of four MILGEM Ada corvettes for...
Poland Looks to Pakistan’s Defence Market for Sales
by
Bilal Khan
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Jul 7, 2018
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...
Poland Looks to Pakistan’s Defence Market for Sales
by
Bilal Khan
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Jul 7, 2018
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...
Pakistan’s Anti-Access/Area-Denial Options (Part 3): ISR & Net-Warfare
by
Bilal Khan
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Jul 1, 2018
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...
Pakistan’s Anti-Access/Area-Denial Options (Part 3): ISR & Net-Warfare
by
Bilal Khan
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Jul 1, 2018
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...
Is Azerbaijan’s SOM Cruise Missile a Factor for the JF-17?
by
Bilal Khan
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Jul 1, 2018
On 26 June 2018, Azerbaijan showcased a Roketsan SOM air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) as part of its annual military parade in its capital, Baku. Operational since 2012, the SOM is a near-600 kg ALCM with a...
Is Azerbaijan’s SOM Cruise Missile a Factor for the JF-17?
by
Bilal Khan
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Jul 1, 2018
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...
Pakistan Plans to Get PRSS-01 Earth Observation Satellite Launched in July
by
Bilal Khan
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Jun 27, 2018
Pakistan’s Foreign Office announced that the Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellite (PRSS-01) – which will also include the Pakistan Technology Evaluation Satellite (PakTES-1A) – will be launched into orbit in July. To be managed by Pakistan’s Space...
Pakistan Plans to Get PRSS-01 Earth Observation Satellite Launched in July
by
Bilal Khan
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Jun 27, 2018
Pakistan’s Foreign Office announced that the Pakistan Remote Sensing Satellite (PRSS-01) – and the accompanying PakTES-1A (Pakistan Technology Evaluation Satellite) – will be launched into orbit in July....
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Pakistan’s Erieye AEW&C Follow-On Order Now Proceeding?
by
Bilal Khan
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Jun 25, 2018
Export-Import registries in April 2018 show the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) taking delivery of radar equipment from Saab AB in Sweden, potentially indicating that the PAF’s follow-on order of three Saab 2000-based Erieye airborne early warning...
Pakistan’s Erieye AEW&C Follow-On Order Now Proceeding?
by
Bilal Khan
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Jun 25, 2018
Export-Import registries in April 2018 show the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) taking delivery of radar equipment from Saab AB in Sweden, potentially indicating that the PAF’s follow-on order of three Saab 2000-based Erieye airborne early warning...
Turkey’s STM Showcases New MILGEM Ada Corvette Variant
by
Bilal Khan
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Jun 24, 2018
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...
Turkey’s STM Showcases New MILGEM Ada Corvette Variant
by
Bilal Khan
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Jun 24, 2018
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...
Pakistan’s Anti-Access/Area-Denial Options (Part 2): Submarines
by
Bilal Khan
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Jun 23, 2018
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...
Pakistan’s Anti-Access/Area-Denial Options (Part 2): Submarines
by
Bilal Khan
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Jun 23, 2018
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...
Pakistan’s Anti-Access/Area-Denial Options (Part 1): Fast Attack Crafts
by
Bilal Khan
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Jun 21, 2018
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...
Pakistan’s Anti-Access/Area-Denial Options (Part 1): Fast Attack Crafts
by
Bilal Khan
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Jun 21, 2018
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...
Analysis: The Pakistan Navy’s Surface Fleet Plans
by
Bilal Khan
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Jun 18, 2018
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...
Analysis: The Pakistan Navy’s Surface Fleet Plans
by
Bilal Khan
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Jun 18, 2018
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...
China is Pakistan’s Key Qualitative Driver
by
Bilal Khan
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Jun 11, 2018
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...
China is Pakistan’s Key Qualitative Driver
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jun 11, 2018
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...
Turkey’s AKP Claims Export Win Amid Economic Pressures
by
Bilal Khan
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Jun 10, 2018
On 24 May, Turkey’s ruling party – the Justice and Development Party (AKP) – claimed that Pakistan signed its contract for 30 Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) T129 ATAK attack helicopters. The AKP’s statement is as follows...
Turkey’s AKP Claims Export Win Amid Economic Pressures
by
Bilal Khan
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Jun 10, 2018
On 24 May, Turkey’s ruling party – the Justice and Development Party (AKP) – claimed that Pakistan signed its contract for 30 Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) T129 ATAK attack helicopters. The AKP’s statement is as follows...
