5 Deadly Chinese Weapons Powering Pakistan’s War Machine Against India: Inside the PL-15 and HQ-9 Shockwave

In an alarming shift in South Asia’s military landscape, the conflict between India and Pakistan is witnessing a new dimension—an increasingly pronounced role of Chinese-made weaponry in Pakistan’s defense and offensive operations. As tensions escalate in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent Indian airstrikes, Pakistan’s use of cutting-edge Chinese systems like the HQ-9 air defense system and PL-15 air-to-air missiles has not only raised regional security concerns but also marked a deeper geopolitical alliance.

Here is an in-depth look at five Chinese weapon systems that are transforming Pakistan’s military posture and what it means for India’s national security calculus.

1. The HQ-9: China’s Answer to the S-300 Now on Pakistani Soil

Perhaps the most high-profile Chinese weapon system used by Pakistan is the HQ-9, a long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system that mirrors the Russian S-300 in its capabilities. Deployed to shield key military installations, urban centers, and critical infrastructure, the HQ-9 has formed the backbone of Pakistan’s integrated air defense.

The HQ-9P variant—exported specifically to Pakistan—is designed to intercept aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles at ranges up to 200 km. According to open-source intelligence, the HQ-9P was deployed near major Pakistani airbases and around Islamabad shortly after Indian airstrikes in late April 2025. However, multiple reports indicate that several HQ-9 launchers were destroyed or disabled during targeted Indian precision strikes.

“The HQ-9 provides strategic deterrence but is vulnerable if not paired with robust electronic countermeasures,” said a former Indian Air Force (IAF) officer, speaking on condition of anonymity.

India’s use of Israeli-origin Harop loitering munitions and precision-guided bombs appears to have exploited gaps in the HQ-9’s radar coverage, revealing operational limitations in battlefield conditions.

2. The PL-15E: The Air Combat Game-Changer

Pakistan has also begun operational use of the PL-15E, a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) that equips its Chinese-supplied J-10C fighter jets. The PL-15E, with an estimated range of over 200 km and active radar homing, is one of the most advanced air-to-air weapons in service globally.

Its use was confirmed after the wreckage of a PL-15E missile was recovered inside Indian territory following a skirmish along the Line of Control (LoC). Defense analysts note that this is the first known combat deployment of the missile by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

“The PL-15 allows the PAF to strike at long range without visual contact. It neutralizes India’s advantage with legacy MiG-29s or even upgraded Su-30MKIs if proper electronic support is lacking,” said defense expert Ajay Shukla.

Indian countermeasures now involve deploying newer Rafale jets equipped with Meteor missiles and advanced jamming pods to offset the PL-15’s range advantage.

3. J-10C Fighters: The Pakistani ‘Dragon’ in the Sky

Although not a weapon system by itself, the J-10C multirole fighter is the delivery platform enabling many of these Chinese missiles. With its AESA radar, composite airframe, and PL-15 integration, the J-10C has emerged as a lethal platform in Pakistan’s aerial arsenal.

Analysts believe the J-10C has now taken over much of the frontline air combat role from the aging F-16s and JF-17s. A fleet of over 36 J-10Cs now forms two full squadrons, deployed at bases in Punjab and Balochistan.

During recent air confrontations, Indian radars picked up coordinated J-10C formations conducting high-speed ingress missions. While most were intercepted or deterred, their precision and tactical coordination surprised Indian Air Defence Command.

4. Wing Loong II Drones: China’s Unmanned Arsenal in Pakistani Hands

Another deadly component of Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied arsenal is the Wing Loong II armed drone. Capable of ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) and strike missions, the Wing Loong II is often compared to the U.S. MQ-9 Reaper.

According to satellite imagery and open-source trackers, Pakistan has stationed a number of these drones in bases across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Some have even been spotted near forward airstrips along the LoC.

On May 3, one such drone reportedly fired an air-to-ground missile at an Indian convoy, causing minor damage. While Indian forces claimed to have neutralized the drone using portable air-defense systems (MANPADS), the incident highlights how drones have changed the dynamics of border conflict.

“These drones are cheap, hard to detect, and potent. They add an asymmetrical edge to Pakistan’s offensive toolkit,” said Rakesh Sharma, a former drone warfare analyst with India’s DRDO.

5. LY-80 (HQ-16): The Mid-Tier Shield

Completing the layered air defense system, Pakistan has also fielded the LY-80, known in China as HQ-16—a medium-range SAM system. This system is designed to defend against aerial threats at ranges of 40–70 km and fills the operational gap between MANPADS and the longer-range HQ-9.

The LY-80 has been strategically deployed in a ring around Karachi and the Gwadar port, protecting vital economic and military assets. Analysts suggest that the LY-80, paired with mobile radar and command vehicles, forms the backbone of Pakistan’s second-tier air defense.

In the recent airstrikes, the IAF was forced to fly at extremely low altitudes to avoid LY-80 radar locks, showcasing the system’s battlefield impact.

India’s Countermeasures and Escalation Management

India has responded to these threats with a blend of traditional deterrence and next-gen technology. The Rafale’s Meteor missile, capable of engaging targets at over 150 km, is seen as a direct counter to the PL-15. Additionally, India has increased deployment of the S-400 Triumf system along the western front, giving it a multi-layered air defense capability far more advanced than Pakistan’s Chinese imports.

Electronic warfare platforms such as the DRDO-developed DARE pods are also being used to jam or spoof Chinese radars. Cyber and space-based intelligence efforts have been intensified to monitor drone activity and pre-empt missile deployments.

“We are not just playing catch-up—we’re preempting moves with precision intelligence and electronic dominance,” a senior IAF officer noted.

The Bigger Picture: China’s Expanding Strategic Footprint

Beyond battlefield dynamics, the use of Chinese weaponry in South Asia raises strategic alarms. Analysts believe China’s defense exports to Pakistan are part of a broader goal to encircle and constrain India’s regional influence. From infrastructure in Gilgit-Baltistan to port access in Gwadar, Chinese military logistics now have a footprint dangerously close to Indian territory.

China’s support is not merely commercial—it is deeply strategic. Pakistan’s enhanced aerial and missile capabilities offer Beijing a proxy lever in its regional rivalry with New Delhi.

Global Concerns and Diplomatic Fallout

The United States and its Quad allies have expressed concerns over the proliferation of advanced Chinese weapons in Pakistan. The PL-15’s combat debut and the suspected use of Wing Loong drones in cross-border actions have triggered fresh calls for arms control measures.

India has urged the UN and international community to investigate the misuse of Chinese weapons by Pakistan in violation of international norms, especially where civilian casualties have occurred. So far, Beijing has remained silent, declining to comment on “sovereign military cooperation.”

Conclusion: A New Chapter in South Asian Conflict

As Pakistan leverages Chinese weaponry in real-time conflict with India, South Asia’s strategic dynamics are entering a new era. The PL-15’s operational debut, the HQ-9’s vulnerabilities, and the growing role of Chinese drones suggest a sharp technological pivot that India must—and is—countering with urgency.

For now, India retains the qualitative edge in many domains, but the balance is narrowing. What was once a proxy defense relationship between China and Pakistan is fast becoming a joint operational front.

In this new age of hybrid warfare—defined by long-range missiles, drone swarms, and radar-guided air dominance—the stakes for regional peace have never been higher.

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