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India mulls second indigenous aircraft carrier. Pakistan's GIDS reveals indigenous turbojet engine for cruise missile and drone applications....Read More

Key Pakistan Navy (PN) surface combatant programs have started materializing, namely its Babur-class (MILGEM) corvette and Yarmouk-class Batch-II offshore patrol vessel (OPV) programs. On September 23, the PN commissioned its first of four Babur-class multi-mission corvettes,...

In August, Turkey’s Deputy Defense Minister, Celal Sami Tüfekçi, said that Turkish officials will visit Pakistan to discuss the latter’s potential entry into Turkey’s next-generation fighter aircraft (NGFA) program, the TF-X KAAN. Moreover, Tüfekçi revealed that...

What does Turkey have to gain from letting Pakistan join the KAAN? Would Pakistan be an asset – or a liability? ...Read More

Several months after greenlighting the transfer of third-party F-16s and training from Europe, the U.S. will now directly provide F-16 flight training to Ukrainian pilots. ...Read More

Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW) launched the Pakistan Navy’s fourth Babur-class MILGEM corvette, the PNS Tariq (283)....Read More

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is integrating numerous stand-off range weapons (SOW) to its newly inducted Bayraktar Akıncı drone....Read More

Türkiye will start negotiations with Pakistani officials in August about Pakistan potentially joining the KAAN next-generation fighter project....Read More

During IDEF 2023, Türkiye’s aviation industry signalled that it would bring its prototypes and design concepts to fruition through investments and partnerships....Read More

India’s Ministry of Defence’s Defence Acquisition Council paved the way for talks for 26 Rafale fighters and 3 Scorpene submarines for the Indian Navy....Read More

Both Pakistan and India are heavily investing in unmanned technologies to complement their air, surface, and sub-surface fleets....Read More

The U.S is releasing Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional Munition (DPICM) artillery rounds to Ukraine, marking the entry of submunitions warheads in the war....Read More

GE Aerospace signs MoU with India's HAL to produce the F414 turbofan engine; Pakistan seemingly shows interest in Turkiye's next-gen fighter....Read More

Pakistan is gearing its defence industry to produce more sophisticated munitions, a likely move to secure more of its ammunition supply channel....Read More

Pakistan is developing a new variant of its Fatah-series of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) with a range of 250 km....Read More

In May 2023, Pakistan’s GIDS revealed that the Pakistani defence industry is working on a number of surface-to-air missile (SAM) projects....Read More

Turkish Aerospace (TUSAŞ) successfully test flew its T625 Gökbey general purpose helicopter with the indigenously developed TS1400 turboshaft engine....Read More

Global Industrial and Defence Solutions (GIDS), the commercial wing of Pakistan’s state-owned defence industry vendors, released its future product roadmap....Read More

The Pakistan Navy (PN) formally inducted its final pair of Tughril-class multi-mission frigates, completing its Type 054A/P fleet to four ships....Read More

Turkish Aerospace Industries’ next-generation fighter aircraft, the Kaan, reflects the future of Türkiye’s integrated air warfare system....Read More

Turkish Aerospace Industries’ (TUSAŞ) carried out the maiden test flight of its Hürjet trainer and started the engines of its T-929 attack helicopter....Read More

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. ...Read More

The Turkish Navy commissioned its lead landing helicopter dock (LHD), the TCG Anadolu. This LHD will also serve as Türkiye’s first ‘drone carrier.’...Read More

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had voiced its interest in one day acquiring a next-generation fighter aircraft (NGFA) as early as 2016. However, contrary to analyst expectations (of collaborating in a foreign project), the PAF undertook...

Today, the Boeing P-8 ‘Poseidon’ dominates the market of next-generation maritime patrol aircraft (MPA). Based on the Boeing 737-800 ERX airliner, the P-8 is in service with the United States Navy (USN) as well as five...

The defence industries of Türkiye, South Korea, and India are all making progress by developing weapon systems for their respective national militaries. ...Read More

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)....Read More

Pakistan’s anemic economy (relative to the country’s size, population, and potential) is a critical security vulnerability. ...Read More

In just four years, Pakistan greatly added to its air warfare and air defence capabilities based on the lessons of their 2019 skirmish....Read More

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....Read More

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....Read More

Japan announced that it will replace its fleet of manned attack and armed scout helicopters with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV)....Read More

Turkish Aerospace reaches new milestone. Pakistan cuts steel of first indigenous patrol boat. India works to integrate its own AIP to Scorpene submarine....Read More

Ukraine is reportedly expecting the U.S. and its other Western allies to supply upwards of 321 heavy tanks and, potentially later, fighter aircraft....Read More

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...Read More

Signed in 2015, many among the Pakistani intelligentsia had perceived that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was a watershed moment for their country. The prevailing thought was that CPEC would herald an enormous and positive economic...

