ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s defence industry has witnessed a significant surge ininternational interest following the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet’sperformance in the 2025 conflict with India, with reports indicating talksinvolving 13 countries for potential sales of the aircraft and associatedmilitary hardware.
The JF-17 Thunder, a lightweight multi-role fighter jointly developed byPakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, hasgained prominence as a cost-effective alternative to Western systems.Priced between 25 to 40 million dollars per unit, the jet offers advancedavionics, beyond-visual-range capabilities, and compatibility with a rangeof munitions, making it appealing to nations facing budget constraints orsupply chain disruptions.
According to credible sources cited in recent international reporting,Islamabad has engaged in discussions with 13 countries for JF-17 Block IIIvariants, alongside training aircraft, drones, air defence systems, andarmoured vehicles. Six to eight of these negotiations are described asadvanced, though officials emphasise that such talks remain tentative andsubject to geopolitical pressures or cancellations.
The explicitly named countries in these current discussions include Sudan,which seeks to bolster its capabilities amid regional instability, andSaudi Arabia, exploring options potentially linked to loan conversions orbroader strategic ties. Indonesia has held high-level meetings focusing ona package that could encompass around 40 jets, drones, and training support.
Morocco features prominently in the list, with ongoing talks building onhistorical interest demonstrated at air shows and recent bilateral defencememorandums. Ethiopia and Nigeria, both existing or potential operators inAfrica, are actively negotiating for fleet modernisation using the JF-17’sproven reliability in diverse environments.
The government in eastern Libya, led by Khalifa Haftar’s forces, is alsoengaged, with reports highlighting interest in JF-17s as part of largerarms packages. Bangladesh stands out as one of the most progressed, withpublic acknowledgments from Pakistan’s military indicating formaldiscussions for an unspecified number of Block III aircraft andcomplementary systems.
Iraq has similarly been publicly confirmed by Pakistan’s Inter-ServicesPublic Relations as pursuing JF-17 acquisitions to diversify its air forceinventory beyond traditional suppliers. These nine named entities form thecore of the reported 13-country framework, driven by the jet’s combatvalidation and affordability in a constrained global market.
The remaining four countries within the 13 are not publicly disclosed,likely due to the sensitive nature of early-stage or confidentialnegotiations. Pakistani Defence Production Minister Raza Hayat Harraj hasdescribed such dealings as guarded secrets, noting that internationalinfluences could derail progress despite strong preliminary queries.
Beyond the confirmed 13, six additional nations are frequently cited indefence analyses and speculative commentary as showing exploratory orrenewed interest in the JF-17. Azerbaijan, already an operator with a major4.6 billion dollar deal for 40 Block III units, continues to feature inexport momentum discussions.
Egypt appears in multiple reports as a potential buyer seeking affordablemodernisation options for its air force. Jordan is occasionally mentionedfor similar reasons, evaluating cost-effective platforms amid regionalsecurity dynamics. Uzbekistan has been floated in observer commentary as aCentral Asian candidate.
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Other speculative mentions include Kuwait, with past exploratory links, andPeru, noted in broader lists of countries assessing non-Westernalternatives. These prospects remain unconfirmed but reflect the JF-17’sgrowing appeal in markets prioritising value, maintainability, andindependence from single suppliers.
The surge in interest stems from several factors, including global defencesupply shortages, the jet’s demonstrated performance against advancedthreats, and Pakistan’s aggressive export strategy post-2025. Existingoperators such as Myanmar and Nigeria provide testimonials to itsoperational effectiveness in real-world scenarios.
Analysts caution that while momentum is evident, translating talks intofirm contracts faces hurdles like compatibility issues, financingarrangements, and external diplomatic pressures. No new deals under thecurrent 13-country banner have been finalised publicly beyond prior exports.
Pakistan’s push highlights its ambition to expand defence manufacturingexports, potentially generating significant revenue and strengtheningstrategic partnerships across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. TheJF-17’s trajectory underscores shifting dynamics in global arms procurementtoward collaborative and economical platforms.
Source:https://www.reuters.com/world/china/pakistans-combat-tested-jets-boost-weapons-sales-2026-01-20
Ethiopia, Nigeria, Libya, Bangladesh, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Egypt
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