Pakistan’s Shahpar II UCAV breaks cover
The Shahpar II is now able to carry precision-guided munitions, turning it into a UCAV. (GIDS)
Pakistan is pushing a new indigenously designed and built MALE-class UCAV on the export market.
Pakistani firm Global Defence and Industrial Solutions (GIDS) unveiled an armed version of its Shahpar II UAV at the Egypt Defence Expo (EDEX) from 29 November till 2 December.
The Shahpar II MALE-class aircraft is Pakistan’s first medium-range UCAV, and it allegedly uses only indigenous components except for the engine and tyres. In late November, GIDS also aired a promotional video showing it firing an air-to-ground missile at a moving target.
The canard pusher airframe widely uses composites to reduce weight, and it has canard foreplanes plus vertical winglets to improve endurance in the air. A pusher turboprop drives the
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Middle Eastern demand opens fresh export prospects for Lockheed Martin’s F-35 fighter jet]()
Middle Eastern demand opens fresh export prospects for Lockheed Martin’s F-35 fighter jet
A proposed Saudi Arabian purchase of 48 stealth fighters could signal a broader regional opportunity for the F-35 as European programmes mature.
-
![US Army extended-range CUAS missile ramjet work to continue through December 2029]()
US Army extended-range CUAS missile ramjet work to continue through December 2029
Northrop Grumman’s US$18.8 million XRC propulsion contract runs through December 2029, but performance targets and the pathway to operational fielding remain undisclosed.
-
![Saab’s GlobalEye gains ground as Canada’s aircraft procurement tilts towards Europe]()
Saab’s GlobalEye gains ground as Canada’s aircraft procurement tilts towards Europe
Canada’s interest in negotiating a procurement of Saab’s GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft signals its readiness to reduce its reliance on US defence technology as trade tensions with its North American neighbour mount.
