Security challenges for Pakistan have existed ever since its inception due to a host of factors, and the volatility of the challenges arising due to the regional and international environment continues to pose such challenges for the country. Besides procuring military hardware, Pakistan has also focused on enhancing its indigenous defense production to cater to the needs of its armed forces while filling the conventional gap. It remains a priority to improve upon the conventional capabilities in order to fill the operational gaps in case of military adventurism by the adversaries that put the strategic stability in South Asia at risk. In the recent wars and conflicts, weapons and equipment with superior technology have emerged as a major factor in success. 

As technology evolved through the ages, it brought changes in the character, scope and canvas of warfare. In the present era, with the sophistication in technology and mechanization, military technology has an impact on the way wars are fought at both tactical and strategic levels, besides the scope and scale of war. The fast-moving changes in the computing and robotics besides breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and the use of big data have compelled nations to advance in such areas to keep up with the pace.
The Regional Defense Market
The national defense industry of a country is given importance in terms of ensuring national security, conventional military capability, economy and job creation, besides the prestige that is attached to self-reliance in defense, enhancing the industrial skills and military exports. The arms fairs oil the wheels of this trade, which are not just a means to showcase the defense products and diffusion of arms across the globe, but also provide networking opportunities and a chance to build future partnerships. In order to meet the constant challenges posed by the security dynamics, Asia, as well the neighboring continent, Africa allocates defense budgets for the armed forces, making the region one of the largest markets for defense products.
Considering such challenges and the current geopolitical environment, International Defense Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) has a unique role in underscoring Pakistan’s defense industry’s potential, building trade ties between different countries, while facilitating the need for an enhanced market base for indigenously manufactured defense products. In this context, the 11^th edition of IDEAS that took place from November 15-18, 2022 remained an important event where global defense industry had the chance to connect and gain valuable insight into the latest defense and security solutions. The biennially held event that was first held in 2000 took place after a gap of four years as in 2020, the world was under the grip of the global pandemic, COVID-19, and its consequent restrictions.
Participation from Different Regions
Defense manufacturers from various parts of the world showcased their products at the 11^th edition of the fair. 285 foreign delegations form 64 countries participated in the exhibition where the best and technologically advanced air and ground equipment was showcased by the country, which is a reflection of the significance and marked success of the event. 
The venue, Karachi Expo Centre was booked to its capacity with more than 500 exhibitors from Türkiye, China, North America, South America, Europe, Asia and the Far East displaying their products. Several new entrants from European countries such as Austria, Romania and Hungary also attended the event. Nearly 60 percent of the stalls were booked by the international exhibitors, while 40 percent space was occupied by the local enterprises. However, together with Pakistan’s longtime strategic ally China, Türkiye had the largest representation in IDEAS. 

For Pakistan and Türkiye, there’s convergence of interest on a number of important issues. The solid foundation due to the historical bond has only been fortified over the years as the two countries remain effective voices on a number of issues concerning both countries and the Muslim world.
The two countries had collaboration in the form of joint military exercises in the war on terror besides cooperation in arms technology and manufacturing. A research and development unit was designed by the Turkish aerospace industry in the National University of Sciences and Technology that focuses primarily on security, drone and radar technology. At IDEAS-2022, about 28 top defense manufacturers from Türkiye showcased their military hardware which includes the state-run ASFAT and STM (Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret AS), besides Roketsan, Meteksan, Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi, and Tualcom, among others. 
Turkish companies included the state-run ASFAT and STM that exhibited their wide range of products, from tactical mini-UAV systems to light weaponry to military hardware to drones to artificial intelligence and cyber security solutions. Mini-UAV systems at the STM’s pavilion, however, remained the center of attention for most visitors.
China, the long-term strategic ally of Pakistan, one of the largest delegations at the event, participated with seven defense trade companies, a delegation led by the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense. They exhibited advanced weapons and equipment that included Wing Loong series drones, CH series drones, WJ-700 drone, a type of multi-drone ship, an anti-drone system, LY-70 air defense system, the VT4 main battle tank, Y-9E transport aircraft, SR5 multiple launch rocket system, YLC-2E multi-role radar, a command information system, an electronic warfare defense system and a communications navigation system.
Powering Pakistan's Defense
While China and Pakistan have a long-established defense collaboration, with Chinese weapons and equipment boosting Pakistan’s defense, and it continues to deepen with the ironclad friendship, Türkiye also provides an alternative to the inaccessible equipment from countries such as America and France. The Turkish Aerospace Industries’ T-129 attack helicopters would replace Pakistan’s aging fleet of American Bell AH-1F Cobras, a deal for which was struck in 2018.
Additionally, for the jointly manufactured JF-17 fighter jet with China, Pakistan had purchased armaments from Türkiye. Recently, at IDEAS-2022, a contract was signed with Space and Defense Technologies (SDT)–a Turkish defense manufacturing firm that is known for the electronic systems and subsystems it produces–for the development of simulation systems that would provide Pilot Tactical Training to the Pakistan Airforce (PAF) pilots. Under the contract, SDT’s air combat maneuvering instrumentation or ACMI Pods and Stations will be added to PAF’s inventory, which will increase the combat readiness by performing modern and highly precise tactical training.
