Pakistan has unveiled a cutting-edge technology “suicide drone” at the defense exhibition of IDEAS 2024, marking a major advancement in the military technology of Pakistan. There is a strong involvement of Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) in creating this masterpiece.
The drone has the strong capacity to fly at a remarkable height of six thousand feet and can be capable of conducting highly precise strikes on enemy targets for instance tanks, helicopters, and installations using 60mm and 81mm bombs. This advanced weapon system is set to enhance Pakistan’s defense capabilities by providing a cost-effective solution to neutralize high-value enemy assets.
The drone’s introduction represents Pakistan’s first venture into the domain of suicide drones, complementing previous advancements in surveillance and combat drone technology. Salman Ali Khan, the POF’s Manager of Weapon Design, emphasized that this drone builds upon earlier technological progress, integrating key features that elevate its operational effectiveness.
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Unlike previous drone models with limited flight durations, the new design incorporates a hybrid electric system that significantly extends its flight time to 4-5 hours. This improvement addresses a major limitation of earlier drones, which could only stay airborne for 30-40 minutes. The longer flight time allows for more flexibility in carrying out reconnaissance and precision strikes over a broader area.
One of the standout features of this suicide drone is its thermal imaging and night vision capabilities, which enable it to operate in complete darkness. By identifying heat signatures from enemy personnel, vehicles, or installations, the drone can conduct surveillance and strikes effectively, even under low-visibility conditions. This technology makes it highly suitable for “covert missions”, allowing it to navigate and target enemy positions without being detected. With a range of 8 kilometers, the drone can fly close to the ground, guaranteeing accurate targeting of enemy assets.
Salman Ali Khan emphasized the operational significance of suicide drones, explaining that they offer a cost-effective method of eliminating high-cost targets, for instance, tanks and helicopters, which can run into millions of dollars. The flexibility of the drone allows it to conduct aerial surveillance, execute precision strikes, and perform kamikaze missions, making it an essential supplement to the defense arsenal of Pakistan.
This development highlights the continued efforts particularly for revamping its military technologies, ensuring that it can effectively address emerging security challenges. With its cutting-edge capabilities, the drone is set to play a pivotal role in improving the country’s strategic defense capabilities.