This is a guest post explaining the current status of Pakistan’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) inventory....Read More

With the fifth and sixth boats under production, it seems that the Pakistan Navy’s Hangor submarine project is proceeding (but without German engines)....Read More

Islamabad can acquire modern weapons from China, but Pakistan’s corroding economy will hamper long-term plans....Read More

Turkish Aerospace continues showcasing the progress it is making on its key aircraft projects. The Pakistan Navy confirms its supersonic anti-ship missile capability as well as speaks to its ongoing development programs. Turkish Aerospace Makes Progress...

On 14 December 2022, Baykar Technology announced that it flew its Bayraktar Kızılelma unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) for the first time....Read More

Roketsan test-fired the HİSAR-RF surface-to-air missile (SAM) from its MIDLAS vertical launch system (VLS)....Read More

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. ...Read More

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....Read More

Towards the end of October, the Turkish showcased its growing line up of homegrown weapons, especially in terms of drones. ...Read More

The UK puts 14 C-130Js up for sale. Russia is leaning on Iranian drones. Pakistan Navy ships may be using a European VLS....Read More

Baykar announced that it qualified the first Pakistan Air Force (PAF) operators for the Bayraktar Akıncı unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV)....Read More

The Russia-Ukraine War provides valuable lessons for Pakistan on how to improve its anti-access and area-denial capabilities against a better-equipped foe....Read More

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....Read More

Ukraine is using short and medium-range anti-air missiles to deprecate Russia’s air power and, in turn, sustain its counteroffensives....Read More

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....Read More

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)....Read More

By Arslan Khan On 15 September 2021, the Government of Argentina allocated funding for the procurement of 12 JF-17 Thunder multi-role aircraft from China. According to Jane’s, the total procurement cost of the program was set...

Turkey wants to make a statement in the aerospace world, especially in 2023, i.e., in time of the country’s centennial or 100th anniversary since its formation. This statement will be a three-pronged display starting with the...

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....Read More

While it depends on the remaining life of the specific airframe, a used F-16 could offer a relatively capable and upgradable platform. ...Read More

Turkey could leverage its bilateral ties with Pakistan and other countries as a means to grow its key defence contractors and drive its exports....Read More

New photos emerged through Weibo of the Z-10ME attack helicopter, an improved variant of the Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAIC) Z-10. ...Read More

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....Read More

By adding a long-range, high-altitude UAV, the Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy could open up many new capabilities....Read More

Despite this colossal overhead, Pakistan's so-called defence industry meets little of Pakistan’s defence needs. ...Read More

For Argentina, the challenge of buying the JF-17 is not just a narrow technology issue, but a broader geo-political matter....Read More

Pakistan’s J-10CE and Type 054A/P frigate programs continue progressing. Pakistan is also aiming to shore up its existing US equipment. ...Read More

Paired with chronic underfunding within the Russian defence industries has meant that slowly, China is laying the groundwork to overtake the Russians with regard to defence exports....Read More

Pakistan’s near-3% increase to its defence budget will not offset the impact of the country’s structural economic flaws from recent years....Read More

There is no doubt that drones are now a rallying emblem of Ukraine’s resistance against Russia’s invasion. Turkey’s Bayraktar TB2, for example, created enough of an impression to earn itself a place in Ukrainian folklore, and...

Turkey launches its second Reis-class (Type 214TR) submarine – the TCG Hizir Reis – for sea trials and starts welding the 6th submarine....Read More

On 20 May, Karachi Shipyards and Engineering Works (KSEW) launched the Pakistan Navy’s (PN) third Babur-class (MILGEM) multi-mission corvette. The PN designated the ship as the PNS Badr. This is the first of two corvettes that...

The National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP) is a project under the Aviation City Initiative. The goal is the establishment of an aerospace technology cluster that is physically collocated in order to accrue the many...

A summary of Pakistan’s overall procurement roadmap and general strategy of its air defence systems....Read More

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. ASFAT A.Ş. Selects...

