Shahpar-II : Pakistan's Bird Of Prey

     

    Unmanned combat aerial vehicles or drones, no doubt, have greatly changed the nature of modern warfare and have emerged as a reliable weapon in both low and high intensity conflicts, States and non-state actors have used the UAVs, in different conflicts all over the globe. Houthis used them against Saudis and Ukrainian forces are using them against Russians to devastating effect. UAVs are becoming important weapons in the arsenals of several countries. due to their high level of effectiveness, low cost, and high degree of battlefield concealment.  

    Given Its unique geographic location, weak economy and being subject to constant internal and external threats, Pakistan is also gradually expanding its fleet of UAVs, which is a cost-effective answer, to her constant security problems. To achieve Its vision of self-reliance, Pakistan is focused on producing her own fleet of UAVs. Over the years they have unveiled different endogenously developed UAVs, most of which have already entered service. The newest drone in their arsenal, the Shahpar-II, is an advanced recon and combat drone, with a wide range of capabilities.

     The Shahpar-II is developed by Global Industrial Defence Solutions of Pakistan also known as GIDS. It was under development since 2017, After completion of test and qualification phase, it has now entered service. Shahpar-II is a versatile UAV with the ability to conduct targeted attacks, surveillance, and a variety of intelligence gathering operations.

    The Shahpar-II has a canard-pusher design, It has a modular air frame structural design made of a cutting-edge metallic and composite hybrid structure with superior aerodynamics., Shahpar-II features a pusher engine with canards in front of the wings, due to its automatic takeoff and landing capability, retractable landing gears and composite air frame, the Shahpar-II is a lighter and aerodynamically more agile UAV.  it has the ability to support wide range of configurations for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering operations which includes communications intelligence (COMINT), electronic intelligence (ELINT), and synthetic aperture radar (SAR). The Shahpar-II can also carry electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) turret. In fact, GIDS is offering domestically produced Zumr-II electro-optical and infrared turret weighing about 49 kgs which can be installed as internal payload but Shahpar II can also be equipped with any other targeting system available from foreign suppliers. The avionics can geo-reference and geo-point any target on the ground. when configured for surveillance, the Shahpar-II offers 20,000 ft service ceiling and endurance of 14 Hours.

    The internal payload capacity of Shahpar 2 is 50 kg, two missile mounting external hard points, each capable of supporting 60 kgs of weight, are located beneath its wings., allowing it to carry two laser guided missiles during combat operations. Shahpar two is a capable combat drone, armed with endogenously built BURQ laser guided ASMs it can destroy, moving and still targets, with high level of accuracy. This Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) can also be armed with 3rd party munitions such as Turkish origin MAM-C and MAM-L. In case of any conflict the Shahpar 2, can be used against missile defense systems, armored vehicles and buildings, very effectively. In combat mode, it has 7-hour endurance with the service ceiling of 18000 ft.

     Shahpar-II has real time data link range of 300 km when connected to SATCOM its range extends to nearly 1100 km which gives it the capability to operate well beyond the line of sight. The maximum speed of Shahpar 2 is 222 km/h, while its cruise speed is 157 km/h, also its Mid-air Engine Restart Capability and Internal Pilot gives it the ability to tackle any hazard during flight.

    Ground equipment of Shahpar-II is capable of mission management and planning, control and simulation as well as crew debriefing. Shahpar-II has already entered service with the Pakistani armed forces, but they are also willing to allocate production for exports. According to GIDS, it is a cost-effective UCAV with advance capabilities compared to competing systems in the same price range. If Pakistan achieves its goal of becoming a UAV exporter, it would provide a significant boost to the country's military sector and economy, as well as a much-needed sphere of influence in the global arena.