The country has put the second version of the aircraft on display in the ongoing four-day (November 15-18) International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS 2022) at Expo Centre in Karachi.
The fighter jets demonstrated their capability and enabled PAF’s pilots to demonstrate their professionalism in February 2019.
“PAF pilots flying JF-17 Thunder downed two Indian aircraft and caught Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Abhinandan (Varthaman),” an official of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra-Pakistan recalled while throwing light on key features of the fighter jet.
Pakistan invented the jet in collaboration with China and inducted it into the PAF in 2007. It was first upgraded in 2015.
“Further upgradation is in progress,” the official added.
Tanks upgraded to fire missile
Pakistan has showcased its latest battle tank called Haider, “which is capable of firing a laser-guided missile with an effective hitting target range of 5 kilometres,” said an official of Heavy Industries Taxila at its stall setup at IDEAS 2022.
“This is the most advanced battle tank introduced after the Al-Khalid tank.”
Haider was introduced in the recent past and inducted into the Pakistan Army fleet. “This has improved the capability of Pakistani forces on battlefields,” he said.
The tank is also capable of going into hiding by generating smoke when it senses a counterthreat. This is an auto gear tank with the steering to move it right and left, replacing the old technology of sticks to do so, he said.
Warfare system
Global Industrial and Defence Solutions (GIDS) officials said they have invented the Integrated Electronic Warfare System which helps forces to sense, protect and communicate within a radius of 30-35 kilometres.
“We have produced the system at the one-fourth cost against what Pakistan used to pay to import it earlier,” a GIDS official said.
The communication system works on radio signals. It improves the capabilities of the forces in combating against enemy’s aggression.
Bomb disposal robot
National Radio Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) has introduced robots having the capability to defuse bombs on the battlefields.
The robot is part of an EOD (explosive ordinance device) vehicle, which also carries other equipment to defuse bombs including bomb disposal suits for army personnel.
Anti-ship cruise missile
GIDS has also launched its first indigenous anti-ship cruise missile Harbah-NG for exports.
It is an all-weather, ship-launched Subsonic Anti-Ship Cruise Missile with a range of 290km that can target enemy ships and land-based installations.
It has been designed to maintain a low‐altitude, terrain‐following flight profile which makes it capable of successfully evading the enemy’s countermeasures during the operational mode. It is offered in both air and ground-launched variants.
The recent launch has enlisted Pakistan among those few countries which are capable of selling cruise missile technology in the international market.
IDEAS brings together international manufacturers and suppliers of products and services to explore opportunities for cooperation in the field of defence production through joint ventures, outsourcing, and collaboration.
Over a period of time, IDEAS has turned out to be the region’s major platform for the promotion of defence systems as it exhibits a wide variety of products, ranging from equipment used in third-world countries to the most sophisticated technology from the west.
IDEAS 2022 has surpassed all previous milestones in terms of space, booking, exhibitors and delegates both domestic and foreign.
Karachi Expo Centre has been booked to its capacity with more than 500 exhibitors from Turkey, China, North America, South America, Europe, Asia and the Far East of which 60% are international and 40% local.
Besides trade visitors, more than 285 high-level delegates from 64 countries are visiting the exhibition.
November 17, 2022
Source: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2386767/pakistan-plans-jf-17-third-generation-production
‘Pakistan’s share in global arms export market growing’
KARACHI: Visitors to IDEAS 2022 view the Hamza 6×6 multi-role combat vehicle at the pavilion of Cavalier Group, a private-sector arms manufacturer based in Islamabad, on Wednesday.—Fahim Siddiqi / White Star
KARACHI: Made-in-Pakistan weapons are so effective that they determine the outcome of war.
According to one private-sector arms manufacturer present at the 11th International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2022, his company’s 40mm single-shot grenade launchers played a “key role” in helping Sri Lanka win its war against the Tamil Tigers in the late 2000s.
“Their chief of army staff called our CEO to thank him personally,” Daudsons Armoury Ltd General Manager Irfan Ahmed told Dawn on Wednesday.
He said about 30 per cent of the company’s total revenue comes from export channels while the rest originates from the domestic market, which consists of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and private citizens.
Most exhibitors that Dawn spoke to were reluctant to go into specifics with regard to the size of their operations, pricing and clientele given the secretive nature of the arms business. But many of them happily stated that foreign business has been flourishing for the last many years.
