Pakistan has emerged as China’s most important and trusted partner in the air combat domain, according to a recent Pentagon report submitted to the US Congress. The report has revealed how China is steadily strengthening its role as a major global arms supplier, with Pakistan standing at the center of its military aviation exports.
As of December 2024, China ranked as the world’s fourth-largest arms exporter, relying largely on state-owned defence giants such as the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and North Industries Corporation (Norinco). These organizations are playing a central role in advancing Beijing’s defence exports, which are closely linked to the broader foreign policy goals and development initiatives of China, including the Belt and Road framework.
Chinese weapon systems are affordable for developing countries
The Pentagon assessment notes that Chinese weapons systems are particularly attractive to developing countries because they are more affordable, and it come with flexible financing options, and lack the political conditions often attached to Western defence sales. Pakistan, with its long-standing strategic partnership with China, has benefited significantly from this approach.
In the aviation sector, Pakistan plays a prominent role in China’s combat aircraft exports. Beijing currently offers three major fixed-wing combat aircraft for export:
- The fifth-generation FC-31 stealth fighter,
- The fourth-generation J-10C multirole fighter
- The JF-17 Thunder — a jointly developed aircraft that symbolizes deep defence cooperation between the two countries.
Notably, the report confirms that Pakistan is the only country to which China has exported the J-10C fighter jet. Since 2020, the Pakistan Air Force has placed two orders for a total of 36 J-10C aircraft. As of May 2025, 20 of these jets have already been delivered.
Although several other countries, including
- Egypt
- Iran
- Indonesia
- Uzbekistan
- Bangladesh has shown interest, but no exports beyond Pakistan have materialized so far.
The JF-17 Thunder programme is highlighted as a major success story of South-South defence collaboration. Jointly developed and produced by Pakistan and China, the aircraft is not only a backbone of the Pakistan Air Force but also a growing export platform. By 2024, Azerbaijan, Myanmar, and Nigeria were operating JF-17 jets, while Iraq was reportedly in talks to acquire them.
Beyond manned aircraft, China has also supplied Pakistan with advanced strike-capable drones, including the Caihong and Wing Loong series. These systems are the clear manifestation of China’s expanding footprint in the global unmanned aerial vehicle market.
The report also displays Pakistan’s role as one of the major recipients of Chinese naval platforms, including four frigates delivered between 2017 and 2018. Overall, the Pentagon concludes that Pakistan’s defence relationship with China goes beyond simple arms purchases, representing a mature partnership built on
- Joint development
- Production
- Long-term strategic cooperation