Pakistani Military Advancements with Chinese Weapons Tip the Balance Against India – Morocco Was a Pioneer in Diversification

ALDAR / Analysis

As military tensions between India and Pakistan escalate in this early phase of the ongoing conflict, the need to assess the real-world performance of the military equipment being deployed becomes increasingly important. In particular, Chinese-made systems adopted by the Pakistani military—such as surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles, radars, and tanks—have drawn the attention of defense observers eager to evaluate their effectiveness in active combat situations.

In this context, it is worth recalling that Morocco, under the strategic vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, took a bold step as early as 2010 to diversify its sources of armament. This transformation followed a significant royal visit to China, after which Morocco began incorporating Chinese military systems into the arsenal of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces.

Among the most notable of these additions were short-range air defense systems such as the PL-9C and 35mm anti-aircraft guns, as well as the medium-range Sky Dragon 50 system, supported by IBIS-150 and IBIS-80 radar units. The acquisition also included PHL-03 multiple launch rocket systems, a battalion of MBT-2000/Al Khalid tanks, and HJ-8L and HJ-9A anti-tank guided missiles.

Morocco’s move at the time reflects an exceptional level of strategic foresight, particularly in light of the rapid changes characterizing the global arms market. This decision has allowed the Royal Armed Forces to strengthen their defensive capabilities through balanced and diversified international partnerships.