A two-day robotics expo in Islamabad became the stage for a declaration that Pakistan's defence industry has crossed a new threshold. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif used the Indus Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Expo 2026 to praise what he called “remarkable progress” in building indigenous autonomous capabilities for the military. Main Developments Speaking at the Pak-China Friendship Centre, PM Shehbaz credited Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for leading this technological push. The prime minister said he had just viewed simulators that were “100 per cent manufactured and assembled in Pakistan” and noted that drones have reached 60 per cent indigenisation. He also referenced “many other important machines” now produced domestically. The premier recalled that Pakistan's armed forces, under the CDF and supported by air and naval chiefs, have used advanced autonomous systems to protect both physical and cyber borders. Read also: 3 ways Houthi Red Sea threats test Pakistan's defence pact with Saudi Arabia Background Pakistan has long sought to reduce reliance on foreign defence suppliers, particularly amid shifting geopolitical alliances and economic constraints. The Indus RAS Expo, co-located with the Indus AI Week 2026, signals an official push to showcase and accelerate homegrown military technology. The event follows years of investment in robotics and artificial intelligence for security applications. Field Marshal Asim Munir's appointment as CDF placed renewed emphasis on integrating cutting-edge systems into conventional defence structures. Why It Matters Indigenous production of drones and simulators reduces Pakistan's vulnerability to supply chain disruptions and foreign policy pressure. It also positions the country as a potential exporter of defence technology to allied nations, altering regional power dynamics. For the public, the 60 per cent indigenisation of drones means more jobs in high-tech manufacturing and less foreign exchange spent on arms. The shift also raises questions about the pace of technology transfer and whether civilian sectors can benefit from these defence innovations. What's Next The RAS Expo continues through Thursday, with more demonstrations expected. Observers will watch for announcements of joint ventures or export deals that could follow from the showcased capabilities.