Pakistan Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir on Wednesday attended the International Defense Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2024 in Karachi, where he reviewed the latest weapons and defense technology presented by local and international exhibitors. According to the army’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the event held at the Karachi Expo Center also gave the army chief an opportunity to meet foreign military officials and defense industry delegates.
IDEAS, Pakistan’s flagship defense exhibition, has been held biennially since 2000 and has become an important event in the global defense calendar. This year’s four-day event, which ran from November 19-22, saw 557 exhibitors, including 333 international companies and 224 local firms, showcase their latest developments in defense technology.
According to ISPR, more than 300 foreign delegates from 53 countries are participating in the event, which shows strong confidence in Pakistan’s defense industry. General Munir, while interacting with international military officials and defense experts, emphasized the importance of cooperation in advancing defense capabilities.
A highlight of the exhibition was this. Shahpar IIIA state-of-the-art Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) developed by Global Industrial Defense Solutions (GIDS) of Pakistan. The Shahpar-III features advanced capabilities, including an operational ceiling of 35,000 feet, 24-hour endurance, and the ability to carry a range of munitions such as bombs, missiles, and torpedoes.
“Shahpar III represents a significant leap in domestic defense production and showcases Pakistan’s technological capabilities in the domain of unmanned aerial systems,” the ISPR statement said.
During the inauguration of Ideas 2024, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif called for greater participation of the private sector in defense production and exports.
“Though Pakistan exports high-tech defense products to more than 60 countries, the volume of these exports does not reflect the full potential of the country,” Asif remarked. “Greater involvement of the private sector in defense production is critical to unlocking this potential.”
The defense exhibition is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s strategy to increase defense exports and showcase its advances in military technology to the international community. With the presence of global delegates, Ideas 2024 continues to strengthen Pakistan’s role in the global defense sector.