“We export weapons mainly to the Middle Eastern countries. I can say confidently that Pakistani businesses are growing their share in the global arms market.
That’s because our quality is a lot better than that of arms manufacturers from other, comparable nations,” he said.
According to trade data compiled by the International Trade Centre (ITC), Pakistan exported arms and ammunition worth $3.8 million in 2021. In contrast, imports amounted to $30.1m in the same year. These figures appear understated as the original source of the ITC data is the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
Daudsons Armoury makes aircraft bombs weighing from 250 pounds to 2,000 pounds for the Pakistan Air Force and also sells the same to foreign governments. The state-owned ordnance producer has a monopoly over the explosive substance that goes inside a bomb. Daudsons Armoury produces the body of a bomb — a highly precise job in which even a minute inaccuracy can change the projectile’s centre of gravity and lead to a missed strike.
Official data shows the top export destination was the United Arab Emirates, which bought Pakistani arms and ammunition worth $1.9m in 2021. It was followed by France ($1.5m) and the United States ($165,000).
Another exhibitor, Cavalier Group, told Dawn that made-in-Pakistan weapons have a huge export potential given the changing nature of international warfare. “We make superior-quality multi-role combat vehicles, body armour, bullet-proof jackets and unnamed armoured vehicles (UAVs),” said Isphandyar Tajammal Awan, a group director.
November 17, 2022
Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1721398/pakistans-share-in-global-arms-export-market-growing
‘One Network’ catches the eye at IDEAS-22
KARACHI:
Participating of the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar 2022 (IDEADS-22) evinced keen interest in the ‘One Network’ project of the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) the on the second day of the mega event at the Expo Centre in Karachi on Wednesday.
The ‘One Network’ is an advanced communication project, under which 3,000 kilometres of underground fibre optic cable is being laid along the motorways across Pakistan. After the completion of the project, it would meet Pakistan’s telecommunication requirements.
According to the One Network chief operating officer (COO), 2,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable haf been laid under the motorways communication infrastructure. People traveling on the motorways would get relief from the rush situations. It would also eliminate cash payments at toll plazas.
The system would also be linked to the motorway police to keep check on any violation of the traffic rules, such as wearing of seat belt and the speed limit. Besides, in case of emergency, people would get timely recovery or rescue assistance.
The ‘One Network’ covers M1 to M16 Motorways in Islamabad, Peshawar, Lahore, Pindi Bhattian, Multan, Sukkur, Karachi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Dera Ismail Khan, Swat and Hazara, besides the Lahore Ring Road and Lahore-Faisalabad route.
The FWO is also conducting six diploma courses. According to the principal of this project, Col (retd) Atif, about 45 short courses of three to six months of duration were also offered. The graduated from here were associated with technical fields in Pakistan and other countries.
Meanwhile, during a seminar titled ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Defence Market: A Paradigm Shift in Military Strategy and National Security’ as part of IDEAS-22, artificial intelligence (AI) experts underscored the essential role of universities to keep Pakistan abreast with advancements in this field.
The seminar was orgnaised by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), Islamabad, and the Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO), where Minister for Defence Production Israr Tareen was the chief guest, said a press release issued here.
Addressing the seminar, Tareen acknowledged the country’s progress in the industrial and defence sectors, driven by the AI and machine learning (ML). He also underscored the role of academia, research scholars, and data-savvy individuals in the development process.
“Pakistan can become a global hub for AI, data science, cloud-native computing, edge computing, block-chain, augmented reality, and the IoT by reshaping and revolutionising education, businesses, and research through adoption of cutting-edge technologies and the AI-driven applications,” he said.
He emphasised that the country’s talented youth should be provided opportunities in the field of the AI and the Fourth Industrial Revolution [Industry 4.0] through initiatives like the Presidential Initiative for Artificial Intelligence and Computing (PIAIC).
“Apart from social, political, and economic changes, advanced technologies, 5G, and the AI have also changed the whole dynamics of contemporary warfare, battlefields, tactics, and strategies, the minister told the participants.
“With such strategic shifts, the concept of security has widened beyond conventional terms and rudimentary procedures to include sophisticated mechanisms and technology-driven procedures. These pose new challenges to the states,” he said.