Coming to China, the Armed Forces of Pakistan have commissioned many advanced weapons and equipment of Chinese origin, which includes the VT4 Main Battle Tank, SH-15 self-propelled Howitzer, Type 054A/P frigate, the JF-17, and ZDK-03 early warning aircraft.

Türkiye’s STM has been involved in a number of key projects with Pakistan over the years. It has designed PNS MAOWIN, the largest naval warship that has been designed for Pakistan Navy in 2018 and constructed by KS&EW. At IDEAS-2022, it exhibited its naval platforms and tactical mini-UAV systems. Talking to Hilal, its General Manager, Özgür Güleryüz, talked about the three major areas that STM is working on with Pakistan Navy, i.e., naval engineering, MILGEM program, and support in production. “We built Pakistan’s Fleet Tanker in 2018, a project aimed at building a ship with the biggest tonnage abroad. We are currently modernizing Pakistan’s Agosta Class 90B submarines. Besides this, we are taking part in the project for the production of four Ada-class Corvettes for Pakistan where we’re employing our engineering capabilities. At IDEAS-2022, meetings are ongoing for further collaborations or joint ventures.”
The contract for four MILGEM class vessels based on Ada-class design was signed between Military Factory and Shipyard Management Corporation (ASFAT), Türkiye and the Pakistani National Defense Ministry Ammunition Production and Karachi Shipyard in 2018. Under the contract, two ships are being constructed at Istanbul Naval Shipyard and other two at Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works. The construction of latest warships in Pakistan will significantly enhance the local capacity to undertake complex and technologically advanced ship building projects.
The launching ceremony of Pakistan Navy MILGEM Class Corvette, PNS KHAIBAR was recently held at Istanbul Naval Shipyard (INSY), Turkiye. The MILGEM Class Corvette with its stealth features will be the most technologically advanced surface platforms of Pakistan Navy Fleet fitted with multi-dimensional weapon systems and state-of-the-art sensors.
Besides ASFAT and STM, Meteksan Defense exported their YAKAMOS 2020 Hull Mounted Sonar System for Pakistan Navy’s MILGEM project to Pakistan, which is a developed version of YAKAMOS Sonar of Turkish MILGEM corvettes. The President of Meteksan Defence, Selcuk Kerem Alparslan, believes that the success of YAKAMOS 2020, which will soon start serving with the Pakistan Navy corvettes is of great importance for his company and the country.
Indigenous Production: Showcasing a Wide Range of Products
IDEAS-2022 provided an opportunity to Pakistan’s defense industry including the armed forces, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and entrepreneurs to showcase their capabilities and industrial prowess. The military systems and platforms that are made in Pakistan with the aim of achieving self-reliance in the defense market have reached a level of sophistication that matches with the traditional producers and provides an alternative, albeit at a lower cost. Some of the latest defense products that were displayed outside the halls and remained the main attraction of the event included JF-17 Thunder fighter jet, super Mushshak trainer aircraft and Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT)’s Al-Khalid I main battle tank besides a private sector firm’s armored vehicles that are said to withstand an explosive device of up to two kilograms. 
HIT’s tank Haider, which is an upgraded version of Al-Khalid, was also put on display. “If a laser is pointed towards it, the tank releases smoke and becomes virtually invisible which makes it difficult for the target to assault it,” a company representative said.
In the Army Pavilion, the stall set up by National Logistics Cell attracted attention due to the holographic displays and scaled models of their operations. They showcased a diverse portfolio ranging from transportation to engineering, dry ports, border terminals and provision of technical education youth. Extensive B2B meetings were held with delegations and corporate heads of leading national and international organizations belonging to Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Italy, Kenya, Sudan, Bahrain, and the UK visited NLC’s stall.
Global Industrial and Defence Solutions (GIDS), a state-owned organization under the patronage of Joint Staff Headquarters, displayed, the indigenously developed Shahpar II unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), Pakistan’s first indigenous anti-ship cruise missile HARBAH, and FATAH I, an advanced guided rocket system. GIDS has also invented an Integrated Electronic Warfare system at one-fourth cost compared to what Pakistan paid for its import. The communication system that communicates within the radius of 30-35 kilometers works on radio signals, improving the capabilities of forces in combating the enemy’s aggression.
Pakistan Ordnance Factories’ (POF) role in catering to the needs of our Armed Forces is well-known. It brought its top-grade, innovative product range to IDEAS-2022 as a key participant. The Foreign Minister inaugurated its indigenously produced Assault Rifles, i.e., BW-20, CW-39 and CW-56, that are aimed at filling several battlefield niches. In addition to POF, other Pakistani firearm manufacturers also took part in the event as well, which included an M4-type rifle and an indigenously designed multi-barrel grenade launcher.
