On Monday, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) showcased its newly acquired air defence capabilities on official social media channels, revealing the extent of its military dependency on “iron brother” China and Mecca defence pact partner Turkey.
Given the bad state of Pakistan’s economy, which is growing at 3.8 per cent, the question that is being asked is as to who is funding the acquisition spree. The Indian armed forces are pushing the Indian private sector to deliver on long-range loitering munition up to 1000 km and beyond range. The Indian acquisition of 31 MQ-9B Predator drones from the US will take time and the UCAVs will only start delivery from 2028.
it is quite flummoxed over where Rawalpindi gets money to purchase this equipment from Turkey and China While the Indian security establishment has noted the PAF display. The answer could perhaps be funding from Mecca partner Saudi Arabia, or new-found friend US, or equity swap with China on a major infra project in Pakistan. Taking note of the Pakistani acquisition posture and its penchant for purchasing off the shelf from China and Turkey, India is rapidly plugging the gap on armed UCAVs and long-range loitering ammunition, as the Modi government is focused on indigenous development and manufacturing.
