Modern military hardware goes on display as IDEAS opens tomorrow

KARACHI:

Pakistan and its global friends are gearing up to display exceptional defence capabilities, equipment, technology and innovation at the 12th biannual flagship event, International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2024 – Arms for Peace.

The event is scheduled to take place at the Karachi Expo Centre from November 19-22.

Over 300 foreign exhibitors from 55 countries will participate in the overbooked exhibition halls and seminar, with Turkiye and China, expected to dominate the event. Iran, participating for the first time, adds to the diversity of the event.

A new addition this year, startups, are anticipated to capture the attention of around 5,000 visitors. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will inaugurate the mega event.

While speaking at the pre-event press conference on Saturday, the IDEAS organiser Defence Export Promotion Organisation (DEPO), Director Coordination, Brig Ali Adil said Pakistan's JF-17 is among the country's advanced capabilities to be showcased at the exhibition.

It has already found a top place at exhibitions held in other countries around the globe. "Pakistan defence products are finding their credence globally. Year-on-year, we have grown considerably."

He said that over 550 exhibitors will showcase their defence equipment including more than 330 international exhibitors from 55 countries.

Turkiye will display its defence technology in Halls 1 and 2, while China will have an exclusive exhibit in Hall 3. Halls 4 and 5 will host a combination of local and global exhibitors, and Pakistan's capabilities will be showcased at the Pakistan Pavilion in Hall 6. Startups will have a dedicated hall to present their innovations.

Brig Adil said this is the 12th edition of ideas. "We have come a long way from where we started in 2000 and each successive IDEAS is a success story."

DEPO Director Media CDRE Atizaz Khalid said IDEAS 2024 is going to show the world the latest defence technology, demonstration, seminars and knowledge sharing. The exhibitors may expand their businesses through business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) engagements.

He said IDEAS is one of Pakistan's most important mega-events, bringing the global defence industry under one roof to showcase cutting-edge technologies and innovations.

The event will feature international seminars, including one by defence experts from Turkiye, sharing insights into their defence industry's revival over the past decade.

High-profile international delegates, including defence ministers, ministers, and serving chiefs of armed forces, will attend. The Karachi Expo Centre is fully booked for the event.

The four-day exhibition will also feature a series of activities, including the impressive tri-services Karachi Show at Nishan-e-Pakistan, Sea View, for visiting dignitaries and the citizens of Karachi.