The four-day International Defense Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS 2024) commenced on Tuesday in Karachi, with Türkiye emerging as the largest participant among 55 countries.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the event, which is held biennially and has become one of the most prominent defense exhibitions in the region. This 12th edition of IDEAS is being organized amid heightened security, reflecting its significance in showcasing defense capabilities and fostering international partnerships.

Global Participation and Exhibits

IDEAS 2024 has attracted exhibitors and delegates from 55 nations, including major defense players such as the United States, Russia, China, Iran, Italy, the UK, and Azerbaijan. This year’s event features:

• 560 defense manufacturers, including 333 international exhibitors.
• First-time participation by Iran and Italy, signaling the growing reach of the exhibition.

Pakistan's Showcase:
The host country is exhibiting a range of domestically developed defense products, including:

• Haider Main Battle Tank (MBT): Jointly developed by Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) and China’s NORINCO, this advanced tank was unveiled in March 2024.
• Shahpar III Drone: A medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle.
• Al-Khalid and Al-Zarrar Tanks: Widely regarded for their battlefield efficiency.
• Super Mushshak Aircraft: A trainer aircraft designed for military and civilian use.

Seminars and Innovations

1. International Seminar:
   A key highlight of the event is a seminar on “Pakistan Defense Production Potential – Challenges, Opportunities, and Way Forward”, scheduled for the third day. National and international experts will present papers, providing insights into global trends and the future of defense production.

2. Startups Pavilion:
   A new addition to IDEAS 2024 is a pavilion dedicated to startups, emphasizing innovation in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other advanced defense technologies. Initiatives by NUST, Pakistan Navy Maritime Science and Technology Park, and National Aerospace and Technology Park aim to spotlight young entrepreneurs and provide them with international exposure.

Türkiye’s Leading Role

Türkiye leads the international participation at IDEAS 2024, with 75 exhibitors and delegations, representing its top defense manufacturers, including:

• STM (Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret A.S)
• Roketsan
• Meteksan
• ASFAT
• Makine ve Kimya Endüstrisi
• Tualcom
• Havelsan

This marks a significant increase from 2022, when 28 Turkish defense manufacturers showcased their innovations. China follows Türkiye as the second-largest participant this year.

IDEAS 2024 continues to serve as a critical platform for promoting defense cooperation, fostering technological innovation, and enhancing Pakistan’s position in the global defense industry.

For information Courtesy to Anadolu Agency