ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia is also negotiating JF-17 Thunder fighter jet purchase deal with Pakistan. According to sources, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have opened talks to convert $2 billion of Saudi loans into a deal for JF-17 fighter jets, signaling deeper military cooperation between the long-standing allies.
Strategic shift amid financial pressure
The discussions highlight efforts to operationalise defence ties as Pakistan faces acute financial strain and Saudi Arabia recalibrates its security partnerships amid uncertainty over long-term US commitments in the Middle East. The talks follow the signing of a mutual defence pact last year, which committed both sides to respond jointly to any aggression.
Sources said negotiations focus primarily on the JF-17 Thunder, a light combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China and manufactured domestically. One source said the overall package could reach $4 billion, with an additional $2 billion allocated for equipment beyond the loan conversion. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity.
Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu recently visited Saudi Arabia for bilateral talks on military cooperation, Saudi media outlet SaudiNews50 reported on social media platform X.
Combat-tested aircraft draws interest
Retired air marshal and defence analyst Amir Masood said Pakistan is discussing or has finalised defence equipment deals with several countries, including potential JF-17 sales and related weapons systems. He said the aircraft’s appeal has grown because it is combat-tested and cost-effective.
The JF-17 was deployed during clashes with India last May, the most intense fighting between the neighbours in decades. The potential deal builds on long-standing defence ties, as Pakistan has provided training support to Saudi forces, while Riyadh has repeatedly assisted Islamabad during economic crises recently.