IPS Chairman Khalid Rahman, who delivered the introductory remarks, highlighted the role of human intellect and research in the process of development. “In this regard, universities have served as the key platforms to set the pace for humanity in the key areas,” he said.
“The progress in AI will not stop and no country should stay behind in the AI development,” he emphasised. The role in AI progress is essentially played by universities, where research, creativity, and collaboration … can not only capitalise on the potentials of AI but also deal with the challenges.”
To meet the new complex security challenges of the 21st century, the other speakers presented their research papers, ideas, and findings on different AI-driven applications and processes, upon which the future international security dynamics depend.
Lt-Colonel Dr Ghulam Murtaza, Dr Yasar Ayaz, Dr Muhammad Tayab Ali, Maj Aon Safdar, Dr Waleed Bin Shahid, Lt-Col Usman Zia and Sqn-Ldr Javeria Farooq also addressed the seminar. The session was followed by a discussion by the panel.
November 17, 2022
Source: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2386761/one-network-catches-the-eye-at-ideas-22
Army, air chiefs visit IDEAS expo in Karachi
RAWALPINDI/KARACHI: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu visited IDEAS-2022 at the Karachi Expo Centre separately on Wednesday. Both visited different stalls at the Expo Centre.
General Bajwa also interacted with cross-section of visitors and delegates and held separate meetings with various visiting delegates, including Bahrain, Italy, Sri Lanka, Libya, Zimbabwe and the UAE.
Later, the COAS visited the Malir Garrison where he laid a floral wreath at the Martyr’s Monument. During his farewell address to officers and troops, the COAS lauded their professionalism and devotion to duty.
He also praised the troops for their untiring rescue and relief efforts to assist the people during the recent heavy floods. Earlier on arrival, the COAS was received by Corps Commander Lieutenant General Muhammad Saeed.
Meanwhile, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu attended the inaugural ceremony of IDEAS 2022. The spokesman for PAF said that the CAS also visited the PAF stalls and reviewed the most advanced technologies displayed by the Pakistan Air Force at its pavilion.
Speaking on the occasion, the Air Chief said that “PAF is committed to developing the most innovative technologies in the country, so as to provide the most modern, effective and impregnable aerial defence of Pakistan.”
The CAS further highlighted the comprehensive plan for growth of in-country capabilities in the well-established as well as emerging and disruptive technologies in aerospace, cyber, IT, artificial intelligence and quantum computing domains.
He also shared the details of PAF’s flagship project National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP), being spearheaded by the PAF as the project of strategic national importance. The NASTP project as per the CAS vision and his own initiative has materialised in record time.
Sharing his overall vision for NASTP, the CAS said that “the NASTP will become one of the best aerospace, cyber & IT clusters in the world and will transform national landscape with design, R&D and innovation centers for emerging and disruptive technologies to foster research, innovation and development in aviation, space, IT and cyber technologies in order to accrue maximum social, economic, security and scientific dividends for the country.”
During this four-day event, Pakistan Air Force is showcasing its advanced aerospace, avionics, cyber space and other related technologies at its pavilion. The star attraction of PAF’s is NASTP which, being an initiative of PAF to establish industry-academia linkage, aims to provide an ecosystem of essential elements required to nurture design, research, development and innovation in aviation, space and cyber domains.
It includes first national aerospace cluster, regional & university level aerospace, cyber, IT and software technology parks. The PAF pavilion is also displaying airborne communication systems, technologies possessing air-to-air secure networks, air and ground C2 capabilities, moving map situational awareness displays, multi-platform avionics integration, aircraft division, micro jet engine development and simulation divisions.
The event is significantly being commemorated through enhanced participation of Pakistan Armed Forces, national and international defence industry, OEMs, entrepreneurs, and high-level national and international defence delegations. Pride of Pakistan JF-17 Thunder and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft are also being showcased at the static display.
More than 400 delegates from 57 countries are participating in the exhibition. Additionally, a large number of research and development experts from various countries along with high-level foreign dignitaries, civil and military officials are attending the mega event. The exhibition will strengthen Pakistan’s strategic ties with the international community, while contributing to achieve the common goals of global peace and stability.
Earlier, the PAF chief met Commander Bahrain National Guards and Commander Azerbaijan Air Force, in two separate meetings. Matters of professional and mutual interest were discussed during the meetings.