Analysis: Pakistan’s Type 054A Frigate Acquisition
by
Bilal Khan
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Jun 3, 2018
On 01 June 2018, the Pakistan Navy (PN) and Pakistan Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) announced that they concluded a deal with China Shipbuilding Trading Co. Ltd. (CSTC) for two Type 054A frigates. This is a...
Analysis: Pakistan’s Type 054A Frigate Acquisition
by
Bilal Khan
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Jun 3, 2018
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 Signs Contract for Type 054A Frigates from China
by
Bilal Khan
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Jun 2, 2018
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...
Pakistan Signs Contract for Type 054A Frigates from China
by
Bilal Khan
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Jun 2, 2018
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...
Turkey and Ukraine Proceed with An-188 Transport Aircraft Program
by
Bilal Khan
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May 22, 2018
At Eurasia Airshow 2018 Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and Ukroboronprom’s (UOP) Antonov announced that they will jointly proceed with the development and production of the Antonov An-188 military transport aircraft. The An-188 would add to TAI’s...
Turkey and Ukraine Proceed with An-188 Transport Aircraft Program
by
Bilal Khan
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May 22, 2018
At Eurasia Airshow 2018 Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and Ukroboronprom’s (UOP) Antonov announced that they will jointly proceed with the development and production of the Antonov An-188 military transport aircraft. The An-188 would add to TAI’s...
Monthly Report: Can Offsets Work in Pakistan?
by
Bilal Khan
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May 21, 2018
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. ...
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Turkey gets Altay MBT rolling by selecting BMC for serial production
by
Bilal Khan
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May 15, 2018
The Undersecretary for Defence Industries (SSM) Ismail Demir announced that the Turkish auto-manufacturer BMC was selected to mass-produce the Altay main battle tank (MBT)...
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Pakistan will set-up a Satellite Development and Production Facility
by
Bilal Khan
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May 14, 2018
The Government of Pakistan has announced plans to establish a domestic satellite development and production facility – the Pakistan Space Centre – to materialize forthcoming remote-sensing and other satellite programs....
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Pakistan May Sign T129 ATAK Attack Helicopter Contract Soon
by
Bilal Khan
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May 13, 2018
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....
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Pakistan May Sign T129 ATAK Attack Helicopter Contract Soon
by
Bilal Khan
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May 13, 2018
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....
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Pakistan’s Rationale for Nuclear Weapons
by
Bilal Khan
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May 13, 2018
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...
Pakistan’s Rationale for Nuclear Weapons
by
Bilal Khan
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May 13, 2018
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...
Pakistan’s Mirages: Specialists Enduring out of Necessity
by
Bilal Khan
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May 7, 2018
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...
Pakistan’s Mirages: Specialists Enduring out of Necessity
by
Bilal Khan
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May 7, 2018
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...
Primer: Pakistan’s Nuclear Weapons Program
by
Bilal Khan
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May 7, 2018
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...
Primer: Pakistan’s Nuclear Weapons Program
by
Bilal Khan
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May 7, 2018
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...
Pakistan Defence Review: News/Procurement Updates
by
Bilal Khan
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Apr 30, 2018
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....
Pakistan Defence Review: News/Procurement Updates
by
Bilal Khan
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Apr 30, 2018
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...
Analysis: India’s Withdrawal from the FGFA Program
by
Bilal Khan
-
Apr 30, 2018
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...
Analysis: India’s Withdrawal from the FGFA Program
by
Bilal Khan
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Apr 30, 2018
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...
Overview: Babur 1B, Zarb and Harba Cruise Missiles
by
Bilal Khan
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Apr 23, 2018
Overview of Pakistan’s anti-ship cruising missiles (ASCM) – i.e. the Zarb, Harba and the Babur 1B. Collectively, it appears that these missiles will contribute to Pakistan’s anti-access and area-denial (A2/AD) efforts within its littoral waters and...
Steel Cutting Ceremony Held for Pakistan’s First Damen 1900 OPV
by
Bilal Khan
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Apr 22, 2018
Damen Shipyards held the steel-cutting ceremony of the first of two Damen 1800 offshore patrol vessels (OPV) ordered by the Pakistan Navy in 2017. The second OPV is to be built in Pakistan by Karachi Shipyard...
