About Us
Contact Us
☰ Menu
Home
Daily News
KSEW Cuts Steel for Pakistan’s Second MILGEM Corvette
Istanbul Naval Shipyard Lays Keel for First Pakistani MILGEM
Zulfiquar-Class (F-22P) Frigate
Press Releases
Commissioning ceremony of Offshore Patrol Vessel PNS YARMOOK
Damen and Blohm + Voss selected for construction German MKS180 frigates
Leading specialized battery manufacturer, EaglePicher, selects IFS cloud-based solution to power its operations
Quwa Premium Sample
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)
Information Portal
ATR-72 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA)
Zulfiquar-Class (F-22P) Frigate
Yarmook-Class Corvette (Damen OPV 1900)
Pakistan Army
Pakistan Navy
ATR-72 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA)
Zulfiquar-Class (F-22P) Frigate
Type 054A/P Frigate: Pakistan’s New Multi-Mission Frigates
Pakistan Air Force
Nuclear / Missiles
Quwa Premium
Turkey’s Fighter Efforts Start Catching Momentum
The Pakistan Air Force’s Plans for this Decade
Pakistan Continues Investing in Drone Development
Quwa Premium Articles
Turkey’s Fighter Efforts Start Catching Momentum
The Pakistan Air Force’s Plans for this Decade
Pakistan Continues Investing in Drone Development
Monthly Report
The Jinnah-Class Frigate: Pakistan’s Next-Generation Warship?
Account
Subscribe
Log In
About Us
About Quwa
Terms of Service
Privacy Policy
Contact Us
Account
Log In
April 18, 2021
Quwa Premium
Turkey’s Fighter Efforts Start Catching Momentum
by
Bilal Khan
-
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....
Read More
The Pakistan Air Force’s Plans for this Decade
by
Bilal Khan
-
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....
Read More
Pakistan Continues Investing in Drone Development
by
Bilal Khan
-
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....
Read More
The Real Threat to Pakistan’s National Security – Part 2
by
Syed Aseem Ul Islam
-
Mar 21, 2021
This article offers a roadmap for overhauling the administration of Pakistan’s existing network of military and strategic state-owned enterprises....
Read More
The Real Threat to Pakistan’s National Security – Part 1
by
Syed Aseem Ul Islam
-
Mar 14, 2021
As India surges ahead with its defence procurement and technology, what can Pakistan do with its limited means to gain parity? ...
Read More
Project AZM: Updates on Pakistan’s Next-Gen Fighter Aircraft
by
Syed Aseem Ul Islam
-
Mar 7, 2021
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
Pakistan’s Mirages: Today’s Success and Tomorrow’s Roadmap
by
Bilal Khan
-
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
-
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....
Read More
Pakistan’s Surface-to-Surface Missiles: Strategic Intent with Conventional Potential
by
Bilal Khan
-
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
-
Feb 7, 2021
In an interview with Global Times, Pakistan’s Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi, revealed that the Pakistan Navy is looking for new corvettes, submarines, and helicopters....
Read More
Pakistan Navy Programs Continue Moving Forward
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 31, 2021
The Pakistan Navy saw through the launch of its second Type 054A/P frigate in China as well as the start to production of its third MILGEM corvette in Turkey....
Read More
Pakistan Takes Delivery of CH-4 Drones from China
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 23, 2021
On 15 January 2021, the Pakistan Army took delivery of five CH-4 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) from Aerospace Long-March International (ALIT)....
Read More
India Demonstrates Drone Swarming Capability
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 17, 2021
On 16 January 2021, the Indian Army (IA) showcased a newly acquired drone swarming capability during its annual parade. ...
Read More
Pakistan Tests Indigenous Fatah-1 Guided MLRS
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 10, 2021
On 07 January 2021, Pakistan’s ISPR announced that the Pakistan Army test-fired an indigenous MLRS – Fatah-1 – with a range of 140 km....
Read More
Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Delivers New JF-17B Batch
by
Bilal Khan
-
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
-
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....
Read More
Can Pakistan Mirror Turkey’s Drone-Use Strategy?
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 13, 2020
Turkey’s Bayraktar TB2 has drawn attention for its effectiveness against armoured vehicles and air defence systems in Syria and Libya. Should Pakistan adopt a similar drone-use strategy as Turkey?...
