This article is written by Major (r) Haroon Rasheed.
In the modern age of warfare and national security, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have emerged as pivotal assets in surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition, and precision strikes. Pakistan, recognizing the changing dynamics of both conventional and non-conventional threats, has significantly developed and acquired a fleet of drones to ensure the safeguarding of its territorial integrity and to maintain an offensive edge if the need arises. The evolution of Pakistan’s drone program reflects its commitment to technological self-reliance, national defense, and strategic deterrence.
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The Strategic Importance of Drones in Pakistan’s Defense Doctrine
1. Surveillance and Intelligence Gathering
Pakistan faces a multifaceted security environment with threats stemming from both state and non-state actors. Drones have played a critical role in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. These capabilities are essential for monitoring borders with India and Afghanistan, especially in rugged terrains where traditional surveillance is challenging.
2. Counterterrorism and Precision Strikes
Pakistan has used drones in its counterterrorism operations within its tribal areas. Indigenous drones like the Burraq have proven their mettle in executing precision strikes on militant hideouts, reducing collateral damage and achieving tactical objectives without deploying ground troops.
3. Border Security and ELINT Operations
Electronic intelligence (ELINT) drones allow Pakistan to monitor electronic signals and enemy radar signatures across borders, enhancing situational awareness and enabling preemptive defensive or offensive actions.
4. Deterrence and Strategic Messaging
A robust drone capability serves as a deterrent to adversaries, showcasing Pakistan’s ability to launch precision strikes deep inside enemy territory. The growing drone fleet complements Pakistan’s nuclear and conventional forces, reinforcing its overall strategic deterrence.
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Types of Drones in Pakistan’s Arsenal
1. ELINT Drone C-84
The C-84 is a specialized Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) drone. Its primary role is to intercept, monitor, and analyze electromagnetic emissions from enemy radars and communication systems. This capability is crucial in jamming enemy air defenses and supporting electronic warfare (EW) operations. It enhances pre-strike situational awareness and provides valuable data for both defensive and offensive planning.
2. SHAPER Series: Shaper-1, 2, 3 and Wing Loong II
The Shaper drone series likely represents indigenous development or classified drone systems. Though detailed public data is scarce, they are reportedly used for ISR and potentially for tactical combat roles.
The Wing Loong II, a Chinese-made armed drone, is capable of carrying air-to-surface missiles and precision-guided bombs. Pakistan’s acquisition of this UAV adds significant firepower and long-endurance strike capability to its drone fleet.
3. TBT-2 Drones
The TBT-2 drones are part of Pakistan’s tactical UAV family. They are believed to be used for battlefield surveillance, real-time data transmission, and target tracking. Their integration into Pakistan’s tactical doctrine allows frontline units to operate with real-time situational intelligence.
4. Akıncı B Variant
The Bayraktar Akıncı B, a Turkish high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) drone, is one of the most advanced UAVs in Pakistan’s inventory. It is capable of performing both surveillance and precision-strike missions with satellite-controlled systems and advanced avionics. Its capability to carry a mix of Turkish and indigenous munitions offers significant flexibility.
5. Falco UAV (Italian Origin)
Developed by Leonardo (Italy), the Falco UAV was among Pakistan’s first major international drone acquisitions. It is primarily a surveillance platform used for border monitoring and ISR tasks. It has operated extensively along the western border and in FATA during anti-terror operations.
6. Burraq – Pakistan’s First Indigenous Armed Drone
The Burraq represents a milestone in Pakistan’s defense industry, being its first indigenously developed and combat-tested armed UAV. Developed by NESCOM and the Pakistan Air Force, it is modeled partially after Chinese designs, with capabilities to launch laser-guided missiles such as the Barq.
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Combat History
Used in counterterrorism operations in North Waziristan and Khyber tribal areas.
Precision strikes on high-value targets, reducing reliance on manned aircraft and foreign drone support.
Pakistan’s Drone Development Trajectory and Regional Implications
Technological Autonomy
Pakistan has steadily moved toward self-reliance in drone technology, investing in indigenous design, R&D, and partnerships with allies like China and Turkey. This reduces dependence on Western technologies and increases export potential in the long term.
Counter to India’s Drone Development
India’s increasing drone capabilities, including the acquisition of Israeli Heron TP and American MQ-9 Reaper drones, necessitate a credible response. Pakistan’s drone fleet serves both as a counterbalance and as a proactive component in its overall military strategy.
Drone Warfare and Asymmetric Threats
In an era where hybrid and asymmetric threats are prevalent, drones offer unmatched flexibility. From tracking insurgents in mountainous regions to operating in denied airspace, drones provide cost-effective, low-risk operational capabilities.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s investment in done technology reflects a strategic shift in its defense posture toward modern, tech-driven warfare. With a diverse fleet comprising surveillance, ELINT, tactical, and combat UAVs, Pakistan is well-positioned to safeguard its territorial integrity and respond swiftly to external threats. Indigenous platforms like Burraq and advanced acquisitions like Akıncı B and Wing Loong II signify not only a leap in capability but also a broader vision of establishing a self-reliant and modernized defense ecosystem. As drone warfare continues to reshape military doctrines globally, Pakistan’s advancements ensure that it remains a capable and prepared actor in both defense and deterrence.
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This article is written by Major (r) Haroon Rasheed.
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