Pakistan Increases Arms Dependence on China and Turkey, SIPRI Data Reveals:

Suspense crime, Digital Desk : China has considerably strengthened its military ties with Pakistan, which has deepened its arms dependency on China. As of 2020-2024, China supplied 81% of Pakistan’s imported arms. This figure is a notable increase from 51% in the 2009-14 period and 73% between 2015-19. SIPRI: Pakistan Is Increasingly Dependent on China for Arms Acquisition

Turkey Comes Up as A Major Defense Supplier

Pakistan's imports from Turkey from 2020-2024 were recorded at 3.8% of their total arms imports, marking a significant increase from virtually zero in previous periods. Coming up as a major defense supplier, Turkey has displaced conventional suppliers like the U.S. and Italy, highlighting changing relations.

U.S. Diminishes Role In The Arms Trade With Pakistan

Turkey was a minor source of arms for Pakistan, but subsequently increased its exports, emerging as a strong defense exporter. The U.S. decreased its arms exports drastically, going from supplying 30% of Pakistan's arms in 2009-14, to no longer being in the top three suppliers. This change aligns with Pakistan’s shifting strategic relationship towards China and Turkey.

Allied Dependence On Pakistan

Pakistan is not only reliant on China and Turkey for defense, but these nations depend on Pakistan as a key export market. From 2014-2024, Turkey accounted for more than 10% of Pakistan's arms exports. In 2020-2024, China increased its exports to Pakistan, supplying 63% of their weapons, compared to 41% in 2009-14.

Geopolitical Backing After Operation Sindoor

Turkey and Azerbaijan appeared to immediately come to Pakistan's aid after India's Operation Sindoor which struck terror camps in Pakistan and Peacocks Kashmir on the 7th of May.

Pakistan Among Top Global Arms Importers

Due to its increasing imports, Pakistan stood at the 5th position in the list of highest defense equipment importers during 2020-24. Their stake globally rose to 4.6 % from 2.8 % in the year 2015-19.