Read More
Argentina Will Take Another Look at the JF-17 Thunder
by
Bilal Khan
-
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....
Read More
Pakistan’s Opportunity to Form a ‘Third’ Defence Supply Option
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 29, 2020
By building partnerships in Turkey, Ukraine, South Africa, Brazil and other countries, Pakistan can create another supply channel for its defence needs, outside of traditional sellers like the America and China....
Read More
Turkey’s TFX: Where Does It Stand Today?
by
Guest Author
-
Nov 22, 2020
Turkey’s reliance on Western suppliers for critical inputs (such as engines and electronics) may help drive the development of the TFX, but at the cost of limiting exportability....
Read More
Potential Shifts in Pakistan’s Defence Industry
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 15, 2020
Pakistan is at the crossroad of deciding whether it wants to continue investing in its defence industry, at least in regards to specific state-owned organizations....
Read More
The Future of Pakistan’s Airborne Nuclear Deterrence
by
Bilal Khan
-
Nov 8, 2020
The Ra’ad-series of cruise missiles form the lynchpin of Pakistan’s airborne nuclear deterrence posture. However, would future platforms improve this posture in terms of reach and impact?...
Read More
Pakistan’s A2/AD Efforts: P282 Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile
by
Bilal Khan
-
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....
Read More
Is Pakistan Getting More Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV)?
by
Bilal Khan
-
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....
Read More
Outgoing Pakistan Navy Chief Reveals 50-Ship Vision
by
Bilal Khan
-
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.’...
Read More
Pakistan Officially Reveals VT4 Tank Induction
by
Bilal Khan
-
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...
The US NGAD and Digital Engineering: Lessons for Pakistan
by
Syed Aseem Ul Islam
-
Sep 27, 2020
From the onset, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) cannot – and should not – try mimicking the USAF’s approach. However, it can learn important lessons from the U.S.’ use of digital engineering, and the Digital Century Series...
Pakistan Offers Glimpses of Next-Generation Fighter Program
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....
Read More
Pakistan Commits to Forming Offset Policy for Defence Imports
by
Bilal Khan
-
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....
Read More
Analysis: Ideas on How Pakistan Can Leverage the MILGEM Ada
by
Guest Author
-
Sep 6, 2020
By Arslan Khan In July 2018, Pakistan inked a contract with Turkey’s Military Factory and Shipyard Corporation (i.e., ASFAT A.Ş.) for four MILGEM corvettes for the Pakistan Navy (PN). In addition to acquiring a heavily customized...
Pakistan Air Force Delves into Artificial Intelligence Development
by
Bilal Khan
-
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...
“Industry-Academia Linkages” in the Pakistani Context
by
Syed Aseem Ul Islam
-
Aug 16, 2020
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
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)....
Read More
Indian Air Force Inducts First Five Dassault Rafale Fighters
by
Bilal Khan
-
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...
How Pakistan Should Equip its Ships for Naval Air Threats
by
Guest Author
-
Jul 26, 2020
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
A Pragmatic Vision for Project Azm
by
Syed Aseem Ul Islam
-
Jul 19, 2020
The central goal of Pakistan’s ‘Project Azm’ is the development of a fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA). Since the first announcement of Project Azm in 2017, the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) Air Staff Requirements (ASR) for the...
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? ...
Read More
Pakistan’s UAV Development, Deployment, and Future
by
Syed Aseem Ul Islam
-
Jul 5, 2020
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...
Moving Forward With the MILGEM-J Corvette/Frigate
by
Bilal Khan
-
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....
Read More
Turkey Makes Inroads in Aero Engine Development
by
Bilal Khan
-
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...
The Culture and Foundations for Research at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex
by
Syed Aseem Ul Islam
-
Jun 7, 2020
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...
Analysis: Pakistan’s VT4 Acquisition
by
Guest Author
-
May 31, 2020
Pakistan’s reported VT-4 purchase is a stopgap measure in response to India’s T-90MS acquisition, but its effectiveness is debateable and Pakistan’s wider MBT modernization options limited....
Read More
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....
Read More
The Groundwork to Induct a Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile
by
Bilal Khan
-
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...
