Pakistan Expands CH-4 Drone Fleet to Counter India's MQ-9B Purchase

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.

 

[Ajath]

CH 4 has earned notorious reputation for its un reliability.

 

[Prashu Sam]

Finally, someone dares to address our adversaries' strengths without succumbing to fear. Too often, we encounter narratives that paint India as inherently superior in every aspect. However, a truly unbiased examination reveals much to admire and learn from Pakistan. Instead of dismissing China and Pakistan's advancements, we must approach them as valuable lessons.

Our failure lies in our inability to translate development efforts spanning over 15 years into tangible results. While we boast of successful trials, we lack a clear path towards production and widespread implementation. This highlights a strategic shortfall within our armed forces, relying too heavily on temporary solutions.

We are in dire need of articles grounded in facts, capable of opening our eyes to reality.

 

[Sridhar]

Finally, someone dares to address our adversaries' strengths without succumbing to fear. Too often, we encounter narratives that paint India as inherently superior in every aspect. However, a truly unbiased examination reveals much to admire and learn from Pakistan. Instead of dismissing China and Pakistan's advancements, we must approach them as valuable lessons.

Our failure lies in our inability to translate development efforts spanning over 15 years into tangible results. While we boast of successful trials, we lack a clear path towards production and widespread implementation. This highlights a strategic shortfall within our armed forces, relying too heavily on temporary solutions.

We are in dire need of articles grounded in facts, capable of opening our eyes to reality.

Pakistan is a buyer of Chinese weapons and manufacturers weapons under ToT. India has drawn plans to manufacture indegeneous UAV / UCAV . Now Indian pvt companies are into manufacturing of UAV / UCAV and the same are getting inducted if they meet their specifications.
And you will appreciate certain critical information are kept confidential .

 

[Sandeep]

It's good that Pakistan buy more unreliable, inaccurate, low range etc cheap Chinese junk. These would spend more time grounded trying to fix a plethora of faults and technology failure. It's weapons package will be just as bad with inaccurate and low range bombs and missiles. India doesn't need to worry about these drones as in a real warfare they are sitting ducks that can be easily intercepted as it can't fly fast enough away from the missile or jet. India should focus on its own indigenous Archer NG which will be a armed drone but can be used for surveillance as well along with other capabilities like EW etc.

 

[Prashu Sam]

Pakistan is a buyer of Chinese weapons and manufacturers weapons under ToT. India has drawn plans to manufacture indegeneous UAV / UCAV . Now Indian pvt companies are into manufacturing of UAV / UCAV and the same are getting inducted if they meet their specifications.
And you will appreciate certain critical information are kept confidential .

In the realm of Indian defense, secrecy obscures truth, often serving suspicious interests over national ones. The delays surrounding VSHORDS, AK-203, K-9 Vejra, ATAGS, and Dhanush lack justification. It appears that rather than prioritizing the nation's welfare, someone is safeguarding incompetence.

 

[Sridhar]

In the realm of Indian defense, secrecy obscures truth, often serving suspicious interests over national ones. The delays surrounding VSHORDS, AK-203, K-9 Vejra, ATAGS, and Dhanush lack justification. It appears that rather than prioritizing the nation's welfare, someone is safeguarding incompetence.

I was trying to highlight the difference between Pakistan and Indian military industrial capabilities.

Are you aware K 9 Vajra VSHORDS are progressing well ?

 

[Indeevar Sharma]

Good. Pakis should buy more Chinese junks and becomes debt trapped. Good for India. In any case, It will be divided into 4 Parts - Sindh, Baluchistaan, Punjab & POK. While all these 4 will become part of India, only Islamabad will be known as Pakistan.

 

[kumar]

But they have no money for roti.
They beg Arabia, China, the WB, and the IMF for roti.

 

[Indian1]

People starve. Get IMF loan and buy weapons with that money. IMF will provide more loans and buy more weapons.