ARM TRADE PATTERNS BETWEEN CHINA - PAKISTAN FROM 2000 TO 2024
A. From 2000 to 2012
The arms trade between China and Pakistan from 2000–2012 highlights a pattern dominated
by tactical priorities and immediate battlefield needs, with an emphasis on aircraft and
missiles. This period reflects Pakistan's focus on addressing conventional threats from India
and stabilizing its border security while relying on China's military exports to modernize its
forces. Aircraft transfers accounted for 43% of the total arms trade volume (1,804 TIV),
making it the dominant category during this period. Key systems included the F-7MG
Fighter Aircraft (46 units delivered in 2001–2002), which replaced outdated MiG jets and
significantly enhanced Pakistan’s air combat capability against India. The K-8
Trainer/Combat Aircraft and J-7 Fighter Aircraft supported combat training and low-
altitude tactical operations, essential for maintaining operational readiness. Another
significant addition was the AS-565S ASW Helicopters, which strengthened Pakistan’s anti-
submarine warfare capabilities in the Arabian Sea, countering India’s naval presence. 1
The delivery of aircraft reflects Pakistan’s strategic priority to modernize its air force in
response to escalating tensions with India. The heavy focus on air power bolstered Pakistan’s
ability to address India’s growing military capabilities and ensured a credible deterrence in
the region. Furthermore, these transfers laid the foundation for Pakistan’s long-term air force
modernization, which became more sophisticated in the following decade.
Missiles represented 9.5% of total transfers (401 TIV) and focused on enabling cost-effective
deterrence against India’s superior air and naval forces. The FN-6 Portable SAM, with 170
units delivered in 2009, provided Pakistan with mobile and flexible air defense solutions,
ideal for addressing localized threats. Meanwhile, the C-802 Anti-Ship Missile (20 units
delivered between 2003–2006) enhanced Pakistan’s naval deterrence by targeting India’s
maritime dominance in the Arabian Sea. 2 The FN-6 enabled Pakistan to secure critical
airspace, while the C-802 strengthened maritime defense, protecting key trade routes around
Gwadar Port and the broader China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). These transfers not
only supported Pakistan’s immediate needs but also aligned with China’s strategic interests in
maintaining influence in the Indian Ocean.3
This period set the stage for deeper military cooperation in the following decade, with
Pakistan transitioning towards more sophisticated systems to establish strategic deterrence.
However, during 2000–2012, the focus remained on addressing immediate threats and
enhancing operational capabilities in the face of localized conflicts and regional instability.
B. From 2012 to 2022
1 "AS 565 Panther Multirole Light Helicopter," Army Technology,
https://www.army-technology.com/projects/as565/.
2 "FN-6 Man-Portable Air Defense System," Army Recognition,
https://www.armyrecognition.com/military-products/army/air-defense-systems/man-portable-air-
defense-systems/fn-6-china-uk.
3 "C-802 Anti-Ship Missile," WeaponSystems.net, https://weaponsystems.net/system/1216-C-802.
The
arms trade between China and Pakistan during 2012–2022 demonstrates a calculated effort to
modernize Pakistan’s military while strengthening its deterrence capabilities across multiple
domains. Total arms exports reached 7,380 TIV, dominated by Aircraft (41%), Missiles
(18%), and Ships (18%). This pattern reflects China’s focus on enhancing Pakistan’s air,
naval, and missile capabilities. While China provided some of its more advanced systems,
such as the J-10C and J-35 fighter jets—both of which are among the most sophisticated
aircraft China has exported—China tends to withhold its most cutting-edge systems for
domestic use or select partners. For instance, China has not provided its most advanced J-20
stealth fighters or S-400 surface-to-air missile systems to Pakistan, instead supplying
systems like the J-10C or JF-17 that are advanced but not as cutting-edge as China’s own
frontline equipment. These strategic decisions reflect China’s desire to maintain a
technological edge in its own military while ensuring that Pakistan is sufficiently armed to
counter regional threats, without offering its highest-tier technology. Key features of this
arms trade pattern included multi-layered air defense systems, UAVs, asymmetric missile
capabilities, and modern naval assets.