How To Establish a Flight Dynamics and Control Institute at PAC Kamra
by
Syed Aseem Ul Islam
-
May 10, 2020
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
The Jinnah-Class Frigate: Pakistan’s Next-Generation Warship?
by
Bilal Khan
-
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....
Read More
Why PAC Needs In-House Development of Flight Control Systems
by
Syed Aseem Ul Islam
-
Apr 19, 2020
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...
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...
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....
Read More
The Future of Pakistan’s Tank Modernization and Acquisition Programs
by
Dr. M Hossain
-
Mar 22, 2020
Tanks play an important role in war. The Pakistan Armed Forces has deficiency in tank numbers and is attempting to find ways to mitigate this deficiency. Among the solutions is to increase local production and up-gradation...
Germany Cleared EUR 174.4 M in Arms to Pakistan in 2018
by
Bilal Khan
-
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....
Read More
Pakistan Issues Tender for Radomes for TPS-77 MRR and YLC-18A
by
Bilal Khan
-
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.”...
Read More
Pakistan May Revise Attack Helicopter Procurement Plans
by
Bilal Khan
-
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....
Read More
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)....
Read More
The Present and Future Threats to Pakistan’s Submarine Fleet
by
Bilal Khan
-
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....
Read More
Pakistan Selects KLJ-7A AESA Radar for JF-17 Block-III
by
Bilal Khan
-
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....
Read More
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...
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. ...
Read More
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...
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...
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?...
Read More
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....
Read More
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....
Read More
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...
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...
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...
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....
Read More
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...
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....
Read More
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. ...
Read More
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...
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. ...
Read More
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...
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...
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....
Read More
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. ...
Read More
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....
Read More
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....
Read More
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. ...
Read More
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...
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. ...
Read More
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 Navy Tests Dual Land-Attack & Anti-Ship Cruise Missile
by
Bilal Khan
-
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)....
Read More
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
-
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). ...
Read More
Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Issues Tender for JF-17 MRO Warehouse
by
Bilal Khan
-
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....
Read More
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
-
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. ...
Read More
Denel Reportedly in Talks to Sell Artillery to a Country in Asia
by
Bilal Khan
-
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....
Read More
Malaysia and Azerbaijan Headline Pakistan’s Fresh JF-17 Sales Efforts
by
Bilal Khan
-
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. ...
Read More
Pakistan Adds to Agosta 90B Submarine Upgrade Program
by
Bilal Khan
-
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. ...
Read More
Pakistan Air Force’s JF-17 Test Fires New Precision Guided Weapon
by
Bilal Khan
-
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....
Read More
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)....
Read More
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
-
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....
Read More
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....
Read More
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....
Read More
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....
Read More
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....
Read More
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....
Read More
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....
Read More
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). ...
Read More
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....
Read More
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....
Read More
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: 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....
Read More
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 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....
Read More
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: 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. ...
Read More
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....
Read More
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....
Read More
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
-
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’; ...
Read More
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....
Read More
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. ...
Read More
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 Navy Reportedly Seeking a New Maritime Patrol Aircraft
by
Bilal Khan
-
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: The JF-17 Emerges as Pakistan’s Mainstay Fighter (Part 2)
by
Bilal Khan
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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....
Read More
Pakistan’s Opportunity to Develop Munitions with South Africa
by
Bilal Khan
-
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....
Read More
Analysis: Pakistan’s T129 ATAK Purchase
by
Bilal Khan
-
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)....
Read More
Turkey Books $3 billion in Pakistani Defence Deals
by
Bilal Khan
-
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 inks contract for T129 ATAK attack helicopters
by
Bilal Khan
-
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
-
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...
Poland Looks to Pakistan’s Defence Market for Sales
by
Bilal Khan
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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....
Read More
Pakistan’s Erieye AEW&C Follow-On Order Now Proceeding?
by
Bilal Khan
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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...
Pakistan May Sign T129 ATAK Attack Helicopter Contract Soon
by
Bilal Khan
-
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....
Read More
Pakistan’s Rationale for Nuclear Weapons
by
Bilal Khan
-
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...
Primer: Pakistan’s Nuclear Weapons Program
by
Bilal Khan
-
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
-
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, 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...
JF-17 Export Efforts: Negotiating Expectations
by
Bilal Khan
-
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? ...
