Pakistan set to display naval prowess at IDEX 2013

As many as 10 defence manufacturing companies and 14 auxiliary companies to participate in the exhibition in UAE.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will be putting up its Oceanique class Agosta 90B  submarine, PNS/M Khalid along with indigenously fabricated naval crafts for display at the defence exhibition in UAE next week.

The country will be represented by as many as 10 defence production companies along with 14 auxiliary enterprises at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) 2013 being held in Abu Dhabi from February 17 to 21.

Pakistan's Ambassador to the UAE, Jamil Ahmad Khan told a media briefing on Friday that this will be the first time Pakistan will be displaying its naval crafts which have been indigenously modified and upgraded. While Pakistan bought the French-built Khalid, it has built two subsequent versions of the diesel powered submarine, PNS/M Saad (built with French assistance) and PNS/M Hamza (indigenously built).

Besides the submarine, the multipurpose auxiliary craft (MPAC) Jurrat which was fabricated in Pakistan along with full integration of weaponry would go on display. Alongside it would sail destroyer Shahjahan, which has been indigenously modified per Pakistan Navy's requirements and integrated for warfare.

Pakistan, Khan said, is exporting defence equipment to 40 countries across the globe. "We are offering affordable solutions for the defense needs of all countries specially the countries which are looking for low cost affordable solutions," he said.

The Ambassador emphasised that Pakistan is a peace-loving country and desires to live in peace and harmony with the world but the regional security situation has become complex and uncertain. Therefore, Pakistan's defence industry is compelled to develop a response that is proportionate to challenges that confront the country.

The Pakistani defence companies that will participate in IDEX2013 include the Pakistan ordnance factories with three auxiliary companies, defence export promotion organisation, global industries and defence solutions (GIDS) with seven auxiliary companies, heavy industries taxila (HIT), embroidery export corp, Karachi shipyard and engineering works (KS&EW), national radio and telecommunication corporation (NRTC), service industries Ltd, soaring high Inc. and sure nice traders.