Pakistan opens defence expo IDEAS 2022 with participation from 57 countries

Islamabad: Pakistan opened its largest defence expo ever on Tuesday, 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 coronavirus pandemic.

IDEAS 2022 will feature advanced military hardware and software with a focus on technologies such as artificial intelligence. Defence manufacturers from Turkey, China, US, UK, European Union, Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa are showcasing their products at the 11th edition of the expo, said Maj. Gen. Mohammad Arif Malik, the head of the country’s Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO).

Leading regional defence platform

“IDEAS is Pakistan’s leading event that brings together the global defence industry. The innovation and excellence exhibited here would pave the way for international defence collaboration among friends and partners,” Gen Arif Malik said at the opening ceremony. He also 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.

“Pakistan is now exporting high-level defence products to more than 60 countries”, however, the volume of exports did not reflect the country’s actual potential due to the limited involvement of the private sector and little attention 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.

Foreign defence manufacturers

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. Turkish Aerospace exhibited the models of the T129 ATAK helicopter, Gokbey multirole helicopter, Gokturk-2 observation satellite, as well as Anka unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and Aksungur medium-altitude long-range endurance (MALE) UAV. “We aim to increase joint cooperation [with Pakistan] on high technologies that will guide the future of the aerospace industry,” said Turkish Aerospace President and CEO Prof Temel Kotil.

Pakistani military machines on display

Some of Pakistan’s advanced military hardware exhibited at the expo included unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), air defence systems, missile systems, tanks and armoured personnel carriers (APC).

Pakistan’s Shahpar-II medium-altitude long-endurance UAV system, advanced Harbah anti-ship cruise missile by state-owned Global Industrial and Defence Solutions (GIDS) and electronic warfare system by National Radio and Telecommunication Corporation were on display. The locally developed Al-Khalid 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. PAF jets are expected to perform aerial manoeuvres and demonstrate the air force’s capabilities on the concluding day of the expo.