Defence production saved forex worth $1.14b

Secretary says quality of local weapons of world standards

KARACHI: Local defence production has helped Pakistan save foreign exchange worth Rs120 billion ($1.14 billion) over the past one and a half year (till June 30 this year),” said Secretary Defence Production Lt-Gen. (retd) Syed Muhammad Owais on Friday.

He was speaking at the concluding ceremony of the four-day International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2016. He said that the Directorate-General of Munition Production – with its team of researchers, scientists, and technicians – was backing the production of advanced weapons at various units, including Pakistan Ordnance Factory, Wah, Heavy Industries Taxila and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra.



“The quality of our weapons is of international standard. Indigenous weapons attracted a lot of attention from foreign delegates,” he said.

Newly-inducted weapons

GIDC, a local firm in the private sector, developed four advanced weapon systems over the past two years and it launched them at the exhibition.

The weapons included armour-piercing Multi-Missile Launcher, capable of firing four missiles simultaneously.

The firm also developed an advanced yet lightweight Anti-Tank Guided Missile Weapon System. “The new system’s weight has been reduced by half, cutting it to 20kg from 40kg of the previous system. The system can be managed by just two soldiers … increasing their capability to hit-and-run in the battlefield,” a company official told The Express Tribune at the exhibition.

It also prepared a Range Extension Kit, which helps fighter jet drop a 100-150 kilogram bomb 100 kilometers away from the target.



“This reduces the pilot’s chances of getting trapped over enemy territory,” he said.

The firm has also developed an automated system, called Gunshot Detection System.

This system instantaneously detects the origin of bullets fired within a radius of 150-300 meters. The system can also detect gunshots fired from silencer-fitted guns and be used to retaliate.

Chinese boats for Navy

A representative of the China Shipbuilding Trading Company told The Express Tribune that his company would provide six patrol boats to Pakistan Navy.

“You will see relevant development next month. The developments may include delivery of the first of six boats,” he said. He said his company had provided four missile warships to Pakistan in 2013.

“One such vessel was developed at Karachi Shipyard in collaboration with the (Chinese) company,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 26^th, 2016.