Pakistan’s armed forces have drawn global attention following their decisive performance during the May 2025 clashes with India along the Line of Control (LoC), a development experts say could dramatically bolster the country’s defence exports and elevate the standing of its indigenous military industry.
Air Superiority and Integrated Defence
At the heart of Pakistan’s battlefield success was the performance of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and its integrated air defence systems, which played a critical role in neutralising Indian aerial threats. During the multi-day engagements, five Indian fighter aircraft were reportedly downed, including Rafale, Su-30MKI, and MiG-29UPG jets—platforms previously considered superior in regional air power rankings (Yousaf, 2025).
In addition, Pakistani air defence batteries and electronic warfare units successfully intercepted and neutralised over 100 Indian drones, including Israeli-supplied Harop loitering munitions, Warmate kamikaze drones, and various quadcopter surveillance systems. This marks one of the largest documented drone neutralisation operations in South Asian military history, showcasing the evolution of Pakistan’s counter-drone capabilities (Rizvi, 2025).
The coordinated air defence response employed both kinetic and non-kinetic solutions, including HQ-9, LY-80 (HQ-16) systems, indigenous Fatah-II interceptors, and electronic jamming suites developed by national defence firms such as GIDS and Air Weapons Complex (AWC).
Bangladesh Eyes Strategic Defence Cooperation with Pakistan
Following Pakistan’s battlefield performance, Bangladesh has expressed renewed interest in pursuing joint defence industry ventures and high-tech acquisitions. Dhaka, which has long maintained defence ties with Beijing and Moscow, is now exploring new avenues for procurement and co-development, particularly with regional partners capable of delivering affordable yet proven systems.
According to officials in Dhaka, the country is seeking upgrades for its tank fleet, advanced UAVs for surveillance and tactical roles, and rocket artillery systems to bolster its deterrent capabilities. Pakistan’s combat-tested platforms such as the Al-Khalid series MBTs, Shahpar-II UCAVs, and A-100E multiple rocket launcher systems are believed to be under active consideration (Rahman, 2025).
In parallel, both countries are reportedly exploring frameworks for technology transfer, licensed production, and joint training programmes under the umbrella of South-South defence cooperation. The move reflects a broader effort by Bangladesh to diversify its defence suppliers and reduce dependency on any single foreign actor.
Impact on Defence Export Prospects
Pakistan’s defence industry, boosted by its battlefield credentials, is expected to benefit from a surge in interest from Central Asia, Africa, and now South Asia. Defence importers are increasingly viewing Pakistan as a credible source for reliable, cost-efficient, and combat-proven military technology (Khan, 2025).
Platforms such as the JF-17 Block III, Al-Khalid II MBT, and Anza air defence systems have drawn inquiries from multiple countries, while Pakistan’s growing cyber and electronic warfare capabilities are attracting attention from militaries with hybrid threat concerns.
Strategic Communication and Controlled Deterrence
Pakistan’s restrained yet potent military posture also helped shape global narratives in its favour. By focusing operations on military targets and avoiding civilian zones, Pakistan was able to project an image of defensive legitimacy and strategic prudence, a contrast to the wider-ranging offensives by Indian forces during the same period (Alvi, 2025).
This balance between tactical success and diplomatic caution is now being viewed as a template for smaller or emerging powers aiming to maintain deterrence credibility without risking full-scale war.
Indigenous Defence Industry Comes of Age
Behind the scenes, Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) has been actively modernising its defence industrial base, with increased localisation, digitisation, and AI integration across platforms. The May 2025 confrontation has now positioned these innovations in the global spotlight.
Institutions such as Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT), Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), and Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW) are expected to benefit from growing international demand, particularly for land combat systems, aerospace technologies, and precision-guided munitions.
Conclusion
The May 2025 clashes may become a defining moment for Pakistan’s military diplomacy and industrial future. With battlefield validation of key systems, interest from strategic neighbours like Bangladesh, and rising export potential, Pakistan is poised to transform from a regional military power into a competitive global defence supplier.
As Islamabad balances strategic influence with commercial opportunity, the fusion of combat performance and industrial resilience marks a turning point in its defence trajectory.
| Organisation | Primary Products / Capabilities | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) | Small arms, ammunition, explosives, mortars, artillery shells, body armour | pof.gov.pk |
| Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) | Main battle tanks (e.g. Al-Khalid), APCs, MRAPs, tank upgrades, armoured vehicles | hit.gov.pk |
| Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) | JF-17 Thunder fighter jet, Super Mushshak trainer, UAVs (Shahpar II, Burraq), radar systems | pac.org.pk |
| Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS) | UAVs, guided bombs, anti-ship missiles, surveillance systems, EW tech | gids.com.pk |
| Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW) | Naval ships, submarines, auxiliary vessels, ship repair and overhaul services | karachishipyard.com.pk |
| National Radio & Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC) | Secure communications systems, surveillance equipment, radar systems | nrtc.com.pk |
| Air Weapons Complex (AWC) | Precision-guided munitions, missile development, avionics, satellite tech | (Public website not available) |
| National Engineering & Scientific Commission (NESCOM) | Missile systems (Babur, Nasr), UAVs, defence R&D, nuclear and conventional capabilities | nescom.gov.pk (limited info) |
| Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) | Defence policy, export promotion, oversight of defence manufacturing | modp.gov.pk |
References
- Alvi, M. (2025) Strategic Communications and Controlled Escalation: Pakistan’s LoC Doctrine. Islamabad: Institute of Regional Security.
- Khan, S. (2025) ‘May 2025 LoC Clashes: A Tactical Analysis of Pakistan’s Armed Forces’, South Asian Defence Review, 13(2), pp. 45–59.
- Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) (2024) Annual Report: Self-Reliance in Defence Manufacturing. Islamabad: Government of Pakistan.
- Rahman, A. (2025) ‘Dhaka’s Defence Diversification: Exploring South Asian Arms Collaboration’, Bangladesh Strategic Review, 7(1), pp. 28–40.
- Rizvi, H. (2025) ‘Combat-Proven Tech and Defence Exports: The Pakistan Case’, Defence Journal of Emerging Markets, 8(1), pp. 101–117.
- Yousaf, T. (2025) ‘PAF’s Aerial Superiority and Counter-Drone Operations in the May 2025 Conflict’, Military Technology Watch, 17(3), pp. 72–85.
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