IDEAS 2024 is happening now in Karachi. For those who don’t know about it, it is a biennial defense industry event held in Pakistan. During this exhibition, exhibitors show a wide range of defense systems, from equipment used in developing countries to advanced technologies from the West. It also shows Pakistan’s potential in the defense industry. 

If you’ve missed the event, here are some highlighted glimpses of this event so you can see how far we’ve come across in the defense industry:

Zarb-E-Haider 

This Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) is a 100% made-in-Pakistan product used to transport soldiers to the battlefield or war zone safely. We don’t know its classification level, but it seems like a VPAM Level 3 APC defense against powerful handgun ammunition, like .44 Magnum, grenades, and machine guns.

Basically, it’s a modified vehicle from the Toyota Hilux. SMTAC, is the maker behind this armored APC, we don’t know much about this brand as they don’t have any internet presence, mainly due to security reasons. 

Shahpar-III Drone 

The Shahpar-III is Pakistan’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), or more formally, a medium-altitude long endurance (MALE) UAV. It serves two purposes: one is surveillance of the enemy, and the second is to target and destroy the enemy.

It has a range of 3,000 Km, state-of-the-art avionics, and a radar-based flight control system, all designed and produced locally with a max payload capacity of 1,650 Kg. The drone can identify, locate, and track targets with the ability to pinpoint and target the enemy with the least accuracy errors. Plus, in one full tank, it can stay in the air for 30 hours non-stop without any breaks. 

It is mostly valuable for counterterrorism, battlefield support, and tactical strike missions, especially when the enemy is taking cover in urban areas where a pin-precision target is required.

Sky Dragon 50

The Sky Dragon 50 is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system designed by Norinco for air defense against aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles. It has a range of 50 km and an altitude capability of 20 km, with a radar that tracks targets up to 130 km. It can engage up to 12 targets simultaneously and is mobile for flexible deployment. The system is strictly for air defense and cannot launch nuclear weapons.

It uses the DK-10A missile, which is based on China’s PL-12 air-to-air missile, adapted for ground-based launches. The DK-10A is for medium-range engagements, capable of targeting:

  1. Fighter jets
  2. Helicopters
  3. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
  4. Cruise missiles

Sakab M577A1

Introduced in 1964, the M577A1 features a raised roof to accommodate command and control operations, providing space for personnel, communications equipment, and a map table. It is powered by a diesel engine, offering improved fuel efficiency and range over its predecessor. The M577A1 Command Post Carrier is a mobile command center with advanced communication systems and armored protection. It operates in diverse environments and has a spacious interior for mission planning. It can also be used for logistics or medical evacuation, making it a critical asset in warfare.

HZT24B

The HZT24B is a Chinese-developed armored vehicle-launched bridge (AVLB) designed to facilitate rapid deployment of bridge structures in combat scenarios. Mounted on a tracked chassis, it enables military units to swiftly cross obstacles such as rivers, trenches, and other barriers, thereby enhancing battlefield mobility. The HZT24B has been observed in use by the Pakistani military, indicating its role in improving the operational capabilities of allied forces. 

AN/TPS-77 Multi-Role Radar (MRR)

We suspect it’s an AN/TPS-77 Multi-Role Radar (MRR), developed by Lockheed Martin. This mobile, long-range radar is designed for air surveillance and early warning, with a detection range of up to 463 kilometers, it uses AESA technology to track multiple targets, including stealth aircraft, in 3D. It is highly mobile, resistant to jamming, and operates effectively in challenging environments. Used by Pakistan, it strengthens air defense by providing rapid deployment and enhanced situational awareness near-critical regions.

Hadaf-1

The Hadaf-I is Pakistan’s first developed tactical ballistic missile, entering service in 1992. Designed for battlefield use, it has a range of approximately 70 kilometers and can carry a 500-kilogram warhead. A single-stage solid-fuel rocket motor propels the missile and is unguided, functioning similarly to long-range artillery. Subsequent variants, such as the Hatf-IA and Hatf-IB, introduced improvements in range and accuracy, with the Hatf-IB featuring an inertial guidance system and an extended range of up to 100 kilometers. 

The Hatf-I ballistic missile was initially designed for conventional payloads and battlefield use. However, its payload capacity of 500 kilograms makes it theoretically capable of carrying a small nuclear warhead. That said, its primary use remains conventional, as its short range (70-100 kilometers) and lack of sophisticated guidance systems limit its effectiveness for nuclear delivery compared to more advanced missiles in Pakistan’s arsenal.

EV Bolan 

Musanna Tech has converted the Suzuki Bolan into an EV with a 150-200 km range per charge, priced at 15 lacs PKRIt includes a digital instrument cluster and infotainment system and retains the practicality of the original model, offering an affordable and efficient electric mobility option. Designed for both commercial and personal use, it combines functionality with sustainability, offering an affordable option for transitioning to electric mobility in Pakistan. Designed for both commercial and personal use, it combines functionality with sustainability, offering an affordable option for transitioning to electric mobility in Pakistan.

Armored Toyota Revo

At IDEAS 2024 Pakistan, a bulletproof Toyota Revo was tested in a live demonstration. To showcase its ballistic protection, the CEO sat in the driver’s seat while six rounds from an AK-47 were fired directly at the windscreen. The vehicle successfully withstood the shots, with no damage to the interior or the CEO. This demonstration highlighted the Revo’s advanced armor capabilities, proving its reliability and safety for use in high-risk situations.