"Battle-Tested and Ready to Export": Surge in Pakistan's Arms Sales Following Recent Conflict with India
Following a significant four-day conflict with India in May of the previous year, Pakistan not only showcased the effectiveness of various Chinese military equipment but also highlighted its own domestically produced arsenal. This included prominent items such as the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet, the Al-Khalid main battle tank, and the Fatah series guided multiple launch rocket system (G-MLRS).
The performance of the JF-17 during the May clashes, as well as its involvement in previous skirmishes with India in 2019, underscored its combat capabilities. Notably, during last year's hostilities, the JF-17 was credited with successfully targeting and destroying India's advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile system stationed at Adampur. The aircraft also made an impressive appearance at the Dubai Airshow, drawing attention from international audiences.
Recently, Pakistan's defense minister conveyed optimism regarding the potential of the country's arms industry to significantly improve its economic landscape. "Our aircraft have proven their worth in battle, and we are receiving numerous orders, which may mean that Pakistan could operate without the support of the International Monetary Fund in just six months," stated Khawaja Asif during an interview with Geo News.
Here’s a brief overview of notable arms agreements that Pakistan has either finalized or is currently negotiating with allied nations since May 2025:
January 10, 2026: Iraqi Air Chief Shows Strong Interest in JF-17
On January 10, the Commander of the Iraqi Air Force, Lt Gen Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi, commended the professionalism displayed by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) during the May conflict. He expressed interest in acquiring the battle-tested JF-17 jets, following a visit from PAF Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu to Iraq. According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lt Gen Al-Asadi indicated a desire to benefit from the PAF’s exceptional training programs and specifically showed keen interest in both the JF-17 Thunder fighter jets and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft.
January 7: Saudi Arabia Explores Jets-to-Loans Agreement
Reports emerged earlier this week indicating that discussions are underway between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to convert approximately $2 billion of Saudi loans into a deal for JF-17 fighter jets. Two Pakistani sources shared this information with Reuters, noting that this development comes as both nations deepen their military collaboration, having signed a mutual defense agreement last year. One source revealed that negotiations are primarily focused on the supply of JF-17 Thunder jets, with the total agreement potentially valued at $4 billion; an additional $2 billion may be allocated for supplementary equipment beyond the loan conversion.
January 6: Bangladesh Signals Interest in JF-17 Purchases
High-level discussions took place between the air chiefs of Pakistan and Bangladesh regarding the possibility of procuring JF-17 Thunder aircraft. The ISPR released a statement detailing how Air Chief Marshal Sidhu briefed his Bangladeshi counterpart on recent advancements within the PAF and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to supporting the Bangladesh Air Force. This support includes a comprehensive training framework, ranging from basic flying to specialized courses offered at PAF institutions. Furthermore, he assured expedited delivery of the Super Mushshak trainer aircraft along with a complete training and long-term support framework.
December 22, 2025: Pakistan Concludes Arms Deal with Libya
In December, Pakistan secured a multi-billion-dollar agreement to supply conventional military equipment to the Libyan army, marking its entry into an exclusive group of nations that export conventional arms. A draft of the agreement, reviewed by Reuters prior to finalization, outlined the sale of several JF-17 fighter jets and Super Mushak trainer aircraft. A Pakistani official disclosed that the deal encompasses land, sea, and air equipment over a two-and-a-half-year period, with potential inclusion of the JF-17 jets as part of the package.
