Somalia negotiates major deal with Pakistan for buying 24 JF-17 Thunder jets

2026-02-23 - 06:13

ISLAMABAD – Somalia is in advanced negotiations with Pakistan to purchase up to 24 JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets, marking a significant move to rebuild its national air combat capabilities. The discussions, which gained momentum following a visit by Somali Air Force Commander Mohamud Sheikh Ali to Islamabad earlier this month, reflect Somalia’s pressing need to restore a fixed-wing combat force that vanished during the collapse of the country’s central government decades ago. A Somali defence ministry official emphasized the importance of the acquisition, stating that the country’s airspace must be protected by Somali people. He added that this deal is not just about procuring fighter jets but also a declaration of sovereignty and the revival of institutional strength. Pakistan’s Defence Production Minister Raza Hayat Harraj pointed to the cost-efficiency of the JF-17 Thunder, which is priced between $30 million and $40 million per aircraft. While acknowledging that Western-made options may offer more advanced technology, Harraj noted that they come at more than triple the cost, making the JF-17 a more viable option for Somalia’s budget-conscious defence needs. If the deal goes through, it would be Somalia’s largest defence investment since the Cold War, totaling approximately $900 million (Rs 251 billion). Earlier this year, Haraj confirmed that Pakistan is engaged in negotiations with several foreign governments over the potential sale of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets. An increase in demand of the JF-17 fighter jets was witnessed following the Pakistan-India conflict in May 2025 when several Indian fighter planes including Rafales.