Pakistan and Indonesia are progressing toward a significant defense agreement involving advanced combat aircraft and unmanned aerial systems, according to multiple security officials familiar with the negotiations. The potential deal, discussed during a high-level meeting between Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu in Islamabad, represents Jakarta’s latest effort to modernize its aging air force capabilities.
The discussions center on the potential acquisition of approximately 40 JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter jets, co-developed by Pakistan and China, alongside Shahpar series drones designed for both surveillance and strike missions. While Indonesia’s Defense Ministry spokesperson Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait confirmed the meeting focused on ‘general defense cooperation relations,’ he noted that talks had not yet yielded concrete decisions regarding specific procurement arrangements.
This potential agreement emerges within broader context of Indonesia’s comprehensive military modernization program. The archipelago nation has recently finalized several major defense acquisitions, including 42 French Rafale jets valued at $8.1 billion in 2022 and 48 Turkish KAAN fighter jets last year. Jakarta is simultaneously evaluating additional options including China’s J-10 fighters and Boeing’s F-15EX aircraft to replace its obsolete aerial fleet.
For Pakistan, the negotiations represent another strategic milestone in its expanding defense export initiatives. The country’s military-industrial complex has gained increased international attention since its aircraft were deployed in recent regional conflicts, leading to growing interest in its indigenous weapons systems. Pakistan has concurrently been advancing defense partnerships with several nations including Libya’s National Army, Sudan’s military forces, and is exploring potential agreements with Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia that could involve both training aircraft and combat jets.
Retired Air Marshal Asim Suleiman, who maintains knowledge of air force negotiations, confirmed to Reuters that ‘the Indonesia deal is in the pipeline,’ though specific delivery timelines and contractual details remain under discussion. The potential agreement would additionally include air defense systems and comprehensive training programs for Indonesian air force personnel across multiple seniority levels.
The developing partnership reflects both nations’ strategic interests in enhancing bilateral defense cooperation while supporting Pakistan’s emergence as a notable regional arms supplier and Indonesia’s ongoing military modernization objectives.