These 44 countries may regret trusting China for…, Pakistan, Bangladesh paying heavy price for doing this, should India be worried?

In the past few years, there have been many reports about problems with Chinese weapons. Some Chinese missiles failed during tests in Pakistan, and Chinese fighter jets crashed in Bangladesh. Still, China continues to sell its low-cost weapons and aircraft to many countries around the world. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China sold weapons to 44 countries between 2018 and 2024. But this raises some important questions as to which countries are buying these weapons, and why? Especially when there are doubts about their quality. And should India be worried about this?

What went wrong with Chinese weapons in Pakistan and Bangladesh?

Missile and jet failures in Pakistan

  • Shaheen-3 Missile Incident: On July 22, 2025, Pakistan tested the Shaheen-3 missile, which was developed with help from China. The missile failed during the test and crashed near a nuclear facility in Dera Ghazi Khan, causing a loud explosion. Some debris even fell close to homes in Dera Bugti, Balochistan. This missile, like the JF-17 fighter jet, is a joint project between China and Pakistan.
  • Problems with JF-17 Fighter Jet: Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder jet, made in partnership with China, has faced many technical issues. In 2020, there were complaints about its radar not being accurate. Also, the FM-90 missile system, which comes with the jet, had faulty sensors.
  • Issues with F-22P Navy Ships: China also built F-22P frigates for Pakistan’s navy. These ships had engine problems and did not perform well. Their radar and sensor systems were also found to be faulty.

Despite all this, many countries still buy weapons from China because they are cheaper compared to those from the US or Europe. But the reliability of these weapons remains a serious concern.

Jet crashes in Bangladesh raise concerns over Chinese Weapons

Bangladesh had procured K-8W jet trainers from China, but by 2018, serious flaws were discovered in their ammunition systems. Several jets ended up crashing, causing both financial and operational setbacks for the Bangladeshi Air Force.

Back in 2017, Bangladesh also bought the FM-90 surface-to-air missile system from China. However, issues soon emerged in its radar and sensor systems, leading to doubts about its reliability.

These repeated incidents have sparked major concerns over the quality of Chinese-made military equipment. Despite this, many nations continue to turn to China for arms due to their lower prices and flexible terms.

Which countries are buying Chinese weapons?

According to data from the SIPRI and RAND Corporation, between 2018 and 2024, at least 44 countries purchased arms and aircraft from China. Most of these buyers are developing nations, drawn by the affordability and accessibility of Chinese military exports.

Between 2018 and 2024, around 77.3 per cent of China’s total arms exports went to Asian countries, followed by 19.1 per cent to Africa. Here’s a region-wise breakdown of major buyers and the Chinese weapon systems they’ve acquired:

Here’s a look at some of the key countries and what they’ve purchased:

Pakistan – China’s top defense client

Pakistan accounts for a massive 63 per cent of China’s arms exports. The two countries also co-develop certain weapons. Key acquisitions include:

  • JF-17 Thunder fighter jets (jointly developed),
  • J-10C multirole fighter jets,
  • PL-15E air-to-air missiles,
  • HQ-9 and LY-80 air defense systems,
  • F-22P and Type 054A/P frigates,
  • Wing Loong drones.

Bangladesh

  • K-8W trainer jets,
  • FM-90 air defense systems,
  • Type 056 corvette ships,
  • C-802 anti-ship missiles.

Between 2010 and 2020, Bangladesh’s total military purchases from China amounted to around USD 970 million (Trend-Indicator Value).

Myanmar

Myanmar has deepened defense ties with China, especially post-2021 coup. Weapons acquired include:

  • 17 JF-17 fighter jets,
  • CH-3A surveillance drones,
  • Y-8 transport aircraft,
  • Type-43 frigates,
  • Type-92 armored vehicles.

CH-3A drones were reportedly used for surveillance against civilian protestors following the military coup.

Thailand

  • S26T submarines,
  • VT-4 main battle tanks,
  • Type 071E amphibious landing ships.

Indonesia

  • C-705 anti-ship missiles,
  • FM-90 air defense systems.

In 2017, a fatal accident involving Chinese-made arms raised fresh questions about their reliability.

Sri Lanka

  • Y-12 transport aircraft,
  • Type 053H frigate.

Africa: 19.1 per cent of Chinese Arms exports

  • Nigeria: CH-4 drones, VT-4 tanks, SH-5 artillery.
  • Algeria: CH-4 drones, HQ-9 missiles, C-28A corvettes.
  • Ethiopia: SH-15 self-propelled howitzers.
  • Côte d’Ivoire: VN22B armored vehicles.
  • Sudan: FTC-2000 trainer jets, Type 96 tanks.
  • Uganda: Type 85 tanks, SH-3 artillery.
  • Zambia: K-8P trainer jets, Z-9 helicopters.
  • Kenya: VN-4 and WZ-551 armored personnel carriers.
  • Namibia: FT-9 jets, Type 07PA artillery.
  • Cameroon: Type 07PA artillery, WZ-551 vehicles.
  • Ghana: Z-9 helicopters.
  • 🇹🇿 Tanzania: Type 63A amphibious tanks.
  • Djibouti: WMA301 assault guns.
  • Senegal: PTL-02 assault guns.
  • Morocco: Sky Dragon 50 air defense systems.
  • Egypt: Wing Loong drones.
  • Tunisia: CH-4 drones.

Middle East: Expanding Influence

 Saudi Arabia Has actively procured CH-4 and Wing Loong drones. Over 40 Chinese defense firms participated in the 2024 World Defense Show in Riyadh.

United Arab Emirates Bought Wing Loong and CH-5 drones, diversifying away from U.S. suppliers.

Jordan turned to China for CH-4 drones in 2015, after the U.S. denied a request for MQ-1s.

Iraq Acquired CH-4 drones and FT-9 trainer jets.

Oman Purchased C-802 anti-ship missiles.

Iran, a long-time Chinese defense partner since the 1980s, Iran has received: C-802 and C-704 missiles, Type 92 armored vehicles, Tanks, aircraft, and missiles.

South America

  • Venezuela: K-8W trainer jets, VN-4 armored vehicles.
  • Bolivia: K-8 jets, Type 92 armored vehicles.
  • Peru: Type 90B rocket launchers.

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