JF-17 Export Efforts: Negotiating Expectations
by
Bilal Khan
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Apr 22, 2018
An analysis of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex’s (PAC) efforts to export the JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter, specifically in terms of potential calls for offsets, transfer-of-technology and partnerships. Is Pakistan able to offer such concessions? ...
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PAF Bholari: The Pakistan Air Force’s New Main Operating Base
by
Bilal Khan
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Apr 22, 2018
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...
Pakistan’s Interest in Russian Arms (Part 4): Armour
by
Bilal Khan
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Apr 15, 2018
In his comments to the Russian News Agency RIA Novosti, Pakistan’s Minister of Defence (MoD) Khurram Dastgir Khan stated that Pakistan was both interested and in talks with Russia for big-ticket defence items. Quwa Premium discussed...
Pakistan’s Interest in Russian Arms (Part 3): Helicopters
by
Bilal Khan
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Apr 15, 2018
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 Navy Fleet Tanker Completes First Survey in the Indian Ocean
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Bilal Khan
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Apr 12, 2018
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....
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Pakistan begins receiving Mi-35M helicopters
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Bilal Khan
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Apr 10, 2018
Pakistan has begun receiving the Mi-35M helicopters it ordered from Russian Helicopters in 2015. Footage shows a Mi-35M in Pakistan Army Aviation (PAA) colours flying in Pakistan. In addition, Pakistani import-export logs show Rosoboronexport (Russia’s state-owned...
Turkish Aerospace Industries delivers 2 Anka-S to Turkish Forces
by
Bilal Khan
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Apr 10, 2018
On 08 April, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) announced that it delivered two Anka-S unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), raising the TSK’s Anka-S fleet to six UAVs. The TSK began receiving the...
Pakistan’s Interest in Russian Arms (Part 2): Air Defence Systems
by
Bilal Khan
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Apr 9, 2018
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...
India launches bid for 110 new multi-role fighters
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Bilal Khan
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Apr 9, 2018
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...
Pakistan’s Interest in Russian Arms (Part 1): Su-35 Flanker-E
by
Bilal Khan
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Apr 8, 2018
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...
Pakistani Defence Minister: talking to Russia for Su-35, T-90 tanks and air defence systems
by
Bilal Khan
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Apr 8, 2018
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...
Monthly Report: Why the MILGEM Ada?
by
Bilal Khan
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Mar 31, 2018
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...
NRIET to Integrate KLJ-7A AESA Radar to JF-17
by
Bilal Khan
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Mar 31, 2018
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...
Pakistan Defence Review: News/Procurement Updates
by
Bilal Khan
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Mar 31, 2018
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...
Pakistan announces Babur Sub-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM) test
by
Bilal Khan
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Mar 29, 2018
On 29 March 2018 Pakistan’s Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced that the country had successfully test-fired the Babur submarine-launched cruise missile (SLCM). Stated range is 450 km....
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Pakistan signs new satellite contract with China (CGWIC)
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Bilal Khan
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Mar 27, 2018
Pakistan’s Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) signed a contract with China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) for the PakSat Multi-Mission Satellite (PakSat-MM1) on 22 March 2018....
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Pakistan’s next – near-term – steps for bridging airpower gap
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Bilal Khan
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Mar 25, 2018
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...
Why the JF-17 Block-III Matters to the Pakistan Air Force
by
Bilal Khan
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Mar 24, 2018
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...
Qatar will buy Turkish drones, ships and armoured vehicles
by
Bilal Khan
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Mar 21, 2018
At DIMDEX 2018, Qatar signed deals worth $800 million US with Turkey for the purchase of Bayraktar TB2 drones, patrol and training boats, and NMS 4x4 armoured vehicles....
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Indian Air Force commits to procure a total of 324 HAL Tejas fighters
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Bilal Khan
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Mar 20, 2018
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....
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Outgoing Pakistan Air Force Chief: JF-17 Block-III design finalized
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Bilal Khan
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Mar 19, 2018
The outgoing Chief of Air Staff (CAS) of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Sohail Aman announced that the design of the JF-17 Block-III was “finalized”....
