Pakistan is reportedly interested in purchasing more Chinese surface-to-air missiles.
On December 6, 2018, the Times of Islamabad reported, citing TASS, that the Pakistani Army is looking to buy three or four FD-2000 surface-to-air missile systems from China. Reportedly, a source in the Ministry of Defense Production discussed the plans, though there is no official confirmation of the news. The source did not indicate whether the two sides are in active negotiations on the topic.
Financial details on the potential sale have not been disclosed.
Quwa Defence News & Analysis Group, which specializes in covering the Pakistani military, noted in an analysis that Chinese-made systems have been the Pakistani Army’s preference, despite stated interest in the surface-to-air missile systems on offer by other suppliers, such as Russia.
The Pakistani military has procured a number of different Chinese-made missile systems in recent years. In March 2017, the Army inducted the LY-80 into service. Acquiring the FD-2000 would help extend the range of Pakistan’s air-defense network. According to Army Recognition, the FD-2000 carries a maximum range of 125 kilometers.
Military markets analyst, covering Eurasia, Middle East, and Africa.
