Indonesia is buying Pakistani fighter jets and drones
ISLAMABAD: Indonesia is close to striking a defence deal with Pakistan to buy modern fighter jets and drones. For this purpose, the Indonesian defence minister met the chief of defence forces General Syed Asim Munir in Islamabad on Monday to explore a potential defence deal. The deal could include the sale of combat aircraft and advanced drones, according to security officials.
The discussions highlighted expanding military cooperation between the two countries. Moreover, the talks reflected Pakistan’s broader push to strengthen its defence exports and deepen strategic ties across Asia.
Officials said the meeting focused on platforms that could enhance Indonesia’s airpower and surveillance capabilities. Consequently, both sides reviewed technical options, operational requirements, and possible frameworks for future collaboration. However, the sources did not disclose proposed delivery schedules or the duration of any potential agreement.
JF-17 jets and Shahpar drones feature in advanced-stage discussions
One official said negotiators discussed the sale of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, a multi-role combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China. In addition, they reviewed drones designed for reconnaissance and precision strike missions. Two other officials said the talks had reached an advanced stage and involved interest in more than 40 JF-17 aircraft. Furthermore, one source confirmed that Indonesia had expressed specific interest in Pakistan’s Shahpar unmanned aerial vehicles.
The talks come as Pakistan’s defence industry accelerates outreach to new markets. In recent months, Islamabad has pursued defence procurement negotiations with Libya’s National Army and Sudan’s military, among others. As a result, policymakers aim to position Pakistan as a competitive regional supplier of cost-effective military hardware.
Both Indonesia’s Defence Ministry and Pakistan’s military confirmed that Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin held formal talks with Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu.
