ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Indonesia are moving closer to a landmark defenceagreement potentially worth billions of dollars, centred on the sale ofmore than 40 JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter jets, Reuters has reported.Recent high-level meetings in Islamabad have intensified discussions, withIndonesian officials expressing strong interest in the jointly developedaircraft and associated systems. This development comes as Pakistan’sdefence exports surge following demonstrated performance in regionalconflicts, positioning the JF-17 as a cost-effective option for nationsseeking to modernise their air forces without exorbitant expenditures.
The talks gained momentum when Indonesia’s defence minister heldconsultations with Pakistan’s air force chief, focusing on combat jets,armed drones, and supporting infrastructure. Security sources familiar withthe deliberations describe the negotiations as advanced, highlightingIndonesia’s specific requirements for over 40 JF-17 units alongsidePakistan’s Shahpar drones for surveillance and strike capabilities. Such atransaction would represent one of the largest single exports of the JF-17platform, underscoring growing international confidence in Pakistan’sindigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.
Indonesia’s air force modernisation drive provides the strategic backdropfor this potential acquisition. The country has been aggressively replacingits ageing fleet, as evidenced by prior orders for 42 French Rafale jets in2022 and 48 Turkish KAAN fighters last year. Despite these high-endprocurements, budget considerations and the need for a balanced force mixmake the JF-17 an attractive complement, offering advanced avionics,multi-role versatility, and lower operational costs compared to Westernalternatives.
The JF-17 Thunder, co-developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex andChina’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, has evolved through multiple blocks,incorporating AESA radar in newer variants, beyond-visual-range missiles,and enhanced electronic warfare suites. Its combat-proven status,particularly from deployment in a short but intense conflict with India in2025, has significantly boosted its market appeal. Analysts note that thisreal-world validation has driven interest from multiple nations,transforming the aircraft from a domestic mainstay into a sought-afterexport product.
Pakistan’s broader defence export strategy appears to be bearing fruit,with the proposed Indonesia deal forming part of a wave of negotiations.Recent agreements include a multi-billion package with Libya’s NationalArmy involving JF-17s, discussions with Saudi Arabia to convert loans intojet supplies, and emerging pacts with Bangladesh and others. Retired airmarshals briefed on these matters have indicated that Pakistan is engagingor has finalised arrangements with up to six countries for JF-17 variantsand related systems, aiming to offset economic pressures through increasedforeign exchange earnings.
Beyond the aircraft themselves, the prospective agreement encompassescomprehensive support packages. Discussions have included air defencesystems integration, extensive training programmes for Indonesian personnelacross junior to senior levels, and engineering assistance to ensureseamless operational integration. This holistic approach reflectsPakistan’s emphasis on long-term partnerships, fostering technologytransfer and joint maintenance capabilities that could extend the deal’svalue over decades.
The economic implications for both nations are substantial. For Pakistan, adeal involving dozens of JF-17s could generate billions in revenue,bolstering the domestic defence industry and reducing reliance on externalaid. Each JF-17 unit, depending on configuration, is estimated in the rangeof tens of millions of dollars, with full packages including spares,munitions, and training pushing totals higher. Indonesia, meanwhile, standsto gain a reliable, affordable platform to enhance its aerial deterrence ina strategically vital maritime region.
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Bilateral relations between Pakistan and Indonesia, rooted in sharedcultural and religious affinities as major Muslim-majority countries, haveprovided a solid foundation for these defence talks. Earlier signalsemerged during Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Pakistan inlate 2025, where military cooperation featured prominently alongside tradeand diplomatic engagements. The current momentum suggests that formalannouncements could follow soon, pending final approvals and contractnegotiations.
While no binding contract has been publicly confirmed, the advanced stageof discussions and mutual strategic interests point towards a positiveoutcome. Defence ministry spokespersons from both sides have characterisedthe meetings as constructive, focused on broader cooperation withoutdetailing specifics. As global arms markets evolve, this potential pacthighlights shifting dynamics in Asian security, where cost-effective,proven technologies increasingly compete with premium Western systems.
Source:https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-indonesia-closing-jets-drones-defence-deal-sources-say-2026-01-12/
Tags: Pakistan, Indonesia, JF-17 Thunder, Pakistan Air Force, Defence Export
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