Pakistan’s government-owned defense enterprise, Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS), unveiled the latest iteration of its Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), the “Shahpar II,” in an impressive live demonstration. Held for high-ranking military officials from 11 allied nations, this event highlighted the drone’s advanced combat capabilities, marking a significant leap forward in Pakistan’s indigenous defense production.
The “Shahpar II,” classified as a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UCAV, was demonstrated at an altitude of 14,000 feet as it targeted and successfully hit designated objectives using its own Burq air-to-ground guided missile. With extensive upgrades over its predecessor, the Shahpar I, this UCAV reflects Pakistan’s commitment to creating a high-performance, cost-effective drone for both domestic use and international partnerships.
The Shahpar II, developed entirely in Pakistan, is equipped with advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The drone’s performance during the demonstration underscored its operational flexibility, with a flight endurance of up to 20 hours for surveillance missions and approximately 14 hours for strike operations. According to GIDS representatives, this extended endurance ensures that the Shahpar II can perform long-duration missions without interruption, making it ideal for sustained operations in hostile territories or remote areas where ground access is limited.
This extended endurance, alongside other upgrades, has been strategically implemented to enhance Pakistan’s national defense capabilities. GIDS’s senior officials have stated that the Shahpar II delivers comparable, if not superior, performance to some of the leading UCAVs in the global market, such as Turkey’s Bayraktar TB2 and China’s CH-4. Notably, the Shahpar II’s cost-effectiveness has been presented as a primary competitive advantage, potentially positioning Pakistan as a strong player in the international UCAV market.
The Shahpar II is armed with the Burq air-to-ground guided missile, specifically engineered to engage high-value ground targets. In the demonstration, the Burq missile proved its accuracy and lethality by precisely striking designated targets. This missile, developed by GIDS, demonstrates the capabilities of Pakistan’s indigenous technology to meet complex battlefield requirements.
Further enhancing its weaponry, the Shahpar II is scheduled for additional testing in April, including trials with the new Burq II missile. The Burq II will incorporate a more powerful 20kg explosive warhead, designed to enable engagement with larger and more fortified targets. This upgrade underscores Pakistan’s ambition to diversify and strengthen its missile systems, providing Shahpar II operators with increased firepower and tactical flexibility.
Apart from the Burq missiles, the Shahpar II will also be tested with precision-guided munitions. These weapons will offer an expanded range of engagement options, enhancing its versatility across various mission profiles, from counter-terrorism operations to conventional warfare scenarios. GIDS sources have indicated that these trials will involve diverse munitions, potentially incorporating technology and inputs from allied defense manufacturers.
A key feature distinguishing the Shahpar II from its competitors is its SATCOM satellite communication system, which enables it to execute long-range missions with seamless command and control. This technology permits the UCAV to maintain real-time communication with ground control stations over vast distances, a feature that is particularly valuable for military operations in areas with limited terrestrial infrastructure.
Additionally, the Shahpar II’s Electro-Optical ZUMR-2 HD EO Sensor grants it high-definition targeting and surveillance capabilities. This sensor is designed for both day and night operations, allowing the UCAV to identify and engage targets under varied visibility conditions. Such capabilities not only improve the drone’s precision but also make it an attractive option for nations that prioritize adaptability and precision in diverse operational landscapes.
The drone can fly at altitudes between 21,000 and 23,000 feet, achieving speeds up to 220 km/h. These specifications not only enable it to operate above ground-based defenses but also ensure its capability to surveil wide areas from a high vantage point. According to GIDS, these altitude and speed capabilities, combined with its payload capacity, allow the Shahpar II to conduct a range of missions, from high-speed reconnaissance to prolonged area monitoring.
Beyond Pakistan’s indigenous munitions, the Shahpar II has been designed to accommodate weapons from allied manufacturers, including Turkish-developed MAM-C and MAM-L missiles. This flexibility allows operators to equip the UCAV with munitions best suited to specific mission requirements or geographic conditions. Each wing of the Shahpar II can carry guided missiles and bombs weighing up to 60kg, offering a total payload capacity that rivals or exceeds many other drones in its class.
The compatibility with Turkish MAM missiles marks a significant step toward Pakistan’s vision of interoperability with allied defense systems. Given the evolving defense partnerships with countries such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Azerbaijan, this compatibility is likely to streamline logistical and operational integration in multinational exercises or coalition-based combat scenarios.
The live demonstration was attended by senior military officials and defense attachés from countries including Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Kenya, and Nigeria. The invitation-only event is part of Pakistan’s broader initiative to strengthen its defense exports and position itself as a reliable ally in defense technology. By showcasing the Shahpar II’s capabilities to allied nations, Pakistan aims to stimulate international interest in its defense products, potentially paving the way for future UCAV export deals.
This strategy aligns with Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to bolster defense partnerships and create mutually beneficial arrangements that promote regional stability. By demonstrating the UCAV’s effectiveness in controlled environments, GIDS aims to build confidence among prospective buyers, showcasing the Shahpar II as a cost-effective alternative to established, high-cost UCAV options on the global market.
According to GIDS officials, the Shahpar II’s competitive pricing, coupled with its high-performance capabilities, provides a viable alternative to UCAVs produced by global defense giants. With the Bayraktar TB2 from Turkey and China’s CH-4 as its primary market competitors, the Shahpar II holds an advantage due to its indigenous production base, which keeps costs lower while maintaining a high standard of functionality. Moreover, GIDS representatives have noted that the Shahpar II is designed with operational simplicity in mind, making it an accessible platform for countries seeking to quickly integrate UCAV technology into their forces.
The UCAV market is expected to see increased demand in coming years as nations prioritize autonomous systems that offer both offensive and defensive capabilities. The Shahpar II is positioned to capitalize on this trend, particularly among countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, where affordability and reliability are critical factors. With further weapon testing and the upcoming Burq II trials, the Shahpar II’s effectiveness in diverse mission roles could further reinforce its appeal.
The successful demonstration of the Shahpar II is a milestone for GIDS and reflects the organization’s commitment to advancing Pakistan’s defense industry. In addition to UCAV production, GIDS has indicated that it is focusing on R&D initiatives aimed at broadening its product portfolio, encompassing air, land, and naval defense systems. With the Shahpar II as its flagship UCAV, GIDS is likely to continue enhancing the Shahpar series, potentially developing new models with expanded combat and reconnaissance capabilities.
The upcoming trials of the Burq II and precision-guided munitions are expected to further validate the Shahpar II’s operational capabilities. These trials will also serve as an opportunity for GIDS to fine-tune the UCAV’s systems based on feedback from defense experts and international partners.
