Burraq: Pakistan’s First Domestic Made Armed Drone

The United States Air Force has been using Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV) in the war against terror for quite a while to target Taliban and insurgents in both Afghanistan and Pakistan.

In light of efficiency and productivity of these UAVs, Pakistan repeatedly requested USA to equip Pak army with drone technology, which were turned down. This was when Pakistan began its own UAV development program. The military funded different drones built by both the private and public sector.

The result is that Pakistan has made tremendous strides in UAV development. Mukhbir, Uqaab, Jasoos are just a few of the UAVs developed.

Pakistan in fact entered into a deal with the Italian firm, Selex-Galileo, for the licensed local production of UAV aircraft at the Kamra Aeronautical facilities. Falco UAV was built in these facilities and now the Air Force is looking to provide it firepower in the form of miniature missiles.

The Pakistan Navy also acquired rotorcraft drones from foreign sources while the Pakistan Army has been working to develop partnerships with China and has provided incentives to local manufacturers to continue developing advanced platforms within the country.

However these were all reconnaissance drones. There was awareness about the need for an armed drone capable of wiping out targets without the need for fighter jets and now it seems that the Burraq, under development for four years and billed as a long range and high endurance armed UAV aircraft, may be ready for deployment.

First news of Pakistan starting work on Predator-like drones surfaced in 2009, when it was revealed that NESCOM was flight testing a new design aircraft which was to be equipped with laser designator and laser guided missiles. Now it seems that all the pieces of the Pakistani drone development program puzzle are coming together. Sources suggest that it will be in flight by early 2012.

The Pakistani UAV program is just one indicator of the potential of this country. A domestic UAV program is beneficial in numerous ways. Firstly, it will aid the local manufacturing industry and all the money that would have flowed out of the country stays here.

If technology is purchased, it has to be used as it is provided, there is no room for customization and there’s always the knowledge that the seller would be capable of neutralizing the technology in question if they wanted to since we don’t know if they included fail safes in the designs if the technology were to be used against them.

With a domestic program, we can realize the full potential. This also provides a boost to different tech firms operating in Pakistan since someone has to supply all the things like materials to software to build the UAV. So not only is the Burraq is going to help bolster our defenses, it will also provide economic benefits.

The Burraq UAV is an example of how we can achieve whatever we set our minds to. In a world where foreign powers are looking to gain the upper hand when ever possible, such technological programs will work to keep them at bay while keeping our people safe. ProPakistani prays that we will continue to explore new research avenues and develop technology to protect the sovereignty of the country.

Via TechLahore


  • makes sense. Only missing element in developing own long range drones was a satellite and now we have one. Well done Pakistan. We are proud.

  • good news and shukar ALLAH for this… and i agree with Zain…. our politicians and army will require BALLS to use this tech against any NATION who tries to mess with us.. deliberately or mistakenly.

  • TALAL, YOU SIR DESERVE A SMOOCHIEEE ! Xx HERE U GO, JAO AB DONT ASK FOR MORE…U KNOW IM SHY

  • Kia ap logo ko pata nehi keh Iraq ke pas bi Jhaaz tha, misiles tha, guns or helocopters bi tha……lakin hua kia….

    Sazish ka shikar

    or pakistan tu wesa he sazishi logo ke jannat ha

    hoosh ke nakhun lo or apni gherat ko jagaoo,,,,,phir teer talwar bi kafi ha mukabla ke lia

    • hosh ke nakhon:P mai tu ab tak yaie samjhta tha k yaie word srf politics hi use krtay hein n un ka copy right he is p :D

  • Pakistan army is not so Pro Pakistani sad but its a fact warna nato ko afghan mein guss ke marte.

  • When our scientists are developing “jigra” & “Hosla” to use it? I heard we are a nuclear nation, seriously? But who will press that button? Shivering hands in uniform ?

  • For all those who have posted depressing comments… Surely are not patriotic Pakistanis.. They are either the agents of RAW or CIA planted just to defame Pakistan and its armed forces… Bravado for all those who were happy with the news

  • Let see what if will be used for,our own people or for others, however good going, I will probably design a website for their promoting, may they can earn some by selling it, LOL :)

  • Good to know. Our youth needs to do more for the country. They can do it as they have done it earlier. Don’t leave it to politicians or army or whatever. Talent in youth we have, the confidence they need to acquire themselves. Try to excell in technology and sciences and then no looking back, INSHALLAH.

    In our youth we trust.

  • Hi, Nice to hear about the new development. But More emphasis should be given on developing the “core” technologies rather than assembling “bought” technologies from different countries. like where did the engine for the drone came from , the avionics, the sensors. they are all bought from different sources. if we can develop those things in house, we will be more independent and in future can use these technologies in other fields of work and advance our capabilities in any direction.

  • U ppl r stupid our economy is dependant on america if we wanted to strike our fighter jets r more than enough to take care of any drone.they did infact distroy an indian drone


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