In a strategic move following its military setbacks, Pakistan has received a fresh consignment of China’s HQ-16 surface-to-air missile systems. This delivery comes in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, a high-intensity conflict between India and Pakistan from May 7–10, during which the Indian Air Force successfully targeted and destroyed Pakistan’s existing HQ-16 and HQ-9P air defense systems.

According to reports from India’s open-source intelligence (OSNIT) community, Chinese military transport aircraft Y-20 made at least three flights to Pakistan in recent weeks, delivering the HQ-16 missile batteries. The timing of this transfer suggests Beijing’s intent to reinforce Pakistan’s depleted air defense infrastructure, which was severely compromised during India’s precision strikes.

During Operation Sindoor, India deployed BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and French-origin SCALP missiles to neutralize key Pakistani airbases including Noor Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Bholari. The strikes also disabled Chinese-supplied YLC-8E anti-stealth radars and HQ-series missile systems, exposing vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s defense grid.

OPERATION SINDOOR

Despite the new HQ-16 systems, defense analysts remain skeptical about their ability to intercept BrahMos missiles. The BrahMos travels at speeds of Mach 2.8–3.0, hugging terrain at low altitudes, making it extremely difficult to detect and intercept. Even China has reportedly acknowledged that the HQ-16 is not equipped to counter such high-speed, low-signature threats2.

The HQ-16, a medium-range air defense system with a maximum interception range of 40 km, is designed to engage aircraft, drones, and conventional cruise missiles. However, its performance during Operation Sindoor has raised serious doubts about its effectiveness against advanced Indian weaponry. The Indian Air Force’s ability to bypass and destroy these systems with electronic warfare and precision targeting has highlighted the technological gap between the two nations.

Pakistan’s reliance on Chinese military hardware—accounting for over 80% of its defense imports—has come under scrutiny. With two of its three surveillance aircraft also destroyed during the conflict, Islamabad faces a critical challenge in rebuilding its air defense capabilities.

As tensions simmer in South Asia, the strategic implications of China’s continued support to Pakistan, and the limitations of its defense systems, are likely to shape future military alignments and procurement strategies in the region.