Defence-related exports are currently manufactured and marketed by the army. There is a lack of clarity in accounting. Rumours are that there is a slush fund in Dubai where whole or part of the revenue is kept. We suggest that a civilian-controlled export corporation be established. It will receive orders which will be placed in army-run manufacturing units. This corporation will also collect revenue. Thus, a clear accounting process will be established.
Pakistan’s defence exports have grown significantly since 2000, focusing on aircraft, trainers, ammunition, and small arms, with key producers like Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF), and Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT). Comprehensive year-by-year data for all exports remains limited in public sources, but confirmed deals highlight major categories and destinations. Aggregate values reached $53 million in 2021 (SIPRI TIVs) and $8.88 million in weapons trade by 2023.
Key Confirmed Exports
Production Centers
Major items originate from state-owned facilities under the Ministry of Defence Production.
- PAC Kamra: Aircraft and trainers like JF-17, Mushshak.
- POF Wah: Small arms, ammunition.
- HIT Taxila: Armored vehicles (e.g., Al-Khalid tank, limited exports noted).
- GIDS, NRTC: Drones, radars (emerging exports via 2024 MoUs).
Recent Trends
Exports hit $1.3 billion cumulatively over 2022-2025, boosted by 82 MoUs at IDEAS 2024 for drones, jets, and radars potentially worth $30 billion. Focus markets include Africa (Nigeria, Sudan), Middle East (Qatar, UAE), and Asia (Myanmar, Azerbaijan). SIPRI data shows low major conventional arms exports pre-2020, rising post-2016.