According to DRDO’s technical experts, the seized 18-metre by 4-metre autoclave can indeed be used in the manufacture of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) platforms. An autoclave is a pressure chamber which carries out various industrial and scientific processes. Prima facie, it can be used for civilian as well as military purposes.
The two Pakistani entities AERO and PAEC are on the US Commerce Department’s list of companies required to hold export licenses because their activities are deemed hostile to US national security or foreign policy interests.