(VIDEO) Pakistan Showcases “Shahpar-II” UCAV’s Targeting Capabilities from 14,000 Feet

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Pakistani’s defense company, Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS), showcased the capabilities of the latest variants of its Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), “Shahpar II,” by targeting demonstrations to high-ranking military officials from 11 friendly countries.

During the demonstration, the “Shahpar II” UCAV, classified as a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone, engaged targets from an altitude of 14,000 feet using its own air-to-ground guided missile, “Burq.”

This UCAV represents an upgrade from Pakistan’s previous model, the “Shahpar-I,” also produced by GIDS.

Owned by the Pakistani government, the GIDS-manufactured UCAV boasts a 20-hour flight capability for surveillance missions and 14 hours for strike operations.

Senior officials from the Pakistani defense company claim that their “Shahpar II” UCAV outperforms competitors in the market, including Turkey’s Baykar Technology-produced Bayraktar TB2 and China’s CH-4, in terms of capabilities and cost efficiency.

 

The UCAV is set to undergo further weapon testing in April, involving the “Burq II” air-to-ground laser-guided missile, equipped with a 20kg explosive warhead, allowing it to engage larger targets.

Additionally, the “Shahpar-II” will test the launch of precision-guided munitions in April.

Among the allied nations invited to witness the UCAV’s firing demonstration were Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Kenya, Nigeria, and Kenya.

 The “Shahpar II” is equipped with a SATCOM satellite communication system, enabling long-distance communication with ground control stations and the execution of maximum-range surveillance and attack missions.

It also features the Electro-Optical ZUMR-2 HD EO Sensor.

Capable of flying at altitudes ranging from 21,000 to 23,000 feet and a speed of 220 km/h, each wing of the “Shahpar-II” can carry various guided missiles and bombs weighing up to 60kg.

In addition to its own guided munitions, the “Shahpar-II” can be equipped with missiles from other manufacturers, including Turkey’s MAM-C and MAM-L. 

 

The Shahpar-II Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), developed by Pakistan’s Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS), has garnered attention for its capabilities and potential impact on modern warfare.

Experts have provided various insights into its performance and strategic value.

Ghazala Yasmin Jalil, a Research Fellow at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, highlights that the Shahpar-II represents a significant step towards the indigenization of Pakistan’s defense capabilities.

She notes that the drone’s development reflects the increasing importance of unmanned systems in modern warfare, both on and off the battlefield.

Senior officials from GIDS assert that the Shahpar-II outperforms competitors like Turkey’s Bayraktar TB2 and China’s CH-4 in terms of capabilities and cost efficiency.

They emphasize its advanced features, such as the Zumr-II Electro-Optical Infrared (EO/IR) sensor suite and the Burq air-to-ground guided missile, which enhance its precision strike capabilities.

Analysts suggest that the Shahpar-II’s development and deployment could enhance Pakistan’s surveillance and strike capabilities, contributing to a more robust defense posture.

Its indigenous production also indicates a move towards self-reliance in defense technology.

Here are the detailed technical specifications of the UCAV Shahpar-II:

General Specifications:

• Manufacturer: Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS), Pakistan

• Type: Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) UCAV

• Length: 8 meters

• Wingspan: 9.45 meters

• Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 1,075 kg

• Payload Capacity:

  • Internal: 53 kg

  • External: 190 kg (on four hardpoints)

Performance:

• Maximum Speed: 120 knots (222 km/h)

• Cruising Speed: 85 knots (157 km/h)

• Stall Speed: 63 knots (117 km/h)

• Operational Altitude:

  • Surveillance Mode: Up to 23,000 feet (7,000 meters)

  • Armed Mode: Up to 21,000 feet (6,400 meters)

• Endurance:

  • Surveillance Mission: 20 hours

  • Armed Configuration: 12 hours

• Range:

  • Line of Sight (LoS) Data Link: 300 km

  • SATCOM (Beyond LoS): Up to 1,500 km

Armament and Payload:

• Weapon Hardpoints: 4 (underwing)

• Missiles:

  • Burq Laser-Guided Missile

  • Precision-guided bombs and munitions

• Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Sensor: Zumr-II EO/IR targeting pod

• Radar: Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for ground imaging and surveillance

Avionics and Systems:

• Autonomous Takeoff and Landing (ATOL): Fully autonomous capability

• Navigation: GPS/INS-based autonomous navigation

• Data Link: Real-time data transmission and control

• Sensor Suite: Multi-sensor turret with EO/IR cameras and laser designators

• Electronic Warfare (EW): Limited EW capability for surveillance missions

Operational Capabilities:

• Day/Night Operation: Equipped for 24/7 surveillance and strike missions

• Strike Capability: High-precision laser-guided strikes against ground targets

• Survivability: High-altitude operation minimizes exposure to low-level air defense threats

Shahpar-II is a vital component of Pakistan’s defense strategy, providing cost-effective, indigenous UCAV capabilities for surveillance and precision strikes. — DSA