At the Dubai Airshow 2025, Pakistan announced a significant memorandum of understanding (MoU) with an undisclosed ‘friendly country’ for the sale of its JF-17 Thunder fighter jets. This deal has garnered substantial attention from defense analysts, aviation experts, and attendees at the event. While the specifics of the agreement, including the buyer’s identity and the number of jets sold, remain undisclosed, the announcement underscores growing international confidence in Pakistan’s aviation industry. Notably, in 2024, Azerbaijan signed a $4.6 billion contract to purchase JF-17 Block-III jets, further solidifying the aircraft’s global appeal. The JF-17 Thunder, a lightweight, multirole fighter developed jointly by Pakistan and China, is celebrated for its advanced avionics, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. It serves as a cornerstone of the Pakistan Air Force’s modern fleet, capable of executing air-to-air, air-to-ground, and reconnaissance missions. During the airshow, Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu engaged in high-level discussions with UAE defense officials, including Lieutenant General Pilot Ibrahim Nasser Al-Alawi and Major General Rashid Mohammed Al-Shamsi. These talks focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in advanced training, aerospace technologies, and operational coordination. The UAE military leadership praised Pakistan’s modernization efforts and expressed a shared commitment to deepening military ties through joint exercises and professional exchanges. The Pakistan Air Force showcased its advanced JF-17 Thunder Block-III and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft at the event, highlighting its growing indigenous capabilities.
Dubai Airshow 2025: Pakistan to sell JF-17 Thunder fighter jets to ‘friendly country’
