India’s military operation Sindhoor against Pakistan may be providing the first real combat test for China’s multi-billion dollar defence modernisation. While the Indian Armed Forces execute retaliatory strikes under Operation Sindoor, Pakistan claims to have deployed Chinese fighter jets in a major air battle. The episode has sharpened international focus on Beijing’s role as Pakistan’s chief arms supplier and the larger geopolitical consequences of Chinese weaponry being used against a US-aligned regional power.
China denies arms support during conflict
On Monday, China’s military dismissed widespread speculation that it sent its largest military transport aircraft, the Y-20, carrying arms to Pakistan during its standoff with India. The People’s Liberation Army Air Force called the reports “rumours” and issued a stern warning.
“The internet is not beyond the law! Those who produce and spread military-related rumours will be held legally responsible!” said the statement posted on China’s defence ministry website.
The denial came after social media users claimed the Y-20 had flown military supplies to Pakistan amid Operation Sindoor. China also previously rejected Pakistani claims that Chinese fighter jets were used during attacks on India, while urging restraint from both sides. “China opposes all forms of terrorism. We urge both sides to act in the larger interest of peace and stability, remain calm, exercise restraint, and refrain from taking actions that may further complicate the situation,” a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.
Operation Sindoor and the Indian response
India launched Operation Sindoor following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 25 Indian tourists and one Nepali citizen. The Indian Air Force responded with precision missile strikes targeting nine alleged terror camps across Pakistan and PoK.
The operation, executed under cover of darkness, marked a sharp escalation. It also reopened old wounds between the two nuclear neighbours, who have fought multiple wars over Kashmir since 1947. But this time, the weapons in play – and their origins – are drawing global attention.
The Rafale is one of the most advanced platforms in India’s air arsenal, acquired from France as part of New Delhi’s shift away from Russian dependency. India has increasingly aligned with the US and its allies, sourcing over half of its recent weaponry from countries like France, Israel and the US.
Pakistan, meanwhile, has almost entirely turned to China. Between 2020 and 2024, 81% of Islamabad’s imported weapons came from Chinese suppliers, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). These include advanced fighter jets, radars, air defence systems and precision missiles.
From Pentagon to PLA: How China replaced the US in arming Pakistan
China has now become the backbone of Pakistan’s military hardware—and it happened after Washington shut the tap. Until 2010, the United States was Pakistan’s main defence partner. But that changed. The U.S. grew increasingly frustrated by Islamabad’s double game—supporting the Afghan Taliban, harbouring the Haqqani network, and turning a blind eye to groups it cultivated for cross-border attacks.
By 2016, Washington stopped arms sales. Into that void stepped China.
Between 2014 and 2024, Beijing sold Pakistan over $9 billion worth of weapons, now accounting for more than 80% of Islamabad’s military imports, according to SIPRI data. This shift has reshaped Pakistan’s armed forces from top to bottom, and India is watching closely.
Army: Chinese Weapons, Pakistani Uniforms
Chinese gear now powers much of Pakistan's land warfare capabilities, allowing its army to maintain modern platforms despite budget limits and sanctions.
VT-4 Tanks ("Haider")
Quantity: 176
Cost: $859 million
Contract: Signed in 2018, inducted in 2020
Purpose: Third-gen main battle tanks to counter India’s T-90MS and Arjun fleet
Significance: Enabled upgrades to Pakistan’s indigenous Al-Khalid tanks using Chinese tech
SH-15 155mm Howitzers
Quantity: 236
Cost: $500 million
Contract: 2019, inducted by 2022
Range: Up to 50 km
Significance: High-mobility, long-range artillery aimed at countering India’s K-9 Vajra systems
LY-80 Air Defence (HQ-16 export version)
Units: 9 batteries
Cost: $599 million
Contract: 2013–2015, inducted in 2017
Range: 40 km, altitude up to 15 km
Significance: Enhances Pakistan’s protection from low- and medium-altitude air threats
Air Force: Skies Patrolled by Chinese Jets
China has transformed the Pakistan Air Force into a more modern fighting force. Much of the change unfolded over the past decade.
JF-17 Thunder
Project: Jointly developed with China
Variants: Block II delivered by 2015–16, Block III inducted by 2022
Upgrades: Chinese AESA radar, PL-15 long-range missile capability
Significance: Flagship joint project, critical to PAF’s modernisation
J-10C “Firebird”
Quantity: 25
Cost: $1–1.5 billion
Contract: 2021, inducted 2022
Significance: 4.5-gen jet rivalling India's Rafale. "We have bought J-10C to balance India’s acquisition of Rafales,” Pakistani officials said.
