SOURCE: AFI
The CEO of Pakistan’s Global Industrial and Defence Solutions (GIDS) has recently made bold claims about the capabilities of their newly developed Shahpar-III unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). According to the CEO, the Shahpar-III features an impressive wingspan of 67 meters, can operate at altitudes above 35,000 feet, and boasts an endurance of 30 hours with a range of 2,500 kilometers. Additionally, it reportedly has six hardpoints and can carry a payload of 500 kilograms, including up to eight weapons. The UAV is said to be entirely developed locally within two years.
While these specifications, on paper, appear to position the Shahpar-III as a game-changing platform, they raise questions about their feasibility and real-world performance, especially given Pakistan’s historical dependence on foreign partners such as China and Turkey for UAV technologies.
If true, the Shahpar-III’s specifications would place it among the most advanced UAVs globally. However, such achievements are rare even for countries with established aerospace industries. For example, India’s Tactical Airborne Platform for Aerial Surveillance (TAPAS) UAV, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), operates at altitudes up to 28,000 feet and has demonstrated an endurance of 24 hours. TAPAS has undergone years of development and rigorous testing to meet these benchmarks, which are aligned with the Indian Army’s requirements.
Comparatively, achieving a 35,000-foot ceiling and 30-hour endurance with a 500 kg payload in just two years is a monumental claim for Pakistan, which lacks a track record of independently developing sophisticated UAV platforms.
One of the most contentious aspects of the Shahpar-III announcement is the claim that the UAV is fully indigenously developed. Pakistan has historically relied on Chinese technology for its UAV programs, including platforms like the CH-4 and Wing Loong drones. Turkey has also been a significant contributor, with Baykar’s TB2 UAVs playing a prominent role in Pakistan’s procurement strategy.
The Shahpar-III’s propulsion system, which remains undisclosed, is critical to validating its claimed capabilities. Developing an indigenous engine capable of delivering the performance necessary for such specifications is a significant challenge, even for technologically advanced nations. It is highly plausible that the Shahpar-III relies on Chinese or Turkish components, particularly for its engine and avionics systems, despite claims to the contrary.
High-altitude, long-endurance UAVs face several technical challenges, including aerodynamics, thermal management, and fuel efficiency. Additionally, carrying a 500 kg payload while achieving a 2,500 km range and maintaining operational stability at 35,000 feet would require advanced materials and propulsion systems. These are areas where Pakistan has limited expertise.
The operational performance of many UAVs often falls short of their advertised capabilities. For instance, even Israel’s Hermes 900 UAV, used by the Indian Navy, does not boast the endurance and payload capacity claimed by the Shahpar-III. Pakistan’s ability to deliver a UAV with such specifications, therefore, remains highly questionable until validated through independent testing.
India’s TAPAS UAV, despite its slower development timeline, has undergone extensive testing to meet the specific needs of the Indian Armed Forces. The platform has been designed to operate in challenging environments, including high altitudes and extreme weather conditions, while carrying advanced surveillance payloads.
If Pakistan’s claims are genuine, the Shahpar-III could pose a challenge to India’s aerial surveillance and strike capabilities. However, given the lack of transparency and the improbability of achieving such rapid development milestones, these claims are more likely aimed at creating a perception of technological parity with India.
India’s focus on indigenous development through platforms like TAPAS ensures long-term self-reliance, while Pakistan’s continued reliance on external partners raises questions about the sustainability of its UAV programs.