India's recent purchase of advanced MQ-9B drones from the United States has sent ripples of concern across the border. Pakistan, unable to compete financially with India's $4 billion deal, has turned to China for a more affordable solution.
The country has already acquired ten CH-4 armed drones and is now looking to double its fleet with another potential ten-drone deal worth roughly $24 million.
The CH-4: A Formidable, But Less Advanced, Option
While the CH-4 is a potent weapon – armed with missiles and capable of long-duration flights – experts consider it significantly less advanced than the MQ-9B. This Chinese drone's slower speed and altitude limitations may leave it exposed to potential countermeasures.Balochistan: Fueling Further Concerns
Pakistan's stated reason for expanding its CH-4 fleet is to combat terrorism in the troubled province of Balochistan. However, critics find something deeply unsettling about a government using armed drones against its own people.This move raises questions about the regime's methods and further highlights the severity of the ongoing conflict in Balochistan.
The Arms Race Heats Up
Pakistan's push to acquire more drones is a clear response to India's military modernization. This deal is the latest move in a long-standing arms race, with both nations investing heavily in advanced technologies to maintain a strategic edge over their rival.Pakistan's Growing Drone Arsenal
In addition to the CH-4, Pakistan's drone capabilities are steadily expanding. Their arsenal includes the Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci, along with the Chinese Wing Loong II. They also boast of a domestically manufactured model, the Shahpar-II.In Conclusion
Pakistan's latest drone deal underscores the fierce technological competition between these two regional powers. As India acquires cutting-edge drones like the MQ-9B, Pakistan is determined to keep pace, even with less sophisticated options like the CH-4.This arms race shows no signs of slowing, with both nations striving for dominance in the skies.