HQ-9 Long-Range Air Defence
Inducted: 2021 (HQ-9/P), 2022 (HQ-9BE, FD-2000 variant)
Significance: Covers major urban and strategic targets; improves defence against missiles and aircraft
Chinese UCAVs
Types: CH-4 “Rainbow”, Wing Loong II
Use: Reconnaissance, precision strikes
Significance: Pakistan now second only to China in UCAV deployments in Asia-Pacific
Karakoram Eagle (ZDK-03 AWACS)
Quantity: 4
Cost: $278 million
Inducted: 2015
Significance: Early-warning aircraft improved PAF’s battlefield surveillance and command capabilities
Navy: Chinese Ships in the Arabian Sea
Traditionally Pakistan’s weakest service, the navy has received major Chinese reinforcements—on sea and underwater.
Hangor-Class Submarines (Type 039B/041)
Quantity: 8
Cost: $4–5 billion
Contract: Signed 2016
Inducted: 2023–24 (4 subs), 2028 (next 4)
Significance: Boosts second-strike capability; may carry Babur-3 nuclear cruise missiles
Type 054A/P Frigates (Tughril-class)
Quantity: 4
Inducted: 2021–2023
Features: Advanced anti-ship and anti-air weapons
Significance: Highlights China's capability to fulfil complex contracts on time even during COVID-19
Azmat-Class Fast Attack Crafts
Quantity: 4
Missiles: 8 C-802A anti-ship per vessel
Significance: Built with Chinese help; enhances Pakistan’s punch in littoral warfare
“A powerful advertisement” for China’s arms industry
The use of Chinese-made weapons in a high-intensity conflict is being watched closely by military observers. Pakistan’s J-10C jets – equipped with AESA radars and possibly PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles – are considered 4.5-generation fighters, on par with the Rafale.
“The engagement represented a milestone in the operational use of advanced Chinese-origin systems,” said Salman Ali Bettani, international relations scholar at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.
For China, the battle could serve as a live demonstration of its weapons systems. “It will potentially be a huge boost for Chinese arm sales in the international market,” said Senior Col. (ret) Zhou Bo, a fellow at Tsinghua University’s Centre for International Security and Strategy told CNN.
Indeed, defence stocks in China surged this week. AVIC Chengdu Aircraft, maker of the J-10C, saw a 17% jump on Wednesday, followed by a further 20% on Thursday – even before Pakistan’s Foreign Minister confirmed the use of the jets.
Deepening Sino-Pakistan defence ties
China’s defence partnership with Pakistan extends beyond hardware. The two countries regularly conduct joint air, sea and land exercises, including simulated combat missions. Some of Pakistan’s weapons, like the JF-17 Block III, have been co-developed with Chinese firms. Others, like the HQ-9B surface-to-air system, are built with Chinese technology.
“This isn’t just a bilateral clash anymore; it’s a glimpse of how Chinese defence exports are reshaping regional deterrence,” said Craig Singleton, senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
The shift in defence dependencies has its roots in strategic estrangement. The US once armed Pakistan, but stopped selling weapons in recent years over Islamabad’s ties to militant groups and lack of democratic reform. China stepped into the gap. “China used the opportunity to show itself as the only real friend and ally of Pakistan,” said Siemon Wezeman, senior researcher at SIPRI.
Tactical gains, strategic doubts
Not all analysts agree that the conflict proves Chinese superiority. Some argue India’s supposed aircraft losses, if true, may reflect strategic miscalculations rather than superior enemy hardware.
“If reports of India losing multiple jets holds up, it would raise serious questions about the IAF’s readiness, not just its platforms,” said Singleton. “The Rafales are modern, but warfighting is about integration, coordination, and survivability — not just headline acquisitions.”
Others point out that India’s missiles did hit their targets in Pakistan, which suggests that Chinese-made Pakistani radar and missile defences failed to intercept them.
“If Chinese-origin radar or missile systems failed to detect or deter Indian strikes, that’s (also) bad optics for Beijing’s arms export credibility,” said Sajjan Gohel, Asia-Pacific Foundation.
As tensions simmer, the conflict is shaping up as a proxy test between Chinese and Western military technology. It also highlights India’s growing strategic tilt towards the West, and Pakistan’s deepening embrace of China.
“From China’s perspective, this is essentially a powerful advertisement,” said Antony Wong Dong, a military observer based in Macau. “It will shock even countries like the United States — just how strong is its opponent, really?”
