India-Pakistan Breaking News Live Updates: Chinese Weapons Fared Below Par in Operation Sindoor, Reports Suggest

India-Pakistan Conflict Update:

Operation Sindoor has not only been a comprehensive military victory for India but also exposed deep fault lines in the defense capabilities of Pakistan—chiefly its excessive reliance on Chinese weaponry. Nearly 82% of Pakistan's defense imports are said to be Chinese, and this conflict is therefore a real-world test-of-concept for Beijing's weaponry. The result, however, has raised serious concerns.

During the operation, Indian troops were successful in disabling key Pakistani military and terror infrastructure. Chinese-made air defense systems, including the HQ-9, failed to intercept a number of Indian missile attacks—most by cutting-edge platforms like the BrahMos missile. Indian troops could bypass or jam them with relative ease.

The media releases also mention the poor performance of certain other Chinese platforms, including PL-15 air-to-air missiles, J-10C fighter jets, and Chinese frigates. These platforms could not keep up with India's varied variety of Western- and Russian-origin aircraft and missiles, rendering Pakistan vulnerable and unable to retaliate.

Chinese Weaponry Under International Scrutiny

Operational shortcomings of Chinese defense systems are not confined to South Asia. The failures can undermine China's already-weakened image as a global arms supplier, analysts say. As Beijing's defense exports were already slowing due to their poor quality, the outcome of Operation Sindoor can accelerate this trend. The opportunities are fresh for countries like India to export their battle-tested systems across the globe, some experts opine.

HQ-9, PL-15, and CM-400AKG in Question

The most advanced air defense system of Pakistan, HQ-9, was unable to detect or shoot down Indian aircraft and missiles, it is reported. Its poor performance led to questions regarding its detection and interception capabilities, particularly against sophisticated platforms.

Even Chinese nationals criticized the HQ-9's performance on social media, while others blamed "poor training and operational inefficiencies" on the Pakistani side. Indian officials countered these claims with evidence in hand—debris of faulty Chinese missiles such as the PL-15, which allegedly missed their targets or exploded in mid-air. Such a piece fell in Hoshiarpur without causing any damage.

China's PL-15 missile, like the American AIM-120D, also could not be effective in the operation. Although successful engagements were claimed by certain Chinese media sources, these were generally mocked as propaganda since they were not independently corroborated.

India's Netra early warning radar, AWACS platforms detected and tracked the Chinese-made CM-400AKG missile, touted as a "carrier killer." Its lack of maneuverability and its lack of stealth made it easy to jam and intercept.

J-10C and JF-17 Jets Disappoint in Combat

Pakistan used the best-of-the-best Chinese fighter aircraft like the J-10C and JF-17 Block III, both of which are mounted with PL-15 missiles. The aircraft did not significantly slow down Indian air strikes. Claims by pro-Pakistani analysts that these jets knocked down Indian Rafales were not backed up and lacked physical evidence like wreckage. Military analysts described the action of Chinese aircraft as "underwhelming" when compared to India's multicultural and technologically sophisticated air force.

LIVE UPDATES: India-Pakistan Tensions

10:18 AM IST – May 19
China Had Offered Air Defense and Satellite Support to Pakistan
According to Bloomberg, quoting a Chinese Ministry of Defense defense research facility, China played a more active role than has so far been exposed. Beijing reportedly assisted Pakistan with satellite imagery data and air defense coordination throughout the 15-day crisis after a terror bombing on April 22 in Pahalgam that killed 26, most of whom were tourists.

08:53 AM IST – May 19
Indian Army Deploys Remnants of Downed Pakistani Missiles
Indian defense troops showcased the remains of Pakistani missiles that were destroyed in mid-air by Indian air defense systems. The move showcases India's operation readiness and technological edge.

07:27 AM IST – May 19
Delhi Ministers Lead 'Tiranga Yatra' to Commemorate Operation Sindoor
To commemorate the triumph of Operation Sindoor, West and Northeast Delhi ministers Kapil Mishra and Ashish Sood convened patriotic rallies. These rallies were to show solidarity with the army.

12:28 AM IST – May 19
India-Pakistan Ceasefire Continues, Says Army Official
A senior Indian Army spokesman has confirmed that India-Pakistan ceasefire agreement, which was started on May 12, is ongoing. There are no other talks between the DGMOs scheduled now.

Stay with us for more authenticated updates on India-Pakistan news and the geopolitical ramifications of Operation Sindoor.