GIDS Shahpar-III

Shahpar-III
General information
Type	UCAV
Role	Strike/ISR
National origin	Pakistan
Manufacturer	GIDS
Designer	NESCOM
History
Introduction date	November 2024
First flight	2023
Predecessors	GIDS Shahpar-2

The Shahpar-III is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) designed by NESCOM and marketed by GIDS. It is the third and newest (as of 2025 ^[update] ) member of the Shahpar drone family and is designed as a contender to similar systems like the MQ-9 Reaper. ^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]}

Development

The Shahpar-III being part of the GIDS Shahpar family is a further result of Pakistan's ongoing effort to enhance its local defence industry, particularly in aerospace. Shahpar-III's existence was revealed in a future roadmap presented by GIDS on its website where it was categorized as a group-4+ UCAV. ^[6] Over time, GIDS displayed models and technology demonstrators of it in various international defense exhibitions including IDEF-2023. ^{[7] [8]} Its development cost around a US$100 million. ^[9]

During the IDEAS-24 expo in November 2024, GIDS CEO Asad Kamal and Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir unveiled the Shahpar-III marking its first public appearance. It was classified by GIDS as a Group-4+ UCAV and reportedly developed to compete with similar drones of its category like the MQ-9 Reaper. ^{[8] [10]}

The Shahpar-III features domestic flight control systems and avionics and is equipped with a 1553 architecture dual-redundant flight control computer enhancing its reliability. Being a UCAV, it can be deployed in a variety of roles with ISR, ISTAR, CAS and maritime roles among them. It can be armed with several Pakistani-sourced munitions like the Barq missiles and Al Battaar laser-guided bombs though other munitions can also be integrated onto it. ^{[7] [11]}

Variants

• Shahpar-III (140 hp): Version fitted with 140 hp engine. ^[12]
• Shahpar-III (170 hp): Version fitted with more powerful 170 hp engine. ^[12]

Specifications (170hp configuration)

Data from ^{[11] [7] [13]}

General characteristics

• Crew: None
• Wingspan: 20 m (64 ft)
• Max takeoff weight: 1,650 kg (3,638 lb)

Performance

• Range: 300 km (190 mi, 160 nmi)
• Endurance: 40hrs (ISR) and 20hrs (Armed)
• Service ceiling: 12,000 m (41,000 ft) Varies with suspended payload.

Armament

• Hardpoints: 6 with a capacity of 530kg (external) & 165kg (internal)
• Rockets: Eghraaq smart torpedo
• Missiles: Barq laser guided missiles
• Bombs: AB-500 LGBs

See also

• Burraq
• Bayraktar TB2

References

1. Khan, Naimet (21 November 2024). "Pakistan unveils new 'game changer' fighter drone". Arab News.
2. "Aerial Vehicle, Shahpar-III, developed by GIDSP inaugurated". Radio Pakistan.
3. "Aerial Vehicle Shahpar-III - a manifestation of Pakistan's art of combat". Dunya news. 2024-11-21.
4. Khattak, Arsalan (2024-11-19). "IDEAS 2024: Pakistan Showcases Advanced Shahpar-III Drone". ProPakistani.
5. Siddiqui, Salman (2024-11-22). "PAF aims AI-based air mastery in future". Etribune.
6. "Road to future". GIDS Website. Retrieved 2025-01-14.
7. "IDEF 2023: GIDS details Shahpar III UAV". Janes. 2023-07-28.
8. "Focus: Pakistani Shahpar III drone a challenge for Chinese Turkish and Western Competitors". Army recognition. 2024-12-12.
9. Khan, Bilal (2024-12-02). "Pakistan's Shahpar-III Promises a Next-Gen Drone Ecosystem".
10. "Army Chief inaugurates advanced Shahpar-III combat drone at defence exhibition". Islamabad Post. 2024-11-20.
11. "GIDS Shahpar-3 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)". Quwa.org. 2024-12-01.
12. Ansari, Usman (2023-08-03). "Pakistani defense conglomerate unveils new drone, missiles at IDEF". Defense News.
13. Web Desk (14 March 2024). "GIDS Unveils Powerful Shahpar III Group 4+ MALE UCAV". International Defence Analysis.