But in the end, this isn’t just about arms or influence. It’s about the security of a region where the stakes have never been higher – and where every missile, jet, or miscalculation could shape the future of Asian geopolitics.
China denies arms support during conflict
On Monday, China’s military dismissed widespread speculation that it sent its largest military transport aircraft, the Y-20, carrying arms to Pakistan during its standoff with India. The People’s Liberation Army Air Force called the reports “rumours” and issued a stern warning.
“The internet is not beyond the law! Those who produce and spread military-related rumours will be held legally responsible!” said the statement posted on China’s defence ministry website.
The denial came after social media users claimed the Y-20 had flown military supplies to Pakistan amid Operation Sindoor. China also previously rejected Pakistani claims that Chinese fighter jets were used during attacks on India, while urging restraint from both sides. “China opposes all forms of terrorism. We urge both sides to act in the larger interest of peace and stability, remain calm, exercise restraint, and refrain from taking actions that may further complicate the situation,” a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.
Operation Sindoor and the Indian response
India launched Operation Sindoor following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 25 Indian tourists and one Nepali citizen. The Indian Air Force responded with precision missile strikes targeting nine alleged terror camps across Pakistan and PoK.
The operation, executed under cover of darkness, marked a sharp escalation. It also reopened old wounds between the two nuclear neighbours, who have fought multiple wars over Kashmir since 1947. But this time, the weapons in play – and their origins – are drawing global attention.
The Rafale is one of the most advanced platforms in India’s air arsenal, acquired from France as part of New Delhi’s shift away from Russian dependency. India has increasingly aligned with the US and its allies, sourcing over half of its recent weaponry from countries like France, Israel and the US.
Pakistan, meanwhile, has almost entirely turned to China. Between 2020 and 2024, 81% of Islamabad’s imported weapons came from Chinese suppliers, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). These include advanced fighter jets, radars, air defence systems and precision missiles.
From Pentagon to PLA: How China replaced the US in arming Pakistan
China has now become the backbone of Pakistan’s military hardware—and it happened after Washington shut the tap. Until 2010, the United States was Pakistan’s main defence partner. But that changed. The U.S. grew increasingly frustrated by Islamabad’s double game—supporting the Afghan Taliban, harbouring the Haqqani network, and turning a blind eye to groups it cultivated for cross-border attacks.
By 2016, Washington stopped arms sales. Into that void stepped China.
Between 2014 and 2024, Beijing sold Pakistan over $9 billion worth of weapons, now accounting for more than 80% of Islamabad’s military imports, according to SIPRI data. This shift has reshaped Pakistan’s armed forces from top to bottom, and India is watching closely.
Army: Chinese Weapons, Pakistani Uniforms
Chinese gear now powers much of Pakistan's land warfare capabilities, allowing its army to maintain modern platforms despite budget limits and sanctions.
VT-4 Tanks ("Haider")
Quantity: 176
Cost: $859 million
Contract: Signed in 2018, inducted in 2020
Purpose: Third-gen main battle tanks to counter India’s T-90MS and Arjun fleet
Significance: Enabled upgrades to Pakistan’s indigenous Al-Khalid tanks using Chinese tech
SH-15 155mm Howitzers
Quantity: 236
Cost: $500 million
Contract: 2019, inducted by 2022
Range: Up to 50 km
Significance: High-mobility, long-range artillery aimed at countering India’s K-9 Vajra systems
LY-80 Air Defence (HQ-16 export version)
Units: 9 batteries
Cost: $599 million
Contract: 2013–2015, inducted in 2017
Range: 40 km, altitude up to 15 km
Significance: Enhances Pakistan’s protection from low- and medium-altitude air threats
Air Force: Skies Patrolled by Chinese Jets
China has transformed the Pakistan Air Force into a more modern fighting force. Much of the change unfolded over the past decade.
JF-17 Thunder
Project: Jointly developed with China
Variants: Block II delivered by 2015–16, Block III inducted by 2022
Upgrades: Chinese AESA radar, PL-15 long-range missile capability
Significance: Flagship joint project, critical to PAF’s modernisation
J-10C “Firebird”
Quantity: 25
Cost: $1–1.5 billion
Contract: 2021, inducted 2022
Significance: 4.5-gen jet rivalling India's Rafale. "We have bought J-10C to balance India’s acquisition of Rafales,” Pakistani officials said.
