Defence Uncut

The Pakistan Navy commissions PNS/M Hangor — the first of eight Hangor-class (S26) AIP submarines derived from China's Yuan-class (Type 039B). We trace the programme from the collapsed Type 214 deal with TKMS through to the current dual-submarine strategy, and discuss how the fleet will reshape Pakistan's maritime posture in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.We also cover the Babur-class corvette and Jinnah-class frigate armament debate, the SMASH anti-ship ballistic missile and Taimoor AS cruise missile tests, the Army Rocket Force Command's first Fatah-II training launch, the Pakistan Army's emerging precision-fire and precision-strike doctrine — including the Nishana PGK, PAKFIRE, and the new Integrated Battlefield Management System — and SUPARCO's PRSC-EO3 satellite completing Pakistan's electro-optical imaging constellation.

The Islamabad talks between the US and Iran ended without an agreement after 21 hours — but the breakdown reveals more than the headlines suggest.In this episode, Bilal Khan and Arslan Khan analyse what the Islamabad negotiations mean for Pakistan's position in the Iran-US war. They examine why the US wanted to establish contact with the IRGC's post-decapitation leadership, why the nuclear issue was only part of the sticking point, and why Pakistan's proposal for joint naval patrols of the Strait of Hormuz could reshape the region's security architecture.The episode covers Iran's asymmetric cost strategy and what Pakistan's military can learn from its mosaic defence doctrine, the case for devolving combat authority down to corps and brigade level, Pakistan Navy's geographic advantage in the Arabian Sea, and the argument that Pakistan has been systematically undercharging the Gulf for its security services.Bilal and Arslan lay out a detailed framework for how Pakistan could position itself as the region's primary security guarantor — from joint F-16 squadrons stationed in Saudi Arabia and Pakistani-operated drone interceptor production lines, to Chinese surplus air defence stockpiles channelled through Pakistan to Gulf buyers. They also discuss the structural failure of the Saudi-Pakistan Strategic Defence Agreement and what needs to change to make it operational.Defence Uncut is the first dedicated English-language Pakistani defence podcast. New episodes weekly.Website: quwa.org | Twitter/X: @quwagroup

Defence Uncut is back for Season 2. In this premiere episode, Bilal Khan and Arslan Khan examine the operational lessons emerging from the US-Iran war and what they mean for Pakistan's defence planning.The discussion covers three interconnected areas: the proven value of low-cost Shahed-class loitering munitions — including why the design succeeded where more complex systems have failed, and what Pakistan's own drone industry can replicate. The more limited returns from Iran's ballistic missile investments — where the 'fear factor' is real but the physical degradation has been minimal. And the naval dynamics of the Strait of Hormuz crisis — particularly what Iran's failure to get its submarines and warships out of port before they were destroyed signals for the Pakistan Navy's own submarine and surface fleet strategy.We also discuss the counter-drone problem — from high-powered microwave emitters to Ukraine's kinetic Sting interceptors to an unconventional concept involving low-cost experimental jet UAVs for persistent airborne patrols. And we close with the case for a multinational missile consortium among Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia — what Arslan calls an 'Eastern MBDA' — to solve the production scale and stockpile depth challenge that this war has made impossible to ignore.For deeper analysis beyond the podcast, subscribe to Quwa Plus at https://quwa.org/quwa-premium/plus — two South Asia-focused defence analysis articles per week, 10 years of the Quwa Premium archive, and our new Pulse Check podcast on the institutions and policy behind Pakistan's defence decisions.Questions or topic suggestions? Email [email protected]

A quiet update to a US Department of Defense contract has added Pakistan to a list of nations slated to receive the advanced AIM-120C8/D AMRAAM, the most capable air-to-air missile in the US export inventory. In this episode, we unpack what this administrative move truly signifies for the Pakistan Air Force. We explain why this is not yet a finalized sale and break down the intricate political and industrial tracks of the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process that must be navigated before any missiles are delivered. Furthermore, we analyze the significant capability boost the AIM-120C8/D offers and discuss whether this development could be a precursor to a major upgrade for the PAF's existing F-16s, or perhaps even a landmark deal for new-build F-16 Block 72 fighters.

