GIDS Shahpar-III
Shahpar-III | |
---|---|
General information | |
Type | UCAV |
Role | Strike/ISR |
National origin | ![]() |
Manufacturer | GIDS |
Designer | |
History | |
Introduction date | November 2024 |
First flight | 2023 |
Predecessors | GIDS 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[update]) 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
[edit]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
[edit]- 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)
[edit]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
- Hardpoints: 6 with a capacity of 530kg (external) & 165kg (internal)
- Rockets: Eghraaq smart torpedo
- Missiles: Barq laser guided missiles
- Bombs: AB-500 LGBs
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Khan, Naimet (21 November 2024). "Pakistan unveils new 'game changer' fighter drone". Arab News.
- ^ "Aerial Vehicle, Shahpar-III, developed by GIDSP inaugurated". Radio Pakistan.
- ^ "Aerial Vehicle Shahpar-III - a manifestation of Pakistan's art of combat". Dunya news. 2024-11-21.
- ^ Khattak, Arsalan (2024-11-19). "IDEAS 2024: Pakistan Showcases Advanced Shahpar-III Drone". ProPakistani.
- ^ Siddiqui, Salman (2024-11-22). "PAF aims AI-based air mastery in future". Etribune.
- ^ "Road to future". GIDS Website. Retrieved 2025-01-14.
- ^ a b c "IDEF 2023: GIDS details Shahpar III UAV". Janes. 2023-07-28.
- ^ a b "Focus: Pakistani Shahpar III drone a challenge for Chinese Turkish and Western Competitors". Army recognition. 2024-12-12.
- ^ Khan, Bilal (2024-12-02). "Pakistan's Shahpar-III Promises a Next-Gen Drone Ecosystem".
- ^ "Army Chief inaugurates advanced Shahpar-III combat drone at defence exhibition". Islamabad Post. 2024-11-20.
- ^ a b "GIDS Shahpar-3 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)". Quwa.org. 2024-12-01.
- ^ a b Ansari, Usman (2023-08-03). "Pakistani defense conglomerate unveils new drone, missiles at IDEF". Defense News.
- ^ Web Desk (14 March 2024). "GIDS Unveils Powerful Shahpar III Group 4+ MALE UCAV". International Defence Analysis.