
Pakistan drone: Recently, Pakistan has made a big announcement regarding its indigenous drone Shahpar-III. This claim has attracted attention in Pakistan’s defense and aerospace sector. Asad Kamal, CEO of the country’s Global Industrial and Defense Solutions (GIDS), described it as one of the most powerful drones in the world.
As per Pakistan’s claim, the Shahpar-III drone has the following features:
Wingspan: 67 meters.
Flying altitude: more than 35,000 feet.
Continuous flight capability: 30 hours.
Strike distance: 2,500 km.
Payload: 500 kg.
Weapon carrying capacity: Eight weapons with six hard points.
Apart from this, Pakistan says that this drone has been developed completely with indigenous technology in just two years.
#Nov22
2. #COAS #AsimMunir inaugurated #Pakistan‘s latest drone #Shahpar3 at the #IdeasExpo in #Karachi that is developed by Pakistan’s local state owned firm GIDS. Its the latest addition to high altitude #Pakistani unmanned combat drones.#Friday #Rawalpindi #MilitaryNews #News pic.twitter.com/RK923lJCOM
— Pakistan Corporate Updates (@pakco_updates) November 22, 2024
Questions are being raised on Pakistan’s claim
The declared capabilities of Shahpar-III could put it in the category of the most advanced drone in the world, but according to experts, this claim seems to be beyond reality. Pakistan does not have a record of independently manufacturing drones. The propulsion system of this drone is unknown, which raises questions about its true capability. India’s TAPAS drone (developed by DRDO) can fly 24 hours at an altitude of 28,000 feet, which took years to develop.
Comparison with achievements of other countries
Israeli Hermes 900 UAV: This drone used by the Indian Navy can fly for 36 hours and has a payload capacity of 450 kg. But its wingspan is only 15 meters. The 67 meter wingspan of the Shahpar-III seems incredible, as even drones of a larger category do not have this capability.
Pakistan called Shahpar-III a game changer
Pakistan has described Shahpar-III as a “game changer”, but rigorous testing and meeting international standards is required to prove its claims are real. For now, this drone looks impressive only on paper. Given Pakistan’s dependence on partners like China and Türkiye, the claim of such advanced capabilities from indigenous technology is questionable.
Also read: Internet war after sword and publicity, after Diwali even Christmas sweets will be bitter