KARACHI - Several important memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed on the second day of the 9th International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS), 2016, in progress here at Expo Centre.

Pakistan and Ukraine have signed an agreement for upgrading Al-Khalid Tank. As per the agreement, Ukraine will provide engines for Al-Khalid Tank, Phase-2.

Federal Defence Production Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain and his Ukrainian counterpart signed the agreement.

The minister said, “We are hopeful that the agreement will be accomplished in the timeline. If we purchase any equipment, its technology will also come to Pakistan. Our other organizations are also selling defence equipment and products to other countries,” he added.

“Pakistani defence industry has maintained a high-quality standard that has been recognised over the world. We are also working hard to improve our defence industry’s capabilities. This is a big agreement which will further strengthen our industry,” he affirmed.

As many as 13 MoUs, including development of simulation of ‘Super Mushshak’ between STI Pakistan and PAC Kamra, between POF and M/s Czechoslcvak Group, POF and M/s Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa S.A (PGZ) Co, Poland, and between MoDI, Azerbaijan, and POF were also signed on the second day of IDEAS 2016.

In addition, four LoUs (letters of understanding) were signed between POF Wah and various international companies at POF Stall.

The first LoU was signed between Pakistan Ordnance Factories and M/s. FIOCHI, small arms ammunition, Italy. According to the LoU, M/s Fiocchi, Italy, and POF have mutually agreed that POF will utilise Fiocchi’s capacities for the export of Small Arms Ammunition on case-to-case basis, whenever required. Fiocchi will use POF’s capacities in the field of brass, brass strips and GMCS for the manufacturing of small arms ammunition.

M/s Fiocchi and POF agreed to form a working group to explore ways and means for mutual collaboration in the field of small arms ammunition. This working group will hold meetings and arrange reciprocal visits to evaluate each other’s facilities and requirements to pinpoint areas to benefit from each other’s expertise and collaborate wherever possible. Collaboration will be in the form of supply of ammunition, supply of the parts of ammo and materials, technical training of manpower, transfer of technology, prospects of joint production and further export may also be evaluated.

The second LoU was inked between POF and M/s Czechoslovak Group, AS Czech Republic (hereinafter referred to as CSG). Both have mutually agreed that POF will utilise CSGs and especially MSM’s (MSM is part of CSG specialized in all ammunition production) capacities for the supply of various types of ammunition on case-to-case basis, whenever required. CSG and MSM have agreed to supply POF with different transfers of technology of various types of ammunition, including 155 MM BB type and other products of MSM portfolio. CSG and MSM will use POF’s capacities in the field of ammunition and its components supplies.

The third LoU was signed between POF and M/s Ceska Zbrojovka, Czech Republic. According to LoU, M/s Ceska Zbrojovka, Czech Republic and Pakistan Ordnance Factories declared that they would intensively negotiate a delivery of complete technology for the production of small arms to Pakistan Ordnance Factories, POF. Mutual interest refers to gradual launching of production in Pakistan, ranging from light assembly to maximum localisation of production. Within this cooperation, transfer of technology as well as technical support, including technical training of the personnel for Pakistan Ordnance Factories, is expected.

The fourth LoU was signed between M/s Polska Grupa, Poland, and POF. According to the LoU, M/s Polska Grupa, Poland, and Pakistan Ordnance Factories declared that they would intensively negotiate collaboration in the field of ammunitions procurement, supplies and related technology to Pakistan Ordnance Factories, POF. Mutual interest refers to gradual launching of production in Pakistan, ranging from light assembly to maximum localisation of production on mutually agreed terms. Within this cooperation, technical support, including technical training of the personnel for Pakistan Ordnance Factories, is expected.

Moreover, Pakistan and Turkey signed an agreement for the sale of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft. Air Marshal Arshad Malik, chairman, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), and Mustafa Seker, deputy under secretary, Turkish Ministry of Defence Industry, signed the contract.

As per the MoU, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra, will provide 52 Super Mushshak Trainer aircraft to Turkish Air Force for primary training of its pilots.

Some other MoUs were also signed on the occasion. According to the first MoU, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, in collaboration with Telec Electronics and Machinery Pvt Ltd will jointly offer the engine repairs and overhaul facilities to the customers. Another important MoU was signed with STI for the procurement of two Super Mushshak flight simulators. These contracts have been signed with an aim to support and promote the local aviation industry in the country.