The 12th edition of the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2024 officially opened on Tuesday at Karachi’s Expo Centre, with a ban on public gatherings imposed across the Karachi Division as part of heightened security measures.

According to the Associated Press of Pakistan, more than 350 high-ranking delegations from 55 countries, including the US, Russia, China, Turkey, Iran, Italy, the UK, and Azerbaijan, are participating in the four-day event. Around 560 defence manufacturers, with 333 international exhibitors, are displaying their defence and military products, with Turkey and China being the largest contributors. This year also marks the debut of Iran and Italy at the arms fair.

The exhibition, organized every two years by Pakistan’s Defence Export Promotion Organisation (DEPO), will run until November 22 (Friday).

Pakistan is prominently showcasing its domestically manufactured Haider Main Battle Tank (MBT) and the newly developed Shahpar III drone, designed for medium-altitude, long-endurance operations. In addition, the Al-Khalid and Al-Zarrar tanks, as well as the latest model of the Super Mushshak aircraft, are on display. The Haider tank, developed in collaboration between Pakistan’s Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) and China’s state-owned Norinco, was unveiled in March of this year.

A new feature at this year’s exhibition is the startups pavilion, a joint initiative by the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Pakistan Navy Maritime Science and Technology (PMSTAP), and the National Aerospace and Technology Park (NASTP). This pavilion highlights advancements in artificial intelligence and defence technology.

Turkey, with about 75 exhibitors and delegations, has the largest presence at the fair, followed by China. In 2022, 28 Turkish defence manufacturers showcased their innovations at the event.

A seminar titled “Pakistan Defense Production Potential — Challenges, Opportunities, and Way Forward” will be held on Thursday, featuring presentations from renowned national and international experts on the subject.