ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan is considering further procurement of Russian military equipment.
Speaking to Russian state-owned media agency Sputnik International on June 13, 2019, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said, "Yes, we are looking for arms from Russia, and I know our military is already in touch with the Russian military." He did not offer any specifics on what systems Pakistan might be interested in purchasing from Russia.
The Pakistani military has recently procured Russia's Mi-35M, an attack helicopter. Four have entered service with the Pakistani Army and it is believed that Pakistan will add more helicopters to its fleet.
Islamabad has also been cited as a potential customer for air-defense systems, aircraft, military vehicles, and anti-tank missiles.
Ties have deepened between Moscow and Islamabad in recent years, despite the two being in "opposite camps" during the Soviet invasion in Afghanistan in the late 1970s and 1980s, Prime Minister Khan noted. He added, "I am very happy that we now are moving closer to Russia." The Pakistani and Russian militaries have recently conducted joint military operations and Pakistani officers have received training in Russia.
Pakistan is broadening its approach to foreign powers. Prime Minister Khan said, "The power centers are changing, or there are different power centers growing. And so we hope that in this new world order our relationship with Russia keeps improving."