Pakistan negotiates JF-17 jets deal with Saudi Arabia

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are reportedly in discussions to convert around $2 billion of Saudi loans into a JF-17 fighter jet deal, according to two Pakistani sources, further strengthening military cooperation months after the countries signed a mutual defence pact last year.

The talks follow the September mutual defense pact, which commits both countries to treat aggression against either side as an attack on both, reinforcing a decades-long security partnership. Sources indicate that the deal may include an additional $2 billion for related equipment beyond the loan conversion. The JF-17, jointly developed by Pakistan and China and produced domestically, has gained international attention due to its combat experience and cost-effectiveness. Analysts note that its deployment during the May 2023 conflict with India has boosted its credibility in the global arms market.

Air Chief Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu visited Saudi Arabia to hold bilateral talks on military cooperation, while Pakistan is reportedly negotiating similar deals with other countries, including Libya and Bangladesh. These efforts are part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to expand arms exports and leverage its domestic defence industry.

Historically, Pakistan has provided military support to Saudi Arabia, and the kingdom has supported Islamabad financially during periods of economic strain. Since 2018, Saudi Arabia has extended billions in deposits and oil supplies, helping Pakistan stabilize foreign exchange reserves.

Pakistan’s defence minister highlighted that growing international demand for JF-17s could significantly strengthen the country’s economy and potentially reduce reliance on the International Monetary Fund. The talks with Saudi Arabia, if finalized, would mark a major milestone in Pakistan’s defence outreach and economic strategy.