Islamabad, Nov 19: The 12th International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2024 began today at the Karachi Expo Centre, spotlighting Pakistan’s progress in defense technology.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif officially inaugurated the four-day event, organized by the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO), which runs from November 19 to 22.
A major highlight of the exhibition is the introduction of the Shahpar-III drone, a cutting-edge unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed entirely in Pakistan.
Capable of staying in the air for up to 30 hours and carrying a payload of 1,650 kilograms, the Shahpar-III is equipped with advanced avionics and flight control systems, all designed and produced locally.
Asad Kamal, CEO of Global Industrial and Defence Solutions (GIDS), the organization responsible for its development, noted that the Shahpar-III is the result of 30 years of hard work and innovation, underscoring Pakistan’s dedication to bolstering its defense capabilities.
IDEAS 2024 has garnered global attention, with 17 new countries, including Iran, Italy, and the United Kingdom, joining over 55 nations in showcasing advanced military technologies. The event also includes a dedicated start-up hall, highlighting innovative defense solutions.
With 224 local and 333 international exhibitors, the exhibition emphasizes Pakistan’s growing self-sufficiency in defense and serves as a platform for enhancing international defense collaborations.
