Syed Ali Abbas Bukhari

23/11/2025

[ NexDef Analysis | Ukraine’s Long-Range UAV Evolution — From improvisation to an industrialised strike arm ]

At the start of Russia’s 2022 invasion, Ukraine’s UAV fleet was a patchwork of Western donations and improvised commercial conversions. By 2023–25, that picture had changed completely. Kyiv now fields a purpose-built, multi-tiered OWA (one-way attack) UAV ecosystem designed to compensate for three structural disadvantages:
• Inferiority to Russian Aerospace Forces
• Limited long-range precision fires
• Restrictions on Western-supplied cruise missiles

The shift: from civilian conversions to industrial OWA systems.

Early deep-strike raids relied heavily on commercial fixed-wing UAVs modified for kamikaze missions. Ukraine used everything from hobby-grade airframes to jet-powered Banshee target drones and even OWA conversions of the A-22 light aircraft, which were used in some of Kyiv’s farthest ≥1,000 km strikes, including the attack on Russia’s Alabuga SEZ, where Shahed-136s are assembled.

By mid-2024, Ukraine moved decisively into purpose-designed OWA platforms:
• Lord; low-cost, fast to manufacture, expendable
• AQ-400 Scythe; mass-production oriented, used for raids on petrochemical & industrial facilities
• An-196 Lyutyy; longer-range, used against airbases and deep logistics
• Rubaka; a dedicated decoy UAV to saturate and confuse Russian air defences

Survivability is improving.
OWA UAVs historically had poor survival rates, but Ukraine has increased pe*******on through:
• Jamming-resistant GNSS antennas
• Route planning to exploit known SAM radar gaps
• Use of paired decoys to force premature missile launches
• Multi-vector saturation, forcing Russian AD to defend in 360° and at multiple altitudes

Ukraine has effectively built a strategic strike arm outside the constraints of Western weapons policy. Long-range OWA UAVs now serve as:
• Substitutes for ATACMS and Storm Shadow beyond political limits
• Tools to attrit Russian oil, industry, and depot infrastructure
• Psychological pressure assets inside Russia’s interior
• A hedge against Russian air superiority

Ukraine’s UAV sector has become one of the fastest-scaling defence industries in Europe, shifting from scarcity in 2022 to a diversified, domestically anchored strike ecosystem by 2025.
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📅 Nov-23-2025
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23/11/2025

Exercise RAM PRAHAR: India's Western Command Military Drill

The recently concluded Exercise RAM PRAHAR by the Indian Army's Western Command is a significant demonstration of evolving warfare strategies. This integrated exercise, aimed at bolstering combat readiness and multi-domain operations, offers valuable insights into India's military transformation, insights that are particularly relevant for observers across the global strategic community.

Conducted under the Ram Division within the Kharga Corps, the exercise wrapped up on November 22, 2025, following an intensive four-week regimen. Held in the challenging terrain of Dudhala Dayalwala within the Jhilmil Jheel Reserve Forest near Haridwar, Uttarakhand, it simulated real-world battlefield scenarios encompassing dense forests, river crossings, and diverse landscapes. This choice of location underscores a deliberate effort to prepare for operations in complex, multi-terrain environments for a rapid response in contested regions.

The overall objectives and operational focus aligned with the Indian Army's "Decade of Transformation" agenda, RAM PRAHAR sought to validate and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for contemporary warfare.

From a technical standpoint, the drill emphasized seamless integration across domains, showcasing a shift toward networked, technology-infused battlespaces.

The key elements included mechanized and armored maneuvers, high-speed advances involving tanks and armored vehicles, with emphasis on swift water obstacle negotiations and engineering bridging solutions. This highlights India's investment in mobility and firepower projection, potentially enhancing offensive capabilities along western frontiers.

Coordinated fire support missions demonstrated advanced targeting accuracy, integrating real-time intelligence for effective suppression and destruction of simulated threats.

The involvement of attack helicopters like the Apache, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and close air support assets pointed to a maturing joint air-ground doctrine, enabling rapid dominance in contested skies.

Elite units executed high-stakes insertions and strikes, incorporating mountain warfare specialists and modern infantry gear. This reflects a focus on asymmetric threats and hybrid warfare, where human elements blend with cutting-edge tools.

A standout feature was the use of sensor fusion, AI-enabled systems, digital command networks, and data links for battlefield management. These advancements facilitate quicker decision-making and sustained operations, marking India's push toward a "smart" army reliant on technological innovations.

“Ram Prahar” – with Ram referring to Lord Rama and Prahar meaning strike – reflects a decisive offensive mindset, signalling readiness for swift, forceful action rather than passive defence.

