The International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2024, a premier defence industry event, commenced at Karachi’s Expo Centre on November 19. This 12th edition of the biennial Defense Innovations exhibition highlights Pakistan’s advancements in defence technology while hosting global participants from over 55 countries.
Global Defence Leaders Gather in Karachi
IDEAS 2024 has attracted more than 350 high-level delegations, including representatives from the US, China, Russia, Turkiye, Iran, Italy, the UK, and Azerbaijan. The event will span four days, concluding on November 22.
Over 560 defence manufacturers are showcasing their innovations, with 333 international exhibitors. Turkiye and China lead in participation, while Iran and Italy make their debut appearances this year.
Spotlight on Pakistan’s Indigenous Defence Technology
The event underscores Pakistan’s capabilities in locally developed defence equipment, featuring:
Haider Main Battle Tank (MBT): Unveiled in March 2024, this tank is a joint venture between Pakistan’s Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) and China’s Norinco.
Shahpar III Drone: A medium-altitude, long-endurance UAV designed for modern combat needs.
Al-Khalid and Al-Zarrar Tanks: Proven advancements in armored warfare.
Super Mushshak Aircraft: An upgraded version of the trainer aircraft, catering to both military and civilian markets.
Innovation Hubs and Collaborative Ventures
- A notable addition to IDEAS 2024 is the Startups Pavilion, organized by:
National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST)
Pakistan Navy Maritime Science and Technology Applications Programme (PMSTAP)
National Aerospace and Technology Park (NASTP)
This initiative emphasizes artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies in defence.
Key Highlights
1. Largest Participation from Turkiye: Featuring 75 exhibitors and delegations, Turkiye showcases its latest defence products, marking a significant increase from 2022.
2. Seminar on Defence Potential: A dedicated session, “Pakistan Defence Production Potential Challenges, Opportunities, and Way Forward,” will see global experts discuss strategies for growth and innovation in the defence sector.
Defence Minister Highlights Pakistan’s Global Competence
Inaugurating the event, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif praised Pakistan’s defence products for their quality and global competitiveness. He emphasized IDEAS as a hub for fostering international partnerships and joint ventures.
A Gateway to Defence Collaboration
IDEAS 2024 stands as a testament to Pakistan’s growing role in the global defence industry. By showcasing its technological advancements and fostering international collaborations, the event reaffirms Pakistan’s ambition to be a global leader in defence research, manufacturing, and exports.
As the event unfolds, IDEAS 2024 promises to strengthen partnerships and open new opportunities for innovation in the defence sector.
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