Pakistan Navy’s pavilion displayed various models of the current inventory of Pakistan Navy fleet and the latest inductions, showcasing Pakistan Navy’s warfare capabilities. The design of the stall was the depiction of the boat while the floor depicted sea. 
Some of the models/platforms exhibited during the event were Jinnah Class Frigate that has been indigenously designed by Pakistan Navy in collaboration with Turkish ASFAT that is expected to be completed by February 2025; a Marine Assault Boat indigenously constructed by Pakistan Navy Dockyard; ATR which has been modernized as per the design requirements of Pakistan Navy; F22P Type 054 Frigate, a newly constructed state-of-the-art ship constructed in China; Hovercraft TD8100; Yarmook Class OPV (Offshore Patrol Vessel), built by Damen Shipyard Romania and weaponized by Pakistan Navy Dockyard; and Azmat Class FAC (M), designed and constructed at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works.
Various high ranking officials, representatives of local and foreign maritime industry and other distinguished stakeholders visited the stall. The delegates were briefed about the indigenously designed Gun Boat and Jinnah Class Frigate.
The PAF stalls displayed the most advanced and technologically innovative products at its pavilion. The star attraction of its pavilion was the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP) which is an initiative to establish industry-academia linkage to provide an ecosystem of essential elements required to nurture design, research, development and innovation in aviation, space and cyber domains. It includes the first national aerospace cluster, and regional and university level aerospace, cyber, IT and software technology parks. 
PAF pavilion also displayed airborne communication systems, technologies possessing air to air secure networks, air to ground C2 capabilities, moving map situational awareness displays, multi-platform avionics integration, aircraft division, micro jet engine development and simulation divisions.
The JF-17 Thunder, the fighter jet that downed an Indian aircraft in February 2019 was also displayed at the event. The jet belongs to the second generation of JF-17 series that was adopted by PAF in 2015. It was jointly made by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex in collaboration with China.
IDEAS-2022 Seminar: Artificial Intelligence in Defense Market: A Paradigm Shift in Military Strategy and National Security
In collaboration with the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), and Defence Export Promotion Organization, a seminar titled Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Defence Market; A Paradigm Shift in Military Strategy and National Security was organized which was graced by Federal Minister for Defense Production, Muhammad Israr Tareen. Chairman IPS, Khalid Rahman delivered the introductory remarks while Dr. Yasar Ayaz, CPD/chairman at National Center of Artificial Intelligence (NCAI), moderated the seminar. The speakers included Lt Colonel Dr. Ghulam Murtaza, College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (EME), NUST, Dr. Muhammad Tayab Ali, NCAI, NUST, Major Aon Safdar, College of EME, NUST, Dr. Waleed Bin Shahid, Military College of Signals (MCS), NUST, Lt Colonel Usman Zia, MCS, NUST, and Squadron Leader Javeria Farooq, College of Aeronautical Engineering (CAE), NUST. The speakers discussed how AI is the third revolution in warfare that is being utilized with minimum adverse impact, augmenting the implications of AI on national security, defense strategies and military tactics. Almost 70-75 percent of global defense leaders believe that AI will be critical to organization strategies and in bearing outcomes.
IDEAS Dinner and Cultural Show
The IDEAS cultural show, which was a significant highlight of the event, reflected upon the incredible journey Pakistan has made in the last 75 years. As the show director, Hassan Riaz puts it, “We take you on a mystical journey through our 7Ms representing seven cultural performing arts combined with fashion artistry, as we celebrate the wonder and majestic heritage through the true art of Pakistan.” The show was thus divided into seven acts based on the 7Ms, Miraculous, Magical, Melodious, Magnificent, Mystical, Magnetic and Mirthful. 
Air Show at Karachi Sea View
On the third day of the event, in addition to the static displays at the Karachi Expo Centre, a spectacular demonstration in the form of an airshow was presented at Karachi Sea View which was attended by key officials and delegates from friendly countries. The skies echoed with the roaring fighter jets and helicopters and contingents from the tri-services took part in the airshow with their display of tactical prowess. A joint counter-terrorism demonstration was made by the three armed forces compromising fly past and free fall jumps. 
Hilal Publications as Media Partner
Hilal Publications, with a legacy of 74 years, widely known for its name in the publications industry and outreach in the defense sector, also attended the event as a media partner for the first time in history. As a periodical that is serving as a platform and speaks out for the men and women in uniform who proudly serve our country, while contemporaneously advancing national security interests and promoting greater recognition of Pakistan Armed Forces’ vital role in the past, present and future, it showcased four monthly magazines, i.e., Hilal English, Hilal Urdu, Hilal for Her, and Hilal for Kids, besides various books at its stall in Hall 5. Various foreign delegates showed great interest in the diverse range of issues covered by Hilal publications.
Pakistan is fast emerging as a producer of quality defense products and IDEAS, a defense exhibition of key influence in Asia, which brings with it the promise of a brighter future. As a country that inherited almost nothing at the time of its independence, Pakistan is proud to have achieved self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing over the years.

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