Global Industrial Defence Solutions (GIDS) debuted a staggering roster of new precision-guided munitions at the 2024 International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS), a tradeshow promoting the Pakistani defence industry every two years.
Pakistan’s strong showing at IDEAS 2024 shows the armed forces’ and defence industry’s collective focus on munitions. As discussed in an earlier analysis, focusing on munitions makes sense.
For buyers, the cost, complications, and overall risk associated with munitions are lower than a complete platform, such as the JF-17 Thunder multirole fighter. However, if Pakistani munitions work as advertised, then that same buyer could make additional orders. Thus, the Pakistani industry could drive profit growth through the volume of munitions sold, the requirement of which could be recurring fairly frequently due to conflicts, limited munition shelf-life, and the need to keep up with technology advancements.
The portfolio shown at IDEAS 2024 reflects a focus on developing sophisticated munitions, such as small cruise missiles with improved accuracy and compatibility with drones and slow-flying aircraft. A handful of states offer cruise missiles and other SOWs on the market, even fewer offer solutions like the Rasoob 250 and AZB-81LR. Thus, Pakistan’s SOEs – especially NESCOM – want to insert themselves into that club.
Success in this regard could open three key pathways for Pakistan.
First, it can engage countries that are not using big-ticket Pakistani platforms, like the JF-17. The key for Pakistan is to offer solutions that fill niches that Western suppliers are unable or unwilling to support. So, long-range loitering munitions, surface-launched cruise missiles, long-range ballistic missiles, and drones can be key market segments for the Pakistani industry.
Second, the munitions can help Pakistan reinforce the case for buying its own platforms. For example, if the JF-17 is compatible with the Taimoor, Rasoob-250, and AZB-81LR ALCMs out-of-the-box, then buyers could view the JF-17 as a complete strike solution rather than only a multirole fighter.
Third, Pakistan could become a strong network supplier for other vendors. For example, newer entrants could be developing their own drone platforms. They might find securing Pakistani munitions to arm their drones easier than sourcing the same from the West or China. Pakistan could even offer custom design and integration services to help facilitate such collaborations.
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