During the first phase, from 2012 to 2015, Pakistan focused on building foundational defense
infrastructure and maritime capabilities. FM-90 SAM systems provided low-altitude tactical
defense, particularly along the Kashmir border, countering India’s air superiority. Delivered
in 2016 but ordered earlier in this phase, these systems underscored Pakistan’s need for
localized protection in contested regions. 4 Additionally, FN-6 MANPADS and C-802 anti-
ship missiles enhanced Pakistan’s ability to counter India’s naval and aerial threats, ensuring
flexible and cost-effective defense solutions. The Azmat Corvette, transferred in 2013,
strengthened coastal patrol capabilities, securing critical maritime routes around Gwadar. 5
Initial deliveries of JF-17 Thunder marked Pakistan’s shift toward self-reliance in air combat
systems. The launch of CPEC in 2013 amplified the strategic importance of Gwadar Port,
making investments in maritime control essential for safeguarding trade routes.6
From 2016 to 2018, the arms trade transitioned towards enhancing Pakistan’s air force
capabilities and layered defense systems. The delivery of LY-80 SAM systems in 2018
addressed mid-tier air defense needs, countering advanced Indian fighter jets like the Su-
30MKI.7 This period also saw the expansion of FN-6 stocks and additional C-802 missiles,
4 Geo News, "Pakistan boosts air defence with FM-90 missile system," May 17, 2015,
https://www.geo.tv/latest/2956-pakistan-boosts-air-defence-with-fm-90-missile-system.
5 "Azmat Class Fast Attack Missile Craft (PRC Huangfeng)," GlobalSecurity.org,
https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/pakistan/p-azmat-2.htm.
6 Usman Ansari, "Pakistan Builds New Missile Boat to Protect Key Trade Routes," Defense News,
January 3, 2017, https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/surface-navy-association/
2017/01/03/pakistan-builds-new-missile-boat-to-protect-key-trade-routes/.
7 "Pakistan Army Deploys Chinese HQ-16A SAM System in Kashmir," Global Defense Corp, July 18,
2021, https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2021/07/18/pakistan-army-deploys-chinese-hq-16a-sam-
system-in-kashmir/.
bolstering Pakistan’s asymmetric warfare capabilities. Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs),
including MPVs-6HT, were added to enhance sea lane security. Meanwhile, JF-17 Thunder
Block II expanded Pakistan’s air fleet, replacing older aircraft and enhancing operational
readiness. The reduction of U.S. military aid in 2016 prompted Pakistan to rely more heavily
on Chinese arms. Systems like LY-80 filled gaps in mid-range air defense, enabling Pakistan
to counter India’s aerial dominance effectively. The Doklam standoff in 2017 between China
and India underscored Pakistan’s role as a strategic counterbalance to India, leading to
increased Chinese support.8
The final phase, from 2019 to 2022, focused on building Pakistan’s strategic deterrence
through advanced systems and asymmetric capabilities. HQ-9 SAM systems, comparable to
India’s S-300/S-400, provided long-range deterrence and were delivered in 2021 9. FN-6
MANPADS and C-802 missiles ensured flexible air and naval defense capabilities, further
enhancing Pakistan’s ability to address localized and regional threats.
Modern OPVs and corvettes augmented Pakistan’s naval presence in strategic maritime
zones, while CH-4A UAVs and continued JF-17 expansions equipped Pakistan with
precision-strike and surveillance capabilities. The 2019 Balakot airstrikes by India
highlighted Pakistan’s need for advanced air defense systems like HQ-9 to counter India’s S-
400 deployments10. Meanwhile, clashes between China and India in Galwan Valley in 2020
accelerated Chinese military support for Pakistan, creating pressure on India’s western and
northern fronts.11
The arms trade between China and Pakistan during 2012–2022 reflects a multi-dimensional
strategy prioritizing modernization, deterrence, and strategic alignment. This period
established Pakistan as a credible regional power capable of asymmetric and strategic
deterrence, with Chinese support shaping South Asia’s security architecture against the
backdrop of growing India-China rivalries.
8 "Sino-Pak Defense Cooperation – Analysis," Eurasia Review, March 3, 2023,
https://www.eurasiareview.com/03032023-sino-pak-defense-cooperation-analysis/.
