Pakistan has asserted that China-made weapons performed “exceptionally well” during the four-day conflict with India in May, according to Lt General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of ISPR. In an interview with Bloomberg, Chaudhry said, “We are open to all sorts of technology. Of course lately, recent Chinese platforms, they've demonstrated exceptionally well,” referring to Chinese weapons used during the war.
However, these claims stand in contrast to reports from the conflict, which show India’s indigenous weapons delivering decisive strikes. During Operation Sindoor, India targeted multiple Pakistani airstrips and key defence infrastructure, reportedly rendering Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied PL-15 missiles and HQ-9P air-defence systems ineffective. Indian forces also demonstrated strategic capabilities, including countering nuclear threats and precision strikes using BrahMos missiles and the Akashteer air defence system.
The four-day war marked the first significant deployment of modern Chinese weapons by Pakistan, including PL-15 missiles, HQ-9P ground-to-air missiles, and JF-17 and J-10 fighter jets. Despite Pakistan’s claims, India’s aerial defence network, heavily equipped with domestically made weapons, successfully neutralized these platforms.
Pakistan’s reliance on China is part of a broader strategic partnership, with Beijing investing heavily through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). In September, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari visited Chengdu, China, home of the J-10 fighter jet manufacturing facility, highlighting continued military and economic cooperation.
