SOURCE: AFI
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) released its latest report on global arms transfers for the period 2020–2024, revealing a significant 61 per cent increase in Pakistan’s arms imports compared to the 2015–2019 period. The report underscores China’s growing dominance as Pakistan’s primary arms supplier, with Beijing accounting for 81 per cent of Pakistan’s arms imports in 2020–2024, up from 74 per cent in the previous five-year period. Meanwhile, China solidified its position as the world’s fourth-largest arms exporter, holding a 5.9 per cent share of global arms exports, though its efforts to expand its market face resistance from many large importers due to political considerations.
Pakistan’s 61 per cent surge in arms imports between 2015–2019 and 2020–2024 reflects its ongoing efforts to modernize its military amid persistent regional tensions, particularly with India, and security challenges along its borders with Afghanistan and Iran. The increase aligns with Pakistan’s strategic priorities, including countering India’s growing military capabilities and addressing internal security threats. The SIPRI report notes that this growth in imports occurred despite global trends showing a marginal decline in overall arms transfers, highlighting Pakistan’s position as one of the world’s significant arms buyers.
The bulk of Pakistan’s arms acquisitions during this period included fighter jets, naval vessels, and missile systems, with a clear focus on enhancing its air and naval capabilities. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF), for instance, has continued to induct JF-17 Thunder jets, a lightweight multirole fighter co-developed with China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation. Additionally, Pakistan has expanded its naval fleet with Chinese-built Type 054A/P frigates, aimed at bolstering its maritime presence in the Arabian Sea and countering India’s naval buildup in the Indian Ocean region.
China’s role as Pakistan’s leading arms supplier has become even more pronounced, with its share of Pakistan’s imports rising to 81 per cent in 2020–2024 from 74 per cent in 2015–2019. This deepening reliance underscores the strategic partnership between the two nations, often described as an “all-weather friendship,” which extends beyond military cooperation to economic ties under initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The SIPRI report highlights that Pakistan remains the largest recipient of Chinese arms exports, absorbing a significant portion of Beijing’s global sales.
China’s growing share of Pakistan’s arms imports reflects several factors. First, Chinese weapons are often more affordable than Western alternatives, making them an attractive option for Pakistan’s budget-constrained military. Second, China offers flexible payment terms and has shown willingness to co-develop and transfer technology, as seen in the JF-17 program. Finally, political alignment between the two nations ensures a stable supply chain, free from the sanctions or restrictions that Pakistan has occasionally faced from Western suppliers, such as the U.S., which halted military aid in recent years.
Globally, China ranks as the fourth-largest arms exporter in the 2020–2024 period, accounting for 5.9 per cent of international arms exports. This position places China behind the United States, Russia, and France but ahead of other competitors like Germany and the United Kingdom. The SIPRI report notes that China has made concerted efforts to expand its arms exports, leveraging its advancements in military technology and competitive pricing to penetrate markets in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Despite these efforts, China faces significant hurdles in broadening its customer base among large arms importers. The report points out that many nations opt against purchasing Chinese arms for political reasons. Western-aligned countries, for instance, often prefer American or European systems due to interoperability with NATO standards, established logistics networks, and political alliances. Additionally, concerns over the reliability and long-term performance of Chinese equipment persist, despite improvements in quality. Nations like India, Saudi Arabia, and several Southeast Asian states have shown reluctance to rely heavily on Chinese arms, favoring diversification of suppliers to avoid over-dependence on Beijing.
China’s arms exports are also constrained by geopolitical rivalries. Its growing assertiveness in the South China Sea and border disputes with India have led some regional powers to view Chinese weapons as politically untenable, even when cost-effective. Moreover, export controls and sanctions imposed by Western nations on Chinese defense firms have limited Beijing’s ability to compete in certain markets, particularly for high-end technologies like advanced fighter jets and missile systems.
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