Pakistan has unveiled its most sophisticated Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to date, the Shahpar-III, a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV). Developed by Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS), Shahpar-III is designed for surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat missions, demonstrating superior aerial capabilities.

Key Features of Shahpar-III— as per brochure

• AI-Based Target Identification: Capable of live and post-flight video processing for target detection and recognition.
• Multiple Payload Options: Supports Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and Communication Intelligence/Electronic Intelligence (COMINT/ELINT) systems.
• Armed Capability: Equipped with six wing hardpoints for carrying precision-guided munitions.
• High-Strength Composite Structure: Built for enhanced durability and reduced weight.
• Satellite Communication (SATCOM): Enables beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) operations.
• Air Traffic Control Transponder & Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) System: Ensures secure operations in controlled airspace.
• Powerful Engine: Powered by a 170 HP engine for optimal flight efficiency.
• Retractable Landing Gear: Improves aerodynamic performance.
• Group 4+ Category UAV: Classified as a high-end combat UAV with extended capabilities.

Technical Specifications of Shahpar-III as per brochure

• Data Link Range: 250+ km (Line of Sight – LOS), 2500+ km (Beyond Line of Sight – BLOS)
• External Payload Capacity: 400 kg (distributed across six hardpoints)
• Wingspan: 64 feet
• Maximum Ceiling: 35,000+ feet (for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance – ISR), 30,000+ feet (armed configuration)
• Endurance: 30 hours (ISR), 16 hours (armed)
• Internal Payload Capacity: 165 kg (ISR), 75 kg (armed)
• Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW): 1600 kg

Shahpar-II: Predecessor to Shahpar-III

The Shahpar-II, an earlier iteration, also demonstrated significant UAV capabilities:

• Range: 250+ km (LOS), 1500+ km (BLOS)
• Endurance: 15 hours (armed), 20 hours (ISR)
• Maximum Ceiling: 22,000 feet (armed), 25,000 feet (ISR)

Shahpar-III’s design is similar to China’s CH-4, Turkiye’s Anka-S, and the American MQ-1C Gray Eagle. Pakistan is pitching GIDS Shahpar-III as Pakistan’s largest and most advanced drone program to-date.