Pakistan’s defence industry has made a notable advancement with the unveiling and successful demonstration of the Shahpar-II Block II Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV). Developed by Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS), this sophisticated drone showcases Pakistan’s growing capabilities in indigenous defence production and its ambitions to compete on the international stage in the domain of unmanned aerial systems.
In March 2024, GIDS held a live-firing demonstration of the Shahpar-II Block II, presenting it before high-ranking military delegations from eleven friendly nations. These included representatives from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Azerbaijan, Nigeria, Kenya, and Indonesia. The drone successfully identified, lazed, and engaged a target from an altitude of 14,000 feet, utilising the indigenously developed Burq air-to-ground missile (AGM). This display of precision and operational effectiveness left a strong impression on the attending delegates and confirmed the UCAV’s combat readiness.
The Shahpar-II Block II is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) platform, designed for both reconnaissance and strike missions. Measuring eight metres in length with a wingspan of 9.45 metres, it has a maximum take-off weight of 1,075 kilograms. It can carry a total payload of approximately 243 kilograms, divided between its internal bay and underwing hardpoints. In terms of performance, the drone boasts a cruising speed of 157 kilometres per hour and can reach a top speed of 220 kilometres per hour. While its surveillance missions can last up to 20 hours, its armed endurance is estimated at around 12 hours. The service ceiling for surveillance operations is approximately 23,000 feet, while armed operations can be conducted up to 21,000 feet.
One of the key strengths of the Shahpar-II Block II lies in its integration with a versatile array of indigenous munitions and payloads. The live demonstration featured the Burq AGM, which is already a proven weapon in Pakistan’s arsenal. GIDS also revealed plans to introduce additional payloads such as the Burq-II missile, which features a 20-kilogram warhead with an effective range of 12 kilometres. Other upcoming systems include a lighter version of the Burq missile and a series of laser-guided bombs optimised for UAV deployment, likely including the LGK-50 series. Furthermore, the drone is fitted with the Zumr-2 HD electro-optical payload, which provides high-resolution real-time imaging and thermal vision capabilities, praised during the demonstration for its clarity and stability.
Crucially, GIDS claims that the Shahpar-II Block II offers greater capability at a more affordable price point compared to the internationally popular Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drone. The Pakistani system’s cost-efficiency and modular design make it a viable alternative for countries seeking strategic autonomy in unmanned warfare without the high cost of Western or Turkish systems. Moreover, development is already underway on an indigenous electronic warfare (EW) pod with jamming capabilities, intended to further enhance the Shahpar-II’s survivability and electronic countermeasure functionality in complex threat environments.
The origins of the Shahpar programme trace back to earlier UAV efforts, with design cues drawn from platforms like the Chinese CH-3. However, the Shahpar-II Block II reflects significant design maturity and independence. Though some external resemblance remains, the drone has evolved substantially in both its structural and systems architecture. The addition of satellite communication (SATCOM) compatibility and the move toward wholly local production mark a shift from dependence to sovereignty in drone development.
The strategic value of the Shahpar-II Block II extends beyond national security. By showcasing the system to foreign delegates, Pakistan is clearly positioning it for the export market. Given the rising demand for UCAVs across Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, particularly among countries with limited defence budgets, the Shahpar-II Block II could become a key export product for Pakistan’s defence industry.
In summary, the Shahpar-II Block II UCAV represents a significant milestone in Pakistan’s defence innovation. Its blend of affordability, combat effectiveness, and indigenous technology makes it a compelling addition to the global market. As the country continues to refine its unmanned systems and integrate electronic warfare capabilities, the Shahpar-II may emerge not only as a national asset but as a competitive player in the broader landscape of modern aerial warfare.
