By Manahil Jaffer

The Pakistani military, a critical institution in the country's political and social fabric, is undergoing significant modernization. This process, driven by a combination of factors, aims to enhance Pakistan's defence capabilities. This article explores the factors driving this modernization, the types of weapons and technologies being acquired, and the overall impact on Pakistan's military capabilities.

Factors Driving Modernization

Several factors drive the modernization of Pakistan's military:
Regional Security Dynamics: Pakistan's strategic location, bordered by India to the east and Afghanistan to the west, places it in a volatile region. Pakistan's defence spending has reached US$ 6.15 billion as of the 2024 budget. While India's defence budget is estimated to be over US $70 billion in 2024 and is currently the world’s fourth-largest military spender. This significant disparity in spending highlights the need for Pakistan to modernize to maintain a credible deterrence posture. The long-standing rivalry with India, particularly over the Kashmir Issue significantly influences Pakistan's defence policies. Additionally, the instability in Afghanistan and the presence of militant groups pose security threats that necessitate a modern and capable military.
Technological Advancements: The rapid pace of technological development in warfare necessitates continuous updates to military hardware and software. Modern conflicts increasingly rely on cyber warfare, drone technology, and advanced missile systems, requiring Pakistan to keep pace with global military trends.
Strategic Partnerships: Pakistan's strategic alliances, particularly with China, play a crucial role in its military modernization. These partnerships not only provide access to advanced military technologies but also facilitate joint development projects, such as co-development of JF-17 fighter aircraft.
Internal Security Challenges: The Pakistani military also contends with internal security threats from various militant groups. Modernization efforts aim to equip the armed forces with better tools to address these asymmetrical warfare challenges effectively.
Types of Weapons and Technologies Acquired
The modernization of Pakistan's military involves acquiring a diverse array of weapons and technologies across its Army, Navy, and Air Force. Here are some key acquisitions and developments:

Air Force Modernization:

The modernization of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) includes the acquisition and co-production of advanced aircraft such as the JF-17 Thunder, developed jointly with China. As of 2023, over 130 JF-17s, including the advanced Block III variant with AESA radar, are in service. The PAF has also upgraded its fleet of approximately 85 F-16s with improved avionics and precision-guided munitions. Additionally, Pakistan acquired 25 J-10C fighter jets from China, featuring advanced avionics and a larger weapons payload in response to India’s acquisition of Rafale Aircraft in 2021
Indigenization efforts include Project Azm, launched in 2017 to develop a fifth-generation fighter aircraft and advanced weapons systems, and the establishment of KAMRA Aviation City, a hub for aircraft production and maintenance. Enhancements in support systems feature IL-78 MP refueling aircraft to extend the range of fighter jets, and AEW&C systems like the Saab 2000 Erieye and Shaanxi ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle, which provide extended radar coverage and improved situational awareness. The PAF's UAV capabilities are bolstered by the indigenous Burraq UCAV, equipped with laser-guided missiles, and the Shahpar UAV for surveillance and reconnaissance. The acquisition of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) like the Burraq, equipped with laser-guided missiles for effective counter-terrorism. The Shahpar, by PAC and NESCOM, focuses on surveillance and can serve combat roles. NESCOM's Burraq II in 2018, (first locally manufactured and developed drone of Pakistan) improved on the Burraq with better avionics, range, and payload. The GIDS Uqab offers real-time intelligence for border monitoring, while the Jasoos II provides versatile surveillance capabilities. Additionally, the Chinese Wing Loong II enhances Pakistan's capabilities with long-endurance missions and precision strikes.

Naval Enhancements:

Pakistan's naval modernization includes acquiring or co-developed eight Hangor-class submarines from China, equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, with deliveries expected by 2028, and upgrading its Agosta 90B submarines. The surface fleet is being bolstered with four Type 054A/P frigates from China, including the PNS Tughril commissioned in 2022, and four MILGEM-class corvettes from Turkey, with the first, PNS Babur, launched in 2021. Fast Attack Craft, like the Azmat-class, are also enhancing coastal defence. In naval aviation, the ATR-72 aircraft are being converted into maritime patrol aircraft, replacing aging P-3C Orions, and Sea King helicopters are upgraded for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) roles. Infrastructure developments at Gwadar Port and Ormara Naval Base are expanding Pakistan's naval capabilities, supported by strategic partnerships with China through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and collaboration with Turkey on shipbuilding and modernization projects.

Army Modernization:

The Pakistan Army's modernization involves acquiring advanced armored vehicles, enhancing artillery and fire support, upgrading infantry and anti-tank capabilities, bolstering air defence systems, improving command and control infrastructure, and fostering Indigenous development for self-reliance.
Key acquisitions include the Al-Khalid main battle tank, jointly developed with China, featuring a 125mm smoothbore gun and advanced armor protection, with over 600 in service. The VT-4 tank, also from China, offers advanced firepower and mobility, while the upgraded Al-Zarrar tank enhances the capabilities of over 500 existing units. In 2024, further enhancing its Indigenous defense production, Pakistan produced the battle tank “Haider”. It was indigenously manufactured through collaboration with NORINCO China and various industries in Pakistan. Artillery enhancements feature self-propelled howitzers like the M109A5 and SH-1, and multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) such as the A-100E and Nasr, providing rapid, accurate fire support and deep strike capabilities.
Infantry capabilities are strengthened with anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) like the Baktar-Shikan, alongside modernized infantry equipment including advanced small arms, body armor, night vision devices, and communication systems, enhancing operational effectiveness and survivability. Air defence improvements include the LY-80 (inducted in 2017) medium-range surface-to-air missile system and various short-range air defence (SHORAD) systems like the FM-90, offering layered defence against aerial threats.
Command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) upgrades feature the implementation of battlefield management systems (BMS) for real-time situational awareness and secure communication systems to ensure reliable, encrypted communications. Indigenous development is promoted through investments in facilities like Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) for armored vehicle production and upgrades, and collaborations with institutions such as NESCOM, NASTP, and Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) for research and development in precision-guided munitions, cyber warfare capabilities, and robotics. These modernization efforts collectively enhance the Pakistan Army's operational readiness, strategic balance, and self-reliance.

Impact on Military Capabilities

The ongoing modernization of the Pakistani military significantly enhances its operational capabilities across various domains:
Deterrence and Defence: Enhanced air, land, and sea capabilities provide a robust deterrent against potential adversaries, particularly India. Advanced missile systems and modernized conventional forces ensure Pakistan can effectively defend its territorial integrity and respond to any aggression.
Operational Readiness: Modern equipment and technology improve the operational readiness of the armed forces. Better surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision strike capabilities enable rapid and effective responses to both external threats and internal security challenges.
Strategic Depth: Modern naval assets extend Pakistan's strategic reach in the Indian Ocean, crucial for protecting sea lines of communication and maintaining a credible second-strike capability.

Asymmetrical Warfare: Improved counter-insurgency tools, including drones and advanced infantry equipment, enhance the military's ability to combat militant groups and ensure internal stability.

International Standing: Modernization efforts bolster Pakistan's position in international military cooperation and strategic dialogues. It demonstrates Pakistan's commitment to maintaining a capable and modern defence force, capable of contributing to regional security.
Pakistan's military modernization is a multifaceted effort driven by regional security dynamics, technological advancements, strategic partnerships, and internal security needs. The acquisition of advanced weapons and technologies across its air force, navy, and army significantly enhances its defence capabilities. This modernization not only strengthens Pakistan's deterrence and defence posture but also improves its operational readiness and strategic depth. As Pakistan continues to navigate a complex security environment, its modernized military stands as a cornerstone of its national security strategy.