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GIDS Shahpar-III

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Shahpar-III
General information
TypeUCAV
RoleStrike/ISR
National origin Pakistan
ManufacturerGIDS
Designer
History
Introduction dateNovember 2024
First flight2023
PredecessorsGIDS Shahpar-2

The Shahpar-III is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) designed by NESCOM and marketed by GIDS. It is the third and newest (as of 2025) member of the Shahpar drone family and is designed as a contender to similar systems like the MQ-9 Reaper.[1][2][3][4][5]

Development

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The Shahpar-III being part of the GIDS Shahpar family is a further result of Pakistan's ongoing effort to enhance its local defence industry, particularly in aerospace. Shahpar-III's existence was revealed in a future roadmap presented by GIDS on its website where it was categorized as a group-4+ UCAV.[6] Over time, GIDS displayed models and technology demonstrators of it in various international defense exhibitions including IDEF-2023.[7][8] Its development cost around a US$100 million.[9]

During the IDEAS-24 expo in November 2024, GIDS CEO Asad Kamal and Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir unveiled the Shahpar-III marking its first public appearance. It was classified by GIDS as a Group-4+ UCAV and reportedly developed to compete with similar drones of its category like the MQ-9 Reaper.[8][10]

The Shahpar-III features domestic flight control systems and avionics and is equipped with a 1553 architecture dual-redundant flight control computer enhancing its reliability. Being a UCAV, it can be deployed in a variety of roles with ISR, ISTAR, CAS and maritime roles among them. It can be armed with several Pakistani-sourced munitions like the Barq missiles and Al Battaar laser-guided bombs though other munitions can also be integrated onto it.[7][11]

Variants

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  • Shahpar-III (140 hp): Version fitted with 140 hp engine.[12]
  • Shahpar-III (170 hp): Version fitted with more powerful 170 hp engine.[12]

Specifications (170hp configuration)

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Data from [11][7][13]

General characteristics

  • Crew: None
  • Wingspan: 20 m (64 ft)
  • Max takeoff weight: 1,650 kg (3,638 lb)

Performance

  • Range: 300 km (190 mi, 160 nmi)
  • Endurance: 40hrs (ISR) and 20hrs (Armed)
  • Service ceiling: 12,000 m (41,000 ft) Varies with suspended payload.

Armament

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Khan, Naimet (21 November 2024). "Pakistan unveils new 'game changer' fighter drone". Arab News.
  2. ^ "Aerial Vehicle, Shahpar-III, developed by GIDSP inaugurated". Radio Pakistan.
  3. ^ "Aerial Vehicle Shahpar-III - a manifestation of Pakistan's art of combat". Dunya news. 2024-11-21.
  4. ^ Khattak, Arsalan (2024-11-19). "IDEAS 2024: Pakistan Showcases Advanced Shahpar-III Drone". ProPakistani.
  5. ^ Siddiqui, Salman (2024-11-22). "PAF aims AI-based air mastery in future". Etribune.
  6. ^ "Road to future". GIDS Website. Retrieved 2025-01-14.
  7. ^ a b c "IDEF 2023: GIDS details Shahpar III UAV". Janes. 2023-07-28.
  8. ^ a b "Focus: Pakistani Shahpar III drone a challenge for Chinese Turkish and Western Competitors". Army recognition. 2024-12-12.
  9. ^ Khan, Bilal (2024-12-02). "Pakistan's Shahpar-III Promises a Next-Gen Drone Ecosystem".
  10. ^ "Army Chief inaugurates advanced Shahpar-III combat drone at defence exhibition". Islamabad Post. 2024-11-20.
  11. ^ a b "GIDS Shahpar-3 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)". Quwa.org. 2024-12-01.
  12. ^ a b Ansari, Usman (2023-08-03). "Pakistani defense conglomerate unveils new drone, missiles at IDEF". Defense News.
  13. ^ Web Desk (14 March 2024). "GIDS Unveils Powerful Shahpar III Group 4+ MALE UCAV". International Defence Analysis.