06/11/2025

[ NEXDEF ANALYSIS | Global UCAV Market — size, momentum, and what’s really driving it ]

The unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) market is shifting from niche to backbone. Estimates put the market at $15.0B in 2025 rising to $26.2B by 2030 (CAGR ~11.8%), driven by combat-proven use, longer-range precision strike, and the need to operate under contested air/EMS conditions. Europe’s rearmament, Indo-Pacific pacing threats, and Middle East demand keep orderbooks warm; loitering munitions add a fast-cycle “consumables” tier growing 15%+ CAGR this decade.

Where the demand is.

• Indo-Pacific & Middle East: deep magazines, maritime ISR/strike, and denial missions.

• Europe: war-driven replenishment and sovereign production pushes; rapid buys to bridge near-term gaps.

• Loitering munitions scale as attritable strike (short lead, modular warheads), complementing MALE/HALE UCAVs rather than replacing them.

Programs & exports to watch.

• MQ-9 family: continuing sales and upgrades (SeaGuardian/SkyGuardian) as allies standardize on large MALE for ISR/strike and maritime roles. India’s MQ-9B buy underscores growing Asia orders.

• Baykar TB2/Akıncı/Kızılelma: TB2 now in 30+ countries; Baykar reports ~$2B revenue with ~90% exports, pushing up-market (jet UCAV, in-house engines; $300M engine R&D) and localizing production (Ukraine plant).

• Chinese Wing Loong series: continued export traction among cost-sensitive buyers; steady presence in MENA/Africa. (Multiple open-source tallies place Wing Loong operators across a dozen+ states.)

Read more: https://x.com/nex_def/status/1986501317913944224?t=-Wz78T64dMpvFTLhONrLwA&s=19

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1KMyCfyDbj/

[ NEXDEF ANALYSIS | Global UCAV Market — size, momentum, and what’s really driving it ]

The unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) market is shifting from niche to backbone. Estimates put the market at $15.0B in 2025 rising to $26.2B by 2030 (CAGR ~11.8%), driven by combat-proven use, longer-range precision strike, and the need to operate under contested air/EMS conditions. Europe’s rearmament, Indo-Pacific pacing threats, and Middle East demand keep orderbooks warm; loitering munitions add a fast-cycle “consumables” tier growing 15%+ CAGR this decade.

Where the demand is.

• Indo-Pacific & Middle East: deep magazines, maritime ISR/strike, and denial missions.

• Europe: war-driven replenishment and sovereign production pushes; rapid buys to bridge near-term gaps.

• Loitering munitions scale as attritable strike (short lead, modular warheads), complementing MALE/HALE UCAVs rather than replacing them.

Programs & exports to watch.

• MQ-9 family: continuing sales and upgrades (SeaGuardian/SkyGuardian) as allies standardize on large MALE for ISR/strike and maritime roles. India’s MQ-9B buy underscores growing Asia orders.

• Baykar TB2/Akıncı/Kızılelma: TB2 now in 30+ countries; Baykar reports ~$2B revenue with ~90% exports, pushing up-market (jet UCAV, in-house engines; $300M engine R&D) and localizing production (Ukraine plant).

• Chinese Wing Loong series: continued export traction among cost-sensitive buyers; steady presence in MENA/Africa. (Multiple open-source tallies place Wing Loong operators across a dozen+ states.)

Industrial dynamics.

• Solid-rocket motors (for loiterers), seeker/guidance electronics, SATCOM terminals, and secure datalinks constrain surge; lead times are measured in quarters to years, not weeks.

• Engine/avionics indigenization (e.g., Baykar jet/turboprop/turbofan lines) hedges ITAR and supply shocks.

• JV/assembly moves (e.g., Baykar–Leonardo tie-ups) point to regionalized production to meet EU sovereignty goals.

Operational trends.

• From ISR to strike-ISR: payload mix shifts to multi-INT + precision weapons under GPS-denied, EW-heavy conditions; autonomy stacks (route replanning, multi-ship coordination) reduce crew l

04/10/2025

ISPR
We have noted with grave concern the delusional, provocative and jingoistic statements coming from the highest levels of the Indian security establishment. These irresponsible statements indicate a renewed attempt at fabricating arbitrary pretexts for aggression - a prospect which might lead to serious consequences for peace and stability in South Asia.

For decades, India has benefitted from playing the victim card and painting Pakistan in negative light, while stoking violence and perpetrating terrorism in South Asia and beyond. This narrative has been sufficiently debunked and now the world recognises India as the true face of cross-border terrorism and the epi-centre of regional instability.

