Col (r) Ikram Ullah Khan
The recent Pak-India military conflict, culminating in a military debacle for India, has recalibrated the balance of power in South Asia. It has added a new dimension to the highly complicated geostrategic landscape of the South Asian region with China solidifying its defence cooperation with Pakistan. This enhanced level of defence cooperation between the two strategic allies underlines the expanding depth of Pak-China military alliance amid escalating tension between India and Pakistan, the two traditional arch-nemesis of South Asia.
In the following paragraphs, I would delve into Pak-China defence cooperation that has assumed a new shape after the recent showdown between India and Pakistan. I would make an earnest endeavor to discuss the highly technical information gleaned from different articles and research papers couched in typical military jargons, in as simple language as possible in order to make it comprehensible to an average reader.
After Pakistan’s emergence as a formidable fighting force on 10 May 2025 capable of giving tough time to an adversary seven times bigger in size and military might, the world’s outlook of Pakistan has undergone a complete metamorphosis with China making a bold decision to extend a sweeping and comprehensive military aid package to Pakistan. This new development has come as a nightmare for [Indian Prime Minister Narendra] Modi, thereby setting alarm bells ringing in New Delhi and causing sleepless nights in the Indian corridors of power.
Sources suggest that the comprehensive military aid package, including provision of fifth-generation fighter jets, i.e. J-35A stealth fighter jet, the HQ-19 long-range anti-missile system, and the KJ-500 Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&C), could tilt the balance of power in favour of Pakistan, thus shattering the long-cherished hegemonic dream of India and its assumed posture of regional super power.
This wholesome military aid package comes from China at a time when the dark clouds of an all-out war are still hovering over the horizon of South Asia. This aid package marks a significant defence milestone in the Sino-Pak defence cooperation which will exponentially enhance Pakistan\’s combative strength. The centerpiece/main component of this military aid package is the fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, J-35A developed by China equipped with stealth technology, weapon bays and superior avionics, a fighter aircraft only to be rivalled by the US F-35 stealth fighter jet. Pakistan is expected to receive its first batch of these stealth fighters in the coming couple of months but certainly before the end of the current year. If all goes well, it will mark Pakistan\’s first-ever entry into the elite group of the fifth-generation airpower operators.
Reports suggest that a total of 40 J-35 units are earmarked for delivery under a phased program, making Pakistan the first foreign operator of Chinese fifth-generation of fighter platform. Reports also suggest that the fighter jet is equipped with the ultra-long range PL-17 air-to-air missile – a missile estimated to have a range exceeding 400 kilometers, designed to eliminate high-value enemy targets beyond visual range (BRV).
The comprehensive military aid package also includes Chinese HQ-19 missile defence system. To put it simple, this is a long-range, high-altitude ballistic missile interceptor system often referred to as the “Chinese THAAD”, a name borrowed from the famous US-developed THAAD system. The HQ-19 is designed to intercept intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM), intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), and hypersonic threats. The acquisition of this system by Pakistan (if it sees the light of day), is largely seen as a direct response to India’s ever-growing arsenal of precision-guided lethal weapons such as Brahmos and cruise missiles, both used by India against Pakistan in the recent conflict.
Apart from the military aid package as mentioned above, another important component of the aid package includes KJ-500, an improved version of KJ-200 already in use. The KJ-500 is an airborne early warning and control system aircraft (AEW&C). It’s capable of simultaneously tracking 60-100 aerial targets at ranges up to 470 kilometers, including stealth aircraft which, until now remains undetected by any radar system. On receiving this system, Pakistan will be poised to use it in conjunction with its JF-17, J-10C and the upcoming J-35 fleets, thereby enhancing its operational effectiveness against all kinds of airspace intrusions.
One of the most important features of KJ-500 is its in-flight refueling capability for an extended period of operation.
The consummation of this military aid package would give Pakistan’s defence posture a clear edge on India, thus making it absolutely impregnable as it would boost Pakistan’s ability to preempt and swiftly respond to any future Indian aggression. It will reinforce Pakistan’s defensive posture altering the regional geopolitical landscape altogether.
The world can’t afford to remain a silent spectator while Nerander Modi is recklessly poised to go for an inconceivable in a sheer desperation after he is left red-faced on May 10 2025. South Asia has become a nuclear flashpoint after the recent Pak-India conflict. Reports suggest that Modi is preparing for a do-or-die misadventure which is likely to happen sooner or later if the world chooses to keep its hands off. Once it happens, it would be too late for the world to intervene. It would be pointless to wake up after much water has passed under the bridge.
The world needs to understand that Modi has burnt all his bridges and finds himself in a hot water after he has lost the war. His post-war rhetoric is a sufficient proof of his desperation and he is expected to put the security of the region in jeopardy.