In March 2022, the Pakistan Air Force inducted its first batch of six J-10CE multi-role fighter aircraft from China. ...Read More

In early April 2022, the Pakistan Army’s (PA) Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Qamar Javed Bajwa, said that Western supply restrictions have pushed Pakistan to lean on China for new defence hardware. Gen. Bajwa issued...

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) is developing an indigenous engine through its subsidiary, TR Motor, which it acquired in 2017....Read More

Pakistan showcases its new equipment from China, including the J-10CE, VT4, HQ-9P, SH-15, and YLC-18A, among others. ...Read More

On 09 March 2022, an Indian Air Force (IAF) BrahMos supersonic land-attack cruise missile (LACM) crashed in Mian Channu, an area located in Khanewal District in Pakistan’s Punjab province. In a press conference, the Director General...

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....Read More

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....Read More

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. ...Read More

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....Read More

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....Read More

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....Read More

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....Read More

Pakistan will be extending its air-to-air reach, expanding its strike capacity, and intensifying its electronic warfare capability through the 2020s....Read More

Being the two-seat variant of the JF-17 Thunder, Pakistan's workhorse multirole fighter aircraft, the JF-17B will play a critical role in training pilots....Read More

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....Read More

In 2021, Pakistan cemented its defence modernization strategy through the dual approach of acquiring off-the-shelf Chinese solutions and developing original projects....Read More

China launches Pakistan's fourth Type 054A/P frigate. Pakistan receives a new batch of VT4 tanks and kits for upgrading its older tanks....Read More

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....Read More

On 09 December 2021, Karachi Shipyards & Engineering Works (KSEW) cut the steel of the fifth Hangor-class submarine for the Pakistan Navy (PN)....Read More

Pakistan’s GIDS is offering the Shahpar-II medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and Burq missile for export....Read More

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?...Read More

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....Read More

On November 08 2021, the Pakistan Navy (PN) commissioned its first of four Type 054A/P frigates – PNS Tughril....Read More

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....Read More

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)....Read More

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....Read More

On 14 October 2021, the Pakistan Army announced that it inducted the HQ-9/P long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system....Read More

With new assets and structural organization, Pakistan is improving its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) coverages across multiple areas....Read More

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....Read More

By Syed Aseem Ul Islam On 15 September 2021, the Pakistan Army (PA) Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) Air Headquarters (AHQ) in Islamabad. The COAS was...

Designing these UCAVs that are approaching manned fighter jets in complexity will give PAC experience and build capacity that it is lacking....Read More

PAC is seeking foreign partners for collaboration in the development of the FGFA. Serious discussions are being held with Turkish Aerospace Industries on merging the TAI TFX program...Read More

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....Read More

Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) revealed that it developed its own 155 mm howitzer gun. The Pakistan Army is currently testing the new artillery gun....Read More

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....Read More

On 15 August 2021, Istanbul Naval Shipyard launched the Pakistan Navy’s (PN) first MILGEM corvette, which the PN has named PNS Babur....Read More

Baykar Makina revealed the MIUS, an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) designed for carrier operations without the need of a catapult....Read More

Using Swift Retort as a template, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) will likely carry out the following acquisitions and changes....Read More

The Pakistan Navy’s (PN) Sea Sultan Long-Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft and Jinnah-class frigate programs are key original projects....Read More

Pakistan has multiple drone programs under development or procurement as well as a new communications satellite in the roadmap....Read More

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....Read More

Detection of crossings will be a serious capability gap as ground-based surveillance systems are limited. The solution is obvious: drones...Read More

Pakistan is allocating funds in its Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) budget for 2021-2022 to study space development growth....Read More

In May 2021, Pakistan took delivery of additional VT4 main battle tanks (MBT) and subassemblies for the al-Khalid Improved (al-Khalid I)....Read More

The Pakistan Navy (PN) is reportedly the launch customer of MBDA’s Albatros NG Naval Based Air Defence (NBAD) system. The Albatros NG uses the CAMM-ER....Read More

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....Read More

Pakistan was left with the choice of fully abandoning any and all efforts for nuclear weapons – or see itself closed off from Washington’s favour....Read More

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) took delivery of its three JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighters from Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC)....Read More

China and Turkey have laid the keels of the Pakistan Navy’s third Type 054A/P frigate and second MILGEM corvette, respectively. Pakistan will also receive its first Type 054A/P in the summer....Read More

Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) are looking to seal new JF-17 contracts with Argentina and Malaysia....Read More

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....Read More

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....Read More

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....Read More

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....Read More

The reveal of the Shahpar-2 and specifications of PAC's larger UAV show that Pakistan is intent on developing a domestic drone industry....Read More

Now would be the absolute worst time to be left behind technologically, especially due to easily fixable faults in Pakistan's systems....Read More

This article offers a roadmap for overhauling the administration of Pakistan’s existing network of military and strategic state-owned enterprises....Read More

As India surges ahead with its defence procurement and technology, what can Pakistan do with its limited means to gain parity? ...Read More

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) recently revealed a wide range of updates on its projects, including its next-generation fighter aircraft (NGFA) program under Project AZM...Read More

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...

