Pakistan expands exports

Thursday, 19 June, 2008

For the first time at Eurosatory, the Defence Export Promotion Organisation (DEPO) has established a Pakistan Pavilion to highlight some of the country's defence export capability. Heading the DEPO representation is the director general, Major General Muhammed Farooq, and the pavilion covers two public-sector and six private companies, writes David Donald.

Pakistan has a thriving defence industry, with particular expertise in small arms and ammunition, and in heavy industries such as armoured vehicles. The country's renowned military expertise is also a sought-after commodity, with 40-50 countries benefiting from training in Pakistan. The country exports widely throughout the developing world, where its cost-competitive products are attractive to forces with limited budgets.

Increasingly, Pakistan is providing components to western suppliers and establishing joint ventures to increase Pakistan's technological base. It is also forging partnerships to locally produce Western kit, such as the deal signed this week between Pakistan Ordnance Factories and Nexter, under which is 15,000 155mm LU211 high-explosive artillery shells will be built by POF for the Pakistan Armed Forces.