Being sandwiched between hostile neighbours, Pakistan has been bolstering its defence capabilities for the maintenance of state sovereignty and territorial integrity. Military modernization coupled with a desire to develop effective deterrence is set to drive Pakistan’s defence budget at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% from $10.2 billion in 2023 to $12.5 billion in 2027, forecasts GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
GlobalData’s latest report, “Pakistan Defense Market Size and Trends, Budget Allocation, Regulations, Key Acquisitions, Competitive Landscape and Forecast, 2022-27,” reveals that Pakistan’s defence expenditure for 2022 would amount to $9.5 billion, a 4.7% increase on 2021, and reflects a CAGR of 5.2% during 2023-2027.
Rouble Sharma, Aerospace & Defense Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The volatile nature of the current domestic, regional, and international environments has increased the security challenges for Pakistan. Despite the spiralling debt and economic uncertainties, Pakistan has approved ambitious military modernization programs to procure military hardware to build its capabilities and is expected to continue doing the same during the forecast period.”
To boost Pakistan's defence capabilities, China has delivered the latest versions of its J-10 multirole tactical fighter aircraft. Pakistan also plans to induct block III variant of the JF-17 fighter in the future. Additionally, the ongoing program for eight Type-041 submarines, planned for delivery in 2022–28, includes four to be produced under license in Pakistan. Many other programs for the acquisition of artillery and military drones have been ongoing or are planned for the coming years.
Sharma continues: “Pakistan has been leaning on China to procure multiple military equipment. The J-10 will strengthen its conventional deterrence posture, by replacing some of the Pakistan Air Force's aging fleet of Mirage III ROSE fighters and could potentially play a role in low-level maritime strike operations. They are expected to address the asymmetries in the region, enhancing the conventional capabilities of Pakistan.”
Additionally, after a hiatus of four years, the Biden administration has approved a $450 million F-16 fighter jet fleet sustainment program to Pakistan. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified that the planned transaction does not involve any new capabilities, weapons, or munitions.
Sharma concludes: “The decision by the US DSCA to allow PAF F-16s to be sustained helps Pakistan deal with an aging fleet and difficult finances that hinder outright purchases and massive modernization programs. If the country continues to struggle financially, compounded by environmental disasters, it will find itself in a difficult position to modernize or maintain its fleet and a deterioration of the security apparatus in the country can lead to further security concerns in the region.”