IDEAS 2014: Pakistan's Biggest Arms Show in Karachi

[Riaz Haq]

International Defense Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS), Pakistan biannual arms show, made a modest beginning in year 2000 on President Musharraf's directive. It has since grown into a major international event with hundreds of exhibitors and delegates attending from several dozen countries. It has also served to help highlight and promote Pakistan's domestic defense industry and sign several arms export deals with friendly nations.

The just concluded IDEAS 2014 attracted 333 defense-related companies including 50 companies from Pakistan. Delegates from 50 countries attended the show this year.

The fact that Pakistan is the third largest importer of arms in the world is not lost on major arms merchants. World's top arms importer is India with 14% market share followed by China and Pakistan with 5% each, according to Stockholm-based SIPRI. 

International Arms Market Source: SIPRI While Pakistan's traditional allies China and Turkey were the biggest exhibitors occupying the largest space at the show, the most notable new entrant this year was Russia, the biggest arms supplier to Pakistan's arch-rival India.  Russian defense minister visited Pakistan and agreed to sell Mi-35 attack helicopters. There was also a report in IHS Jane's 360 publication that, under a new Pakistan-Russia defense cooperation agreement, Russia will now directly supply RD-93 Klimov jet engine for JF-17 fighter aircraft jointly developed by China and Pakistan.  While the JF-17 was the star of the show for Pakistan, other major Pakistan-made attractions included smart-bomb named Takbir, a high-tech weapon system POF Eye, and new drones Burraq and Shahpar and trainer aircraft Mushshaq and Super Mushshaq.  There were also armored car manufacturers catering to rising domestic demand fueled by security concerns in Pakistan.  Pakistan-made Takbir ‪ is a 250 Kg air-launched smart bomb that can accurately hit target 80-100 km away. It expands its wings as soon as it is launched and makes its way while dodging the hurdles in its way to hit its intended target.  Pakistan-made POF Eye is a special-purpose hand-held weapon system similar in concept to the Israeli-made CornerShot that can fire weapons (bullets, hand-grenades) around corners. It is designed for SWAT and special forces teams in hostile situations, particularly counter-terrorism and hostage rescue operations. It allows its operator to both see and attack an armed target without exposing the operator to counter-attack.  Pakistani officials claim having closed several arms export deals to sell different weapon systems, including agreements with four Middle Eastern and African countries for the sale of one JF-17 squadron each.  Here's a video discussion on multiple subjects including Karachi Defense Show: PTI Plans; Junaid Jamshed Blasphemy; Modi Minister's Attack on Non-... from WBT TV on Vimeo. Related Links: Haq's Musings Pakistani Army's Capabilities What if Modi Attacks Pakistan? India-Pakistan Military Balance Pakistan's Defense Industry  Pakistan Army at the Gates of Delhi  Pakistan Launches UAV Production Line at Kamra Pakistan's Military-Industrial Complex Can Pakistani Military Defeat the Taliban? Can Pakistan Learn From Sri Lanka to End Terror?

[Riaz Haq]

Pakistan Displays India’s MiG-21 Bison’s Tail Shot Down By PAF F-16 Fighter Jet At Its Defense Expo — Reports

https://eurasiantimes.com/pakistan-displays-indias-mig-21-bisons-ta...

By
Ashish Dangwal
November 17, 2022


The tail section of a MiG-21 of the Indian Air Force is on display at IDEAS-22 that was shot down on February 27, 2019, during Operation Swift Retort, by a Pakistani F-16. New Delhi and Islamabad made different statements about the event’s occurrence at the time.

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Meanwhile, the J-17C’s informative photos, one of which also shows the cockpit, are being presented at the event. A video module of the aircraft is also showcased at PAF Pavilion during IDEAS 2022.

Pakistan’s JF-17C, also known as Block 3, is the latest version of the J-17 aircraft. The Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) of China and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) collaborated to develop the medium-sized multi-role JF-17 ‘Thunder’ fighter aircraft for the Pakistan Air Force.

The service has received more than 100 Thunder jets since 2007.