Earlier this year, the Indian aggression against Pakistan brought two nuclear powers to the brink of a major war. However, India seems to have forgotten the wreckage of its fighter jets and the wrath of Pakistan’s long range vectors. Suffering from collective amnesia, India now seems to be aching for the next round of confrontation.

In the face of highly provocative statements of the Indian Defence Minister and its Army and Air Chiefs, we caution that a future conflict might lead to cataclysmic devastation. In case a fresh round of hostilities is triggered, Pakistan shall not hold back. We shall resolutely respond, without any qualms or restraint.

Those seeking to establish a new normal must know that Pakistan has established a new normal of response , which will be swift, decisive and destructive. In the face of unwarranted threats and reckless aggression, the people and the Armed Forces of Pakistan have the capability and resolve to take the fight to every nook and corner of the enemy’s territory. This time we shall shatter the myth of geographic immunity, hitting the farthest reaches of the Indian territory.
As for the talk of erasing Pakistan from the map, India must know that if situation comes, the erasure will be mutual.

02/08/2025

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), visited Multan Garrison.

At Corps Headquarters, the COAS was briefed on the formation’s operational preparedness and ongoing training activities. Expressing satisfaction over the high standards of readiness, he reaffirmed the Pakistan Army’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Later, the COAS engaged with members of academia and civil society in an interactive session, where he underscored the significance of national unity, civil-military synergy, and a whole-of-nation approach in countering hybrid threats and fostering societal cohesion.

The COAS also presided over the induction ceremony of the Z-10ME attack helicopter into Pakistan Army Aviation. This state-of-the-art, all-weather platform is capable of precision strike operations day and night. Equipped with advanced radar systems and cutting-edge electronic warfare suites, the Z-10ME significantly enhances the Army’s capability to engage diverse aerial and ground threats.

Later the COAS witnessed firepower demonstration by the newly inducted Z-10ME helicopters at the Muzaffargarh Field Firing Ranges. The induction of this potent system marks a major leap in the modernization of Army Aviation, reinforcing its integrated battlefield response and capacity to deliver decisive effects against potential adversaries.

Interacting with troops, the COAS lauded their exceptional morale, professionalism, and combat proficiency. He appreciated the successful demonstration of combined arms tactics, reflecting the Army’s firm resolve to maintain a decisive edge in the evolving character of warfare.

Earlier, upon arrival at Multan Garrison, the COAS was warmly received by the Corps Commander Multan.

29/05/2025

New Issue Brief | Trump’s “Golden Dome”: A Space Shield or Strategic Fantasy?

Is it the next leap in national defense or the opening of a new arms race?
🔍 In this incisive analysis, NexDef unpacks:
The strategic intent behind Trump’s $175B missile defense proposal
Technological feasibility: sensors, lasers & satellite interceptors
Global reactions from China, Russia, and NATO allies
Legal challenges under the Outer Space Treaty
Long-term implications for space weaponization and global security

📥 Read the the full brief now
https://nex-def.com/issue-brief-trumps-golden-dome-a-space-shield-or-strategic-fantasy/

21/05/2025

18/05/2025

18/05/2025

The Honourable President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mr. Asif Ali Zardari visited Gujranwala Cantonment today. He was accompanied by Federal Interior Minister Mr Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi. Upon arrival, the President was received by the Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M). Commanders of Mangla and Gujranwala Corps were also present at the occasion.

17/05/2025

شہید کی والدہ کو قوم کا سلام

17/05/2025

The Honourable President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mr. Asif Ali Zardari visited Gujranwala Cantonment today. He was accompanied by Federal Interior Minister Mr Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi. Upon arrival, the President was received by the Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M). Commanders of Mangla and Gujranwala Corps were also present at the occasion.

The President lauded the exemplary conduct and professional excellence of the Pakistan Armed Forces in the successful ex*****on of Marqa-e-Haq, acknowledging their resolute determination and unshakable courage in the face of unprovoked aggression. He paid solemn tribute to the military and civilian martyrs who laid down their lives in defence of the motherland, affirming that their sacrifice remains a sacred trust and a source of enduring national pride. He underscored that the sons of the soil, fortified by the enduring spirit of the nation, stood with unwavering resolve to defend the motherland and thwarted hostile designs with exceptional valour and operational acumen.

He further remarked that history would bear witness to how, within a matter of hours, the Pakistan Armed Forces repelled aggression with unmatched precision and resolve, sending an unequivocal message of Pakistan’s strength, resilience, and national unity.

During his interaction with officers and troops, the President commended their exemplary morale, combat readiness, and devotion to duty. He extended heartfelt congratulations on the successful culmination of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, and expressed profound pride in the defenders of the nation, affirming that the people of Pakistan hold their brave soldiers in the highest esteem as the true custodians of national honour and sovereignty.