Rakesh K Singh By

NEW DELHI: Just before his promotion as the army chief of Pakistan, General Qamar Javed Bajwa headed the procurement committee that decided acquisition of a host of weapons, weapon systems and gadgets for deployment along the border and Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

Among the equipment cleared for procurement include six types of radars from China, a radar, a gradient distribution system and electronic warfare and early warfare systems from Russia to strengthen air defence system. This move by Pakistan came soon after India cleared purchase of S 400 advanced air defence systems from Russia.

Other equipment cleared for procurement by Bajwa include anti-tank weapon systems, wall breaching systems, mortars for medium range for its paramilitary forces.

“The pattern of procurements suggest Pakistan will continue with its hostilities along the border and Line of Control and is likely to target its own citizens in restive regions. While Pakistan is seeking to strengthen its air defence to counter any more surgical strikes by India, other weapons being procured will be deployed along the border with India,” a senior Intelligence official said.

Some equipment sought to be procured by Pakistan, like infra red lasers, are essentially used in combating urban terrorism. However, Pakistan does not face urban terrorism and these equipment might be used to counter rebellion in Balochistan, Gilgit and PoK, the official said, adding that the procurements are not a cause for worry for India.

“With the cover of deniability blown over after the surgical strike in PoK, Pakistan may target its own citizens in restive areas and blame New Delhi for the attacks,” a former Intelligence Bureau chief said.

The official said shelling by Pakistan and terror export to J&K is anticipated to continue for long.

Intelligence sources said Pakistan has approved purchase of Chinese DWL 002 Passive Detection Radar System, YL 29 mobile passive detection system, synthetic aperture radars and anti-stealth radar LX 10 and Skywatch 5 from China Electronics Technology Group Company (CETC).

Pakistan plans to acquire radar systems that are capable of detecting fighter jets and surface-to-surface and air-to-surface missiles.

Pakistan is also seeking procurement of anti-tank weapon system to counter India’s acquisition of 700 T 90 tanks. It is also planning to procure non-lethal technology and equipment from Europe and the US.