The JF-17 C model is thought to have taken to the skies for the first time in December 2019. The PL-10E, which China describes as its most advanced air-to-air missile, was also spotted being carried by the JF-17 Block 3 in 2021.

The JF-17C has notable upgraded capabilities, such as Missile Approach Warning Systems (MAWS), Wide Angle Smart HUD, more Chin Hardpoints, and an integrated EW suite.

Another photograph that has gained popularity on the internet is thought to be the finest image of a PAF JF-17C – dubbed Block 3 – so far.

The DEPO organizes IDEAS every two years. Since its beginning in 2000, IDEAS has established itself as a worldwide staging ground for defense manufacturers, business owners, R&D professionals, finance experts, and top-level officials.

However, in terms of space, reservations, exhibitors, and delegates from domestic and international countries, this year’s event has reportedly eclipsed all records.

The defense expo was inaugurated by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari at the city’s expo center in Karachi. IDEAS 2022 officially started on November 15 and will last through November 18.

In his remarks at the occasion, FM Bhutto-Zardari discussed the current coalition government’s difficulties while noting that it succeeded despite the economic downturn. About 300 exhibitors are showing off their latest products from 32 nations.

This exhibition is attended by about 500 national and international delegates, including high-level delegations from friendly nations.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif tweeted that the nation’s defense industry is meeting the demands of the technological era, and he emphasized that IDEAS had grown into a significant platform in the global defense market.

He stated that this year’s event’s ‘Arms for Peace’ theme represented Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability. Sharif added that IDEAS had developed into a platform that showcased Pakistan’s expanding impact in the global defense market.

“Good to see that our defense sector is catering to demands of the tech era,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Air Force is presenting its aerospace, avionics, cyberspace, and other related technologies at its pavilion. The National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP) is the PAF pavilion’s biggest attraction.

It is a Pakistan Air Force project to promote industry-academia linkage to provide an ecosystem of critical elements required to nurture design, research, development, and innovation in the aviation, space, and cyber sectors.

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Speaking at the event, the Air Chief stated that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is dedicated to creating advanced technologies in the nation to deliver the most cutting-edge, efficient, and impenetrable aerial defense.

[Riaz Haq]

IDEAS 2024: Haider tank in spotlight on first day of Pakistani mega defense expo

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2579961/pakistan

The third-generation Haider tank was in the spotlight on Tuesday as Pakistan’s premier defense exhibition, IDEAS, kicked off in Karachi, hosting 550 exhibitors, including 340 international defense companies, as well as 350 civilian and military officials from 55 countries.

IDEAS has been held biennially since 2000 and has since grown into a key event for the Pakistani defense sector.

This year’s exhibition, running from Nov. 19-22 at the Karachi Expo Center, is showcasing a wide range of modern and traditional defense equipment, weapons systems and vehicles.

“This tank is locally produced in Pakistan at the Heavy Industry Taxila in collaboration with our local and international technology partners,” Anza Aqeel, Assistant Director Heavy Industry Taxila, told Arab News, explaining that Haider had auto-tracking, a remote-control weapon system and a 470-kilometer cruising range.

“It has the capability of firing in both the day and night. It can fire up to eight rounds per minute due to its autoloading capability.”

Aqeel said the Haider tank was of export quality, with production currently underway.

“This tank has an auto tracker installed and both the gunner and commander can fire using the auto tracker,” he added.

The second day of the exhibition, Wednesday, will see the launch of the Shahpar-III drone, the third generation of the GIDS Shahpar unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) built by Global Industrial Defense Solutions of Pakistan and used by the Pakistani military.

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IDEF 2023: GIDS details Shahpar III UAV

https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/air/idef-2023-gid...

Pakistan's state-owned defence conglomerate Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS) revealed further details of its new medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) – Shahpar III – at the 16th International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) held in Istanbul from 25 to 28 July.

GIDS displayed a model of the Shahpar III at the exhibition and according to company information, the aircraft features enhanced endurance, weapon carriage capacity, and service ceiling over the earlier platforms in the Shahpar family of UAVs. The Shahpar III will have a maximum take-off weight of 1,650 kg and can carry multiple weapons on six underwing hardpoints. It will feature domestically developed avionics and be equipped with a dual-redundant flight control computer (1553 architecture), enhancing the aircraft's reliability.

