Global Industrial and Defence Solutions (GIDS) recently showcased several new additions to its BURQ family of air-to-surface missiles (ASMs) at the DSA 2024 event in Malaysia, held earlier this May. Simultaneously, the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP) is collaborating with Turkey’s Baykar Group to develop a miniature air-launched cruise missile (ALCM) named KaGeM V3.
The development of these compact air-launched munitions indicates a strategic shift within the Pakistani military towards using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to improve air surveillance and attack capabilities. While this focus on UAVs doesn’t mean abandoning crewed combat and special mission aircraft, it underscores the increasing emphasis on expanding Pakistan’s airpower using a variety of drone technologies.
BURQ-Series: Expanding the Arsenal GIDS, representing Pakistan’s state-owned Strategic Plans Division (SPD) in the commercial sector, has introduced new members of its BURQ family of ASMs: the BURQ-45P, BURQ-50P, and BURQ-25G. BURQ-45P: This missile, weighing around 45 kg, is already in production and offers a range of up to 12 km with an accuracy of less than 1.5 meters CEP. It uses a semi-active laser-homing (SALH) seeker and can carry a 10 kg warhead configured for blast fragmentation or thermobaric payloads.
BURQ-50P: Currently under qualification or testing, this missile weighs approximately 50 kg and has a range of up to 15 km. It features a 20 kg warhead with options for blast fragmentation, anti-armour, or thermobaric payloads. Its guidance system combines satellite-aided inertial navigation (INS/GPS) with configurable SALH seekers.
BURQ-25G: Under development, this will be the smallest in the BURQ family, weighing around 25 kg. It will have an 8 kg blast fragmentation warhead and a range of up to 14 km, guided by a SALH-based system. The BURQ series is designed to arm the NESCOM Shahpar-2 Block-2 and future Shahpar-3 UAVs. By offering a complete package that includes the UAVs, command-and-control (C2) systems, line-of-sight (LoS) data-links, and compatible munitions, GIDS aims to provide a comprehensive solution that minimizes dependency on third-party suppliers and enhances logistical efficiency.
KaGeM V3: A Collaborative Innovation The KaGeM V3 is a joint venture between NASTP and Turkey’s Baykar Group. Announced in 2023, this collaboration focuses on research and development at NASTP’s facilities. The KaGeM V3, a miniature ALCM, features an air-breathing engine and a single-piece horizontal wing. While specific details about the KaGeM V3 have not been disclosed, Baykar Group’s similar KEMANKEŞ 2 offers insights into its potential capabilities. The KEMANKEŞ 2 boasts a range of 200 km, a 60-minute endurance, a 20 kg warhead, and a total mass of 70 kg. These miniature ALCMs, like the KaGeM V3, are designed for precision strikes on high-value, inherently fragile targets such as enemy radar sites or missile launchers, rather than large or fortified positions. Their lighter warheads are offset by enhanced accuracy and survivability, making them effective in specific tactical scenarios.
Strategic Context and Future Prospects: The advancements in the BURQ series and the development of the KaGeM V3 are part of a broader strategy to enhance Pakistan’s defence capabilities. This includes significant investments in space-based assets like satellite communications (SATCOM) and satellite navigation (SATNAV), as well as proprietary data-link systems. These new munitions reflect a comprehensive effort to improve Pakistan’s drone program and overall military strength. As each branch of Pakistan’s armed forces works to expand its UAV fleets, the economic and logistical benefits of producing compatible munitions domestically become evident. The emphasis on UAVs and smart munitions underscores a strategic pivot towards more versatile, efficient, and autonomous defence solutions, ensuring that Pakistan remains prepared to meet future security challenges.
May 19,2024
source: Quwa