Pakistan has reportedly moved to reinforce its air defence network with the acquisition of China’s Type 625E short-range system, designed mainly to counter drones and low-altitude aerial threats. The development comes amid concerns within Pakistan over damage attributed to Indian drone activity during Operation Sindoor.
According to a report by Defense Security Asia, the system is expected to be integrated into Pakistan’s broader air defence setup in the coming days. However, there has been no official confirmation from Islamabad or the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), leaving key details of the deal undisclosed, including numbers, delivery timelines, and configurations.
Pakistan has already inducted Chinese-origin systems such as the HQ-9/P and LY-80 in recent years. The addition of the Type 625E is seen as an effort to further strengthen its ability to deal with smaller aerial threats, particularly drone swarms and low-flying attacks that are increasingly common in modern warfare.
The Type 625E is a mobile air defence platform built specifically for such roles. It features a six-barrel Gatling gun capable of firing at very high rates to engage fast, low-altitude targets like drones and helicopters. Alongside this, it carries short-range missile systems such as the FN-16 or FB-10, with engagement ranges of roughly six to ten kilometres, creating a layered defensive capability.
The system is also equipped with a foldable radar, thermal imaging cameras, and laser rangefinders, allowing it to detect and track targets even in environments affected by electronic jamming or radar disruption. These features are increasingly important as electronic warfare becomes more common on modern battlefields.
Mounted on an 8×8 armoured vehicle, the platform is highly mobile and can be rapidly deployed across varied terrain, including desert regions and forward operational zones. This mobility is considered a key advantage in fast-changing combat situations.
While official details remain unconfirmed, the reported induction of the Type 625E reflects Pakistan’s continued push to modernise its air defence network with a stronger focus on counter-drone and low-altitude threat systems, alongside its existing Chinese-supplied platforms.
