KARACHI: The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) dominated the third day of the 10th International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) organised by the Defence Export Promotion Organisation at the Karachi Expo Centre.

The day began with a PAF conference titled ‘Self-reliance through research, innovation and development’ which stressed the importance of collaborations and technology transfers in defence.

In his welcome address on Thursday, Deputy Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Shahid Akhtar Alvi said that he was deeply grateful to all of Pakistan’s valued friends who shared and understood the need for joint collaboration and work with Pakistan.

“The relentless efforts, dedication and commitment of Pakistan’s scientific teams, leadership and defence partnerships have helped Pakistan produce one of the most versatile and reliable fighter aircraft, JF-17, a defence marvel,” he said.

Pakistan Ordnance Factories introduces indigenously produced velocity measuring weapons system

“Self-reliance,” he said, “was a desired goal of many nations. However, the future will be about smart defence and joint collaborations, especially in defence and also in the field of military aviation.”

He said that seeking a cost-effective solution to the aerial defence needs as well as taking the domestic regional industry to the next level, the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex in Kamra and the Air Weapons Complex in Wah remained the solid base for the indigenous defence production capability.

Other speakers at the conference included Nigerian Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar, Air Cdre Cemal Balikci of the Turkish Air Force and Air Cdre Rajapaksha of the Sri Lanka Air Force who shared perspectives of self-reliance through research, innovation and development.

‘Karachi Show’

Later, a large number of civil and military, foreign and national dignitaries, families, and war veterans gathered at Nishan-i-Pakistan at Sea View for the ‘Karachi Show’ that included a fly-past, free-fall para jumps, a counterterrorism and beach assault demonstration and rifle drill put together by the three armed forces of Pakistan.

The PAF airshow included JF-17 Thunder, Fighting Falcon F-16 and Super Mushshak doing aerobatics.

The show was also attended by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Shah said that the show highlighted the resolve and preparedness of the armed forces of Pakistan for contributing peace in the region.

Greeting participants of the event who have performed with the utmost dedication, he said: “Today our belief has been reaffirmed that our armed forces are ready to face and thwart any threat posed to our nation.”

He congratulated all the stakeholders, including Pakistan Navy, for the successful conduct of IDEAS-2018.

“Visiting participants in the exhibition from our friendly countries and their presence in the arena is a matter of profound privilege and great honour for all of us,” he said, adding that successful conduct of IDEAS-2018 was a message to the entire world that Pakistan was a peace-loving democratic country.

Velocity measuring system

Also on Thursday, the Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) introduced indigenously produced “Velocity Measuring System” weapons system.

According to a POF press release, Minister for Defence Production Zubaida Jalal formally inaugurated the weapons system at a POF stall. This defence system helps and assists ground forces in measuring the velocity of rounds fired from 2 to 20mm calibre.

The defence production minister lauded the achievements of POF and praised its R&D team for developing the latest system for the Pakistan Army.

Earlier, the minister was received by POF chief Lt Gen Sadiq Ali at the POF stall and briefed her on capabilities of POF and the detail of newly developed POF products launched during IDEAS-2018.

Amjad Iqbal from Taxila also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, November 30th, 2018