Speaking to Janes, an official from GIDS said the development of Shahpar III is ongoing with a maiden flight planned towards the end of 2023.

The Shahpar III design features a central fuselage equipped with shoulder-mounted high aspect ratio trapezoidal wings with a span of 64 ft. The fuselage has a bulbous nose section to accommodate satellite communication (satcom) equipment and antenna for beyond-line-of-sight (LOS) communication up to 3,000 km. The LOS range of Shahpar III is given as 300 km. The UAV also features a chin-mounted common sensor payload turret and a ground datalink antenna in the underbelly section. It will have an internal payload carrying capacity of 165 kg, according to GIDS.

[Riaz Haq]

Pakistan Unveils Long-Range Air Surveillance Radar at IDEAS 2024

https://propakistani.pk/2024/11/21/pakistan-unveils-long-range-air-...

The AM350S radar system, developed domestically, has a range of 450 kilometers and is mounted on a mobile platform, allowing for quick deployment. According to Awais Rauf, Director of Blue Search Private Limited, this advanced radar is a game-changer for monitoring airspace and anticipating enemy attacks.

Pakistan introduced its long-range air surveillance radar system at the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2024 in Karachi, marking a significant milestone in its defense technology.

Highlighting the growing importance of radar systems, Rauf said modern conflicts, like the Russia-Ukraine war, have demonstrated the critical role of drones and missile systems in combat operations. These technologies have reshaped warfare, from surveillance to precision strikes on targets.

For years, Pakistan relied on imported radar systems, often facing international sanctions. However, the development of the AM350S represents a shift toward self-reliance. The project is a collaboration between the National Radio Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) and the private sector.

Several friendly nations have shown interest in Pakistan’s cutting-edge radar system, which experts believe could pave the way for the country to develop a complete air defense system soon. This achievement underscores Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities while reducing dependence on foreign technology.

[Riaz Haq]

Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS) has introduced the Sarkash Kamikaze drone during IDEAS 2024, held in Pakistan. The drone boasts a maximum range of 1,000 km, endurance of over 2 hours, a 50 kg warhead, and a total weight of 175 kg, powered by a turbojet engine. GIDS is also working on the Sarkas-1, a long-range loitering munition.

https://www.overtdefense.com/2024/11/21/gids-unveiled-the-1000-kilo...

Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS), a Pakistani state-owned defense company, showcased its latest breakthroughs in loitering munitions, also known as “kamikaze” or “suicide drones,” during the International Defense Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) in Karachi.

In line with the growing global adoption of loitering munitions technologies, whose low-cost and precision strike capabilities have proven their strategic usefulness in conflicts in the South Caucasus, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, GIDS first long-range kamikaze UAV is called SARKASH.

According to GIDS’s product brochure, SARKASH, equipped with state-of-the-art guidance and seeker systems, is a long-range kamikaze UAV that offers extended battlefield surveillance and precision engagement of high-value targets. Powered by a turbojet propulsion system, this drone can reach a flight endurance of over 120 minutes and an operational range of 1,000 kilometers. Its payload capacity is 50 kg, and its weight is 175 kg. Thanks to its launch mechanism, which allows for fast deployment on various land—and sea-based platforms, it can adapt to diverse combat settings.

In addition to SARKASH, the company unveiled the Blaze Series of loitering munitions, consisting of Blaze 25, Blaze 50, and Blaze 75, for the first time at IDEAS 2024. The lightest of the series, the 25 kg Blaze 25 is ideal for short-range anti-tank operations with a range of 75 km and an endurance of 60 minutes, leaving minimal acoustic and thermal signature thanks to its electric propulsion system. In contrast, the Blaze 50, with its 50 kg weight, 180 km range, and 20 kg warhead, is an intermediate solution for medium-range attacks and reconnaissance missions. Designed for strategic, long-range engagements, the Blaze 75, the heaviest and most powerful model, boasts a 500 km range and a 30 kg warhead. A gasoline engine for long-term endurance powers it.

