KEY POINTS
- Iraq expresses interest in Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder jets and Super Mushshak aircraft.
- Pakistan and Iraq agreed to enhance military cooperation through joint training and exercises.
- Iraqi Air Force chief praised Pakistan Air Force’s technology and role in regional stability.
RAWALPINDI: Iraq has expressed keen interest in benefiting from the Pakistan Air Force’s world-class training framework and acquiring JF-17 Thunder fighter jets and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft.
The JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter jet was jointly developed by China and Pakistan at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex in Kamra. The fighter has proved its combat capabilities during two military conflicts between Pakistan and India in 2019 and recently in May 2025.
The interest was conveyed during an official visit of Pakistan Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, to Iraq, where he met Commander of the Iraqi Air Force, Lieutenant General Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi, Pakistan military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated in a press release on Saturday.
The two sides held detailed discussions on strengthening bilateral military cooperation, with emphasis on joint training programmes, capacity building and enhanced operational cooperation between the two Air Forces.
The Air Chief highlighted the deep-rooted religious, cultural, and historical ties between Pakistan and Iraq and reaffirmed the Pakistan Air Force’s commitment to support the Iraqi Air Force in training and capacity development.
Both commanders agreed to pursue joint exercises and training initiatives to strengthen interoperability, ISPR stated.
The Iraqi Air Chief praised Pakistan Air Force’s professionalism and technological advancement, expressed interest in benefiting from Pakistan Air Force’s world-class training and “expressed keen interest in JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, Super Mushshak trainer aircraft,” ISPR stated.
The Commander of the Iraqi Air Force also appreciated Pakistan’s role in regional stability.
The visit underscored the shared resolve of both Air Forces to further strengthen defence ties and professional collaboration.
The Pakistan Air Force’s Chief was accorded a Guard of Honour at Iraqi Air Force Headquarters, symbolising the strong bond of mutual respect.
JF-17 Thunder’s success in global defence market
Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder fighter jets have emerged as a standout in the global defence market following their performance in the May 2025 conflict with India.
Praised for their affordability, versatility, and modern combat capabilities, these jets have drawn interest from several countries across the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa and Southeast Asia, signalling Pakistan’s rising influence in international defence exports.
On Tuesday, Pakistan and Bangladesh’s air chiefs held detailed discussions on the “potential procurement” of JF-17 Thunder aircraft, ISPR said.
Bangladesh Air Force Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan called on Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu in Islamabad.
During the meeting, “detailed discussions were also held on the potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder aircraft,” ISPR said.
Equipped with long-range beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles and a modern AESA radar system, the lightweight, multi-role JF-17 can simultaneously track and engage multiple targets. Its capabilities were prominently showcased at the Dubai Airshow 2025, gaining international attention after the crash of India’s Tejas aircraft at the same event.
Pakistan has already exported the jet to Azerbaijan, Myanmar, and Nigeria.
Countries such as Bangladesh, Iran, Indonesia, Iraq, and Libya have also shown interest, according to reports.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said that these orders are so significant that Pakistan may not need the International Monetary Fund assistance in the near term.
