Lt Gen Khandare Critiques Chinese Military Equipment in Pakistan: A Strategic Vulnerability
During the recent CNN-News18 Defence Townhall, as detailed by IDRW, Lieutenant General Vinod G Khandare (Retd.), who previously served as the Principal Adviser to the Ministry of Defence, offered a critical analysis of Chinese military equipment, specifically the exports to Pakistan. His comments cast doubts on the credibility and operational effectiveness of China's defense systems, many of which have not yet faced the test of real combat situations.
Khandare pointed out that despite the seemingly advanced design and capabilities of Chinese systems like the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet and PL-15 air-to-air missile, their actual performance in battle conditions remains uncertain. This lack of proven combat effectiveness, he suggested, could pose a strategic risk for countries such as Pakistan that heavily rely on Chinese weaponry.
He also speculated that China might be using Pakistan as a testing ground for its unproven military technology. "China gives them [Pakistan] these systems so they can be tested, and the Chinese can learn from the mistakes," Khandare remarked, indicating that China's military-industrial complex might be deploying experimental systems to refine its own technologies.
The retired General also addressed broader issues within the Chinese defense sector, noting the recent removal of several senior generals from the People’s Liberation Army. According to him, these dismissals were not solely due to financial corruption but were also connected to the production of inferior quality weapons. He contended that China's rapid push for military modernization has compromised the quality of its armaments, undermining their credibility.
Khandare argued that this combination of internal corruption and questionable product quality reveals underlying weaknesses in China's defense production system. For Pakistan, which views Chinese equipment as vital for countering India's military advantage, this could have significant strategic implications.
His observations offer both a warning and insight for Indian defense strategists. Although the presence of advanced Chinese military systems in Pakistan's arsenal might seem threatening, their unproven nature could potentially serve as an advantage for India in a conflict. Nonetheless, he emphasized that India must remain vigilant.
As China continues to expand its military-industrial capabilities and strengthen its alliance with Pakistan, India needs to focus on investing in reliable technologies, enhancing its indigenous defense manufacturing, and maintaining a realistic assessment of emerging threats.
