Pakistan's 'Combat Tested' Jets Drive Surge in Weapons Sales

Pakistan’s defense manufacturing industry is experiencing a significant uptick in demand, thanks to its jets, drones, and missiles earning the coveted "combat tested" tag during a recent conflict with India. The country is currently in negotiations with 13 countries, including Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Morocco, Ethiopia, and Nigeria, for deals involving JF-17 fighter jets, drones, and other military systems.

Pakistani sources with knowledge of the deals say that six to eight of these negotiations are in advanced stages. Although the country’s defense ministry has not disclosed specific details, the defense production minister confirmed heightened international interest. Many of these talks are taking place against the backdrop of global supply chain shortages and shifting geopolitical dynamics, particularly due to the Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East.
 

The JF-17, developed in collaboration with China, has emerged as a particularly popular choice due to its cost-effectiveness—priced at $30 to $40 million per unit compared to over $100 million for comparable Western-made jets.

Countries like Bangladesh and Iraq have publicly acknowledged talks with Pakistan, while analysts suggest that while the interest in Pakistani hardware is growing, challenges remain in translating negotiations into signed contracts due to international political pressures.