Pakistan Navy Day: Islamabad's Naval Fleet Still Dependent on Beijing for Survival

As Pakistan celebrates its Navy Day on September 8—there is an undeniable reality that clouds the commemorations: the country's heavy dependence on foreign suppliers—particularly China for its naval assets. Pakistan , despite its status as a nuclear power, continues to rely on Beijing, to modernise and maintain its naval capabilities.

Meanwhile, resident powers like India have significantly developed indigenous naval technologies. This stark contrast between Pakistan ’s reliance on external aid and India’s self-reliance highlights a critical vulnerability in Pakistan ’s defence strategy. The country's Navy Day offers a timely moment to reflect on the state of Pakistan’s naval forces and its broader warship shipbuilding industry.

China- Pakistan Military Cooperation: A Case Study

Pakistan ’s naval procurement strategy has been shaped by its close military cooperation with China in recent years. The 2021 acquisition of four Type 054A/P frigates from China is emblematic of this relationship. These frigates, equipped with modestly advanced radar systems and advanced weaponry, provide a considerable operational boost for Pakistan ’s Navy. However, the absence of substantial technology transfer from China means that Pakistan's own naval shipyards remain underdeveloped.

Pakistan ’s dependence on China for naval modernisation goes beyond merely acquiring vessels. This dependence extends into the broader realm of military cooperation, tying Pakistan ’s naval strategy closely to Beijing’s geopolitical ambitions. While China benefits from expanding its influence in the Indian Ocean region, Pakistan’s reliance on Chinese platforms limits its ability to independently project naval power, raising concerns about the long-term consequences of this partnership.

Risks of Dependence on Foreign Aid

Relying on foreign military aid, especially from China, poses significant risks for Pakistan . Should political relations between the two countries ever sour, Pakistan ’s naval operations could be severely hindered. The lack of indigenous maintenance capabilities for these advanced vessels could leave the Pakistan Navy vulnerable during a conflict or diplomatic crisis. Furthermore, this reliance on China risks compromising Pakistan’s strategic autonomy, forcing Islamabad to align its regional strategy more closely with Beijing’s interests in the Indian Ocean.

With China seeking to expand its footprint in the Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions, Pakistan ’s dependence on Chinese naval platforms potentially turns it into a strategic pawn in the larger power dynamics of the region. At a time when India is emerging as a major player in the Indo-Pacific and reinforcing its own naval power, Pakistan ’s lack of indigenous capability becomes an increasingly glaring disadvantage.

Naval experts are still divided on the issue of Pakistan ’s foreign military dependence. They argue that Pakistan ’s reliance on Chinese military platforms, while temporarily advantageous, ultimately compromises its strategic autonomy. During a potential crisis, this dependency could severely restrict Pakistan's operational freedom. On the other hand, some analysts defend the procurement strategy, citing financial constraints.

Missed Opportunities in Naval Development

Pakistan has had several opportunities to build a stronger naval industry, but these have largely been squandered. Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW), the country's premier shipbuilding facility, has long struggled with underinvestment, outdated infrastructure, and limited technical expertise. While KSEW has successfully produced smaller vessels, such as patrol boats, it lacks the capacity to build larger warships and submarines.

This inability to produce advanced naval platforms has forced Pakistan to rely on foreign suppliers, primarily China, for its fleet’s modernisation. While other nations have used foreign defence deals to acquire technology and build domestic production capacity, Pakistan has missed similar opportunities. For instance, despite receiving advanced frigates from China, little has been done to use these deals for meaningful technology transfer that could benefit Pakistan’s local shipbuilding industry.

A Crying need for Reforms

Undoubtedly, Pakistan ’s naval shipbuilding industry is at a crossroads. Pakistan must make substantial investments in research and development (R&D), technology transfer agreements, and domestic production capabilities to secure its maritime interests and regain strategic autonomy. This shift would reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and enable Pakistan to project any influence in the Indian Ocean let alone beyond.

Policy reforms encouraging public-private partnerships in defence production could open doors for innovation and international collaboration. Additionally, diversifying military partnerships to include nations offering meaningful technology transfer opportunities could potentially strengthen Pakistan ’s capacity to develop its own advanced naval platforms. Experts argue that with sustained investment and political will, Pakistan could develop its own frigates and submarines within a decade. However both are seen as running out as a result of constant internal issues plaguing the country.

India’s Naval Prowess: A Stark Contrast

India, in contrast, has proven that self-reliance in defence production is not only possible but crucial for long-term security. Through initiatives such as "Make in India," the country has built a robust defence manufacturing base that includes the production of aircraft carriers, submarines, and advanced destroyers. The Kolkata-class destroyers and Vikrant-class aircraft carriers exemplify India’s commitment to reducing foreign dependence.

This focus on indigenous production has provided India with strategic autonomy and bolstered its position as a regional naval power in the Indo-Pacific. The stark difference between India’s self-reliant approach and Pakistan ’s reliance on foreign suppliers further underscores the urgency for Islamabad to rethink its naval procurement policies.

A Need for Strategic Realignment

As Pakistan marks another Navy Day, the celebration should come with a clear-eyed assessment of the future. The country stands at a critical juncture: continue its reliance on foreign suppliers, or take the first steps to build a self-sufficient navy capable of safeguarding its maritime interests. For Pakistan to secure its future and regain its strategic autonomy, investment in indigenous defence production and long-term planning is essential.

The choice Pakistan makes today will shape its defence capabilities for decades to come. Will Pakistan embrace the challenge of building a truly self-reliant navy, or will it continue to depend on foreign military aid, risking its strategic autonomy at the cost of a few vessels?

Manan Bhatt is a Veteran of the Indian Navy. A Graduate of Saurashtra University, having served onboard Frigates & Corvettes with 15 years’ service under his belt that includes service during Operation Talwar (Kargil War) and Operation Parakram also assignments at the Integrated Headquarters of Defence and DRDO. He is continuously striving for rehabilitation and resettlement of widows, children and families of fallen soldiers, disabled ex-servicemen and ex-servicemen. He lives in Rajkot, Gujarat .