China’s ambitions to become a top-tier global arms supplier are facing serious scrutiny as a series of combat failures involving its military hardware have exposed critical weaknesses. Systems marketed as cost-effective alternatives to Western and Russian equipment have demonstrated significant performance issues in real-world conflicts, raising doubts about the reliability and combat effectiveness of Chinese-made weapons.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China has become the world’s fourth-largest arms exporter, leveraging a strategy of offering advanced-looking technology at a fraction of the cost of competitors. Systems like the J-10C fighter jet, Wing Loong-II drones, and HQ-series air defence missiles have appealed to nations with limited defence budgets, particularly those facing Western sanctions, such as Pakistan and Iran. However, battlefield evidence suggests that affordability comes at a steep price in quality and reliability.
The most recent incident occurred in Cambodia, where a video circulated online in May 2025 showed a Cambodian soldier’s Chinese-made light machine gun (LMG) repeatedly jamming during a border skirmish with Thailand. The incident, which occurred amid heightened tensions that led Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to activate a conscription law, brought global attention to the inconsistent performance of Chinese small arms under combat stress. Such failures not only endanger soldiers but also severely damage user confidence in the equipment. Similar complaints about defective components in Chinese weapons have been reported previously by military forces in Nigeria and Myanmar.
Pakistan, China’s largest military hardware client, has heavily integrated Chinese technology into its armed forces. In May 2025, this reliance was put to the test during India’s “Operation Sindoor,” launched in response to a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The operation resulted in a catastrophic failure of Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied air defence network. Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale jets, using SCALP precision-strike missiles, successfully bypassed and neutralized Pakistan’s air defence grid. Reports indicate that Chinese-made systems, including the HQ-9 and HQ-16 surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) and YLC-8E anti-stealth radars, were rendered ineffective by Indian electronic warfare tactics. The systems failed to intercept any incoming missiles, and a key YLC-8E radar at Chunian Air Base was reportedly destroyed. In addition, several Chinese-made Wing Loong-II drones operated by Pakistan were shot down by Indian air defences, further exposing their vulnerabilities. An article in The Times of India noted the operation exposed “critical vulnerabilities” in Pakistan’s arsenal, dealing a severe blow to China’s reputation.
In June 2025, Israeli airstrikes successfully crippled approximately one-third of Iran’s air defence network, which primarily consists of Russian and locally-developed systems. In the aftermath, some Chinese military commentators on social media platforms like Weibo claimed that Chinese weapons, such as the J-10C fighter and Hongqi-series SAMs, would have performed better. However, these assertions are undermined by the documented performance of similar Chinese systems in Pakistan. The inability of China’s premier air defence technology to counter Indian electronic warfare and precision missiles suggests they would be equally, if not more, vulnerable to Israel’s highly advanced air force.
The cumulative impact of these battlefield failures represents a significant blow to the credibility of China’s defence industry. While China’s arms exports are substantial, their concentration in a few key clients, particularly Pakistan, makes its market position vulnerable. The repeated underperformance of its systems risks alienating potential buyers who prioritise reliability over cost. This situation creates a strategic opening for competitors. Western and Israeli manufacturers may find new customers as nations re-evaluate the true cost and risk of relying on Chinese military technology. Meanwhile, nations like India are increasingly promoting their own combat-proven systems, such as the BrahMos missile and Akash air defence system, as more affordable options with proven reliability.
These developments could reshape the global arms market, with potential buyers seeking alternatives that offer both affordability and combat effectiveness. The setbacks also underscore the importance of rigorous testing and validation in military procurement, as nations increasingly prioritise systems that can withstand the rigours of modern warfare. As the defence landscape evolves, China’s ability to regain trust and market share will hinge on its capacity to address these critical shortcomings and demonstrate consistent performance in real-world combat scenarios.
