Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are engaged in high-level discussions for a significant defense agreement that could see Riyadh acquire JF-17 Thunder fighter jets from Islamabad, according to informed sources. The potential deal, which underscores a major deepening of military cooperation between the two longstanding allies, involves converting approximately $2 billion of existing Saudi loans to Pakistan into part of the arrangement.
Details of the Proposed Fighter Jet Agreement
The talks are primarily centered on the supply of the JF-17 Thunder, a combat-proven multi-role fighter aircraft co-developed by Pakistan and China and manufactured at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex. One source indicated that the total value of the package could reach up to $4 billion. This figure includes an additional $2 billion earmarked for equipment, support, and services beyond the core loan conversion component.
The discussions gained momentum following a visit to Saudi Arabia by Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu for bilateral military talks, as reported by Saudi media. These negotiations occur against a backdrop where Pakistan is navigating severe financial pressures, while Saudi Arabia is reassessing its security partnerships in a region marked by uncertainty.
Strategic Context and Broader Implications
This development comes months after the two nations signed a mutual defence pact in September, which commits them to treat an act of aggression against one as an attack on both. The potential jet deal is seen as a tangible step in operationalizing that strategic commitment.
Defence analyst and retired Air Marshal Aamir Masood highlighted that Pakistan is actively pursuing or has finalized defense export agreements with several countries, including Saudi Arabia. He cited the JF-17's combat-tested capability—referencing its deployment in the 2019 conflict with India—and its cost-effectiveness as key selling points.
Saudi Arabia has been a crucial financial partner for Pakistan, frequently providing loan rollovers and oil facility support to help stabilize its economy. A deal of this nature would represent a shift from pure financial aid to a partnership based on defense trade and industrial cooperation.
Pakistan's Push for Defense Exports
In recent months, Islamabad has intensified efforts to expand its arms exports, aiming to boost its domestic defense industry and generate foreign exchange to ease economic pressures. Securing multi-billion-dollar deals and engaging with multiple countries for the sale of the JF-17 jets are central to this strategy.
Neither Pakistan's military and finance ministries nor Saudi Arabia's government media office provided immediate official comments on the reported talks, as the sources spoke on condition of anonymity, not being authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
