Pakistan’s official government social media account has deleted a tweet that claimed China would sell its advanced HQ-19 Ballistic Missile Defense/Long-Range Air Defence System (BMD/LRADS) to Pakistan, following widespread skepticism and online ridicule. The post, which was quickly noticed by defense watchers and the public, was removed without any official explanation, fueling further speculation about the credibility of Islamabad’s defense communications.
The now-deleted tweet initially announced a purported breakthrough in Pakistan’s air defense capabilities, suggesting the acquisition of the HQ-19 system from China. However, defense analysts and sources familiar with Chinese arms export policy quickly pointed out that no export variant of the HQ-19 exists, and that China’s Central Military Commission (CMC) has not authorized the sale of this highly advanced system to any foreign country.
The HQ-19, which is comparable to the U.S. THAAD system, is a strategic missile defense platform used exclusively by the People’s Liberation Army. Experts say it is unlikely to be exported due to its sensitive technology and strategic significance.
This episode follows a pattern of premature or exaggerated military announcements by Pakistan’s official channels. Earlier, the same government account faced criticism for sharing video game footage from ARMA 3, falsely presenting it as real military operations. These incidents have raised serious questions about the reliability and accuracy of Pakistan’s official defense communications.
While the HQ-19 claim was quickly debunked, defense sources confirm that Pakistan is set to acquire China’s J-35 stealth fighter, the naval variant of the FC-31. However, deliveries are not expected before 2028, as the aircraft is still under development for the Chinese Navy and has not yet entered export production.
The swift retraction of the HQ-19 claim has deepened skepticism about Pakistan’s digital and defense communication practices. Observers note that repeated incidents of misinformation undermine public trust and invite international ridicule.
In summary, Pakistan’s claim of acquiring China’s HQ-19 missile defense system has been discredited, highlighting ongoing challenges in the country’s official military communications and transparency. The episode serves as a reminder of the importance of accuracy and verification in defense reporting, especially in a region marked by strategic sensitivities.
