India-Pakistan Relations: Despite the weak economy, Pakistan is working rapidly towards modernizing its military forces. From Navy to Air Force and Army, every branch is being advanced to deal with regional threats, especially India. For this, Pakistan’s Navy has an important contribution in military modernization. Pakistan is planning to convert its navy into a fleet of 50 ships by the next decade, which will include 20 major warships. Its plan is based on partnerships with China, Türkiye and Romania. An important step of this initiative is Pakistan to advance its patrol ships in partnership with Damen Shipyard of Romania.
Pakistan is going to acquire advanced Hangor-class submarines from China, Milgem-class corvettes from Turkey and, for the first time, indigenous Jinnah-class frigates. These new technologies will greatly boost Pakistan’s maritime security and surveillance capabilities, especially for the security of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Gwadar Port.
Such modernization will strengthen Pakistan’s maritime power, so that balance of power can be maintained with India in the Indian Ocean region. Cooperation with China is proof that Pakistan is committed to enhancing its naval strength, which has importance from both political and economic points of view.
modernization of army
Pakistan Army gets the largest share of the defense budget. In this area too, it is rapidly modernizing its equipment. According to the report of SIP Richters Arms Trade Trading, Pakistan has purchased VT-4 tanks from China in recent years. Missile systems and surveillance drones have also been acquired from Turkey. Apart from this, a large part of the income from businesses run by the Pakistani Army is also being spent on these modernized projects. During this period, Pakistan has also strengthened its bilateral relations with Russia so that it can acquire military technology and expertise. While Pakistan has historically relied on the US and China, growing ties with Russia show that Pakistan is trying to diversify its defense supplies.
Increase in strength of Pakistani Air Force
The Pakistan Air Force is also moving towards upgrading itself, which includes the possible purchase of 40 J-35 stealth fighter aircraft from China. According to a report in Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post, the J-35 fighter aircraft are fifth-generation stealth jets, which will replace Pakistan’s aging American F-16 and French Mirage aircraft.
Although this deal has not been officially confirmed by China, but speculations about this deal point towards a big leap towards improving the air capability of Pakistan Air Force. These stealth aircraft will establish Pakistan as a more modern and effective air power. Pakistan’s air defense capabilities also include China’s drones and air-defense systems. These technical improvements in the Air Force will improve the security of Pakistan.
Pakistan-China military partnership: the backbone of modernization
China’s role is considered important in Pakistan’s military modernization. There has been a close strategic partnership between the two countries for a long time. This partnership has evolved primarily out of concerns about regional security and India’s growing power. China has played an important role in the modernization of Pakistan’s Navy and Air Force. Many joint defense projects and training programs are also going on between the two countries. For China, Pakistan’s military strength serves as a counterweight to India and supports its broader ambitions in terms of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and CPEC.
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