ISLAMABAD
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said Pakistan was holding talks with several countries for the sale of its fighter jets, citing a surge in international demand following the country’s success against India in the May 2025 armed conflict.
“After Pakistan won the war last year, the demand for Pakistani fighter jets has increased […] many countries are actively engaged with us to acquire the jets,” the premier said while addressing a meeting of the federal cabinet.
Minister for Defence Production Raza Hayat Haraj, in an interview with the BBC, had also confirmed that Pakistan was in talks with several countries over potential agreements to sell JF-17 Thunder fighter jets.
The minister said negotiations were underway with multiple states for the export of the multi-role combat aircraft, which has been jointly developed by Pakistan and China.
He added that any agreement would require China’s consent, given its role in the development of the JF-17. “These negotiations are taking place and they take some time. Many countries are interested in these aircraft,” the minister said.
Reuters has reported, citing official sources, mentioning talks with Libya, Sudan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia regarding defence agreements, particularly the sale of JF-17 Thunder jets.
However, Minister Raza Haraj avoided naming any country, saying: “These are classified matters. I cannot name any country or say at what level our talks with them are”.
Pakistan and India went to war in May after India launched an unprovoked attack on Pakistan following the attack on tourists in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