In this episode of Defense Uncut, hosts Bilal Khan and Aseem Islam analyze the new Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement (SMDA) signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The discussion moves beyond surface-level speculation, such as claims of a "nuclear umbrella," which the hosts argue would be highly destabilizing and unacceptable to the United States.Instead, they propose the agreement was likely signed with Washington's knowledge, if not at its recommendation. The core of the analysis suggests the pact is a key component of a broader US strategy to disengage from the Middle East in order to focus on China. This move aims to pacify two contentious regions—the Middle East and South Asia—in a single, cost-effective maneuver.

This week on Defence Uncut, we dive deep into the reports that the Indian Air Force is pushing to acquire another 114 Dassault Rafale fighters.Is this a strategic masterstroke to consolidate the IAF's power, or an overreaction to Pakistan's potential acquisition of the J-35 stealth fighter? Join us as we analyze why this is far more than a platform-vs-platform debate. We break down the critical advantages India holds in its domestic aerospace industry, how a consolidated Rafale and Tejas fleet presents a significant challenge to the PAF, and why Pakistan's focus must shift from matching numbers to strengthening its own network-centric systems and industrial base.Defence Uncut is the first dedicated English-language podcast for Pakistani defence commentary. Find more of our analysis at Quwa.org.

Pakistan has signed a $406 million deal with China's PIESAT for a constellation of 20+ advanced imaging satellites, a move with massive strategic implications. In this episode, we analyze how this provides the critical situational awareness needed for the new Army Rocket Force Command (ARFC) , why the deal was signed by the Ministry of Food Security instead of SUPARCO , and how it paves the way for a sovereign, dual-use space industry decoupled from previous constraints. We break down the technology, the military doctrine, and the future of Pakistan's ambitions in space.

China's 2025 Victory Day Parade sent a clear message to the world: its military technology is now at the cutting edge. In this episode, we unpack the most significant weapon systems unveiled, from the highly agile HHQ-9C surface-to-air missile to the game-changing YJ-19 hypersonic cruise missile and a new family of stealth combat drones (UCAVs).Aerospace engineer Aseem ul-Islam and Quwa's Bilal Khan analyze the engineering behind these platforms, their strategic purpose, and their potential availability for export to countries like Pakistan. We also explore China's advancements in counter-drone lasers, unmanned turret tanks, and anti-ship ballistic missiles. The episode concludes with an in-depth Q&A session, answering listener questions on everything from Pakistan's air defence strategy to the future of its defence industry.Learn More:For more in-depth analysis, visit our website at https://www.quwa.org.Get Involved:To submit a question for our next episode, subscribe to our YouTube channel at 'Quwa Group' and look for our community posts. You can also send feedback to [email protected].

The story of the JF-17 Thunder is often told as a manufacturing achievement, but its true genius lies in the strategic doctrine behind it. This episode is a deep-dive analysis of how the Pakistan Air Force, forged by decades of Western sanctions, developed a pragmatic and resilient program to ensure its strategic independence. With aviation historians Usman Shabir and Yawar Mazhar, we explore the key decisions -- like decoupling the airframe and avionics -- that allowed the project to succeed where others, like India's Tejas, stumbled. This is not just the history of a fighter jet; it's a case study in how to build real capability against all odds.

In this laser-focused episode of Defence Uncut, we dive deep into the establishment of the Pakistan Army's new Rocket Force Command. We analyze the strategic drivers behind its creation, exploring the pattern of escalating conflict with India and the need to build a robust conventional deterrence below the nuclear threshold. Hosted by Bilal Khan with guest Aseem ul-Islam, we discuss how this new force signals a doctrinal shift towards preemption and developing an organic strike capability independent of the Pakistan Air Force. We also tackle the critical question of industrial capacity: can Pakistan's production base, traditionally geared for a small number of strategic assets, scale up to produce the thousands of missiles required for sustained conventional conflict? We argue that the only path to success lies in a radical overhaul, moving mass production to a competitive private sector while state-owned entities focus on pure R&D. Plus, we round up the week's key defence news, including India's latest order for Tejas fighters, Japan's testing of Turkish drones, and a look at a new Chinese helicopter that bears a striking resemblance to the S-97 Raider.