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Fincantieri reveals specifications for Qatar’s future naval ships
by
Bilal Khan
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Mar 18, 2018
Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri unveiled the design, specifications and capabilities of Qatar’s forthcoming corvettes, offshore patrol vessels and landing platform dock at DIMDEX 2018....
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Analyzing the SIPRI Report on Pakistani Defence Procurement
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Bilal Khan
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Mar 18, 2018
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...
Pakistan Navy test-fires land-based anti-ship missile
by
Bilal Khan
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Mar 11, 2018
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....
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Saudi Arabia could order 48 new Typhoon fighters
by
Bilal Khan
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Mar 11, 2018
Saudi Arabia has signed a Memorandum-of-Intent with the UK Government for the potential purchase of 48 Eurofighter Typhoon fighters from BAE Systems....
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RIBAT-2018 (Part 2): Effecting Peacetime Maritime Security
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Bilal Khan
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Mar 9, 2018
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....
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Pakistan concludes joint-naval and air exercise – RIBAT-2018
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Bilal Khan
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Mar 6, 2018
On 06 March the Pakistan Navy (PN) and the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) concluded their joint-exercise in the North Arabian Sea – RIBAT-2018....
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RIBAT-2018 (Part 1): Improving PAF-PN Interoperability
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Bilal Khan
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Mar 6, 2018
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...
Russia: Qatar interested in the Sukhoi Su-35
by
Bilal Khan
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Mar 4, 2018
According to Vladimir Kozhin, the Russian Presidential Aide for Cooperation on Defence Technologies, Qatar is interested in the Sukhoi Su-35 multi-role fighter....
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Pakistan Air Force’s No. 88 squadron converts to AW139
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Bilal Khan
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Mar 4, 2018
The Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) No. 88 Search & Rescue (SAR) Squadron has formally commissioned the PAF’s newly procured Leonardo AW139....
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How a poor bilateral relations effort cost Pakistan at the FATF
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Bilal Khan
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Mar 3, 2018
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...
Monthly Report: The JF-17 in 2017 and Outlook for 2018
by
Bilal Khan
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Mar 1, 2018
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...
Pakistan signs contract to upgrade second Agosta 90B
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Bilal Khan
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Feb 28, 2018
According to an announcement by the Turkish defence contractor Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.Ş. (STM) on 28 February, Pakistan has signed the contract to upgrade the Pakistan Navy’s second (of three) Agosta 90B submarines. This...
Pakistan inaugurates new fighter squadron – No. 28 “Phoenix”
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Bilal Khan
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Feb 28, 2018
The Pakistan Air Force inaugurated its sixth JF-17 Thunder unit through an entirely new multi-role fighter squadron, the No. 28 “Phoenix”, stationed at Samungli Air Base, Quetta, Baluchistan....
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Drones deliver China access into high-value, non-traditional markets
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 28, 2018
Reportedly securing a sale of four Wing Loong unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to Indonesia, it is clear that UAVs are opening China’s entry into markets otherwise dominated by US, Europe and Russia....
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Saab highlights its market-strategy as niche provider and integrator
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 26, 2018
On 23 February Saab rolled-out the first GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft at its Linköping facility. Integrated to the Bombardier Global 6000, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the launch customer of Saab’s...
Pakistan will stick with the Erieye AEW&C; add different ISR aircraft for other roles
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 26, 2018
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...
Indonesia signs contract for 11 Su-35 fighters from Russia
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 22, 2018
Indonesia has inked a $1.14 billion U.S. contract with Russia for the purchase of 11 Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E fighters from United Aircraft Corporation…...
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AHRLAC proposes Bronco II for the US market
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 22, 2018
The newly formed company Bronco Combat Systems (BCS) is proposing a variant of the Paramount Group AHRLAC, designated Bronco II, for the American market, including the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) lightweight ground-attack aircraft program, the OA-X....
Brazil buys ex-Royal Navy helicopter carrier HMS Ocean
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 20, 2018
The U.K. has confirmed that it sold the mothballed Royal Navy landing platform helicopter (LPH) or helicopter carrier HMS Ocean to Brazil for $117 million U.S....
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Pakistan prepares for inducting AH-1Z attack helicopters
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 20, 2018
The Pakistan Army’s Military Engineer Services branch released a tender for the construction of a hangar and other ground facilities for the Textron Bell AH-1Z Viper....
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Pakistan Army Aviation’s High-Altitude Capabilities
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Bilal Khan
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Feb 20, 2018
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...
