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Pakistan Continues to Develop Its Local Military Industry With Unveiling of Its Shahpar-III Drone.
Pakistan marked the opening of the 12th edition of the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS 2024), held from November 19 to 22 at the Karachi Expo Centre, by introducing an innovation in its defense arsenal. The Shahpar-III drone, developed by the national organization Global Industrial and Defence Solutions (GIDS), highlights the country’s ability to design systems in the domain of unmanned combat aerial vehicles. This drone positions Pakistan among the international players capable of competing with platforms such as the American MQ-9 Reaper and the Turkish AKINCI.
The Shahpar-III drone was developed by the national organization Global Industrial and Defence Solutions. (Picture source: Pakistan MoD)
Classified as a MALE drone, standing for Medium Altitude Long Endurance, it is capable of conducting prolonged surveillance and reconnaissance missions while offering precision strike capabilities. With a flight endurance of up to 30 hours, it can cover extensive geographical areas for diverse missions ranging from intelligence gathering to the neutralization of strategic targets.
The development of this drone is based on a local production strategy, underlining Pakistan’s commitment to achieving technological autonomy. The Shahpar-III integrates advanced avionics, high-performance sensor systems, and precision flight control. These components, entirely designed and manufactured within Pakistan, demonstrate the expertise and skill of local engineers. For GIDS, this achievement represents the culmination of three decades of effort, as highlighted by Asad Kamal, CEO of the organization, who emphasized the importance of this innovation for national security and sovereignty.
The presentation of the Shahpar-III comes at a time when drones play a central role in modern military operations. Recent conflicts have shown that these systems have become essential for armed forces seeking to maximize their capabilities while minimizing risks to human forces. By bringing to market a product capable of competing with the most advanced drones globally, Pakistan positions itself as a key player in the defense industry and a potential partner for countries interested in robust and affordable technological solutions.
IDEAS 2024 serves as an ideal international platform to showcase this technological advancement. The event brings together delegations from 55 nations, including new participants such as Iran, Italy, and the United Kingdom. With the participation of 224 local companies and 333 international exhibitors, this edition highlights Pakistan’s growing contribution to the global defense industry. A dedicated start-up hall is also a key feature of the exhibition, aimed at encouraging young enterprises to propose innovative solutions and stimulating the development of new technologies.
The Shahpar-III represents a significant milestone for Pakistan’s defense strategy. It is not only a technological breakthrough but also a strategic tool to reduce the country’s dependence on arms imports. In a regional context marked by growing tensions, particularly between Pakistan and India, this drone could bolster the country’s deterrence capability while contributing to regional stability. This advancement could also create new opportunities in the international arms market, where drones play an increasingly crucial role.
The unveiling of the Shahpar-III at IDEAS 2024 clearly demonstrates Pakistan’s ambition to establish itself as a technological and strategic leader in the field of defense. This drone embodies a combination of performance, innovation, and sovereignty, qualities that could strengthen the country’s position on the international stage and meet the growing needs of modern armed forces.