Somalia has reportedly entered into an agreement with Pakistan to acquire JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, a move that is part of the Federal Government of Somalia’s efforts to rebuild and modernize the country’s Air Force.
Turkish media outlet TRHaber reported that Mogadishu and Islamabad have reached a deal regarding the acquisition of the JF-17 aircraft; however, neither the Somali nor the Pakistani government has officially confirmed a finalized agreement, nor have details such as the number of aircraft, the cost of the deal, or the expected delivery timeline been disclosed.
News regarding the JF-17 jets emerged following the strengthening of defense ties between Somalia and Pakistan. Weeks ago, a high-level delegation from the Pakistan Air Force visited Mogadishu, where they held meetings with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, and Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi.
The Pakistani delegation was led by Air Marshal Muhammad Sarfraz, a senior Pakistan Air Force official, and the discussions focused on rebuilding the Somali Air Force, personnel training, institutional development, and establishing air combat capabilities. During the visit, Sarfraz presented a model of the JF-17 Thunder aircraft to the Commander of the Somali Air Force.
This visit followed a trip to Pakistan in August by a Somali delegation led by the Minister of Defense, during which both sides discussed strengthening cooperation in defense and security.
Earlier reports this year indicated that Somalia and Pakistan were discussing the possibility of Somalia acquiring up to 24 JF-17 Thunder Block III aircraft. Some reports estimated the deal’s value at nearly $900 million, although these details have not yet been officially confirmed by Mogadishu or Islamabad.
The JF-17 Thunder is a multi-role combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China. The Block III variant features modern systems—including AESA radar and advanced electronics—and possesses the capability to conduct both air-to-air and air-to-ground strikes. Al Jazeera has described the JF-17 Block III as a 4.5-generation aircraft, noting, however, that it lacks the stealth capabilities of fifth-generation aircraft like the F-35.
