ISLAMABAD: Somalia is actively pursuing the acquisition of at least twosquadrons, comprising 24 JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets, fromPakistan in a significant move to modernise its long-neglected air force.Recent high-level delegations from Mogadishu, including the Somali AirForce commander, have visited Islamabad to discuss this potential deal,which could mark one of the most substantial defence procurements forSomalia since the early 1990s. This development comes amid Somalia’sefforts to strengthen its sovereignty over airspace following years ofreliance on foreign partners for security operations against militantthreats.
The proposed acquisition focuses on the advanced Block III variant of theJF-17 Thunder, a fourth-generation multirole combat aircraft jointlydeveloped by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu AircraftCorporation. This version incorporates cutting-edge features such as anactive electronically scanned array radar for superior detection andtracking, helmet-mounted display systems for enhanced pilot situationalawareness, and compatibility with beyond-visual-range missiles. Theseupgrades position the JF-17 Block III as a 4.5-generation platform capableof air-to-air combat, ground attack missions, and electronic warfaresupport, offering a balanced mix of performance and affordability foremerging air forces.
Somalia’s current air force inventory remains severely limited, consistingprimarily of helicopters like the Bell 412 series and a growing fleet ofTurkish-supplied drones such as the Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci models. Recentadditions reportedly include a small number of F-16 fighter jets providedthrough Turkish assistance, aimed at bolstering aerial surveillance andlimited combat roles. However, the Somali Air Force lacks dedicatedfixed-wing combat jets for sustained operations, a gap that has persistedsince the collapse of central authority in 1991 disrupted previousSoviet-era fleets of MiG-17s, MiG-21s, and other aircraft.
Negotiations for the JF-17s gained momentum following a February 2026 visitby a Somali delegation led by Air Force Commander Mohamud Sheikh Ali toPakistan. Reports indicate that discussions have progressed beyondpreliminary talks into structured engagements, potentially leading to aformal contract later in the year. The deal aligns with Pakistan’sexpanding defence export strategy, which has seen the JF-17 secured bycountries including Azerbaijan, Nigeria, and Myanmar, with interest fromseveral others in the Middle East and Africa.
The JF-17 Block III offers Somalia a cost-effective solution, with unitprices estimated between $25 million and $40 million per aircraft,significantly lower than comparable Western platforms. Powered by theadvanced Klimov RD-93MA turbofan engine, the jet achieves a top speed ofMach 1.6 to 1.8, a service ceiling of over 55,000 feet, and a combat radiusexceeding 900 kilometres on internal fuel, extendable further with externaltanks. Its armament includes a 23mm twin-barrel cannon, air-to-airmissiles, precision-guided munitions, and anti-ship weapons, enablingdiverse missions from interception to close air support.
This potential procurement reflects broader regional dynamics in the Hornof Africa, where Somalia seeks to assert greater control over its airspaceamid ongoing counter-insurgency efforts against al-Shabaab militants andmaritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean. Strengthening aerialcapabilities would reduce dependence on international partners, includingAfrican Union missions and bilateral arrangements with Turkey, whileenhancing deterrence against external threats.
Pakistan’s defence industry benefits from such exports, as the JF-17programme supports domestic production capacity at the PakistanAeronautical Complex in Kamra. With recent completions of Pakistan AirForce orders for the Block III variant, export bandwidth has increased,allowing Islamabad to meet growing international demand without immediateindustrial constraints. Analysts note that the Sino-Pakistani collaborationensures reliable supply chains and avoids Western export restrictions thatoften complicate acquisitions for developing nations.
If finalised, the deal for 24 aircraft would equip Somalia with two fullsquadrons, providing operational depth for training, patrolling, and rapidresponse. It would also include associated logistics, simulators, andmaintenance support, crucial for a force rebuilding its institutionalexpertise after decades of disruption. Pilot training programmes andtechnical assistance from Pakistan could accelerate integration intoservice.
The move underscores Pakistan’s rising profile as a supplier of advancedyet affordable military hardware to African and Asian partners. Similarnegotiations with countries like Sudan and others highlight a pattern ofstrategic defence cooperation, often facilitated through regionalalliances. For Somalia, acquiring the JF-17 Block III represents a pivotalstep toward reconstituting a credible air combat arm, contributing tonational stability and self-reliance in defence matters.
Source:https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/somalia-pakistan-jf-17-block-iii-fighter-jet-negotiations-horn-of-africa
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