Pakistan has unveiled the block-II of unmanned combat aerial vehicle – Shahpar II – with enhanced capabilities to foreign delegates from 11 countries.
The state-owned defense consortium, Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS), recently caught the international spotlight by demonstrating precision targeting ability of the Shahpar II, its latest Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV).
During a compelling demonstration in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, this Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) drone proved its capability to hit targets with high precision using its “Burq” air-to-ground guided missile, observed by senior military representatives from eleven allied countries including Azerbaijan, Nigeria, Kenya, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.
In a live fire event attended by delegates from 11 countries, the UAV successfully engaged a target from 14,000 ft using the indigenous Burq AGM.
GIDS announced plans to test additional air-delivered ordnances, including the BURQ-II AGM and Laser Guided Bombs designed for UAVs, by April 2024, showcasing its commitment to advancing military technology.
The Shahpar II Block II’s demonstration positions it as a formidable competitor to the Turkish TB2 drone, emphasizing Pakistan’s potential as a key player in the global defense market. This move not only highlights Pakistan’s technological prowess but also its strategic aim to cater to diverse military needs at competitive costs.
EXCLUSIVE || Pakistan's leading government-owned defense conglomerate, Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS), showcases the live firing capabilities of its newest UCAV, Shahpar II (Block II), to senior military representatives from 11 allied nations, including #Azerbaijan,… pic.twitter.com/ggktvFhjls
— Global Defense Insight (@Defense_Talks) March 9, 2024
Shahpar II
GIDS positions the Shahpar II as a direct competitor to well-established UCAVs on the market, including Turkey’s Bayraktar TB2 and China’s CH-4, touting its superiority in terms of performance and cost-effectiveness.
The Shahpar II, measuring 8 meters in length and having a wingspan of 9.45 meters, accommodates internal payloads up to 53 kilograms and external payloads reaching 190 kilograms. It achieves a maximum speed of 120 knots (approximately 200 km/h), and notably, it boasts a service ceiling of 23,000 feet (7,010 meters) for surveillance tasks and 21,000 feet (6,400 meters) when equipped for combat. These capabilities render the Shahpar II a highly versatile tool across various operational scenarios.
The drone’s maximum flight endurance is listed at 14 hours, which is shorter than the Bayraktar TB2’s 27 hours and considerably less than the CH-4’s potential 30 to 40 hours. Nonetheless, its capacity to engage targets up to 1000 kilometers away is commendable, though the CH-4 can extend this reach with versions capable of surpassing 1500 kilometers.
In altitude performance, the Shahpar II operates effectively at a service ceiling adjusted to 23,000 feet for surveillance and 21,000 feet when armed, which is competitive with its peers, offering enhanced mission flexibility.
