Drones, radars, jets on display as Pakistan eyes $500M in arms exports

KARACHI, Pakistan

Pakistani defense manufacturers showcased a variety of locally developed military hardware at an arms fair in its commercial capital Karachi as the South Asian nuclear country eyes arms exports of 500 million dollars annually in the next five years.

Running from Nov. 19 to 22, the four-day biennial defense expo “IDEAS 2024” has attracted a total of 557 exhibitors, including 333 foreigners from 53 countries.

Türkiye has the largest participation with around 30 companies showcasing their innovations.

Currently, Pakistan exports arms, which includes drones, tanks, jets and infantry weapons worth over 200 million dollars annually to around 40 countries, mostly in the Middle East and South Asia.

A Defense Ministry official told Anadolu that a series of bilateral defense agreements are expected with different countries in the coming months.

Several countries have “already shown interest in Pakistani arms products, especially drones, and fighter jets,” said the official who wished anonymity as he was not allowed to speak on record.

Pakistan and Türkiye agreed to collaborate in the steel and manufacturing sectors.

Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan hosted Ismail Demir, Chairman of the Board of KARDEMİR (Karabuk Iron and Steel Works), on the sidelines of the exhibition on Wednesday.

The two underscored the need for deeper collaboration in technology and infrastructure, with a shared vision to enhance trade opportunities and establish sustainable linkages between the steel industries of both nations.

Booming domestic defense industry

Pakistan is touting locally developed drones, fighter jets, radars, and tanks to grab a share in the global arms market.
Pakistan inaugurated its state-of-the-art combat Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) during the exhibition.

Developed by Global Industrial Defence Solutions (GIDS) Pakistan, Shahpar-III boasts advanced capabilities, including an operational ceiling of 35,000 feet and an endurance of over 24 hours.

It is equipped to carry a wide range of munitions, including bombs, missiles, and torpedoes.

Domestically produced Haider Main Battle Tank (MBT), and PK-47, and indigenously developed sniper rifles were another latest additions to Pakistan’s arms battery.

Developed through a collaboration between Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) of Pakistan and the Chinese state company NORINCO, the Haider tank was unveiled in March this year.

​​Models of Agosta submarines, which are being built in Pakistan under a transfer of technology agreement with France, the JF-17 Thunder aircraft, being jointly manufactured by Pakistan and China, and Super Mushshak Aircraft were also displayed.

Produced by National Aerospace Science and Technology Park, a subsidiary of Pakistan, SR-3D Radar equipped with customized tailored antenna design, was also the center of attraction.

GM 500 Turah, a locally developed stealth loitering munition, according to organizers, is also expected to get export orders.

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