Pakistan plans to modernise and improve its missile programme.
Islamabad: Pakistan is rapidly modernizing its armed forces notwithstanding its weak economy. From the Navy to the Air Force and the Army, the modernization programme is going on at a rapid pace. Pakistan wants to create an army that can compete with India.
Pakistan has fought four wars with India since independence and has lost each time. In 1971, it had to lose East Pakistan, during which the surrender of the Pakistani army set a record for the highest number of troops that gave up their arms.
Pakistani Navy
Pakistan plans to transform its Navy into a 50-ship force over the next decade, including 20 frontline warships. The expansion of the Pakistani naval fleet hinges on partnerships with China, Turkey and Romania. Pakistan has undertaken the modernization of its fleet with foreign shipbuilders such as Damen Shipyard in Romania for offshore patrol vessels. It is going to buy advanced Hangor-class submarines from China, Milgem-class corvettes from Turkey and for the first time indigenous Jinnah-class frigates.
Pakistani Army
The Pakistan Army spends the largest part of the defence budget. Apart from this, a large part of the income from the businesses run by the army is also being spent on modernization. Pakistan bought VT-4 tanks from China a few years ago. Apart from this, it has purchased missiles from China and Reconnaissance drones from Turkey. The Pakistan Army is also strengthening its bilateral ties with Russia.
Pakistani Air Force
According to a report by the South China Morning Post, Pakistan is reportedly planning to buy 40 Chinese J-35 stealth fighter jets. It is considered to be a major boost for Pakistan’s air capability. The J-35 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet developed by China’s Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. The aircraft are aimed at replacing Pakistan’s ageing fleet of American F-16 and French Mirage fighter jets.
Pakistan-China Partnership
Pakistan and China have a close relationship. The ties between Islamabad and Beijing are defined as “higher than mountains and deeper than oceans”. China has assisted in the modernization of both the Pakistani Air Force and Naval Forces.
Pakistan’s Defence Diplomacy
In addition to modernization, Pakistan has been actively involved in international naval exercises. In February this year, Pakistan will host the 9th AMAN-25 naval exercise off the coast of Karachi. In 2023, ships from China, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and the US participated in the exercise. Its purpose is to showcase Pakistan’s naval strength in the Indian Ocean.
Missile programme and sanctions
Pakistan plans to modernise and improve its missile programme which has caused concern not only in the region but also in Washington. The United States has imposed several sanctions on entities involved in Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile programme, targeting both Pakistani and Chinese companies. The US has expressed apprehension that Pakistan’s missile programme poses a direct threat to it. However, Pakistan has denied the charges.