Read More
PAF Bholari: The Pakistan Air Force’s New Main Operating Base
by
Bilal Khan
-
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
-
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
-
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’s Interest in Russian Arms (Part 2): Air Defence Systems
by
Bilal Khan
-
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...
Pakistan’s Interest in Russian Arms (Part 1): Su-35 Flanker-E
by
Bilal Khan
-
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...
Monthly Report: Why the MILGEM Ada?
by
Bilal Khan
-
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
-
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
-
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’s next – near-term – steps for bridging airpower gap
by
Bilal Khan
-
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
-
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...
Analyzing the SIPRI Report on Pakistani Defence Procurement
by
Bilal Khan
-
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...
RIBAT-2018 (Part 2): Effecting Peacetime Maritime Security
by
Bilal Khan
-
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....
Read More
RIBAT-2018 (Part 1): Improving PAF-PN Interoperability
by
Bilal Khan
-
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...
How a poor bilateral relations effort cost Pakistan at the FATF
by
Bilal Khan
-
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
-
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 will stick with the Erieye AEW&C; add different ISR aircraft for other roles
by
Bilal Khan
-
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...
Pakistan Army Aviation’s High-Altitude Capabilities
by
Bilal Khan
-
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-Russia Relations: Tempering Expectations
by
Bilal Khan
-
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...
Pakistan Defence Review: Procurement Updates
by
Bilal Khan
-
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...
The Sonmiani WTR supports domestic munition development
by
Bilal Khan
-
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...
Can Pakistan capitalize upon Ukraine’s Defence Industry?
by
Bilal Khan
-
Feb 2, 2018
Ukraine’s re-armament efforts – and in tandem, its defence industry development – present opportunities for countries requiring technology....
Read More
Monthly Report: Review of Turkey’s efforts to sell the T129 ATAK to Pakistan
by
Bilal Khan
-
Feb 1, 2018
On his official visit to Turkey in November 24-26, 2017, Pakistan’s Minister of Defence Production (MoDP) Rana Tanveer Hussain stated that a potential Pakistani purchase of T129 ATAK attack helicopters from Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) was...
Pakistan-Indonesian Ties: Why Pakistan ought to Push for Partnerships, not Sales
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 30, 2018
Introduction On 26-27 January 2018, the President of Indonesia Joko Widodo paid an official state visit to Pakistan. The visit was earnestly received by Pakistan, which not only presented Mr. Widodo and Indonesia’s First Lady Mrs....
Pakistan’s submarine fleet expansion requires genuine submarine rescue capability
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 26, 2018
Introduction The core element of the Pakistan Navy’s long-term development efforts is the expansion of its submarine fleet, which is slated to swell to as many as 13 ships equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP) from the...
Project Azm: The expansion of Pakistan’s drone program
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 22, 2018
Pakistan is expanding its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) fleet through the procurement of new medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) drones, most notably with Project Azm (resolve), under which a MALE UAV is being developed along with a fifth-generation...
China-Pakistan Relations: Difference between ‘Allies’ and ‘Partners’
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 18, 2018
Introduction China is a marquee element in Pakistan’s foreign relations landscape since the 1960s, having resulted in a spate of big-ticket defence procurement and, since 2015, significant economic interaction via the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). However,...
Why Pakistan is unlikely to procure a lead-in-fighter-trainer (LIFT)
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 15, 2018
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...
Why is Pakistan procuring an off-the-shelf tank?
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 12, 2018
Introduction On January 06 photos emerged purporting that a NORINCO VT4 main battle tank (MBT) was in Pakistan, ostensibly for trials for an apparent Pakistan Army bid for an off-the-shelf MBT to augment its growing –...
The Impact of Pakistan’s Harba dual-AShM and LACM
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 9, 2018
Introduction On January 03, the Pakistan Navy announced that it test-fired a new anti-ship cruise missile (ASCM) with land-attack capabilities, the “Harba.” The dual-ASCM/land-attack cruise missile (LACM) was fired from an Azmat-class fast attack craft (FAC),...
Despite tension, US-Pakistan defence ties unlikely to end
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 5, 2018
U.S. President Donald J. Trump began 2018 with a tweet accusing Pakistan of duplicity with regards to the ongoing – and over 16-year-long – U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan. Trump reiterated how the U.S. provided Pakistan...
