BY: Qaiser Bashir Makhdoom
From Shahpar-III to Bayraktar and Wing Loong—how Pakistan has built asophisticated and diverse UCAV force——————————
Pakistan has significantly advanced its unmanned aerial capabilities,blending locally developed drones like the Shahpar series with high-techimports such as Wing Loong-II, CH-4B, Bayraktar TB-2, and Akıncı. Theresult is one of the most capable and diversified drone fleets in theregion.——————————Indigenous Strength — The Shahpar Series
The Shahpar-III, Pakistan’s newest MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance)UCAV, was unveiled in November 2024 during the IDEAS-24 defence exhibition.Designed by GIDS and NESCOM, it is intended for roles including ISR(Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance), ISTAR, close air support, andmaritime operations. It features a dual-redundant flight control computer,advanced avionics, and a fully indigenous design.
The Shahpar-II, already operational, offers endurance of up to 20 hours insurveillance mode and 14 hours in strike configuration. It can carry theBurq air-to-ground guided missile and conduct precision strikes fromaltitudes up to 14,000 feet. Technical specifications include an 8 mlength, 9.45 m wingspan, payload capacity of 53 kg internally and 190 kgexternally, a service ceiling of over 21,000 ft, and SATCOM capability. Thedrone has also seen operational use during the 2025 India–Pakistanstandoff, underlining its combat readiness.——————————Foreign Platforms — Augmenting Capabilities
*Wing Loong-II (China):* A MALE UCAV with up to 32 hours endurance, aservice ceiling of 32,500 feet, and the ability to carry precision-guidedmunitions. Pakistan reportedly received 50 units, which have been used forreconnaissance and strike missions, including during the 2025 conflict.
*CH-4B (China):* Another MALE UCAV, used for both surveillance and combat.Pakistan acquired several units in 2021, and they have since beenintegrated into the Army’s operational fleet.
*Bayraktar TB-2 and Akıncı (Turkey):* The TB-2 has been in service since2022, providing reliable ISR and light strike capabilities. The Akıncı, amore advanced UCAV with greater payload and range, was inducted in 2023,with 6–7 units delivered to the Pakistan Air Force.——————————Official Induction Ceremony — PAF Embraces Variety
On January 2, 2024, the Pakistan Air Force officially inducted multipleUCAV platforms—Bayraktar TB-2, Akıncı, Shahpar-II, Wing Loong-II, andloitering munitions—during a ceremony at PAF Base Murid in Punjab. Theevent reflected Pakistan’s strategy of combining indigenous designs withimported systems to maintain both capability and independence.——————————Drone Force at a Glance — Current InventoryPlatform Origin Introduced Approximate InventoryBurraq (Uqab-based) Pakistan/China 2014 ~13 unitsShahpar-II Pakistan ~2021 Production ongoingAnka Turkey/Pakistan 2021 Numbers unconfirmedBayraktar TB-2 Turkey 2022 In serviceBayraktar Akıncı Turkey 2023 ~6–7 unitsWing Loong-II China 2021 ~50 unitsCH-4B China 2021 12–24 units——————————Strategic Takeaways
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*Balanced Capabilities:* Pakistan’s UAV force merges local innovation with international technology to ensure versatility in operations. –
*Operational Flexibility:* From long-endurance surveillance missions to precision strikes, the fleet covers a wide range of battlefield roles. –
*Technology Transfer:* Partnerships, especially with Turkey and China, have opened the door for future local manufacturing and advanced R&D.
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Pakistan’s drone fleet, spanning Shahpar-II/III, Wing Loong-II, CH-4B,TB-2, and Akıncı, is now among the most capable in the region. It offersPakistan both strategic reach and tactical precision, positioning thecountry as a regional leader in unmanned combat aviation.