Karachi hosts defence conference on emerging technologies and future warfare

A two-day international conference on “Emerging Technologies and the Future Warfare” concluded in Karachi, bringing together maritime experts, academics, defence industry representatives, and policymakers to discuss evolving geostrategic trends and the impact of technology on modern warfare.

The event was hosted by the Maritime Centre of Excellence.

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf attended the concluding session as chief guest.

In his address, he stressed the importance of close cooperation between industry, end-users, and academia to promote innovation, adaptability, and operational effectiveness. He said such collaboration is essential for advancing indigenisation and self-reliance, while also developing a cost-effective and globally competitive defence ecosystem with export potential.

He highlighted the Indian Ocean as a strategically critical theatre where the future of warfare is increasingly being shaped, noting its central role in global trade routes and the potential impact of any disruption on supply chains, energy prices, and global economies.

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The conference also focused on the growing overlap between civilian and military applications of emerging technologies, describing it as both an opportunity and a challenge for defence planning. Participants noted that rapid technological change is reshaping operational concepts, force structures, and battlefield outcomes.

The event was attended by senior military officials, diplomats, academics, industry experts, and university students.

It concluded with a call for sustained intellectual and institutional collaboration to better understand and respond to technology-driven changes in future warfare.