Pakistan’s leading defense manufacturer, Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS), has introduced the BLAZE-25 loitering munition, a state-of-the-art system that closely resembles the distinctive design of Russia‘s powerful LANCET drone.

The LANCET loitering munition, developed by ZALA AERO—part of the renowned Kalashnikov Concern, famous for the AK-47—has gained notoriety for its exceptional accuracy in targeting high-value military assets in Ukraine.

Weighing in at 25 kg, the BLAZE-25 was presented to the audience at the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

As the lightest model in the BLAZE loitering munition series, it is followed by the 50 kg BLAZE-50 and the 75 kg BLAZE-75, which is the heaviest variant. The BLAZE-25 is designed for tube-launching and is intended for short-range precision strikes.

Equipped with an electric propulsion system, it is particularly effective for missions that require minimal acoustic and thermal signatures.

The drone boasts an operational range of up to 75 km and can sustain flight for 60 minutes, making it capable of executing tactical strikes in close-range situations. When functioning as a standard drone, the BLAZE-25 has a data-link range of 10 km, which is notably less than its engagement range. This indicates the potential for autonomous targeting capabilities, enabling it to operate independently after deployment.

The BLAZE loitering munition family is anticipated to significantly enhance the loitering munition capabilities of the Pakistan Armed Forces. A notable aspect of the BLAZE-25 is its dual functionality, allowing it to serve both as a conventional loitering munition and as a surveillance drone.

When utilized for reconnaissance operations, it boasts a data-link range of 10 km, which is notably less than its maximum operational range of 75 km.

This suggests the incorporation of autonomous target acquisition features, enabling the system to operate independently once deployed, thereby reducing the likelihood of jamming or signal interference. The introduction of the BLAZE-25 at IDEX 2025 highlights the increasing significance of loitering munitions in the rapidly changing landscape of modern warfare.

These transformative systems have already demonstrated their effectiveness in recent conflicts, providing military forces with an unparalleled combination of cost efficiency and precise firepower against high-value targets. With the launch of the BLAZE-25, Pakistan confidently asserts its position in the intensifying global arms race, joining a select group of nations that are vigorously advancing loitering munition technology—an area traditionally led by the United States, Israel, and Turkey.

The BLAZE family enhances the firepower of Pakistan’s burgeoning loitering munitions sector, where both state-owned and private companies are engaged in a fierce competition to develop innovative indigenous solutions. While Pakistan’s focus on loitering munitions was anticipated—particularly following the Russia-Ukraine conflict—the rapid pace of its domestic advancements has caught many off guard, marking a bold new phase in the country’s defense development.