Defence Uncut

Quwa
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Defence Uncut by Quwa is the first English-language podcast zeroing in on Pakistan’s defence scene. Each bite-sized episode dissects current procurements, strategy shifts, and security events, connecting the dots so listeners gain a clear, data-driven big-picture view. Hosted by Bilal Khan, Defence Uncut turns dense news into precise, engaging analysis for professionals, enthusiasts, and anyone who needs to stay ahead of Pakistan’s rapidly evolving military landscape. Learn more about Quwa at https://quwa.org

  1. 10/09/2025

    Decoding the US AMRAAM Deal for Pakistan's F-16s

    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.

    1h 3m

  2. 10/07/2025

    The Pakistan-Saudi Defense Pact: A US Plan to Reshape Two Regions?

    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.

    46 min

  3. 09/22/2025

    India's 114 Rafale Plan: Why It's a Worrying Sign for the Pakistan Air Force

    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.

    35 min

  4. 09/17/2025

    Unpacking Pakistan's Low-Key PIESAT Satellite Deal with China

    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.

    51 min

  5. 09/09/2025

    China's New Hypersonic Missiles, Stealth Drones & Next-Gen SAMs

    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 podcast@quwa.org.

    1h 48m

  6. 09/04/2025

    22 Years and 100,000+ Sorties Later, How Has the JF-17 Thunder Fared?

    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.

    1h 12m

  7. 08/26/2025

    Unpacking the Pakistan Army's New Rocket Force Command

    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.

    1h 18m

  8. 08/20/2025

    A Military Off-Sync: Hangor Subs, Flawed Procurements, and Pakistan's Path Forward

    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: podcast@quwa.org

    1h 12m
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Ratings & Reviews

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About

Defence Uncut by Quwa is the first English-language podcast zeroing in on Pakistan’s defence scene. Each bite-sized episode dissects current procurements, strategy shifts, and security events, connecting the dots so listeners gain a clear, data-driven big-picture view. Hosted by Bilal Khan, Defence Uncut turns dense news into precise, engaging analysis for professionals, enthusiasts, and anyone who needs to stay ahead of Pakistan’s rapidly evolving military landscape. Learn more about Quwa at https://quwa.org

Information

  • Creator
    Quwa
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Quwa
  • Show Website
    Defence Uncut