KARACHI: The 12th edition of the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS 2024) concluded on Friday, spotlighting global military innovation and technological advancements.
The grand expo was held from November 19 to 22, 2024, under the auspices of the Defence Export Promotion Organisation (DEPO) at the Expo Centre Karachi.
The event brought together international manufacturers and suppliers of defence products and related technology to explore business opportunities.
A total of 532 exhibitors participated in the exhibition, of which 350 were international exhibitors and 224 were domestic exhibitors. Delegates from 38 countries established exhibitors’ stalls, with 17 countries participated for the first time.
The foreign delegates expressed full confidence in the exhibition and the defence industry of Pakistan.
The event also demonstrated Pakistan’s readiness to defend its borders and uphold the values of freedom and democracy. It also highlighted Pakistan’s advancements in the defence industry, with indigenous products meeting global standards.
The three-day event witnessed the visits by Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf.
A spectacular Karachi Show was also held at Nishan-i-Pakistan, Seaview, on Thursday. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah while addressing the audience during the show said that IDEAS 2024 under the theme “Arms for Peace” further solidified Pakistan’s position as a key player in global defence and diplomacy, with the nation firmly committed to fostering peace through strength and collaboration.
At the event, special recognition was given to the Pakistan Navy for organising an impressive display, highlighting its professionalism and dedication to safeguarding the country’s maritime interests.
During the IDEAS 2024, the ground-breaking ceremony of the country’s first Pakistan Maritime Science and Technology Park (PMSTP) was held at the EXPO Centre.
Commanders of Armed Forces and important officials from different countries, including Turkiye, Azerbaijan, South Africa, Argentina, Malaysia, UAE, Cambodia, Kingdom of Eswatini, Gambia, Brunei, Maldives and Malawi attended the grand defence expo.
Indigenous multi-weapon simulator Haadif attracted attention, particularly from the visiting military delegates from different countries attending the expo.
The device is made to improve the accuracy and tactical skills of the defence personnel in a wide variety of small arms. Main Battle Tank Haider and Shahpar-3 drone stand out among various products reflecting Pakistan’s growing self-reliance in military production.
It is pertinent to mention that Air Defence Systems, Anti-to-Ground and Coastal Defence Systems, Anti-Tank / Wall Breaching Weapon Systems, Army Ordnance and Ammunition, Mortars and Mortar Ammunition, Specific Weapon Systems and Ammunition, Guns and Ammunition for Armoured Vehicles, Land Mines and Explosive Charges, Signaling and Illuminating Devices, Igniters and Firing Mechanisms, Propellants, Guidance Systems, Battle Tanks, Aircraft Un-Manned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), Naval Ships were showcased during the event.
Since its inception in the year 2000, IDEAS has emerged as an international rendezvous for defence manufacturers, entrepreneurs, defence specialists, financial experts and top-level policymakers to promote cooperation, knowledge sharing and support ventures in the field of defence collaboration.
IDEAS-2024 has surpassed all previous milestones in terms of space, booking, exhibitors and delegates both domestic and foreign. Exhibitors from Turkey, China, Iran, the UK, North America, South America, Europe, Asia and other regions participated in the mega defence exhibition.
