A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) video released on 7 September has showcased several air defence systems originating from China and Turkey and which are now in use with Pakistan’s military.
The new weapon systems included the Chinese HQ-17AE short-range air defence system, and the Turkish firm Aselsan’s 35mm Korkut self-propelled antiaircraft gun (SPAAG) and Sahin counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (C-UAV) system.
These weapon systems have all appeared after the short but sharp aerial war that Pakistan and India fought in May 2025.
The HQ-17AE appears to be a newly inducted surface-to-air missile (SAM) system for Pakistan, and it will enhance the PAF’s ability to counter low-altitude threats such as drones and loitering munitions.
Pakistan is the third confirmed foreign operator of the HQ-17AE, after Serbia and Tajikistan. Serbia also operates the Chinese FK-3/HQ-22 SAM system.
The HQ-17AE is fitted with a phased-array radar and it can engage up to four targets simultaneously. Eight missiles are carried aboard the wheeled launcher. It was developed by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), and it made its public debut at Airshow China 2021.
The video also showcased other Chinese-made SAM systems operated by the PAF, including the HQ-9BE and HQ-16FE. In addition, JF-17 Thunder and J-10CE fighters were shown carrying Chinese-built weapons.
Pakistani J-10CEs were seen carrying PL-15E beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles on a twin launcher. One of these aircraft was airborne with four PL-15Es, two Close Combat Missiles and two drop tanks. The JF-17s, meanwhile, were carrying CM-400AKG supersonic missiles.
PAF Wing Loong II drones developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Design and Research Institute under AVIC are also seen in the video.
The PAF’s growing inventory of Turkish-supplied defence systems shown include Baykar Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci UAVs, along with K2 Kamikaze drones.
However, the footage indicated for the first time that the PAF is now operating Korkut 150/35 SPAAG and Sahin C-UAV systems. Aselsan’s 2025 annual report stated the first Korkut 150/35 overseas delivery took place in 2025, although it did not identify the customer.
The Korkut 150/35 can engage aerial targets such as aircraft, helicopters, air-to-ground missiles, cruise missiles and UAVs. Its twin 35mm cannons have a rate of fire of 1,100 rounds per minute, and they can fire programmable airburst ammunition. Its target engagement range is quoted as 4km.
Aselsan’s Sahin C-UAV system is capable of using 40mm programmable airburst ammunition. The system is intended to provide the PAF with an additional, close-range, hard-kill capability against drones and loitering munitions.
