Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Sidhu visited IDEAS-2024

KARACHI: Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force, paid a thorough visit to the 12th edition of the International Defence Exhibition IDEAS-2024 at the Karachi Expo Centre. The event showcased the latest developments in defence and aerospace technology, attracting a wide range of national and international visitors. The Air Chief’s visit emphasized the importance of technological collaboration and innovation in strengthening national defence capabilities.IDEAS 2024 to start at Karachi Expo Center from Nov 19

During his visit, the Air Chief explored various exhibits at the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park pavilion, which prominently displayed advanced technologies in Space, Cyber, Artificial Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, Aerospace Design, Sensors, and Simulators. He engaged in in-depth discussions with national partners about the vital role of technological cooperation. He highlighted the importance of transforming promising start-ups into Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and stressed the need for a supportive ecosystem to foster venture capitalism, driving innovation and growth in the aerospace sector. Additionally, he emphasized the value of nurturing emerging talent and enhancing local industries through the National Incubation Center for Aerospace Technology (NICAT). The Air Chief also engaged with foreign delegates, focusing on exploring opportunities for the sale and purchase of domestically developed aerospace equipment, further promoting a self-sufficient defence industry.

In his address, the Chief of the Air Staff called for the creation of a Defence Industry framework to identify and address gaps in the aerospace sector. He stressed the importance of national and international cooperation to align the technological roadmap, ensuring Pakistan’s leadership in aerospace innovation.

The Pakistan Air Force’s participation in IDEAS-2024, showcasing state-of-the-art niche technologies, underscores the PAF leadership’s commitment to technological progress through the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park, which has become a symbol of indigenisation efforts in defence technologies and national development, fostering partnerships that secure Pakistan’s sovereignty and security.