Pakistan, China vow
to further strengthen defense cooperation
Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief of
Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar, held a high-level meeting with
Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun in Beijing on Tuesday to strengthen bilateral
military cooperation amid shifting regional dynamics.
According to the Global Times,
both sides emphasized the enduring strategic partnership between Pakistan and
China, highlighting the “unbreakable friendship” and mutual commitment to
peace and stability.
Minister Dong praised the progress
in military collaboration, especially in strategic dialogue, joint training,
and personnel exchanges. He underscored the importance of the Shaheen
joint air exercises series between the PAF and the People’s Liberation Army Air
Force (PLAAF) and reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening defense ties
through expanded communication and cooperation.
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ACM Babar reiterated Pakistan’s view
of China as a cornerstone of its foreign policy and expressed the PAF’s intent
to enhance joint military activities, training programs, and institutional
collaboration to meet evolving security challenges.
Strategic
Defense Partnership in Focus
This meeting comes as Pakistan
increasingly leans on Chinese defense technology to modernize its armed forces:
- J-10CE Fighters:
PAF recently acquired around 20 4.5-generation multirole J-10CE jets,
equipped with AESA radars and PL-15E air-to-air missiles—the longest-range
missile in PAF service to date.
- Air Defense Systems:
Pakistan has procured advanced systems like the HQ-9BE (long-range) and HQ-16FE
(medium-range) to strengthen its integrated air defense network.
- Unmanned Systems:
The induction of Wing Loong II armed drones has significantly boosted
PAF’s ISR and precision-strike capabilities.
- Future Plans:
The PAF has shown interest in acquiring the J-35AE, China’s
next-generation stealth fighter—potentially introducing fifth-generation
capabilities into the fleet.
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This evolving partnership signals a strategic
shift in Pakistan’s defense procurement approach. While the country previously
relied on Western allies, particularly the U.S., China has now emerged as
Pakistan’s primary defense supplier—offering both volume and cutting-edge
capabilities.
China is no longer just an
alternative; it is now shaping the future of the PAF.
Source: Quwa.org