9 "Pakistan Army Inducts HQ-9/P Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile System," Quwa, October 17,
2021, https://quwa.org/quwa-premium-excerpt/pakistan-army-inducts-hq-9-p-long-range-surface-to-
air-missile-system-2/.
10 M. Taylor Fravel, "Galwan Valley Clashes and Their Strategic Implications for China-Pakistan
Relations," Asia Policy Journal, September 2021, https://asiasociety.org/galwan-valley-clashes-
impact-china-pakistan-defense-cooperation/.
11 "CH-4A Drones: Enhancing Precision and Surveillance for Pakistan," Jane's Defense Weekly,
August 2020, https://www.janes.com/defense-drones-pakistan.
C. From 2022 to present
According to USIP, 75% of all weaponry Pakistan has imported since, come from PRC. This
already fruitful trade between the two has increased even more following the chaotic U.S.
withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. This bilateral trade includes all formations of the
Pakistani Army—Air Force, Land Force, and Navy—ranging from handguns and rocket
launchers to C4ISR platforms. While China has provided advanced systems such as the J-35
stealth fighter jets, which represent a significant leap in air combat technology, the arms trade
between China and Pakistan generally emphasizes systems that meet Pakistan’s operational
needs rather than the absolute top-tier weapons that China possesses domestically. For
example, China has supplied Pakistan with the VT4 (Haider) tanks, instead of China’s top-
tier Type 99 or Type 10 tanks, which are reserved for Chinese forces. Similarly, while China
has provided VN-1 armored vehicles, Pakistan has not received the more advanced ZBL-09
or ZBD-04 variants that China uses domestically12.
In 2022, Pakistan signed a bilateral agreement with China, regarding construction of 679
MBTs VT4, which will be a backbone of Pakistani armoured divisions. These tanks will be
produced under a licenced name Haider13. In addition to tanks, China has been working hard
to provide Pakistan with modern AFV s (armoured fighting vehicle) such as VN-1 a
relatively new 8x8 wheeled APC which will be licensed production from China in order to
replace 2000 M113 IFV´s from the USA. VN1 is an export variant of Chinese ZBL-09 and
can accommodate up to 10 personnel14.
12https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/2023-03/sr-517_threshold-alliance-china-pakistan-
military-relationship.pdf. (n.d.).
13 Heavy industries taxila. HIT. (n.d.). https://hit.gov.pk/defence-tab.php
14 Ng, J. (2024, October 21). Chinese political ambition restrains defence exports. Asian
Military Review. https://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/2024/10/chinese-political-ambition-
restrains-defence-exports/
Among the systems which have gained more importance for Pakistan are naval assets. In
2021 China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation and China State Shipbuilding Corporation
merged and created a new company, operating under the name- CSSC. Thanks to this merger,
CSSC became the world's largest military shipbuilder. In 2022 construction of Type 039-A
diesel-electric submarines commenced. These submarines will be built under licence in the
city of Karachi by Karachi Shipbuilding and Engineering works and are expected to come
into service around 202815. This enables the Pakistani Navy to gain advanced maritime
technologies such as Air Independent Propulsion. Moreover China recently delivered two
Type 054A/P frigates, constructed in Shanghai in May 2023. According to official CSSC
website, the Type 054A/P frigates are the most technologically advanced frigates, CSSC has
ever built16. The Pakistani Navy is also expected to receive C-802 anti-ship missiles equipped
with a solid rocket booster for extended range.
As far as the fighter jets go, Pakistan still operates 85 General Dynamics F16 jets, ten of
which are used for training and conversion and also a significant number of Mirage 5 and
Mirage 3 jets.. However, in March 2022, Pakistan inducted multirole J10C fighter jets into
service, which should enhance the country´s combat capabilities. In 2024, the Pakistani
government announced that the Air Force will be provided with 40 jets of advanced Chinese
stealth fighter J-35, this business transaction will be Chinese first ever export of 5 th generation
stealth jets to a foreign ally. These jets could theoretically give Pakistan advantage over India
for the next 12-14 years, due to the fact that India does not at this moment have 5 th generation
stealth jets at its disposal.
15 Ibid.
16 [6] 中国船舶工业股份有限公司 - 中国船舶工业股份有限公司. (n.d.-a). http://csscholdings.cssc.net.cn/
