What could the realignment of China, Russia, India and Pakistan mean for defence aerospace markets?
Pakistan is linked to China as its main supplier of combat aircraft. (Photo: Pakistan Air Force)
As traditional Western alliances crumble and the wider strategic and economic background shifts, what does the realignment of relationships between these four countries mean for air power and the defence aerospace market?
Most political alliances exist with a degree of tension. Even those forged in the white heat of existential threat tend to fray once life returns to the status quo ante. This is currently evident in Donald Trump’s policy of dismantling 80 years of general cooperation across NATO and its wider allies.
While much debate in the West has focused on the Atlantic issue and its knock-on effect for Australia, Japan or South Korea, other powerful forces are at work. It has long been anticipated that the populous nations to the south and east of the core G7 would become
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![June drone digest: Landmark CCA contract and deep-strike capability flourishes at Eurosatory]()
June drone digest: Landmark CCA contract and deep-strike capability flourishes at Eurosatory
June 2026 saw the landmark acquisition of the first fighter-type Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), while the month also hosted Eurosatory, which showcased deep-strike capabilities and production deals with the civilian industry.
-
![Rapid APKWS integration sparks “strong” demand from Typhoon customers]()
Rapid APKWS integration sparks “strong” demand from Typhoon customers
The recent operational use and success of the APKWS laser-guidance kit on the UK RAF's Typhoons has driven demand from other Eurofighter customers for integration of the system on their own combat aircraft fleet, according to BAE Systems.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Wartime iteration gives Ukraine an edge as future UAV exporter]()
Eurosatory 2026: Wartime iteration gives Ukraine an edge as future UAV exporter
As industrial-scale drone production proves its battlefield worth in Ukraine, what happens to that production capacity and knowhow once the guns fall silent – and is Ukraine about to become one of the world’s most credible UAV export partners?