Is Pakistan's new Hangor-class submarine secretly a version of China's advanced Yuan-class? This week on Defence Uncut, we dive deep into the Pakistan Navy's newest and largest-ever submarine, exploring its advanced Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system and its strategic role in pushing Pakistan's defensive line deep into the Indian Ocean. With the third boat, PNS Mangro, recently launched in China, we analyze how this new fleet is set to become a major headache for Indian anti-submarine warfare efforts.Join us as we also round up the week's biggest defence news, including a rumored $1.5 billion arms deal with Sudan and why Pakistan is missing a massive opportunity by not creating its own contracted aggressor air training services. We also discuss the latest on the Pakistan Air Force's future programs, including the Al-Murtajiz drone concept which signals a move towards manned-unmanned teaming, and the rumored induction of a new HAVA SOJ airborne standoff jammer.Finally, we present a critical analysis of a recurring issue in Pakistan's military: flawed procurement strategy and a lack of tri-service coordination. Using the stark contrast between the Navy's modern CAMM-ER surface-to-air missiles and the Army and Air Force's legacy HQ-16 systems, we debate the long-term dangers of over-relying on a single supplier and argue for a new approach focused on building indigenous capabilities through partnerships with peer nations.Send your questions, commentary, and insights to: [email protected]

The Pakistan Army's induction of the Z-10ME attack helicopter 🚁 marks the end of an era. This isn't just a replacement for the aging Cobra; it's a catalyst for a full-scale doctrinal revolution. In this episode, the Defence Uncut team explores how the Z-10ME, a sophisticated standoff weapons platform, is forcing Pakistan's Army Aviation to evolve from direct-fire "tank busting" to a networked "system of systems" approach 🌐 fit for the modern battlefield. We analyze the lessons from Ukraine that have made this shift necessary and discuss the inevitable need for deeper integration with the Pakistan Air Force to control the contested low-altitude domain.Also in this episode 🎙️, we cover major geopolitical developments, including the nuances of a potential thaw in US-Pakistan defense ties 🤝 and what Indonesia's deal for the Turkish KAAN 5th-gen fighter means for Pakistan's own future fighter plans.For more in-depth analysis and to read our referenced articles, visit us at Quwa.org. Have a question or topic suggestion? Email us at [email protected].

We are joined by special guests Usman Shabbir and Yawar Mazhar, co-authors of the groundbreaking historical book "Eagles of Destiny," for an unprecedented look into the Pakistan Air Force. They reveal the untold story of how the PAF was forged as an institution, deliberately creating a unique identity and culture separate from its British origins and the Pakistan Army. Discover the transformative impact of the US Mutual Defense Assistance Program, which provided not just new aircraft but a whole new way of thinking, training, and operating that defines the PAF to this day. In this episode, we also break down one of the biggest defense news stories of the week: the Pakistan Army's induction of the advanced Chinese Z-10ME attack helicopter. Our panel analyzes its sophisticated electronic warfare suite, its wide array of new weapons, and how it represents a major leap in capability for Army Aviation in a contested battlefield. We also get our guests' unique historical perspective on the May 2025 air conflict and the lessons learned. About the Book:Usman and Yawar's book, "Eagles of Destiny," offers a comprehensive history of the PAF's formative years. It is available as a consolidated single volume in Pakistan from Readings and as two separate volumes internationally from Helion & Company. Contact Us:For questions, comments, or suggestions, please email us at [email protected]

In this episode of Defence Uncut, we tackle one of the most critical and complex challenges in modern military technology: architecting a next-generation data-link.The future of air combat is no longer just about faster jets; it's about information. But how can an air force communicate seamlessly in battle (be "Loud") while also remaining electromagnetically silent to strike with surprise (be "Silent")?We explore why legacy systems like Link-17 are now a significant liability for stealth and UCAV operations and detail the architectural shift required to master both high-power networked combat and covert, low-probability-of-intercept communications. Learn about the foundational role of Software-Defined Radio (SDR) and how Pakistan’s existing expertise in phased arrays and electronic warfare provides a pathway to developing this sovereign capability.Plus, we cover the week's biggest headlines:The JF-17C's international debut at RIAT 2025.The arrival of the Pakistan Army's Z-10ME attack helicopters.The strategic opportunity in jet-powered loitering munitions.Join us for a rare, in-depth look at one of the most complex technologies shaping the future of warfare. For even more analysis, including articles on the topics discussed, visit us at Quwa.org.

The debate over new F-16s for the Pakistan Air Force is back. But is it the right conversation to be having?In this episode of Defence Uncut, we argue that the future of Pakistan's air dominance doesn't lie in more imported fighters, but in a bold and strategic pivot to a sovereign Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) program.We explore how the realities of modern aerial warfare, coupled with Pakistan's existing industrial strengths, make UCAVs a more accessible, scalable, and economically viable path to securing the nation's airspace. We also lay out a roadmap for how to organize the domestic defence industry - from NESCOM to NASTP to the private sector - to make this ambitious vision a reality.Tune in to understand why the next generation of the PAF might be piloted by AI.

