A surprising claim emerged from the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) in Karachi, where Awais Rauf, a film producer and Chairman of the University of Lahore, unveiled what he described as Pakistan's first long-range air surveillance radar system, the AM350S. Rauf, also the Director of Blue Search Private Limited, asserts the radar has a range of 350 kilometers.
The radar, showcased as a mobile platform, is reportedly being developed in collaboration with Pakistan's state-owned National Radio Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) and private sector partners. Rauf claims the AM350S has already attracted interest from "friendly countries" for potential export.
However, the announcement has been met with widespread skepticism due to a lack of transparency and Rauf's unconventional background. As a filmmaker with no prior experience in defence technology, his claims about the AM350S have raised eyebrows. Doubts have also been cast on Blue Search Private Limited, the company purportedly behind the radar's development. The company lacks a website or any significant online presence, with no listed address or visible operational facilities in Pakistan.
Rauf has not provided crucial details about the radar's origins, design, or whether it incorporates foreign technology, fueling speculation about its true development process. The project's sudden emergence under the leadership of someone from a non-technical background has surprised defence analysts.
The AM350S radar's claimed capabilities, particularly its 350-kilometer range, suggest a highly advanced system that typically requires years of dedicated research and development by specialized defence companies. This has amplified doubts about the veracity of the claims.
Further fueling skepticism is the association of ARY Films, the distributor of Rauf's movie "Zarrar", with Pakistan's establishment. Observers have questioned whether this announcement is a strategic move to project an image of Pakistan's defence self-reliance rather than a genuine technological breakthrough.
While the involvement of NRTC, a state-owned entity specializing in defence electronics, adds some credibility, the extent of its collaboration and its role in the radar's development remain unclear.
Despite claiming interest from "friendly countries" in the AM350S, Rauf has not disclosed any specifics about these nations or potential deals. While presented as a major leap in Pakistan's defence capabilities, the lack of transparency, the questionable expertise of its proponents, and the absence of verifiable evidence leave many unanswered questions about the project's legitimacy.
