ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is witnessing a notable surge in aircraft orders following a four-day military standoff with India last year, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said, suggesting that if these deals materialize, the country could reduce or even eliminate its reliance on the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The announcement came Tuesday, shortly after a high-level Bangladeshi defense delegation met with Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu to discuss the potential acquisition of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets. The JF-17, a multi-role combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China, has become the backbone of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) over the past decade.
Pakistani jets drew international attention after Islamabad claimed to have shot down six Indian aircraft, including French-made Rafale jets, during the May 2025 aerial standoff. India acknowledged aircraft losses but did not specify numbers.
Following the event, several countries have increased defense engagement with Pakistan, while others have expressed interest in learning from the PAF’s multi-domain air warfare capabilities, which have showcased how Chinese military technology performs against Western hardware.
“Right now, the number of orders we are receiving after reaching this point is significant because our aircraft have been tested,” Defense Minister Asif told a private television.
“We are receiving those orders, and it is possible that after six months we may not even need the IMF,” he added.
Pakistan markets the JF-17 as a cost-effective multi-role fighter, positioning itself as a supplier able to offer aircraft, training, and maintenance outside Western supply chains.
“I am saying this to you with full confidence,” Asif continued. “If, after six months, all these orders materialize, we will not need the IMF.”
Historically, Pakistan has relied on IMF assistance to stabilize its economy, with loans accompanied by stringent conditions such as fiscal reforms, subsidy reductions, and revenue-enhancing measures.
In September 2024, the IMF approved a $7 billion bailout under its Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program, and a separate $1.4 billion loan was provided in May 2025 under its climate resilience fund.
Pakistan has consistently aimed to expand defense exports, leveraging its counter-insurgency experience and a domestic military-industrial base that produces aircraft, armored vehicles, munitions, and other equipment.
Recently, Pakistan finalized 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.
