Is Iraq eyeing JF-17 Thunder as Pakistan steps up defence outreach?
Islamabad: The Pakistan Army said on Saturday that Iraq has expressed “keen interest” in acquiring JF-17 Thunder fighter jets and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft during an official visit by Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu.
According to a military statement, Sidhu called on Lieutenant General Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi, Commander of the Iraqi Air Force, during his visit to Iraq. The two air chiefs discussed ways to enhance bilateral military cooperation, with a focus on joint training, capacity building and improved operational coordination.
The Iraqi Air Chief praised the professionalism and technological advancement of the PAF and conveyed interest in benefiting from Pakistan’s training expertise. He also expressed keen interest in the JF-17 Thunder fighter jets and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, the statement said. Iraq’s air force chief further appreciated Pakistan’s role in regional stability.
Sidhu highlighted the religious, cultural and historical ties between Pakistan and Iraq and reaffirmed the PAF’s commitment to supporting the Iraqi Air Force in training and capacity development. Both sides agreed to pursue joint exercises and training initiatives to strengthen interoperability between the two air forces.
The JF-17 Thunder is a single-engine, lightweight combat aircraft jointly developed by China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex. Pakistan has claimed that the aircraft proved its capabilities during last year’s conflict with India, although its effectiveness has not been independently established. Military experts have noted that Pakistan primarily deployed Chinese-origin Chengdu J-10 fighter jets during the May 7–10 conflict with India.
The development comes days after Pakistan and Bangladesh held similar high-level air force talks. Earlier this week, Bangladesh Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan led a defence delegation to Islamabad and met Sidhu at Air Headquarters. The discussions focused on operational cooperation, training, capacity building and collaboration in aerospace technology.
Pakistan’s military media wing said detailed discussions were held on the potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder aircraft by Bangladesh, and that Sidhu assured fast-tracked delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft along with training and long-term support. However, Bangladesh has not officially confirmed any procurement plan so far.
(With PTI inputs)