GROUNDING GROWTH: BUILDING A DUAL-USE UAV ECOSYSTEM IN PAKISTAN THROUGH POLICY REFORM AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

The rapid evolution of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has revolutionised contemporary warfare, as well as the civilian sector. This has brought about the prospects of dual-use ecosystems across the globe. The paper reviews the role of Pakistan in the international UAV market, evaluates its security-driven innovations, new civil uses, and institutional issues. UAVs have become the focus of intelligence, reconnaissance, surveillance, precision attacks, and commercial applications in agriculture, logistics, and disaster management worldwide. Pakistan has reached significant success with state-owned enterprises like PAC Kamra and NESCOM, systems like Shahpar and Burraq, while civilian applications are still undeveloped. Even though Pakistan has international partnerships with China and Turkey, the UAV industry is limited to regulatory fragmentation, supply chain weaknesses, and a lack of innovation in the sector by the Pakistani private sector. The creation of a dual-use UAV ecosystem is therefore a strategic requirement, with improved security, technological independence and economic modernisation. Pakistan can become a balanced UAV industry with international competitiveness through dual-use technology fusion, institutional cooperation, and development of infrastructure.