Haq's Musings: Arms

Friday, December 5, 2014

IDEAS 2014: Pakistan's Biggest Ever Arms Bazar in Karachi

International Defense Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS), Pakistan biannual arms show, made a modest beginning in year 2000 on President Musharraf's directive. It has since grown into a major international event with hundreds of exhibitors and delegates attending from several dozen countries. It has also served to help highlight and promote Pakistan's domestic defense industry and sign several arms export deals with friendly nations.

The just concluded IDEAS 2014 attracted 333 defense-related companies including 50 companies from Pakistan. Delegates from 50 countries attended the show this year.

The fact that Pakistan is the third largest importer of arms in the world is not lost on major arms merchants. World's top arms importer is India with 14% market share followed by China and Pakistan with 5% each, according to Stockholm-based SIPRI.

International Arms Market Source: SIPRI

While Pakistan's traditional allies China and Turkey were the biggest exhibitors occupying the largest space at the show, the most notable new entrant this year was Russia, the biggest arms supplier to Pakistan's arch-rival India. Russian defense minister visited Pakistan and agreed to sell Mi-35 attack helicopters. There was also a report in IHS Jane's 360 publication that, under a new Pakistan-Russia defense cooperation agreement, Russia will now directly supply RD-93 Klimov jet engine for JF-17 fighter aircraft jointly developed by China and Pakistan.

While the JF-17 was the star of the show for Pakistan, other major Pakistan-made attractions included smart-bomb named Takbir, a high-tech weapon system POF Eye, and new drones Burraq and Shahpar and trainer aircraft Mushshaq and Super Mushshaq. There were also armored car manufacturers catering to rising domestic demand fueled by security concerns in Pakistan.

Pakistan-made Takbir ‪ is a 250 Kg air-launched smart bomb that can accurately hit target 80-100 km away. It expands its wings as soon as it is launched and makes its way while dodging the hurdles in its way to hit its intended target.

Pakistan-made POF Eye is a special-purpose hand-held weapon system similar in concept to the Israeli-made CornerShot that can fire weapons (bullets, hand-grenades) around corners. It is designed for SWAT and special forces teams in hostile situations, particularly counter-terrorism and hostage rescue operations. It allows its operator to both see and attack an armed target without exposing the operator to counter-attack.

Pakistani officials claim having closed several arms export deals to sell different weapon systems, including agreements with four Middle Eastern and African countries for the sale of one JF-17 squadron each.

Here's a video discussion on multiple subjects including Karachi Defense Show:

PTI Plans; Junaid Jamshed Blasphemy; Modi Minister's Attack on Non-Hindus; Pak Defense Expo from WBT TV on Vimeo.