Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said that Chinese weapons performed exceptionally well during Pakistan’s recent military engagements in May this year.
In an exclusive interview with Bloomberg, the ISPR chief said Pakistan’s defense strategy focuses on efficiency, modernization, and domestic technological advancement, not on competition or regional arms races.
Lt Gen Sharif highlighted that Pakistan’s military development revolves around integrating effective platforms while promoting self-reliance through indigenous defense technologies and partnerships with trusted allies.
“Our military development strategy has always been to incorporate effective and efficient platforms and domestic Pakistani technology,” he said.
He added that Pakistan is ready to acquire advanced systems “from both the East and the West,” reflecting Islamabad’s balanced approach toward defense procurement and modernization.
No Arm Race With India
Rejecting claims of rivalry, the ISPR DG clarified that Pakistan is “not involved in any arms race with India” and maintains a posture based on deterrence, stability, and transparency.
He stated that the Pakistan Army has always prioritized operational readiness and efficiency over numerical superiority, underscoring that transparency remains central to Pakistan’s defense communication policy.
Commenting on reports of air clashes in May, Lt Gen Chaudhry told Bloomberg that India failed to shoot down any Pakistani aircraft during the engagements along the eastern border.
According to Bloomberg’s report, Pakistan’s Chinese-built J-10C fighter jets played a decisive role during the “Marka-e-Haq” operation, successfully neutralizing several Indian Air Force assets, including the Rafale.
Lt Gen Sharif confirmed the strong performance of both Pakistani and Chinese-made platforms, describing their accuracy, speed, and reliability as “exceptional” during combat operations.
He said Pakistan’s defense modernization continues through a mix of homegrown systems and international cooperation, particularly with China, which remains a key strategic defense partner.
Highlighting ongoing upgrades, he noted that Pakistan recently inducted the Chinese Z-10ME attack helicopter into service, expanding its aerial combat and strike capabilities.
Bloomberg’s report further noted that Pakistan’s arsenal includes both Chinese weapons and American F-16s, reflecting a hybrid procurement strategy aimed at balance, reliability, and performance.
Lt Gen Sharif concluded that Pakistan’s defense development efforts will continue to prioritize efficiency, technological innovation, and strategic partnerships that ensure the nation’s long-term security and preparedness.
