The in-depth report released by Russian media on May 23 has directly unveiled Pakistan's biggest military secret: China has now become the absolute dominant supplier of Pakistan’s defense equipment, providing nearly 80% of its weapons systems! From the J-10C fighter jet capable of downing India’s "Rafale," to the 054A/P frigates capable of sealing off the entire Arabian Sea; from the "Han-guo" class AIP submarines that keep Indian subs from surfacing, to the HQ-9/P air defense system covering a range of 250 kilometers—Chinese arms have fully armed this "South Asian tiger"!

The latest report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), published in March this year, shows that Pakistan rose to become the world’s fifth-largest arms importer between 2021 and 2025, with Chinese-supplied equipment accounting for the overwhelming majority.

On the same day, Russia’s Sputnik News interviewed Dr. Abdullah Khan, Director of the Pakistan Institute of Conflict and Security. His words were even more straightforward: “Today, China provides nearly 80% of Pakistan’s weapons equipment.” Not “one of the main sources,” not “an important partner”—but the absolute dominant force.

Many may wonder why Pakistan places such trust in Chinese weapons. The answer is actually simple: they are effective, affordable, and never come with strings attached. Over the years, India has spent hundreds of billions of dollars buying weapons globally—France’s Rafale, Russia’s Su-30, America’s F-16—buying whatever is most expensive. Yet the result? Logistics and maintenance have become a complete mess, and when it truly matters, they still have to rely on others’ goodwill.

In contrast, Chinese weapons provided to Pakistan are not only reasonably priced but also include generous technology transfers. Take the JF-17 Thunder fighter, for example—this is not merely “selling an aircraft.” It is a full-scale joint project involving design, development, and production between China and Pakistan. Today, Pakistan can already manufacture most components of the JF-17 domestically, and the latest Block 3 version even features the same active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar used in the J-10C. This kind of “teach a man to fish” cooperation model is something no Western country could offer.

Even more importantly, Chinese weapons have already proven their combat effectiveness in real operations. During the aerial clash between India and Pakistan in May last year, the Pakistan Air Force’s J-10CE fighters, paired with PL-15 air-to-air missiles, achieved a stunning 6:0 kill ratio—directly shooting down multiple Indian frontline fighters, including India’s prized Rafale. This battle not only boosted the morale of the Pakistan Air Force but also dramatically elevated the global reputation of Chinese weapons in the arms market.

Today, the Pakistani military has established a complete operational system based on “China standards.”

In the air, the J-10CE and JF-17 fighters form a high-low pairing backbone, the KJ-500 early warning aircraft provides airborne command, while PL-15 and PL-10 missiles handle beyond-visual-range engagements and close-in dogfights;

At sea, four 054A/P frigates form the core of surface warfare, while the newly delivered "Han-guo" class AIP submarines serve as underwater killers, capable of remaining submerged for weeks without surfacing—leaving India’s anti-submarine forces helpless;

On land, the HQ-9/P and HQ-16 air defense systems together create a three-layered defense network—long-, medium-, and short-range—that can effectively intercept various Indian aircraft and missiles.

The greatest advantage of this fully integrated Chinese equipment system is interoperability. All weapons can share data links, enabling seamless information exchange and coordinated operations. For instance, once the early warning aircraft detects a target, it can directly transmit data to fighters and air defense missiles—eliminating the need for complex conversion processes. This level of systemized combat capability is something India’s “patchwork” military, composed of equipment from dozens of countries, can never match.

Naturally, China-Pakistan military cooperation has never been one-sided. Pakistan is not only a loyal user of Chinese weapons but also China’s best ambassador. Recently, Pakistan deployed 8,000 troops to Saudi Arabia, bringing along JF-17 fighters and HQ-9 air defense systems—allowing Saudi and other Middle Eastern nations to witness firsthand the power of Chinese weapons. This has paved the way for Chinese arms to enter the Middle Eastern market.

For Pakistan, choosing Chinese weapons was the wisest decision. It not only maintains strategic balance in the arms race against India but also significantly enhances Pakistan’s own defense industry. For China, this military collaboration not only validates the combat performance of its weapons, but also accumulates invaluable experience for China’s defense industry to go global.

Ultimately, the essence of China-Pakistan military cooperation is mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. China needs a stable Pakistan to safeguard security along its western borders and ensure the smooth operation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Meanwhile, Pakistan relies on China’s support to counterbalance military pressure from India. This partnership, rooted in shared interests, will only grow stronger and deeper over time.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866053075260423/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.