Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has claimed that tensions with India during Operation Sindoor in May 2025 have significantly boosted international demand for the Chinese origin JF 17 Thunder fighter jets. According to him, the surge in interest has been so strong that Pakistan could potentially move away from its dependence on financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund within the next six months if the trend continues.
Speaking to Pakistani television channel Geo News, Asif said Pakistan’s aircraft have now been proven in real world conditions. He claimed that the volume of new orders has reached unprecedented levels and suggested that sustained defence exports could ease the country’s long standing economic pressures.
Asif also argued that the May 2025 confrontation helped project Pakistan’s military capability and determination on the global stage. He said the episode demonstrated the effectiveness of Pakistan’s defence systems and strengthened confidence among potential buyers.
Pakistan remains under a 7 billion dollar IMF support programme, its twenty fourth so far, which followed a short term 3 billion dollar package that helped the country avoid a sovereign default in 2023, according to Reuters. Despite ongoing economic challenges, Islamabad has recently stepped up defence related engagements with several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh and Libya.
Growing interest in the JF 17
Pakistan is reportedly in discussions with Saudi Arabia to convert around 2 billion dollars worth of Saudi loans into a deal involving JF 17 fighter jets. Reuters reported on January 7 that the talks are based on information from two Pakistani sources. Separate discussions have also taken place with Bangladesh regarding a possible purchase of the aircraft.
The JF 17 Thunder is a light combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China and manufactured in Pakistan. Sources cited by Reuters said negotiations have focused primarily on this aircraft, with one source noting that it remains the leading option among other platforms under consideration.
Aamir Masood, a retired Air Marshal and defence analyst, told Reuters that the jet’s appeal has grown because it has now been tested in combat conditions. He added that the aircraft’s relatively lower cost compared to other fighter jets also makes it attractive to buyers with limited defence budgets.
In recent months, Pakistan has intensified efforts to expand arms exports and commercialise its domestic defence industry. According to Reuters, Islamabad last month finalised a weapons deal worth more than 4 billion dollars with Libya’s eastern based Libyan National Army. The agreement, one of the largest arms sales in Pakistan’s history, includes JF 17 fighter jets along with training aircraft.
India’s response to Pakistan’s claims
Pakistan has previously highlighted the performance of the JF 17 during Operation Sindoor, but India has strongly disputed those claims. The Indian Air Force has stated that its forces shot down five Pakistani aircraft during the operation, including jets from the F 16 and JF 17 categories.
Chief of Air Staff Amar Preet Singh reiterated this position during his address at the ninety third Air Force Day celebrations. India has consistently maintained that it agreed to a ceasefire only after a request from Pakistan’s military leadership, asserting that Indian forces had already met their objectives by striking terrorist infrastructure.
