Drones, Missiles & Chinese Weapon Systems: Pakistan Accelerates Military Modernisation After Op Sindoor

Last Updated:July 06, 2026, 19:49 IST

China and Türkiye have emerged as Pakistan’s principal defence partners in this modernisation drive

Pakistan has launched an aggressive military modernisation drive following Operation Sindoor, with a focus on drones, long-range precision strike systems and Chinese-origin weapon platforms.

Sources in the defence and security establishment told CNN-News18 that Islamabad is accelerating force expansion with emphasis on both advanced platforms and emerging technologies. The overhaul includes investment in missiles, artillery, loitering munitions and unmanned systems.

The planned force restructuring includes induction of stealth fighters, expansion of missile units, acquisition of unmanned systems, submarines, upgrades to legacy attack helicopters and strengthening of the country’s air defence network.

As per inputs, Pakistan plans to induct more than 1,000 YIHA unmanned aerial vehicles from Türkiye. The move points towards the lessons Islamabad is believed to have drawn from Operation Sindoor where drones and loitering munitions emerged as a key component of the battlefield. Pakistan Army also plans to convert five existing artillery regiments into missile regiments.

China and Türkiye have emerged as Pakistan’s principal defence partners in this modernisation drive. While Ankara is expected to supply large numbers of UAVs, Beijing continues to expand its footprint across fighter aircraft, artillery, air defence and emerging technologies.

Pakistan is expected to receive around 40 Chinese J-35 stealth fighters where deliveries might start by the end of 2026. The induction would provide the Pakistan Air Force with its first fifth-generation fighter capability. The sources further said Pakistan is developing a high-energy laser weapon with technology support from China. The programme is understood to be part of Islamabad’s effort to build counter-drone and future air defence capabilities.

The Pakistan Army is also upgrading its fleet of AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters. It is simultaneously expanding the induction of Chinese Z-10 attack helicopters.

As of 2025, Pakistan operates 43 attack helicopters comprising 38 Cobra helicopters, four Mi-35M helicopters and one Z-10ME. Post Operation Sindoor, the focus has shifted towards upgrading the Cobra fleet while increasing the number of Chinese-origin attack helicopters. Plans are to induct more than 30 Z-10 attack helicopters. Further, Pakistan is also expanding its air defence network, although specific details of the deployment remain unavailable.

On the artillery front, Pakistan continues to rely on one of the region’s largest gun inventories. The Pakistan Army currently operates more than 4,600 artillery systems, including over 550 self-propelled guns, more than 1,600 towed guns, over 85 multiple rocket launchers and around 2,350 mortars.

During Operation Sindoor, Pakistan employed Chinese-origin artillery systems in cross-border firing targeting civilian areas in Rajouri and Poonch in Jammu, according to Indian officials. Sources said Islamabad is now further strengthening its artillery arm through additional imports of Chinese SH-15 155 mm self-propelled gun systems. Pakistan plans to procure more than 500 SH-15 guns, with over 200 already delivered.

The planned acquisitions indicate that Pakistan is prioritising stand-off strike capability, unmanned warfare and networked battlefield systems as it reshapes its military following Operation Sindoor.

About the Author

Akash Sharma

Akash Sharma, Defence Correspondent, CNN-News 18, covers the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways. In addition, he also follows developments in the national capital. With an extensive experien...Read More

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