The recent three-day military standoff following India’s Operation Sindoor brought to light the growing strategic partnership between China and Pakistan, particularly in the field of military artificial intelligence (AI). Their collaboration now extends far beyond traditional defence cooperation, with China actively helping the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) develop a Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) network. This system aims to link sensors across land, air, and space for faster battlefield awareness and quicker responses.

At the center of this AI push is CENTAIC—the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Computing—a facility established in 2020 with suspected Chinese backing. Mentioned by Rahul Gandhi in Parliament, CENTAIC is reportedly helping transform the PAF into a network-centric force that could operate in tandem with China’s PLA Air Force using AI-based real-time data exchange.

Gandhi also cited senior Indian defence officials, alleging that Pakistan received live battlefield intelligence from China during Operation Sindoor. He pointed to a specific incident during DGMO-level talks where Pakistan appeared to possess real-time knowledge of Indian military positions—suggesting Chinese intelligence input.

Though CENTAIC has been active for five years, it remains largely under the radar, even within Pakistan. Reports suggest that it focuses on developing AI in areas such as big data, machine learning, predictive analytics, and natural language processing—with clear military applications like drones, missile guidance, and next-gen fighter jets. These AI systems, though not physical weapons, are vital to modern warfare and could help Pakistan reduce its reliance on imported technologies.

The PAF’s National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP) and CENTAIC, supported by China and Turkey, are central to this modernization. Indian defence experts believe that both institutions play a crucial role in enabling Pakistan’s AI-based electronic warfare, centered around hubs like Kamra and NUST Islamabad. CENTAIC’s work could significantly upgrade the PAF’s capabilities, making operations faster, more coordinated, and potentially integrated with China’s systems. It also opens the possibility for Pakistan to become self-reliant in key technologies like sensor fusion, human-machine interfaces, and autonomous systems.

While China’s role in CENTAIC hasn’t been officially acknowledged, the pattern of cooperation—especially after the 2019 Balakot airstrikes—shows a sharp rise in military-technical integration. The induction of Chinese systems like JF-17, J-10, HQ-9P missiles, and radar links between Pakistan and China’s air defence networks reflect this growing partnership. With CENTAIC and PAF-NASTP now focused on shortening the OODA loop—the decision-making cycle in combat—Pakistan appears to be laying the groundwork for a faster, AI-enabled air force. For India, this increasing convergence between Chinese and Pakistani military technology is a development that warrants close scrutiny.