At the 2024 International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) in Karachi, Pakistan unveiled its most ambitious unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program, the Shahpar-III. Developed by Global Industrial and Defence Solutions (GIDS), this drone represents a leap forward in Pakistan’s military technology.
Introducing the Shahpar-III
The Shahpar-III is Pakistan’s largest and most advanced drone. It belongs to the Group category of medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) UAVs. With a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 1,650 kg, the drone is designed to perform various critical missions. Its size and capabilities put it in the same league as international UAVs like China’s CH-4, Turkiye’s Anka-S, and the American MQ-1C Gray Eagle.
This drone promises better range, heavier payloads, and advanced features than any previous Pakistani UAVs. While the Shahpar-III has yet to conduct its first flight, the investment in its development highlights its importance for Pakistan’s defense sector.
Key Features and Capabilities
The Shahpar-III is not just a surveillance drone. It is designed for multiple missions, including maritime operations, long-range strikes, and electronic warfare (EW). These advanced roles suggest that the Shahpar-III is intended to strengthen Pakistan’s military capabilities on land, sea, and air.
The drone’s mission flexibility indicates that it can operate in challenging environments. It could also carry advanced munitions and sensors, making it suitable for precision strikes and intelligence-gathering.
A Major Investment in Defense
Developing the Shahpar-III has likely required a significant financial commitment. Though Pakistan has not disclosed the exact cost, comparisons with similar international programs offer some clues. Turkiye’s Anka program, for instance, cost over $107 million to develop, with each drone priced at $20-30 million.
Experts estimate that the Shahpar-III project might cost Pakistan between $100 million and $200 million. This substantial investment suggests strong backing from Pakistan’s military branches, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Filling a Critical Gap
Currently, Pakistan’s military relies on various domestic and foreign drones. These include the Chinese CH-4B, Bayraktar TB2 from Turkiye, and locally-made models like the Shahpar-I, Shahpar-II, and Burraq. Most of these drones are either small or fall into a different weight class.
The Shahpar-III fills an important gap. With an MTOW of 1.5 to 2 tons, it addresses the lack of medium-weight drones for Pakistan’s armed forces. The Army and Navy, in particular, could use this drone for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The Air Force, meanwhile, could deploy it for long-range strikes and electronic intelligence.
Domestic Demand and Export Potential
The Shahpar-III is expected to receive large orders from Pakistan’s military. These domestic orders could help distribute development costs, making the drone more affordable for international buyers. Pakistan’s lower labor costs and growing local expertise might also allow the Shahpar-III to compete with Western UAVs at a lower price.
If the Shahpar-III proves successful, it could generate strong interest from other countries. Its ability to perform complex missions at a competitive price could make it an attractive option for nations seeking advanced drones.
Shahpar-III: A Game-Changer
The Shahpar-III represents a major step forward for Pakistan’s defense industry. It highlights the country’s growing focus on developing indigenous technology. While the drone’s full capabilities remain to be tested, its unveiling at IDEAS 2024 demonstrates Pakistan’s ambition to strengthen its military capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign technology.
The Shahpar-III is more than just a drone. It symbolises Pakistan’s commitment to advancing its defense industry and competing on the global stage. With the right support and successful trials, this drone could become a cornerstone of Pakistan’s military and an important player in the international defense market.
