The global and European relevance
of the Kashmir conflict

Since the partition of the Indian subcontinent, regular and often violent disputes have broken out along the Line of Control in Kashmir. Both India and Pakistan claim the region in full, though control has been split since the first war between the two countries.

One of these disputes erupted at the end of April, triggering an air engagement in which the Pakistani Air Force, using Chinese-made J-10 multi-role combat aircraft, downed at least one, and possibly as many as three, Rafale multi-role fighters from the Indian Air Force. The French-built Rafales are considered technologically superior, but the incident was a defeat for the Indian side – and a wake-up call.

Such incidents between the two nuclear powers normally receive a modicum of international attention before interest fizzles. This one is different, not only because it exposed India’s shortcomings but because it highlighted the growing strategic alignment between Pakistan and China. Their deepening military and technological partnership, coupled with ongoing border disputes between India and China, creates a triangular flashpoint with global implications.

Strategic lessons from Beijing

The incident also reflects a shift in global defense dynamics. China has achieved full autonomy in its defense industry. While the quality of Chinese equipment may still be slightly inferior to its Western counterparts, especially U.S. systems, the cost advantage is substantial. As the war in Ukraine shows, in wars of attrition, quantity matters.

Pakistan’s armed forces now operate almost exclusively with Chinese military hardware (which comes with indispensable software systems), from fighter jets to naval systems. This creates a high degree of interoperability, allowing for coordinated operations that leverage compatible systems like the PL-15 air-to-air missile, likely used to down the Indian jets. That technological synergy was a key factor in the incident’s outcome.

India, by contrast, has long relied on a mix of Russian, American and European platforms, in addition to developing its own defense industry. But these systems often lack interoperability, a vulnerability that became clear in the skies over Kashmir.

A Chinese edge in the global arms race

The air battle in Kashmir is already being cited as a success for the Chinese defense industry. It demonstrates that Beijing’s systems are not only cheaper and widely available – they work. China also imposes fewer political conditions on buyers compared to Western arms exporters. Like the U.S., it reserves its most advanced models for domestic use, but its exports are increasingly competitive.

Pakistan’s reliance on Chinese defense systems increases Beijing’s influence on Islamabad while providing an opportunity to test this equipment in real engagement. The recent success is likely to boost Chinese arms sales globally, particularly among countries that seek autonomy from Western influence or cannot afford Western equipment.

Implications for Europe

The Kashmir incident carries lessons for Europe as it embarks on a long-overdue rearmament drive:

• Procurement must prioritize system compatibility. European partners must coordinate defense acquisitions to ensure interoperability across the continent.
• Quantity and coordination often outweigh perfection. The most expensive, advanced system is not always the most effective.
• Operational success depends not only on technology, but on how systems are used and integrated.
• Reliable access to spare parts is essential.

Europe should take note: China’s “Vigorous Dragon” (as the J-10 is nicknamed) has already made a global impact. The incident is a signal that European capitals – especially as they modernize and strengthen their own forces – must focus not just on what to buy, but how to build systems that work together.

This comment was originally published here: https://www.gisreportsonline.com/r/kashmir-global-defense/