Pakistan has claimed to have procured new air defence weapons in response to the vulnerabilities exposed during India’s Operation Sindoor.

The Indian Air Force had successfully struck Pakistani air bases and destroyed radars of the Chinese‑origin HQ‑16 Surface to Air Missile system. On Pakistan Day, commemorating the 1965 war, the Pakistan Air Force showcased new close‑in air defence equipment intended to shield its bases in case of future conflict.

The new systems are reported to be of both Chinese and Turkish origin. The first is the HQ‑17A, derived from the Russian Tor‑M1 system. Like the Tor, the HQ‑17 is an all‑weather, low‑to‑medium altitude, short‑range surface‑to‑air missile system designed to destroy aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles. It can engage targets up to 20 kilometres away and at altitudes below 35,000 feet.

However, many stand‑off weapons currently in use or under development by the Indian Air Force can strike from far beyond this range, limiting the HQ‑17’s effectiveness.

India’s supersonic Brahmos missile, travelling at Mach 3 and hugging terrain, would only appear on the HQ‑17’s radar in the final seconds before impact, reducing the system’s ability to respond.

India is also developing the Rudram series of Anti‑Radiation Missiles, designed to destroy air defence radars from outside the firing envelope of Pakistani systems.

These missiles specifically target radar arrays, neutralising air defence capabilities. Apart from Pakistan, Turkey and Serbia also operate the HQ‑17 system.

Another weapon showcased by Pakistan is the Turkish‑origin KORKUT, a gun‑based close‑in weapon system. Developed by ASELSAN, it is an all‑weather 35 mm self‑propelled anti‑aircraft gun built around two Swiss‑developed cannons with a range of 4 kilometres.

Pakistan already operates Swiss‑made systems and has the logistics in place for ammunition supply. The KORKUT is expected to provide protection similar to India’s L‑70 guns, particularly against drones and swarm drone attacks.

These weapons are intended to provide Pakistani air force assets with some protection against Indian stand‑off weapons and add another layer to its air defence network.

However, during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan had deployed air defence weapons but India’s strikes still found their mark. This was achieved through careful weapon selection and tactics, which blunted Pakistan’s perceived edge in the domain.

In response to Pakistan’s failed attacks on Indian targets, including the use of ballistic missiles, the Indian Air Force struck back with precision.

Key Pakistani air bases, air defence sites, and early warning radar installations were hit across the country, from Nur Khan air base in the north to Malir Cantt in Karachi in the south.

These strikes demonstrated India’s ability to penetrate Pakistani defences and highlighted the limitations of Pakistan’s existing systems.

Pakistan’s procurement of the HQ‑17A and KORKUT reflects its attempt to strengthen its layered air defence network. Yet the technological advancements of India’s missile programs, including Brahmos and Rudram, continue to pose a formidable challenge.

The balance of air power remains tilted in India’s favour, with Pakistan seeking to close the gap through foreign acquisitions.

Agencies