The ambition was immense: a homegrown 5th-generation fighter for the Pakistan Air Force. But the flagship program, Project AZM, has effectively failed, leaving critical questions about the future of Pakistan’s aerospace industry. Why was a project with so much national prestige doomed from the start?This episode of Defence Uncut provides a brutally honest post-mortem on Project AZM, revealing how a fundamental misunderstanding of industrial capacity and a failure to join international partners like Turkey on the KAAN fighter led to a historic missed opportunity. We analyze how this impacts the celebrated JF-17 fleet and why the new Project PFX may not be the answer.We argue that the true, realistic path forward for Pakistan's defence industry is not to chase the manned fighter dream. Instead, it must pivot to mastering Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs)—a domain where Pakistan has a genuine foundation and can build a scalable, powerful, and deterrent force for the 21st century.

After the trauma of the 1971 war, Pakistan's leadership came to a stark conclusion: international alliances were useless. To guarantee their survival, they would have to build the ultimate deterrent themselves.The solution was a secret two-pronged strategy: one well-known uranium program to create a deterrent on paper, and a second, more advanced plutonium program to secure absolute capability. This is the story of how Pakistan built its bomb, debunking the myths of foreign reliance and revealing a doctrine of calculated self-sufficiency.We uncover the full history: from the first reactors to today's miniaturized warheads.

The Pakistan Navy is undergoing a quiet revolution, transforming from a neglected force into a formidable power. From new Chinese frigates and advanced AIP submarines to secretive indigenous programs for hypersonic missiles and next-generation warships, the "silent service" is making major moves. In this episode of Defence Uncut, we pull back the curtain on the Pakistan Navy's ambitious modernization.Plus, we unpack Pakistan's new $9 billion defence budget and analyze Turkey's landmark $10 billion MoU with Indonesia for the 5th-gen KAAN fighter. Is the deal solid?🔥 For the full, in-depth analysis and exclusive reports that fuel this discussion, you NEED to visit Quwa.org. Don't miss out on the intelligence shaping global defence.➡️ Read More & Get Exclusive Reports: https://quwa.org

On 06 June 2025, the Government of Pakistan had announced that it received a major arms offer from China consisting of the J-35 stealth fighter, HQ-19 theatre air defence system, and the KJ-500 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system. The announcement was posted on the social media platform X, but was deleted on 11 June, indicating that it may have been an unintended revelation. In any case, the announcement, for the most part, was not surprising.Pakistan expressed its interest and plans to induct the J-35 as far back as 2024, and an accompanying KJ-500 AEW&C acquisition could make sense. It would allow the PAF to leverage concepts like Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) out of the box rather than delay its adoption by solely waiting for an original integration solution. Arguably, the most surprising piece of the announcement was the inclusion of the HQ-19 – i.e., China’s theater air defence system. 

Following the recent Indo-Pak conflict, which saw established paradigms tested and new threats emerge, one capability, in particular, underscored a critical vulnerability for Pakistan: India's BrahMos supersonic cruise missile (SSCM).As we detailed in our previous episode, Pakistan’s air defence system did not stop the BrahMos SSCM at limited scale, even though India likely expelled some of its oldest missile stocks with an older-generation seeker and electronics stack. If India were to use its newer missiles at large-scale the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) ability to mount any form of air power would, in all likelihood, be rapidly deprecated. In this second episode of Defence Uncut, we delve deeper into the specific threat posed by the BrahMos. This missile system, a joint Indo-Russian venture that increasingly reflects India's expanding indigenous defence R&D and production base, is not a static threat. It is an evolving capability with significant implications for regional security dynamics and Pakistan's defensive strategy.

In the inaugural episode of Defence Uncut by Quwa, Bilal Khan, Arslan Khan, and Aseem ul-Islam take a high level look at the recent conflict between Pakistan and India from May 7 to May 10 2025. During those first crucial hours of May 7th, it appeared that the PAF had successfully built upon its strong showing in 2019. However, over the next 72 hours, India regrouped and brought a fight that the PAF – and the Pakistani military at large – was not prepared to fight.For additional insights and context, see our article on Quwa: https://quwa.org/pakistan-defence-news/2025-india-pakistan-conflict-high-level-notes/