China provides Pakistan modern fighter jets and combat platforms
China continues to consolidate its
role as a major global arms supplier, with Pakistan emerging as its most
prominent and trusted partner in the air combat sector, according to a Pentagon
report submitted to the US Congress this week.
The report notes that as of December
2024, China ranked as the world’s fourth-largest arms exporter, with its
defence exports driven largely by state-owned enterprises such as the Aviation Industry Corporation
of China (AVIC) and North Industries
Corporation (Norinco).
It adds that Beijing’s arms sales
are closely aligned with its broader foreign policy and development
initiatives, including projects linked to the Belt and Road framework. Chinese
defence equipment has proven particularly attractive to developing countries
due to its competitive pricing and flexible procurement terms.
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Pakistan features prominently in China’s combat aviation exports. Currently, Beijing offers three fixed-wing combat aircraft on the export market: the fifth-generation FC-31 stealth fighter, the fourth-generation J-10C multirole combat aircraft, and the JF-17 Thunder, which is jointly developed and produced by China and Pakistan.
The report confirms that Pakistan is
the only country to have received the J-10C from China. As of May 2025, the
Pakistan Air Force had taken delivery of 20 J-10C aircraft under two orders
placed since 2020, out of a total order of 36. Although several countries —
including Egypt, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, Iran and Bangladesh — have shown
interest in the aircraft, no other exports have been finalised.
The Pentagon assessment highlights
the JF-17 programme as a successful model of defence collaboration between two
developing nations. Jointly produced by Pakistan and China, the fighter jet is
already operational with multiple air forces. By 2024, Azerbaijan, Myanmar and
Nigeria were flying the JF-17, while Iraq was reportedly in talks to acquire
the aircraft. For Pakistan, the JF-17 remains a cornerstone of its air power
and a key defence export.
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In addition to manned combat aircraft, the report notes that China has supplied Pakistan with advanced, strike-capable unmanned aerial vehicles, including systems from the Caihong and Wing Loong series. These platforms have also been exported to several other countries, underscoring China’s expanding footprint in the global UAV market.
Beyond aviation, the report states
that China exports a broad range of military equipment across land, air defence
and naval domains. Pakistan is identified as a long-standing recipient of
Chinese naval platforms, including four frigates delivered in 2017 and 2018.
The report adds that Beijing is expected to further expand its naval exports in
the coming years, with Pakistan remaining one of its core partners.
According to the Pentagon, China’s
growing appeal in the global arms market stems from competitive pricing,
flexible financing arrangements and the absence of restrictive political
conditions.
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For Pakistan, the report concludes, the defence relationship with China extends well beyond arms purchases, reflecting a mature partnership based on joint development, co-production and long-term strategic cooperation.
Source: Dawn