IDEAS 2024 kicks off tomorrow, modern military hardware takes center stage

KARACHI: By establishing its profile as a state fully equipped with modern military capacities, arms, and military technology, Pakistan is already in a pre-exhibition posture in respect of the 12th biennial International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2024, Arms for Peace.

The expo is planned to be hosted at the Karachi Expo Centre between the dates of 19-22 November and will host about 300 international participants from 55 different countries with a considerable number of foreign companies from Turkiye and China, whom it is assumed will seek to monopolize,

For the very first time, Iran’s presence also enhances the foreign contingent. This four-day exhibition seeks to become a forum where participants from various industries will be able to display innovations and technologies in the defense sector.

More than 550 companies will exhibit defense equipment, with over 330 international participants. Turkiye will introduce defense technologies in Halls 1 and 2, while China will have its exhibition in Hall 3.

There will also be more materials on this topic in Hall 6 at the Pakistan Pavilion, while startups will have another separate hall for them to pitch their creative ideas.

The large show will be opened by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and various international workflows are planned, including one with Turkish defense specialists.

High-level international guests including defense and other ministers as well as active military heads are expected at the occasion. The Branch of the Karachi Expo Centre has been fully allotted, this occasion is estimated to facilitate around 5000 attendees.

As per Brig Ali Adil, Director Coordination of IDEAS organizer Defence Export Promotion Organisation (DEPO), the exhibition will comprise advanced items including JF-17 of Pakistan which is one of the innovative capabilities of the country.

He emphasized the fact that in the last few years, the defense products of Pakistan are recognized which results in a significant increase in the export figures every year.

In addition, the event shall include a number of activities such as the fascinating tri-forces Karachi Show at Nishan-e-Pakistan, and Sea View, for the visiting dignitaries and the people of Karachi.

Targeting the Promotion of the latest defense technology and innovations, IDEAS 2024 has the potential to be one of the major events of the global defense sector.