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Focus: Pakistani Shahpar III drone a challenge for Chinese Turkish and Western Competitors.


The Shahpar-III, developed by NESCOM and marketed by GIDS, marks a significant step forward in Pakistan’s defense industry. This Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone integrates advanced technologies with a strategic position in the military drone market. While it is still pending operational validation, the Shahpar-III reflects Pakistan’s efforts to achieve technological self-reliance and address specific military needs linked to its geopolitical environment.

The Shahpar-III’s capability to execute long-range ISTAR missions strengthens Pakistan’s capacity to monitor borders, detect hostile activity, and engage high-value targets (Picture source: GIDS)


With a maximum take-off weight of 1,650 kg, the Shahpar-III is designed for a broad range of missions. It offers up to 40 hours of endurance (in an unarmed configuration) and a range of 3,000 km via satellite communication (SATCOM), aligning it with modern MALE drone standards. Its payload capacity of 530 kg, distributed across six hardpoints, allows it to carry munitions such as the Rasoob 250 air-to-surface cruise missile or the AZB-81LR smart bomb, enabling it to strike targets from a safe distance. These features make it a versatile platform suitable for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR), armed strike missions, and even anti-submarine warfare with innovations like the lightweight Eghraaq torpedo.

The drone incorporates advanced systems such as a synthetic aperture radar (SAR), ELINT/COMINT capabilities for electronic intelligence, and an EO/IR turret, enhancing its surveillance and intelligence-gathering capacity in complex environments. With engine options ranging from 140 to 170 horsepower, the Shahpar-III offers modularity tailored to different operational requirements, a feature sought by international buyers.

A key advantage of the Shahpar-III is its cost competitiveness. With development costs estimated between $100 million and $200 million, it offers an economical alternative to Western drones like the MQ-1C Gray Eagle, whose acquisition costs remain prohibitive for many countries. Local assembly and the use of indigenous components further enable Pakistan to deliver a turnkey solution adaptable to constrained budgets.

However, the Shahpar-III must prove itself operationally. Unlike competitors such as China’s CH-4B or Turkey’s Anka-S, which have established track records in active service, the Shahpar-III remains in the testing phase. Its lack of demonstrated reliability, endurance under load, and combat effectiveness pose challenges to its adoption on international markets. This lack of operational transparency could hinder its competitiveness against more established systems.

Moreover, while the drone is marketed as a domestically developed product, concerns about the possible integration of foreign components (particularly Chinese or Turkish) may deter potential buyers worried about supply chain dependencies.

The Shahpar-III is well-positioned to meet the needs of emerging markets seeking modern yet cost-effective drones. Regions such as Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia may present viable opportunities due to their demand for ISR and armed strike solutions coupled with limited defense budgets.

Additionally, geopolitical tensions in these regions and an increasing need for drones in counterinsurgency and ISR roles could enhance the appeal of the Shahpar-III. Countries aiming to avoid overdependence on the United States or China but maintaining strong diplomatic ties with Pakistan may also show interest.

For Pakistan, the development of the Shahpar-III addresses critical internal and external requirements. Militarily, it fills a gap in the current inventories of the army and navy, which lack platforms in the 1,500 to 2,000 kg range. With its ability to conduct extended ISTAR missions, surveillance, and precision strikes, it provides a response to challenges such as tensions with India, particularly in contested regions like Kashmir.

The Shahpar-III’s capability to execute long-range ISTAR missions strengthens Pakistan’s capacity to monitor borders, detect hostile activity, and engage high-value targets. Its potential role in maritime operations, equipped with tools like the Eghraaq torpedo, underscores efforts to enhance surveillance in the Indian Ocean, where the Pakistani navy seeks to counter growing Indian influence.

Strategically, the drone reflects Pakistan’s aim to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers while reinforcing its military posture in the region. Additionally, the Shahpar-III serves as a diplomatic tool; by exporting this drone, Pakistan could expand its influence among allies and strengthen relationships with countries sharing similar security concerns.

The Shahpar-III represents an ambitious platform aimed at redefining Pakistan’s military drone capabilities. Its affordability, versatility, and potential to address the specific needs of Pakistan’s armed forces highlight its importance to the country’s strategic goals. However, to compete with systems like the CH-4B or Anka-S, the Shahpar-III will need to demonstrate reliable performance and operational capabilities. If Pakistan succeeds in optimizing domestic deployment and targeting appropriate international markets, this drone could emerge as a key player in the MALE UAV segment.


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