ISLAMABAD: Somalia has made progress in negotiations with Pakistan over the potential purchase of up to 24 JF-17 Block III fighter aircraft, according to regional media reports.
The proposed agreement, estimated at approximately $900 million, remains under discussion. Officials familiar with the matter said the talks focus on the latest Block III variant of the JF-17 Thunder, a multi-role combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China.
If finalised, the deal would represent one of Somalia’s most significant defence acquisitions in decades. The country has been seeking to modernise its security capabilities amid ongoing internal and regional security challenges.
Reports indicate that discussions include pilot training, weapons integration and logistical support as part of a broader defence cooperation package. Financing options are also being explored, with potential external partners reportedly linked to the funding structure.
Neither Islamabad nor Mogadishu has issued an official confirmation regarding the final terms of the agreement.
Pakistan has previously exported the JF-17 aircraft to countries including Myanmar, Nigeria and Azerbaijan. Other states have also expressed interest in the platform in recent years.
Defence analysts say that any agreement would mark a notable development in bilateral military cooperation between the two countries.
