57 countries join Pakistan’s defence expo IDEAS 2022
300 exhibitors and hundreds of foreign delegates participate in Karachi event
Pakistan opened its largest defence expo ever yesterday, showcasing advanced fighter jets, drones, and the latest weapon systems to boost exports and strengthen defence collaboration.
The four-day International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS 2022) opened at Karachi Expo Centre, bringing together 300 leading national and international defence manufacturers and over 300 foreign delegates from 57 countries.
The biennial event is taking place after a gap of four years due to the Covid pandemic.
Focus on AI
IDEAS 2022 will feature advanced military hardware and software with a focus on technologies such as artificial intelligence. Defence manufacturers from Turkey, China, the United States, the United Kingdom, European Union, Middle East, Central Asia, and
Africa are showcasing their products at the 11th edition of the expo, said Major General Mohammad Arif Malik, the head of the country’s Defence Export Promotion Organisation.
Gen Arif Malik emphasized the vital role of the private sector in the development of the defence industry.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who inaugurated IDEAS 2022, said that “IDEAS is an iconic platform for showcasing the latest defence technologies, and is a regional gateway for international suppliers and manufacturers to explore new avenues of defence cooperation.”
He noted that Pakistan’s defence industry has achieved a sufficient level of quality, reliability and competency in the international market and “is now exporting high-level defence products to more than 60 countries”n to research and development.
Pakistan’s services chiefs, federal minister for defence production Israr Tareen, Sindh chief minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and other senior civil and military officials attended the inaugural ceremony.
Pakistan’s longtime allies China and Turkey have the largest representation at the expo. Chinese state-run defence conglomerate China North Industries Group Corporation Limited (NORINCO) displayed missiles and weapon systems including the Red Arrow 9A anti-tank guided missile.
Top Turkish defence companies, including Roketsan, state-run STM and ASFAT, showcased their products ranging from military hardware to modern drones to tactical mini-UAV systems.
Pakistani hardware
Some of Pakistan’s advanced military hardware exhibited at the expo included unmanned aircraft systems, air defence systems, missile systems, tanks and armoured personnel carriers.
Pakistan’s Shahpar-II medium-altitude long-endurance UAV system, advanced Harbah anti-ship cruise missile by state-owned Global Industrial and Defence Solutions and electronic warfare system by National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation were on display.
The locally developed AlKhalid tanks and modern assault rifles manufactured by Pakistan Ordinance Factories (POF) were also exhibited. Spectators also got a close look at the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) JF-17 Thunder fighter jets.