Page 10 - DSA 2024 - DAY 1 | DAILY NEWS

INTERVIEW
GIDS Seeking Partnerships

in Malaysia, SE Asian Nations

Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS) advancing these projects diligently. Our
believes in combining its strengths with goal is to ensure that these advanced
local expertise to innovate and produce systems, along with the improved variants
advanced defence solutions that cater to of the Fatah and Burq missiles, meet the
the specific needs of the region while also highest standards of quality and perfor-
contributing to the global defence land- mance before they are operationalized.
scape, says Asad Kamal, Chief Executive We are working closely with our partners
Officer, GIDS, in an exclusive interview with and stakeholders to bring these innovative
Jay Menon of Daily News. solutions to fruition in a timely manner.

Earlier this year, the company unveiled the
How important are Malaysia and the DSA
event for Pakistan and Global Industrial Fatah-II multiple rocket launcher (MRL).
and Defence Solutions? Could you please throw some light on this
system?
Malaysia and the DSA defence event are I am proud to discuss the Fatah-II Guided
pivotal for us. They provide a strategic Multi Launch Rocket System (GMLRS), a
platform to foster bilateral ties, show- significant advancement in our defence
case our defence capabilities, and pursue capabilities. Unveiled earlier this year,
technological advancements. The DSA’s the Fatah-II is an upgraded Guided Multi
global stage is crucial for expanding our Launch Rocket System designed for pre-
reach and securing partnerships that align Asad Kamal, Chief Executive cision and extended range. It boasts a
with Pakistan’s defence vision and GIDS’s 280 km range with a (CEP) of less than
growth objectives. It’s a unique opportuni- Officer, Global Industrial & 50 meters, ensuring accuracy in striking
ty for innovation exchange and business Defence Solutions (GIDS) strategic targets. The system is equipped
development in the defence sector. with advanced avionics and a sophisticat-
GIDS, we are actively engaging in part- ed navigation system, making it a formi-
nerships, like our defence collaboration dable addition to Pakistan’s conventional
Several South East Asian countries aspire with Turkiye to enhance our technological
to develop bilateral ties with Pakistan. capabilities. We’re also pioneering fu- strike package.
What is GIDS aiming to get from such ture-ready solutions, including advanced
cooperation? UCAVs and air defence systems, as part Can you update us on the plans to further
of our commitment to global security and enhance the Shahpar-II UAV platform by
Our aim with the South East Asian coun- defence preparedness. These initiatives testing the Burq- II missile?
tries is to forge strategic partnerships that reflect our dedication to being at the fore-
enhance defence capabilities and regional front of defence technology and supplying I am pleased to share that our commit-
security. We aim to broaden our market, our clients with cutting-edge solutions. ment to advancing Pakistan’s defence
share technological advancements and capabilities continues with significant
collaborate on R&D. These efforts are developments in our unmanned aerial
not only about expanding our business GIDS’ future roadmap ranges from im- vehicle (UAV) platforms.
but also about contributing to a stable proved variants of existing, mainstay Our team is diligently working on the
and peaceful international environment. solutions – such as the Fatah-series of Shahpar III Group 4 UCAV, a testament
Through such collaborations, we seek to surface-to-surface missiles (SSM) and to our dedication to innovation and tech-
establish a strong presence in the defence Burq-series air-to-ground missiles (AGM) nological advancement. The Shahpar III
sector, ensuring mutual benefits and se- – to newly revealed systems such as the represents a major leap in our indigenous
curity for all parties involved. “Group 5 UCAV” or “LOMADS” SAM system. drone capabilities, featuring enhanced
Is there any fixed timeline for this? endurance, operational ceiling, and weap-
ons carriage capacity. With two engine
GIDS roadmap is ambitious and for-
What is your take on technological collab- ward-looking. While specific timelines for configurations available.
oration? And what is GIDS doing on this the deployment of systems like the Group We are proud of these advancements
front being a defence supplier? 5 UCAV or LOMADS SAM are subject to and remain committed to contributing
Technological collaboration is vital for strategic considerations and develop- to Pakistan’s self-sufficiency in defence
innovation and progress in defence. At mental progress, we are committed to technologies.

10 MAY-06-2024 WWW.GBP.COM.SG/DAILY NEWS