A glimpse into Pakistan’s military procurements

Pakistan’s defense budget for FY 21-22 amounts to 1.37 trillion rupees, approximately 17 percent of its total annual expenditure. Considering the rapid pace of technological innovation and the capital required to sustain such innovation, this is a measly amount but the Pakistan military, through some tactful military procurements, has made it work to maintain symmetry with its regional adversaries.

Let’s analyze some of the military procurements Pakistan has made over the recent past to keep pace with the evolution in military technology globally, and especially in the region. 

VT-4 tanks

Pakistan’s forward strike corps, Mangla, inducted the VT-4 tanks. The VT-4 tank has the capability of firing APFSDS, HEAT, and HE rounds and guided missiles. It has a 1200 hp engine which gives it superior mobility and maneuverability. 

Read More: Pakistan Army commissions first 42 VT-4 tanks to secure the Indian border

Chinese Mounted Howitzers

Pakistan military acquired these vehicle-mounted howitzers from China in an attempt to counter the Indian K-9 Vajra howitzers. The self-propelled nuclear-capable howitzers (SH-15) have the capability of launching the shell up to 53 km.

Induction of HIMADs

The HQ-9, a strategic long-range SAM (Surface to Air Missile), has the capability of intercepting multiple targets with great precision. This gives the Pakistan military a comprehensive layered air defense system.

Read More: India spying on Pakistan military via two malware programs: US

Type 54A/P Frigates

Under Pakistan’s naval modernization plan, it inducted four type 54A/P frigates. The Type 054A/P carries HHQ-16 medium-range air defense missiles that provide an area defense capability. The frigates are expected to replace the Tariq-class frigates.

Sea-King Helicopter 

Pakistan Navy inducted 10 WS-61 Sea King helicopters into the Pakistan Naval Air Arm’s No. 111 Squadron. The sea king is a multirole anti-submarine and medium-lift transport helicopter which further modernizes the Pakistan Navy fleet.

In the most recent development, China started delivering the J10-c fighter planes to Pakistan, which upgraded the Pakistan airforce squadron. The J10-c measures around 15.49 meters and has a wingspan of approximately 9.75m. The plane is expected to replace the PAF’s 87 delta-wing Mirage III ROSE fighters, which lack modern technology and integrated system. 

Read More: Pakistan Turkey to jointly produce military drones

Moreover, Pakistan is expected to receive Z-10 helicopters from China in the near future. The talk of the acquisition began when Pakistan moved away from its deal with Turkey for the induction of T-129. 

This is just a glimpse of what the Pakistan military has procured in recent years. We gathered the ones we thought would be most interesting for our readers.