IDEAS 2024 not only underscored Pakistan's capabilities in defense technology and innovation but also served as a vital platform for global collaboration, strengthening Pakistan's role in the international defense landscape.

The International Defense Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) is a premier biennial event held at the Expo Center Karachi, attracting defense manufacturers and exhibitors from around the globe. The inaugural IDEAS was launched in 2000, establishing a platform to showcase weapons, equipment, and defense-related technologies.
The 12^th edition of IDEAS 2024 took place from November 19 to November 22 at the Expo Center Karachi. This year’s event featured a remarkable turnout, with 557 exhibitors, including 333 international and 224 domestic participants. Exhibitors from 36 countries set up stalls, with 17 nations participating for the first time. Over 300 foreign delegates from 53 countries attended, reflecting growing confidence in Pakistan's defense industry.

This year’s event featured a remarkable turnout, with 557 exhibitors, including 333 international and 224 domestic participants. Exhibitors from 36 countries set up stalls, with 17 nations participating for the first time. 

The impressive displays by both domestic and international participants highlighted cutting-edge arms and equipment, reinforcing IDEAS as a critical hub for global defense collaboration and innovation.
During the exhibition, numerous foreign delegates visited, creating opportunities for meaningful business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) interactions among foreign military officials and defense representatives.
The Expo Center Karachi featured an extensive range of stalls, including notable contributions from prominent Pakistani organizations such as Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT), Global Industrial & Defense Solutions (GIDS), Pakistan Ordnance Factory (POF), National Logistics Corporation (NLC), Frontier Works Organization (FWO), National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP), and the National Radio & Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC), among others.
Exhibits showcasing the latest arms, equipment, and ammunition from the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force drew significant attention. Additionally, various Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with friendly participants. The exhibition also served as a platform for friendly nations to display their advanced defense-related technologies effectively.
A major highlight of the event was the display of the Al-Haider Tank and the unveiling of Shahpar-III, a state-of-the-art combat Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) developed by GIDS Pakistan. The Shahpar-III features advanced capabilities, including a 35,000-foot operational ceiling, over 24 hours of endurance, and the ability to carry various munitions such as bombs, missiles, and torpedoes.
The four-day event featured a grand opening ceremony and a range of activities, including a Cultural Show, Karachi Show, and international seminars on key defense and industrial topics. These seminars, attended by both public and foreign dignitaries, provided valuable insights into emerging trends and challenges in the global defense industry.
A Showcase of Innovation
IDEAS 2024 presented a unique platform for the defense forces to explore the latest products and technologies. Thousands of weapon systems and equipment items were on display, highlighting the innovations and technologies that are shaping the future of defense. From equipment tailored for developing nations to cutting-edge systems by western innovators, the exhibition provided a comprehensive overview of the global defense landscape.
Local Innovations Take Center Stage
Several local defense organizations participated in IDEAS 2024, showcasing their latest advancements:
• Heavy Industries Taxila. HIT unveiled the Dhaal remote-controlled weapon station, designed to meet the demands of the modern warfare. This versatile system, capable of being fitted with machine guns, enhances the safety and effectiveness of the military operations. Al-Haider Tank is another milestone of HIT which received international attention due to its latest operational capabilities in modern warfare. Several international companies signed agreements and MOUs with HIT, including defense equipment deals between Pakistan and China. 
• Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KS&EW). As Pakistan’s only shipyard, KS&EW showcased its capabilities in shipbuilding, repair, and heavy engineering. The company’s state-of-the-art facilities and expertise has positioned it as a key player in the maritime industry.
• Pakistan Ordnance Factories. POF, the largest state-owned defense industrial complex, displayed its wide range of world-class conventional arms and ammunition. The company’s commitment to precision and reliability has earned it a global reputation.
• Global Industrial and Defense Solutions. GIDS, a leading defense manufacturer, showcased its advanced products and highlighted its successful export activities to over 16 countries during IDEAS 2024. A key moment of the exhibition was the inauguration of Shahpar-III by Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir.
GIDS also announced the unveiling of its latest innovations, including the Blaze loitering munition and Kamikaze drones, which are highly sought after in modern warfare scenarios.
Pakistan Navy
The Pakistan Navy captivated the audiences at IDEAS 2024 with a stunning display of its maritime prowess. The exhibition featured dynamic demonstrations by Sea King helicopters, showcasing their combat readiness and versatility of the Navy's operational capabilities. The latest developments in naval defense technology, global defense trends and prospects for future cooperation between friendly countries remained pivotal. Pakistan Navy’s display attracted international partnership in authenticating the regional security. The focused remained on manifesting Pakistan Navy's determination to further strengthen its defense capabilities and promote cooperation with global defense partners. The event aimed to promote international military cooperation and demonstrate the synergy between the armed forces of Pakistan. The Pakistan Navy's participation underscored its commitment to modernizing maritime defense, ensuring its commitment to regional stability.
Pakistan Air Force
The participation of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) at IDEAS 2024 highlights the PAF leadership's commitment to technological advancements through NASTP, which has become a symbol of indigenization efforts in defense technologies and national development, fostering partnerships that ensure Pakistan's security and sovereignty. During the exhibition, the PAF showcased its latest advancements in defense and aerospace technology, attracting a diverse audience of national and international stakeholders, underscoring the importance of technological collaboration and innovation in enhancing national defense capabilities.
The NASTP pavilion, which featured cyber technology, artificial intelligence (AI), electronic warfare, aerospace design, sensors, and simulators, emphasized the crucial role of technological collaboration. It highlighted the transformation of promising start-ups into Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and attracted national partners interested in nurturing emerging talent. Additionally, the National Incubation Center for Aerospace Technology (NICAT) provided an attractive platform for enhancing the capabilities of local industries.
A Platform for Global Collaboration
IDEAS 2024 served as a vital platform for high-level networking and collaboration. Policymakers, diplomats, and procurement experts from around the world gathered to discuss industry trends, explore potential partnerships, and strengthen international cooperation in the defense sector.
The success of IDEAS 2024 reinforces its position as the region’s premier defense industry event. By bringing together global manufacturers, suppliers, and defense forces, the exhibition contributes to the development of the defense industry and strengthens Pakistan’s role in the global defense landscape.
The exhibition was also visited by Tri-Services Chiefs, including the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), COAS, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), and Chief of Air Staff (CAS).
During his visit to IDEAS 2024, COAS General Syed Asim Munir was accompanied by senior military officers, including Corps Commander Karachi Lieutenant General Babar Iftikhar, HI (M). The COAS commended the active participation of defense manufacturers from friendly nations and observed the impressive display of arms and equipment by both domestic and international exhibitors. He also engaged in meaningful interactions with foreign military officials and defense delegates present at the event.
Cultural Show and the Karachi Show
During IDEAS 2024, the Cultural Show and the Karachi Show garnered significant interest and provided great entertainment for the participants. The Cultural Show offered foreign dignitaries a unique opportunity to learn about Pakistan's rich historical cultures and traditions.
The Karachi Show, held as part of IDEAS 2024 at Nishan-e-Pakistan, Sea View, featured impressive displays, including a Marines drill, a counterterrorism demonstration, free-fall jumps, and fly-pasts by the Army and Navy’s air assets. These demonstrations provided visitors with an up-close view of the tactics and maneuvers employed by Pakistan’s Armed Forces.
IDEAS 2024 not only highlighted Pakistan's advancements in defense technology and innovation but also served as a vital platform for global collaboration, further strengthening Pakistan's role in the international defense landscape.