Across Asia and Africa, Chinese-made defence equipment is showing critical weaknesses—raising urgent questions about reliability, safety, and combat readiness. Countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Myanmar have experienced radar blind spots, jet crashes, and malfunctioning systems that undermine their security posture. The most recent incident during Operation Sindoor in Pakistan highlights how vulnerable these platforms can be under actual combat conditions.
Pakistan’s Radar Failures During Operation Sindoor
In May 2025, Indian media reported that Pakistan’s Chinese-made radar systems—including the LY-80 and HQ-9—failed to detect or intercept Indian precision strikes. This operational gap echoed previous failures seen during the Balakot airstrike (2019) and the accidental BrahMos missile overflight (2022). The YLC-8E radar was reportedly destroyed during the operation, while the PL-15 air-to-air missile missed its target. These incidents, widely covered by media outlets, suggest systemic issues in Pakistan’s Chinese-equipped defence infrastructure.
Defective Equipment in Pakistan’s Surface and Air Forces
Beyond radar problems, Pakistan’s military has faced chronic defects in Chinese systems:
- F-22P frigates suffer from engine and sensor degradation.
- FM-90(N) air defence units were found with IR and imaging flaws, leading to forced replacements.
- PL-15 missiles and platforms like JF-17 and J-10C have underperformed in aerial engagements.
Indian sources cited long fault lists and lack of reliable after-sales support, echoing findings from RAND about hidden costs and weak maintenance in Chinese arms deals.
Bangladesh: Fatal Crashes and Faulty Jets
In July 2025, a Chinese-supplied F-7 BGI fighter jet crashed into a school in Dhaka, killing 27 civilians. Mechanical failure shortly after takeoff was blamed. Prior incidents included firing issues with K-8W trainer jets and spare-part shortages for MBT-2000 tanks. Even Chinese-origin frigates in the Bangladeshi Navy were flagged for serious defects.
Such tragedies and technical shortcomings have sparked debate over the long-term safety and sustainability of China’s military exports.
Myanmar and Nigeria: Grounded Fleets and Dangerous Disrepair
Myanmar grounded multiple JF-17 fighter jets after discovering structural cracks and radar inaccuracies. Nigeria’s F-7 fleet faced seven crashes in under five years, leading to emergency returns of aircraft to China for repairs. These examples illustrate the broader pattern: low-cost acquisitions often lead to expensive and disruptive maintenance cycles.
Why Countries Still Choose Chinese Defence Gear
Despite the failures, many nations continue to procure Chinese equipment because of:
- Lower upfront costs
- Easy financing terms
- Minimal political restrictions
However, the lack of vendor accountability, spare parts availability, and integration support means buyers often face operational downtimes and increased risks—sometimes fatal ones.
A Drop in Global Confidence
According to SIPRI data shared by RAND, China’s arms exports dropped 23% between 2013–17 and 2018–22. While pricing still attracts buyers, the mounting reliability concerns are prompting countries to seek alternatives.
Snapshot of Failures by Country
| Country | Equipment | Reported Issues | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | LY-80, HQ-9, YLC-8E | Failed radar detection & intercepts | Vulnerable to Indian airstrikes |
| Bangladesh | F-7 BGI, K-8W | Mechanical failures & firing issues | Civilian deaths, low training value |
| Myanmar | JF-17 | Cracks & radar faults | Grounded fighter fleet |
| Nigeria | F-7 | Frequent crashes | Returned for deep maintenance |
Combat Claims Are Contested: Why Independent Verification Matters
Pakistani media claimed Indian Rafales were shot down during Operation Sindoor. However, The Week and Reuters reported one Rafale loss due to technical failure—not combat. Dassault’s CEO denied Chinese weapon effectiveness. These conflicting reports underline the importance of neutral, independently verified data in defence journalism.
Conclusion: The True Cost of Cheap Defence Deals
Chinese arms sales are often marketed as affordable solutions for budget-stretched nations. But behind the price tag lies a troubling record of poor reliability, insufficient maintenance support, and devastating operational failures. Nations depending on Chinese defence technology may be compromising their long-term security and combat credibility.
For diplomats, policymakers, and defence planners, the takeaway is simple: cheap doesn’t mean safe—and battlefield truth will always outshine brochure promises.