In 2019, the PAF Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Mujahid Anwar Khan, revealed that the PAF was acquiring 26 JF-17Bs to serve as conversion aircraft to the JF-17 platform. The PAF is...

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

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

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

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

On 16 January 2021, the Indian Army (IA) showcased a newly acquired drone swarming capability during its annual parade. ...Read More

On 07 January 2021, Pakistan’s ISPR announced that the Pakistan Army test-fired an indigenous MLRS – Fatah-1 – with a range of 140 km....Read More

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

The PAF repeatedly signalled an interest for an off-the-shelf fighter to complement its current fleet until a next-generation fighter becomes available....Read More

Turkey’s Bayraktar TB2 has drawn attention for its effectiveness against armoured vehicles and air defence systems in Syria and Libya. Should Pakistan adopt a similar drone-use strategy as Turkey?...Read More

In an interview with Pucará Defense, the Chief of the General Staff of the Argentine Air Force, Brigadier Xavier Isaac, revealed that the country will reconsider the JF-17 Thunder. The disclosure follows Buenos Aires’ inability to...

By building partnerships in Turkey, Ukraine, South Africa, Brazil and other countries, Pakistan can create another supply channel for its defence needs, outside of traditional sellers like the America and China....Read More

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

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

The Ra’ad-series of cruise missiles form the lynchpin of Pakistan’s airborne nuclear deterrence posture. However, would future platforms improve this posture in terms of reach and impact?...Read More

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On 27 August 2020, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) announced that it inaugurated a ‘Centre of Artificial Intelligence & Computing’ (CENTAIC)....Read More

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...

Pakistani industries and universities advertise deep & fruitful industry-academia linkages in their promotional materials. However, one struggles to see the fruits of these so-called linkages in either academia or industry. The results are not apparent....Read More

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

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...

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

FGFAs, which are exponentially more complex, will face inevitable delays, so the PAF can decide to “cut its losses” by killing the FGFA program and, instead, buy off-the-shelf. To ensure the success of Project Azm, the...

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

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

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....Read More

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...

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...

Unfortunately, the entities under Pakistan’s Strategic Plans Division provide many examples of what not to do in R&D organizations. Therefore, a quick study of the practices of the SPD’s organizations is extremely helpful in charting a...

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

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

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

In this article, we will attempt to outline broad goals of this FDCI, and the ingredients needed to establish such an institute keeping in mind various practical aspects....Read More

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.”...Read More

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

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

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

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....Read More

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

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...

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

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

The 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...

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,...

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...

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?...Read More

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

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

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

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

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

On 02 February 2018, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) announced that it established an instrumented Weapon Test Range (WTR) at the Sonmiani Firing Range....Read More

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

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...

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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...

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. ...Read More

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....Read More

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....Read More

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

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

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...

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...

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...

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. ...Read More

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

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

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

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). ...Read More

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....Read More

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...

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

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

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

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. ...Read More

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....Read More

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

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...

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

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....Read More

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....Read More

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

In part-three, we examine the potential scope of collaboration between Pakistan and Ukraine, Turkey, South Africa and others on munitions development....Read More

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

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

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....Read More

Confirming earlier reports, the CNS had stated that the PN wishes to procure a new long-range maritime patrol aircraft (LRMP). ...Read More

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....Read More

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...

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

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...

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

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...

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...

Preliminary observations from the 2018 International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) held in Karachi, Pakistan on 27-30 November 2018. ...Read More

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....Read More

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

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....Read More

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);...

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 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’;...Read More

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...

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...

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

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

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

The Pakistan 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......Read More

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

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

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...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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

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

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....Read More

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

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)....Read More

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

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...

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...

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

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

On 26 June 2018, 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...

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...

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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....

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...

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

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

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

The Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO) called upon the Government of Pakistan to establish a coherent policy framework for exporting defence products. The statement was conveyed by the Director of Coordination Brig. Gen. Waheed Mumtaz in...