Global demand for Pakistani weapons increases after victory in war with India
Islamabad: During the four-day war with India in May last year, Pakistan not only proved the effectiveness of its military equipment but also fully demonstrated the capabilities of the JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft, Al-Khalid main battle tank and Fateh series guided multi-launch rocket system.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the JF-17 Thunder demonstrated its combat capabilities during clashes with India. In the war, this aircraft was credited with destroying the Indian Air Force’s advanced S-400 surface-to-air missile system at Adampur. The JF-17 also performed prominently at the Dubai Air Show.
The same week, the Defense Minister speaking to a private television said that the success of Pakistan’s arms industry could change the direction of the country’s economy.
He said, “Our aircraft have been tested in combat and are receiving so many orders that Pakistan will not need the IMF in six months.”
Iraqi Air Force Commander Lt General Muhanad Ghalib Muhammad Radhi Al-Asadi, while speaking during a meeting with Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu during his visit to Iraq, appreciated the professional capabilities of the Pakistan Air Force against India in May and expressed interest in acquiring JF-17 Thunder aircraft.
According to the ISPR, the Iraqi Air Force Chief expressed special interest in taking advantage of the Pakistan Air Force’s world-class training and in the JF-17 Thunder and Super Mushtaq training aircraft.
A JF-17 deal in exchange for loans is also under consideration with Saudi Arabia. According to the British news agency Reuters, talks are underway between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to convert Saudi loans worth about $2 billion into a deal for JF-17 fighter jets. According to Pakistani sources, the total value of the deal could be $4 billion, which will also include additional defence equipment.
Bangladesh has also expressed interest in buying JF-17s. The air chiefs of Pakistan and Bangladesh held detailed discussions on the possible purchase of JF-17 Thunder aircraft.
According to the ISPR, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu briefed his Bangladeshi counterpart on the recent progress of the Pakistan Air Force and assured training and technical cooperation.
Pakistan has signed a multi-billion dollar deal to sell conventional military equipment to Libya. According to Reuters, the deal also includes the sale of JF-17 fighter jets and Super Mushtaq training aircraft. According to a Pakistani official, the deal includes land, naval and air equipment and will be completed in two and a half years.
Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir met with Khalifa Belqasim Haftar, Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, in Libya on December 18 last year. These agreements reflect the fact that Pakistan’s defense industry is rapidly making its mark on the global stage, and the JF-17 Thunder is becoming a central pillar of this success.