HQ-9 Long-Range Air Defence
Inducted: 2021 (HQ-9/P), 2022 (HQ-9BE, FD-2000 variant)
Significance: Covers major urban and strategic targets; improves defence against missiles and aircraft
Chinese UCAVs
Types: CH-4 “Rainbow”, Wing Loong II
Use: Reconnaissance, precision strikes
Significance: Pakistan now second only to China in UCAV deployments in Asia-Pacific
Karakoram Eagle (ZDK-03 AWACS)
Quantity: 4
Cost: $278 million
Inducted: 2015
Significance: Early-warning aircraft improved PAF’s battlefield surveillance and command capabilities
Navy: Chinese Ships in the Arabian Sea
Traditionally Pakistan’s weakest service, the navy has received major Chinese reinforcements—on sea and underwater.
Hangor-Class Submarines (Type 039B/041)
Quantity: 8
Cost: $4–5 billion
Contract: Signed 2016
Inducted: 2023–24 (4 subs), 2028 (next 4)
Significance: Boosts second-strike capability; may carry Babur-3 nuclear cruise missiles
Type 054A/P Frigates (Tughril-class)
Quantity: 4
Inducted: 2021–2023
Features: Advanced anti-ship and anti-air weapons
Significance: Highlights China's capability to fulfil complex contracts on time even during COVID-19
Azmat-Class Fast Attack Crafts
Quantity: 4
Missiles: 8 C-802A anti-ship per vessel
Significance: Built with Chinese help; enhances Pakistan’s punch in littoral warfare
“A powerful advertisement” for China’s arms industry
The use of Chinese-made weapons in a high-intensity conflict is being watched closely by military observers. Pakistan’s J-10C jets – equipped with AESA radars and possibly PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles – are considered 4.5-generation fighters, on par with the Rafale.
“The engagement represented a milestone in the operational use of advanced Chinese-origin systems,” said Salman Ali Bettani, international relations scholar at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.
For China, the battle could serve as a live demonstration of its weapons systems. “It will potentially be a huge boost for Chinese arm sales in the international market,” said Senior Col. (ret) Zhou Bo, a fellow at Tsinghua University’s Centre for International Security and Strategy told CNN.
Indeed, defence stocks in China surged this week. AVIC Chengdu Aircraft, maker of the J-10C, saw a 17% jump on Wednesday, followed by a further 20% on Thursday – even before Pakistan’s Foreign Minister confirmed the use of the jets.
Deepening Sino-Pakistan defence ties
China’s defence partnership with Pakistan extends beyond hardware. The two countries regularly conduct joint air, sea and land exercises, including simulated combat missions. Some of Pakistan’s weapons, like the JF-17 Block III, have been co-developed with Chinese firms. Others, like the HQ-9B surface-to-air system, are built with Chinese technology.
“This isn’t just a bilateral clash anymore; it’s a glimpse of how Chinese defence exports are reshaping regional deterrence,” said Craig Singleton, senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
The shift in defence dependencies has its roots in strategic estrangement. The US once armed Pakistan, but stopped selling weapons in recent years over Islamabad’s ties to militant groups and lack of democratic reform. China stepped into the gap. “China used the opportunity to show itself as the only real friend and ally of Pakistan,” said Siemon Wezeman, senior researcher at SIPRI.
Tactical gains, strategic doubts
Not all analysts agree that the conflict proves Chinese superiority. Some argue India’s supposed aircraft losses, if true, may reflect strategic miscalculations rather than superior enemy hardware.
“If reports of India losing multiple jets holds up, it would raise serious questions about the IAF’s readiness, not just its platforms,” said Singleton. “The Rafales are modern, but warfighting is about integration, coordination, and survivability — not just headline acquisitions.”
Others point out that India’s missiles did hit their targets in Pakistan, which suggests that Chinese-made Pakistani radar and missile defences failed to intercept them.
“If Chinese-origin radar or missile systems failed to detect or deter Indian strikes, that’s (also) bad optics for Beijing’s arms export credibility,” said Sajjan Gohel, Asia-Pacific Foundation.
As tensions simmer, the conflict is shaping up as a proxy test between Chinese and Western military technology. It also highlights India’s growing strategic tilt towards the West, and Pakistan’s deepening embrace of China.
“From China’s perspective, this is essentially a powerful advertisement,” said Antony Wong Dong, a military observer based in Macau. “It will shock even countries like the United States — just how strong is its opponent, really?”
But in the end, this isn’t just about arms or influence. It’s about the security of a region where the stakes have never been higher – and where every missile, jet, or miscalculation could shape the future of Asian geopolitics.
