ISLAMABAD: In a startling revelation that could reshape Pakistan’s economiclandscape, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has claimed that surgingorders for the JF-17 Thunder fighter jets and Super Mushak traineraircraft, totalling nearly $10 billion from countries including Libya,Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, and Nigeria, might allow the nation to bid farewellto International Monetary Fund bailouts. Speaking in an exclusive interviewon Geo News’ Capital Talk with Hamid Mir, Asif underscored thetransformative potential of these defence exports.
The minister’s assertion comes amid a remarkable upswing in Pakistan’sdefence industry performance throughout 2025 and into early 2026. Recentdeals have propelled the country’s military exports to unprecedentedlevels, with contracts inked across multiple continents. This influx offoreign exchange is seen by officials as a viable alternative to repeatedIMF programmes, which have often come with stringent conditionalitiesaffecting fiscal sovereignty.
Central to this optimism is a landmark $4.6 billion agreement withAzerbaijan for 40 JF-17 Block III fighter jets, marking one of the largestsingle exports in Pakistan’s history. Azerbaijan, strengthening its aircapabilities, has positioned itself as the premier buyer of thisfourth-generation multirole combat aircraft, co-developed with China. Thedeal not only boosts revenue but also enhances Pakistan’s strategicpartnerships in the Caucasus region.
Equally significant is the multi-billion-dollar contract with the LibyanNational Army, reportedly valued at around $4 billion. This packageincludes 16 JF-17 jets alongside 12 Super Mushak trainers and additionalequipment. The agreement, finalised in late 2025, represents Pakistan’sbreakthrough into the Arab market for advanced fighters, overcomingprevious hurdles and diversifying export destinations beyond traditionalallies.
Negotiations with Bangladesh have gained momentum, with high-leveldiscussions between air force chiefs focusing on potential JF-17procurement. Bangladesh seeks to modernise its fleet, and Pakistan’s offeraligns with deepening defence ties. While specifics remain under wraps,sources indicate interest in both fighters and trainers, potentially addingsubstantial orders to the pipeline.
Nigeria, an established customer having previously acquired JF-17s,continues to express interest in further acquisitions, including SuperMushak aircraft for basic training needs. These ongoing engagementscontribute to the cumulative order book that Asif described as approaching$10 billion when aggregated with firm contracts and prospective dealsacross these nations.
The Super Mushak, a reliable basic trainer, has complemented the JF-17’ssuccess with its own export achievements. Recent deliveries to Turkey of 52units and orders from other nations like Zimbabwe highlight its globalappeal. Affordable and effective, it serves as an entry point for many airforces, often paving the way for larger fighter jet purchases.
Economically, these exports arrive at a critical juncture for Pakistan,which has relied on IMF support for balance-of-payments stability. Withdefence proceeds potentially injecting billions in hard currency, analystssuggest a reduced dependence on external lending. However, realisationdepends on timely executions and payments, amid geopolitical uncertaintiesaffecting some buyers.
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Asif’s comments have sparked debate on sustainable economic strategies,emphasising self-reliance through indigenous manufacturing. The PakistanAeronautical Complex’s capacity enhancements have enabled this exportsurge, positioning the country as an emerging player in the global armsmarket traditionally dominated by major powers.
While challenges persist, including technology transfer issues andcompetition, the momentum in 2025-2026 signals a pivotal shift. Iffulfilled, these orders could indeed provide the fiscal buffer needed tonavigate away from IMF recourse, fostering long-term economic resilience.
Source: https://www.dawn.com
Tags: Pakistan, JF-17 Thunder, Super Mushak, Khawaja Asif, Azerbaijan,Libya, IMF
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