Commander Bahrain National Guards, General Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, commended the professionalism of PAF and acknowledged its developing indigenous capacity in aviation industry. The air chief said that Pakistan and Bahrain enjoy longstanding religious, cultural and historical bonds which are manifested through strong ties between the air forces of two countries.
Later, in a separate meeting, Commander Azerbaijan Air Force, Lieutenant General Ramiz Tahirov, also called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu. The CAS said that Pakistan values its strong diplomatic, economic and defence relations with Azerbaijan. The visiting dignitary offered heartfelt condolences to the people of Pakistan over the loss of life and devastation caused by the floods and appreciated the efforts put in by Pakistan Air Force for relief and rehabilitation of the flood victims.
Both sides agreed to further consolidate existing military-to-military ties particularly in training and operational domains. Meanwhile, Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori and Major General Arif Malik, the director general of the country’s Defence Exports Promotion Authority, also paid a visit to the exhibition.
November 17, 2022
Source: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1010752-army-air-chiefs-visit-ideas-expo-in-karachi
500 exhibitors from 64 countries to participate in mega defence show in Karachi
KARACHI: After a gap of four years instead of two due to Covid-19, the Defence Export Promotion Organisation (DEPO) will be holding the 11th edition of the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2022 from November 15 to 18 at Karachi Expo Centre.
The previous defence exhibition held at the same venue was in 2018. As is the tradition of the usually biannual event since the year 2000, IDEAS 2022 will showcase a number of splendid activities encompassing world’s advance defence technology demonstrations, international seminars, the IDEAS Karachi Show, networking, and business expansions through Business-to-Business and Business-to-Government engagements.
It will bring together defence industries from across the globe to showcase their latest technological innovations. A large number of senior civil and military delegations and trade visitors would also be present to witness the event.
During a briefing by DEPO here on Saturday, Brigadier Naveed Azam Cheema said it has been a challenge holding the mega defence show after the devastation caused due to the floods here but the exhibition also helps Pakistan’s economy. He thanked the GHQ and federal and provincial governments for supporting DEPO.
11th edition of IDEAS to begin on Tuesday after four years
Adding that Pakistan’s export growth is on a positive trajectory thanks to such exhibitions, Brig Cheema said that IDEAS has always been a platform for local and foreign exhibitors to showcase their technology innovations.
“Pakistan’s defence industry, too, will display and also unveil many of its products,” he said, while adding that for the first time, the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry has also managed to pull in the local defence industry from Peshawar, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Lahore, Karachi, etc, to network and take their leap from IDEAS 2022.
The 10th edition of IDEAS in 2018 had some 45 countries exhibiting their products and this year that number has grown to 64.
Brig Cheema said that IDEAS 2022 surpassed all previous milestones in terms of space, booking, exhibitors and delegates both domestic and foreign. The Karachi Expo Centre has been booked to its full capacity with more than 500 exhibitors from Turkiye, China, North America, South America, Europe, Asia and the Far East out of which 60 per cent are international and 40pc local. Besides trade visitors, more than 285 high-level delegates from 64 countries are visiting the exhibition.
Although Russia will not be attending IDEAS 2022 as an exhibitor this time, they will still have a presence in the form of a delegation. Meanwhile, there are new entrants from several European countries including Austria, Romania and Hungary.
“Turkish companies are also growing exponentially all over the world and this time they have booked two complete halls for showcasing their products, while China has one complete hall,” Brig Cheema said, adding that all in all there are going to be nine exhibition halls for IDEAS 2022 at the Karachi Expo Centre.
After a grand inauguration ceremony on Nov 15, the first two days of IDEAS 2022 have been earmarked for delegations, trade visitors and networking activities. The other highlights include an international seminar on ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Defence Market; A Paradigm Shift in Military Strategy and National Security’ where renowned national and international subject matter experts will present their scholarly papers on the topic.
To mark the 11th edition of IDEAS 2022, the Ministry of Pakistan Postal Services has also issued a commemorative postal stamp of Rs20.
Other than this, the IDEAS 2022 Karachi Show has been planned specially for the people of Karachi on Nov 17 at the Nishan-i-Pakistan at Seaview.
November 13, 2022
Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1720545/500-exhibitors-from-64-countries-to-participate-in-mega-defence-show-in-karachi
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