Pakistan’s MoDP met Turkish, Dutch ambassadors, Ukrainian officials
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Bilal Khan
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Feb 18, 2018
Pakistan’s Minister of Defence Production (MoDP) Rana Tanveer Hussain met with the Ambassadors of Turkey, Ukraine and the Netherlands this past week....
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Pakistan, Saudi Arabia conclude series of naval exercises
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Bilal Khan
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Feb 18, 2018
The Pakistan Navy and the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) have concluded a series of naval exercises on 17 February 2017 – i.e. Naseem al-Bahr XI....
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Pakistan-Russia Relations: Tempering Expectations
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Bilal Khan
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Feb 16, 2018
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...
BAE offers credit for Malaysian fighter bid
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 14, 2018
BAE Systems reiterated its willingness to facilitate a UK-based line-of-credit to back a sale of Eurofighter Typhoon fighters to Malaysia....
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China’s CSSC launches C-13B corvette for Bangladesh
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 13, 2018
The China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) launched the third Shadhinota-class C13B corvette for the Bangladesh Navy on 12 February 2018...
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Pakistan Defence Review: Procurement Updates
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 12, 2018
Updates to ongoing Pakistani defence procurements – e.g. deliveries and contractual changes – with accompanying short-form analyses: (1) Aselsan ASELPOD targeting pod deliveries; (2) JF-17 in-flight refueling pods reaching squadrons; (3) ATR-72 MPAs nearing delivery; and...
Saudi Arabia’s S-400 talks progress, but questions remain
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 11, 2018
Negotiations with Saudi Arabia for the S-400 are progressing, but Riyadh’s near-term requirements for transfer-of-technology have complicated matters…...
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Indonesia has not yet inked Su-35 contract
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Bilal Khan
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Feb 11, 2018
Negotiations for the sale of 11 Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E multi-role fighters to Indonesia are still ongoing, with issues relating to countertrade still preventing finalization....
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TAI sees growth of interest in T129, Anka UAV
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 8, 2018
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) is nearing a firm contract for the sale of 30 T129 attack helicopters to Pakistan. It is also in talks with Bangladesh, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand....
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China to expand drone offerings with Star Shadow UCAV
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 8, 2018
Star UAV System Company, a business from Chengdu, is developing a twin-engine, stealthy unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) for the export market....
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Airbus could offer military variants of the A320neo
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 7, 2018
At the 2018 Singapore Air Show, Airbus Defence & Space said it was considering the prospect of offering MPA and ISR variants of the A320neo....
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BMC says it won Turkish Government bid for Altay MBT engine
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 7, 2018
Turkish auto-manufacturer BMC’s Chairman, Ethem Sancak, says that BMC has won the Turkish Undersecretariat for Defence Industries’ (SSM) contract to develop a diesel engine for the Altay main battle tank (MBT)...
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Paramount Group’s AHRLAC/Mwari nearing serial production
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 7, 2018
South African conglomerate Paramount Group has announced that its serial production line for the AHRLAC light combat aircraft platform is “fully operational”....
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Embraer secures potential KC-390 order from SkyTech
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 6, 2018
Embraer Defense & Security announced that it signed a letter-of-intent (LOI) with civil aviation firm SkyTech for six KC-390 multi-mission transport aircraft....
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Ukraine opens Mi-8/Mi-17 repair centre in Bangladesh
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 6, 2018
Ukrinmash opened a service center for repairing Mil Mi-8 and Mi-17 transport helicopters for the Bangladesh Air Force....
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The Sonmiani WTR supports domestic munition development
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 5, 2018
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...
Pakistan establishes new Instrumented Weapon Testing Range
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 4, 2018
The Pakistan Air Force announced that it has established a new Instrumented Weapon Testing Range (WTR) at the Sonmiani Firing Range for munitions testing purposes....
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Turkey test-fires HİSAR-A short-range SAM
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 4, 2018
The Turkish Ministry of Defence announced that Roketsan and Aselsan successfully test-fired the jointly-developed HİSAR-A short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system on 01 February 2018....
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Can Pakistan capitalize upon Ukraine’s Defence Industry?
by
Bilal Khan
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Feb 2, 2018
Ukraine’s re-armament efforts – and in tandem, its defence industry development – present opportunities for countries requiring technology....
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