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International defense show concludes in Karachi

Xinhua, November 26, 2016 Adjust font size:

The 9th International Defense Exhibition and Seminar 2016 (IDEAS) concluded in Pakistani city Karachi on Friday. The four-day show witnessed bigger-than-ever participation by Chinese, Russian, and Turkish companies.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief of the Army Staff General Raheel Sharif inaugurated the event on Tuesday. The strategic show was organized by the Defense Export and Promotion Organization.

The theme for this year's exhibit was "Arms for Peace" which was spelled out by PM Sharif on the inaugural day.

Chinese, Turkish and Russian companies made their presence felt with an enormous participation. The number of Russian defense manufacturers increased to three this year including the state-controlled arms import and export company Russia Rosoboron export.

Nine Chinese companies including China Aerospace Long-March International, China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation and Poly Technologies Inc. took part in the exhibition.

The Chinese defense manufacturers showcased various products including high-tech drones, explosives detectors, low altitude laser defending systems, training aircrafts, portable x-ray and infrared scanner systems and anti-aircraft guns.

Apart from China, Russia, and Turkey, delegations from nine other countries including Luxembourg, Denmark, Belarus, Poland, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Belgium, Nigeria, and Romania made their debut in the IDEAS expo.

Chinese and Turkish companies were allotted separate pavilions to showcase their products whereas companies from Russia and other European countries were placed in the same pavilion.

Pakistan highlighted JF-17 Thunder, K8 Aircraft, Al-Khalid Tank, Fast-Attack Craft Missile Boat, training aircraft Super Mushshak as well as other defense products in the exhibition.

During the exhibition, Pakistan signed several agreements with Turkey, France, Czech Republic, Ukraine, and other countries. Pakistan Navy is considering purchase of super-fast ships from Chinese and Turkish companies for its special squadron to be deployed at the Gwadar Seaport.

Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and a French company signed an agreement on technical collaboration in production of JF-17 Thunder jets. The French firm will provide technical assistance to the PAF for electrification of the jets.

The PAF officials said they are engaged in increasing the number of JF-17 Thunder aircrafts into its fleet to 250 from the current 70.

Pakistan and Ukraine signed an agreement for upgrading the Al-Khalid battle tanks. According to the agreement, Ukraine will provide engines for Al-Khalid Tanks in the second phase.

Pakistan Ordinance Factory also unveiled its advanced Heavy Machine Guns "PK-16" and Light Sniper Rifles at the exhibition.

The IDEAS was first launched in 2000 by former Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf to promote Pakistan's domestic arms manufacturing business and provide a platform for international vendors to offer solutions to the requirements of the Pakistan armed forces. Enditem