The Push to Boost Pakistan’s Space Program
by
Bilal Khan
-
Jan 1, 2018
Introduction In his speech during the AirTech ’17 conference in December 2017 at Air University Islamabad, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Sohail Aman, stated that...
Monthly Report: Pakistan Defence Review 2017
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 31, 2017
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...
China-Pakistan Relations: Why it matters for Pakistan
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 29, 2017
Prologue This article is part of a series Quwa will publish under Quwa Premium through 2018. For this week, we are broadly overviewing the key aspects of Pakistan’s relations with China, which – in some respects,...
Understanding India’s Entry into the Wassenaar Arrangement
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 26, 2017
Introduction On December 07, the then 41-member Wassenaar Arrangement (WA) unanimously approved of India’s entry into the WA. Like the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), which India joined in June 2016 as its 35th member, the...
Countering the BrahMos Threat (Quwa Premium Sample)
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 21, 2017
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...
Pakistan’s Defence Industry: High Risk and High Reward Partnerships
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 19, 2017
Prologue: This is a continuation of the Quwa Premium articles discussing the Pakistani defence industry, specifically its inability to produce a domestic marketplace to which the Pakistani armed forces and foreign customers can consult, its nascent...
Analysis: The Case for Pakistan Procuring the FC-31 Gyrfalcon
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 14, 2017
Officially, the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) fifth-generation fighter (FGF) program is being executed under ‘Project Azm’ (resolve). Under the PAF’s long-term plan, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra has been entrusted to manufacture a FGF as well as...
Pakistan’s Defence Industry: Constructing a Domestic Marketplace & Examining Offsets
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 12, 2017
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....
Editor’s Note: Introducing Quwa Premium
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 8, 2017
In 2015 I founded Quwa with the aim of discussing Pakistani defence issues. In the lead-up to releasing my first post, I had found that there was a dearth in accessible information on Pakistani defence programs....
DEPO’s Call for Coherent Export Policy & Pakistan’s Defence Product Development (FREE SAMPLE)
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 8, 2017
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...
Pakistan’s Product Development Efforts and the Role of the Private Sector
by
Bilal Khan
-
Dec 7, 2017
Sticking to time-tested designs that are proven to work is not inherently a problem. However, with Pakistan’s focus to boosting exports, then product catalogues will face scrutiny....
Read More
Quwa
Latest
Popular
Comments
Turkey’s Fighter Efforts Start Catching Mom ...
Quwa Team
-
Apr 18, 2021
Quwa Premium Except
The Pakistan Air Force’s Plans for this Dec ...
Quwa Team
-
Apr 11, 2021
Quwa Premium Except
Pakistan Continues Investing in Drone Develop ...
Quwa Team
-
Apr 3, 2021
Quwa Premium Except
The Real Threat to Pakistan’s National Secu ...
Quwa Team
-
Mar 28, 2021
Quwa Premium Except
The Pakistan Air Force’s Plans for this Dec ...
Bilal Khan
-
Apr 11, 2021
Quwa Premium
Pakistan Continues Investing in Drone Develop ...
Bilal Khan
-
Apr 3, 2021
Quwa Premium
Pakistan Continues Investing in Drone Develop ...
Quwa Team
-
Apr 3, 2021
Quwa Premium Except
The Pakistan Air Force’s Plans for this Dec ...
Quwa Team
-
Apr 11, 2021
Quwa Premium Except
Steve
2018-03-04 19:00:00
So it’s time to dump the LERX’s then. Visit to a wind tunnel anyon ...
Steve
2018-03-04 18:46:00
I fully agree. Time for Bajwa and Abbasi to personally meet Putin for ...
Saikat Misra
2018-03-04 14:23:00
LCA project is a very successful project.This leads to the inhouse dev ...
Jigsaw
2018-03-04 12:21:00
Only composites. nothing really ground breaking here wrt stealth.
Featured
Pakistan Navy’s Damen Corvette / Offshore Patrol Vessel
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
China’s scale gives flexibility for high-tech arms development
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...
Loaded Procurement Pipeline in Tow, The Pakistan Navy Rises (Part 1)
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....
Read More
AW139: The Pakistan Air Force’s New Mainstay SAR Helicopter
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”...
Quwa Defence News and Analysis Group