China Dominates Pakistan’s Arms Imports in 2020–24; Turkey Also Gaining Ground

Pakistan’s defence landscape has undergone a significant transformation over the past 15 years. China has emerged as the dominant arms supplier to Pakistan, accounting for a staggering 81% of Pakistan’s total arms imports during 2020–2024. This sharp rise marks a growing strategic and military alignment between the two nations.

Pakistan’s increasing reliance on Chinese arms signals its deepening defence and diplomatic ties with Beijing.

This shift has come at the cost of traditional partners. The United States, once a major arms exporter to Pakistan, has seen its influence decline dramatically. Between 2009 and 2014, the US accounted for 30% of Pakistan’s arms imports. However, it is no longer among the top three suppliers in the 2020–24 period. Italy, too, has lost ground, making way for countries like Turkey and the Netherlands, which are now playing a more prominent role in Pakistan’s arms procurement.

Turkey and China: Strategic Partners in the Making

Turkey, in particular, has grown closer to Pakistan on both diplomatic and military fronts. Turkey has now become the third-largest arms exporter to Pakistan, showcasing a strategic partnership that has evolved beyond just defence trade. Notably, Turkey and Azerbaijan were among the few nations that voiced support for Pakistan after India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

This growing alliance is not one-sided — Pakistan has also emerged as a key market for Turkish exports, accounting for over 10% of Turkey’s total arms exports between 2014 and 2024.

Meanwhile, China’s defence trade relationship with Pakistan has only grown stronger. Between 2009 and 2014, Pakistan accounted for 41% of China’s total arms exports. That figure rose significantly to 63% in the 2020–24 period, further cementing China’s role as Pakistan’s most critical military partner.

Pakistan Among Top 5 Global Arms Importers

In terms of global standing, Pakistan was the fifth-largest arms importer in the world during 2020–24. Its share of global arms imports rose to 4.6%, up from 2.8% in the 2015–19 period. This surge reflects Pakistan’s continued investment in defence capabilities amid regional tensions and shifting alliances.

Pakistan continues to outspend many nations on defence, allocating 2.8% of its GDP to military spending — significantly higher than the 1.8% average for low-middle-income countries.

Key Takeaways:

• China supplied 81% of Pakistan’s arms imports between 2020–24.

• The US, once a key supplier, is no longer in Pakistan’s Top 3 arms partners.

• Turkey has emerged as a major defence partner and exporter to Pakistan.

• Pakistan was the world’s fifth-largest arms importer in 2020–24.

• The country spends 2.8% of its GDP on defence — higher than most developing nations.

With China and Turkey becoming key strategic allies, Pakistan’s military partnerships are clearly pivoting eastward. This evolving geopolitical equation is expected to shape the regional balance of power in the years to come.