ISLAMABAD – The Iraqi government is planning to acquire 12 JF-17A Block IIIfighters from Pakistan and has reportedly set aside more than $600 millionin funding for the purchase of the said aircraft, local media reportedSaturday.
Reports quoting sources said the Western Asian country is the first ArabIslamic country to purchase fighter jets from Pakistan. Iraq earlierexpressed interest in purchasing JF-17 Thunder Block 3 fighter jets jointlydeveloped by Pakistan and China, while progress has been made in regard tothe sale of 12 fighter jets.
Reports claimed that a delegation from Iraq’s Ministry of Defense recentlyvisited Pakistan, while a formal agreement is expected to be signed in thecountry’s federal capital in October. The deal was reportedly made duringthe visit of Deputy Commander of Iraqi Air Force Major General (Pilot)Muhammad Majeed Mahdi Mahmood’s to Pakistan.
Pakistan also hosted a major defense exhibition in Iraq’s capital earlierin April this year. On this occasion, Pakistani pilots also flew Multi-rolecombat aircraft JF-17 which according to media reports impressed the Iraqileadership.
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Meanwhile, the Arabian country is not the first to show an interest inPakistani fighter jets as Argentina also mulls buying 12 JF-17 Block IIIfighters from Pakistan however the Argentine ministry of defense issued astatement later which said “The Argentine Air Force had not selected apreferred fighter yet”.
