Pakistan expands defence production with two new plants

Pakistan is set to bring two new production plants at Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) in Wah into operation by the end of this year as the country seeks to strengthen domestic defence manufacturing and increase military exports.

Army chief and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir visited POF on Saturday and reviewed the facility’s production capabilities, export prospects and role in supporting Pakistan’s defence industry.

During the visit, the army chief was briefed on the two new plants being established as part of efforts to modernise and expand the country’s indigenous defence production capacity.

Authorities have not disclosed what products will be manufactured at the facilities or revealed their expected production capacity.

The expansion is part of Pakistan’s wider strategy to reduce reliance on imported defence equipment, develop local technologies and increase the international market for Pakistani-made military products.

POF, based in Wah, is Pakistan’s largest defence manufacturing complex and produces a range of weapons and ammunition for the country’s armed forces.

The military said Munir’s visit highlighted the importance being given to self-reliance, local production and technological development in the defence sector.

He also witnessed tests and trials of weapons and ammunition designed and manufactured locally.

The visit comes as Pakistan seeks to capitalise on growing foreign interest in its defence products. The country has been working to expand exports of military hardware, including ammunition, unmanned aerial systems, training aircraft, air defence equipment and armoured vehicles.

Pakistan has also been exploring potential defence agreements with several countries. Interest has reportedly included the JF-17 fighter aircraft, Mushshak training planes, locally manufactured drones, air defence systems and armoured vehicles.

Munir was also briefed on the ongoing corporatisation of POF and wider changes being introduced in Pakistan’s defence production sector.

The government established the Defence Industrial Production and Regulatory Authority (DIPRA) this year as part of efforts to reorganise the industry and encourage greater participation from private manufacturers.

The new regulatory framework is intended to bring state-owned defence organisations and private-sector producers under a coordinated system.

Officials hope the reforms will help expand manufacturing capacity, encourage technological innovation and make Pakistan’s defence industry more competitive in international markets.