ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said that Pakistan is in talks with multiple countries for the sale of its fighter jets, highlighting a rise in international interest following the country’s strategic successes 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 told the cabinet in a meeting.
Minister for Defence Production Raza Hayat Haraj, in an interview with the BBC, had also said that Pakistan is holding discussions with several nations over potential sale agreements to sell JF-17 Thunder fighter jets.
He added that the talks 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.
PM @CMShehbaz say after achieving economic stability, government is now focused on taking concrete measures for economic growth@PakPMO #RadioPakistan #news https://t.co/5ZOAmaUMKv pic.twitter.com/KFkT7p6iRd
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) January 14, 2026
“These negotiations are taking place, and they take some time. Many countries are interested in these aircraft,” the minister said.
The minister did not mention the name of any country, saying: “These are classified matters. I cannot name any country or say at what level our talks with them are”.
Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jet emerged as a major focal point at the Dubai Airshow 2025, drawing significant international interest as Pakistan signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a “friendly country” for the jet’s procurement, the military’s media wing said.
Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder, a multi-role fighter, has become the backbone of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) over the past decade.
The aircraft was deployed in combat roles during the May 2025 conflict between Pakistan and India. During the May conflict, Pakistan shot down seven Indian fighter jets, including French-made Rafale jets.
Pakistan is already in talks with Indonesia to sell JF-17 fighter jets. Meanwhile, 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.
Bangladesh has also signalled interest in the potential procurement of Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft during high-level talks between the air chiefs of the two countries in Islamabad, marking a significant step toward deeper defence and aerospace cooperation.
Recently, Pakistan finalised a deal exceeding $4 billion to supply military equipment to the Libyan National Army, including 16 JF-17 fighter jets and 12 Super Mushak trainer aircraft, marking one of the country’s largest-ever weapons sales.
Pakistan has already sold its JF-17 fighter jets to Azerbaijan, Myanmar and Nigeria.
