Somalia in talks with Pakistan to acquire 24 JF-17 fighter jets

Somalia has begun negotiations with Pakistan to procure up to 24 JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets , signalling a shift in its air defence strategy as the country seeks to rebuild its armed forces and assert control over its airspace.

The talks gathered momentum after a recent visit by Somali Air Force Commander Mohamud Sheikh Ali to Islamabad earlier this month. Pakistani daily The News , citing foreign media reports, said the proposed deal could be worth around USD 900 million , making it Somalia’s largest defence investment since the Cold War era .

A senior official in Somalia’s defence ministry said, “Our airspace must be protected by Somali hands,” describing the move as part of efforts to restore sovereignty and institutional strength after decades of conflict.

The JF-17 Thunder is a single-engine, lightweight multirole combat aircraft jointly developed by China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex. Pakistan has claimed the aircraft demonstrated its capability during last year’s military confrontation with India, though independent assessments of its battlefield performance remain limited. During the conflict, Pakistan primarily deployed Chinese-origin J-10 fighter jets, according to military officials and analysts.

The renewed interest in combat aircraft comes amid heightened security pressures on Somalia , following recent US air strikes against militant hideouts linked to extremist groups. Defence observers say the government’s move appears driven in part by concerns over continued dependence on foreign military intervention for airspace security and counterterror operations.

Islamabad has welcomed the discussions, presenting the potential sale as part of its expanding defence exports and growing strategic ties with African nations. Pakistani leaders have earlier said several countries, including Indonesia, Iraq and Bangladesh, have expressed interest in the JF-17 platform, though few of these talks have translated into confirmed contracts.

The United States has not formally commented on the reported negotiations. Analysts note that Washington is likely to monitor any major arms acquisition by Mogadishu to ensure it remains consistent with international arms control norms and counterterrorism objectives.While no agreement has yet been finalised, the talks underline Somalia’s intention to reduce reliance on foreign air support and work toward building an independent air force, a step that could influence security dynamics in the Horn of Africa if it materialises.