Pakistan's Growing Reliance on Chinese Military Hardware

Pakistan has increasingly turned to China for its defense needs, a strategic shift highlighted by the acquisition of advanced weaponry such as the HQ-9 air defense system and PL-15 missiles. While the United States and Europe have historically been key military technology suppliers to Pakistan, this growing dependence on Chinese arms signifies a new direction in Pakistan's defense modernization efforts.

Quality Concerns Plague Chinese Military Equipment

However, this shift is not without significant drawbacks. Reports have surfaced detailing substantial quality issues with Chinese military equipment. In 2022, it was revealed that at least four F-22P frigates, commissioned by the Pakistani Navy in July 2009, were causing considerable operational challenges. These vessels, procured from China Shipbuilding Trading Company (three directly and one built in Karachi under technology transfer), suffered from defects in critical systems. These included faulty on-board missile system imaging devices, malfunctioning infra-red sensors and SR 60 radars, as well as reduced engine speed due to high turbocharger exhaust temperatures. These defective components and inadequate after-sales service from Chinese manufacturers have severely hampered the operational readiness of these frigates.  

Operational Failures Undermine Confidence

The consequences of procuring seemingly cost-effective but unreliable Chinese equipment have been evident in operational failures. Pakistan's HQ-9 air defense system reportedly failed to provide adequate protection against Indian missile strikes during Operation Sindoor, which precisely targeted terrorist infrastructure, including the Lashkar-e-Taiba headquarters, and numerous air bases. Similarly, Pakistan's PL-15 air-to-air missile also reportedly failed to hit its intended targets during exercises observed by the Indian military. Furthermore, claims that Pakistan's Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets downed advanced Indian aircraft have not deterred India's substantial air power, nor have these jets demonstrated an ability to strike targets within India. These instances suggest that Chinese systems like the HQ-9 and PL-15 lack the proven reliability and effectiveness of their Western or Russian counterparts.  

Affordability and Financing Drive Chinese Arms Purchases

The primary driver behind the increasing acquisition of Chinese military equipment by countries like Pakistan is cost. In an environment of constrained defense budgets, the financial burden of acquiring military technology can be substantial. Chinese systems, encompassing air defense, fighter jets, and missiles, are often significantly more affordable than comparable systems from the US, Europe, or Russia. This affordability is particularly attractive to nations with limited defense spending capacity. Beyond lower initial costs, China frequently offers more flexible financing options, including loans, extended payment plans, and deferred payments. These terms enable countries to procure advanced weaponry without the immediate financial strain often associated with Western or Russian alternatives, which typically demand significant upfront payments and have less accommodating credit terms. For Pakistan, facing financial instability and external pressure related to military expenditures, Chinese military deals offer a pathway to modernize its defense capabilities without imposing severe economic burdens. This contrasts sharply with Western suppliers, who often have stricter conditions and less favorable financing arrangements.  

Geopolitical Considerations and China's Approach

Beyond economic factors, geopolitical considerations also play a role. A 2022 RAND report highlighted that between 2018 and 2021, 48 countries, predominantly smaller nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, received Chinese weapons or private security contractors. China's largest customers are in South Asia and Africa, with a growing presence in South America. The report suggests that China also benefits from countries in the Middle East and North Africa seeking to diversify away from Western military suppliers. China's motivations in these regions include building soft power and enhancing its global image, similar to the objectives of its Belt and Road Initiative. The report further noted that China is less selective in its arms sales, with fewer political conditions attached. In Africa, profit and market share acquisition appear to be key drivers. For countries concerned that their human rights records, financial instability, or regime type might impede arms purchases from Western suppliers, China remains a viable option.

Long-Term Concerns About Reliability and Support

However, the low quality of Chinese military equipment has negatively impacted its arms exports, with a 23 percent decrease observed between 2013-17 and 2018-22, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. While affordability and limited alternatives may remain compelling factors for developing nations seeking to upgrade their military capabilities, persistent concerns about the long-term reliability of Chinese equipment and the adequacy of training and maintenance contracts could deter complete dependence on Chinese suppliers. The RAND report concluded that if recipient countries continue to perceive Chinese military equipment as unreliable or find support lacking, they may reconsider their reliance on China.  

Conclusion: A Calculated Risk for Immediate Benefits

Ultimately, the appeal of Chinese military systems lies in their affordability and accessible financing. For smaller nations, these systems offer a means to modernize their forces without the crippling costs associated with more advanced Western or Russian alternatives. While systems like the HQ-9 and PL-15 may not match the reliability or sophistication of their Western counterparts, they represent an affordable option for countries like Pakistan to maintain a degree of parity in regional military developments. For Pakistan, the strong strategic partnership with China and the favorable financing terms make the acquisition of these systems an attractive, albeit potentially risky, proposition where immediate financial and geopolitical benefits outweigh concerns about long-term dependability