In a recent exchange of claims following the four-day conflict between India and Pakistan, Pakistan’s military spokesperson, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, asserted that Chinese weapon systems, including the J-10C fighter jets and PL-15 missiles, performed exceptionally well during the confrontation. However, these assertions are contradicted by reports from India, where Air Chief Marshal AP Singh announced the destruction of 8-10 Pakistani aircraft, including US-made F-16s and Chinese JF-17s, during Operation Sindoor. Independent assessments highlight the effectiveness of India’s indigenous missile systems, notably the BrahMos and Akashteer, which inflicted significant damage on Pakistani military installations and thwarted the performance of Chinese weaponry. Despite Pakistan’s claims of no aircraft losses, multiple credible sources indicate that India achieved decisive operational success, effectively denying Pakistan the capability to retaliate. The ongoing narrative put forth by Pakistan regarding the success of Chinese arms raises concerns about the reliability of these systems in high-intensity conflicts, thereby casting doubt on China’s military hardware capabilities in the region. This situation underscores the complex dynamics of military dependence between Pakistan and China and poses broader implications for regional security, as the efficacy of Chinese defense technology is scrutinized amidst rising tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors. The discourse surrounding the conflict reveals the strategic importance of indigenous defense capabilities for India and highlights the ongoing arms race in South Asia, where military preparedness remains critical amidst geopolitical rivalries.