Weapons
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has quietly achieved a significant breakthrough inaerospace propulsion with the development of indigenous micro turbojetengines, known as LAHAB-20 and LAHAB-40, offering thrust levels ofapproximately 20kgf and 40kgf respectively. These compact powerplants,developed through local expertise, represent a critical step towardsself-reliance in precision-guided munitions and unmanned systems,potentially transforming the country’s defence landscape in ways thatextend far beyond conventional fighter aircraft programmes.
The engines have been engineered by the Aviation Research, Indigenizationand Development unit at Pakistan Aeronautical Complex in collaboration withdomestic vendors. This effort involved reverse engineering techniques tomaster complex manufacturing processes, including precision machining andspecialised test facilities. Achieving full local production ensuresstrategic autonomy, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers for vitalcomponents in an era of evolving geopolitical constraints.
What makes these developments particularly noteworthy is the remarkably lowproduction cost estimated at four to five thousand dollars per unit inhigh-volume manufacturing. Such affordability stems from optimised localsupply chains and efficient production methods, allowing Pakistan to deployadvanced capabilities without the prohibitive expenses typically associatedwith imported turbojet technology from established global players.
These micro turbojets are already integrated into operational precisionweapons systems, including variants of loitering munitions and cruisemissile designs. The standardised engine platform enables continuousimprovements through operational feedback, enhancing reliability andperformance across multiple airframes tailored for diverse missionrequirements, from surveillance to strike operations.
The smaller LAHAB-20 variant, when paired with optimised aerodynamicdesigns, demonstrates potential for extended ranges exceeding one thousandkilometres at subsonic speeds of Mach 0.5 to 0.7. This capability opensavenues for cost-effective long-endurance platforms, including attritableunmanned aerial vehicles that could operate in contested environments withminimal risk to manned assets.
The more powerful LAHAB-40 offers even greater possibilities, supportingmanoeuvrable airframes that approach the characteristics of loyal wingmanconcepts. Such systems could accompany manned fighters, providingadditional sensor coverage, electronic warfare support, or kinetic effects,thereby multiplying the effectiveness of existing air fleets throughnetworked operations.
Beyond aerial applications, these engines exhibit cross-domain utility,powering hypothetical low-cost ground-launched cruise missiles with rangesaround one thousand kilometres or loitering munitions capable of fivehundred kilometre operations with prolonged target area persistence. Navalintegration could equip smaller patrol vessels with multiple long-rangestrike options, enhancing maritime domain awareness and deterrence.
For ageing platforms like the Mirage fleet, the technology enablesdevelopment of air-launched cruise missiles providing standoff ranges ofseven hundred to one thousand kilometres, extending operational relevancewithout requiring entirely new aircraft acquisitions. This multiplicativeeffect underscores how foundational propulsion advancements ripple acrossarmy, navy, and air force requirements.
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On the international front, Pakistan’s progress in micro turbine technologypositions it as a competitive exporter in emerging markets. Private sectorinitiatives, such as those involving micro gas turbines, have alreadysecured deals in regions like Latin America, with potential integrationinto broader unmanned systems packages for Middle Eastern and Africanpartners, often embedded within complete platforms.
Experts note that larger thrust class engines are also under development,building on public domain information and ongoing research efforts. Theseadvancements align with broader national goals of expanding the domesticaerospace industrial base, fostering collaborations between publicinstitutions, academia, and private enterprises to sustain innovation.
The quiet maturation of this capability highlights Pakistan’s strategicfocus on foundational technologies that enable scalable, affordablesolutions rather than headline-grabbing platforms alone. As operationaldeployments increase, these indigenous engines are poised to underpin a newgeneration of precision weapons, enhancing deterrence and operationalflexibility.
In an environment where sanctions and supply chain vulnerabilities poserisks, sovereign propulsion technology provides assurance of sustainedmilitary readiness. The LAHAB series thus emerges as a cornerstone forfuture programmes, promising enhanced export potential and deeperintegration across defence domains.
Source:https://www.pac.org.pk/avrid
Tags: Pakistan, AVRID, PAC, Micro Turbojet, Precision Weapons, LoiteringMunitionogimageimage-name