Global Industrial & Defense Solutions’ work on the SARKASH and Blaze Series will significantly strengthen the military, supporting Pakistan’s long-standing Multi-Domain Military Modernization program. Moreover, given the worldwide demand for loitering munitions, these technologies are likely to provide a positive impetus to the South Asian country’s growing influence in the global defense sector.

[Riaz Haq]

IDEAS 2024 fetches $36b MoUs for Pakistan's Potential Defense Exports

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2511375/ideas-fetch-36b-mous

KARACHI:
Pakistan has signed as many as 82 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with friendly countries to export defence products and equipment including advanced drones, fighter jets, commercial and logistic ships, electronic warfare equipment and radars worth US$30 billion. The agreements were concluded during the four-day International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS 2024) which ended at the Karachi Expo Centre on Friday.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 12th edition of IDEAS 2024, Ministry of Defence Production Secretary Lt Gen (Retd) Chiragh Haider said that, after the inclusion of the MoUs signed at previous editions of IDEAS, Pakistan had received potential export orders worth $36 billion.

"The country is negotiating MoUs worth about $36 billion to translate them into export orders over the years to come. They may turn into projects later which could happen in two years, or even a year.

MoUs take time to mature and turn into projects, as testing, trial, and sometimes further modification occurs."

He maintained the country has achieved defence exports worth $1.3 billion over the past three years or since the previous edition of IDEAS in 2022. "This translated into defence export close to. $450 million a year."
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Besides, a private firm has signed a MoU worth Rs10 billion with Switzerland. "The technology-driven defence startups, supported by the three forces of Pakistan, have won 15 MoUs to establish technology parks. That is very encouraging," he said.

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NRTC MD Muhammad Asim said they signed 11 technology, communication, and radar MoUs with Middle Eastern and African countries, "NRTC has received a letter of intent (LOI) from a friendly county for air defence radars recently. It will translate into an export contract for the Pakistan defence industry in the future."

In addition, Pakistan has had new opportunities from the African and East Asian regions for defence exports. "There are five new export destinations which opened up during IDEAS. We have translated into formal MoUs in the domain of technology, surveillance, electronic warfare and radar," he said.

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IDEAS 2024: Turkish Firm to Establish Ammunition Production Line in Pakistan

https://thedefensepost.com/2024/11/27/turkey-ammunition-production-...

Turkish defense company Repkon has signed an agreement with Wah Industries Limited (WIL) to establish a production and filling line for 155mm artillery shells in Pakistan.

The collaboration aims to produce 120,000 units annually, according to Turkish state news agency Anadolu.

The agreement was finalized during the 12th International Defense Exhibition and Seminar held in Pakistan earlier this month.

WIL operates under the Pakistan Ordnance Factories, the organization responsible for manufacturing systems, ammunition, and military hardware to support the Pakistan Armed Forces and for export.

Repkon Facility in the US
Earlier this month, Repkon USA secured a $435-million contract with the US Department of Defense to establish a domestic TNT artillery production line.

Douglas Bush, Assistant Secretary of the US Army, emphasized the importance of this effort: “Reshoring TNT production gives us the ability to control and secure our supply chain for this vital component, especially in an era of increasing global challenges.”

Establishing a domestic supply chain marks a critical step in increasing the speed and scale of munitions production. Previously, the production line was heavily reliant on overseas sources.

In line with these efforts, the US is planning to boost its ammunition production from approximately 30,000 units per month to 100,000 by the end of next year to meet domestic demand and provide additional support to Ukraine, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.

[Riaz Haq]

From Indian Defense Research Wing (IDRW)


The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is on the brink of introducing the JF-17 Block 4 under the PF-X (Pakistan Fighter Experimental) program, aiming for a debut in 2028. This development prompts a reflection on how India's Tejas MkII could have potentially evolved beyond its current 4.5 generation designation.

JF-17 Block 4 (PFX) Stealth features

Diverterless supersonic inlets (DSIs)

Internal weapons bay (IWB) for 2-4 BVR Air to Air Missiles

https://idrw.org/pakistans-leap-in-fighter-jet-technology-the-adven...