China’s Military Tech: The Hidden Truth Behind Sipri’s Report on Defense Manufacturing

A Sipri report highlights China’s rise in defense manufacturing but omits its practice of reverse engineering foreign military technology, particularly from Russia. While China has reduced arms imports by 64%, it has achieved self-reliance by adapting foreign designs like the Su-27 into the J-11 and developing advanced stealth fighters, often accused of copying U.S. and Russian tech. In contrast, India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative aims for ethical self-reliance but faces challenges like high costs and technological gaps, relying on foreign suppliers for critical components.

Despite progress with indigenous systems like the HAL Tejas, India still imports key parts, especially jet engines. India’s defense procurement is also influenced by tensions with China, driving collaborations with countries like the U.S. and France. China, now the fourth-largest arms exporter, leverages affordable military exports to expand its geopolitical influence, particularly in regions like South Asia. India, however, struggles to match China’s manufacturing capacity and global arms reach.

China’s Military Tech: The Hidden Truth Behind Sipri’s Report on Defense Manufacturing

The SIPRI report highlights China’s growing defense manufacturing capabilities but falls short in addressing the country’s extensive use of reverse engineering foreign military technology. While China has made considerable progress in reducing its reliance on foreign arms, much of this progress has been driven by adapting and replicating foreign technology, particularly from Russia. In contrast, India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative emphasizes ethical self-reliance in defense production, despite facing significant challenges.

Over the past decade, China has drastically reduced its arms imports by 64%, signaling a strong push towards self-sufficiency in defense. However, this shift has been accompanied by controversy surrounding its reverse engineering practices. Notably, China’s development of fighter jets like the J-11, J-15, and J-16 involved replicating Russian designs, while its stealth fighters, such as the J-20 and FC-31, have been accused of incorporating stolen technology from both the U.S. and Russia. These practices underscore China’s reliance on reverse engineering rather than original innovation, raising concerns in the global defense community.

Despite these controversies, China has made significant strides in domestic production and arms exports. Its defense manufacturing has matured to the point where China is now the fourth-largest arms exporter in the world. The country’s growing export portfolio includes advanced drones and fighter jets, reducing its reliance on Russian technology. China’s arms exports have also increased its geopolitical influence, especially in regions like South Asia and Africa, where nations like Pakistan are heavily dependent on Chinese military equipment.

India’s path to self-reliance in defense has been slower. While the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative aims to promote ethical self-sufficiency, India continues to depend on foreign suppliers for key military components. Although India has made progress in developing indigenous systems, such as the HAL Tejas fighter jet and advanced missile systems, it still imports critical parts, including jet engines and sophisticated avionics. Efforts to bridge these gaps are ongoing, but the journey toward complete self-reliance remains challenging due to constraints like limited production capacity and high costs.

The escalating border tensions with China have prompted India to accelerate its defense procurements, often turning to countries like the U.S. and France for advanced weaponry. This strategic shift is aimed at countering China’s expanding military presence, but it also risks creating long-term dependencies on foreign suppliers. In contrast, China has largely overcome such challenges and expanded its influence by providing affordable military exports, particularly to its allies like Pakistan.

Ultimately, while India has made significant strides in reducing its reliance on foreign arms, achieving full self-reliance in defense production is still a distant goal. To compete effectively with China in defense manufacturing, India will need to focus on fostering domestic innovation, scaling up production capacity, and reducing dependencies on foreign suppliers. This will require long-term investment in research and development, along with strategic partnerships, to strengthen India’s defense sector and enhance its self-sufficiency.