Minister for Defence Production Raza Hayat Haraj has confirmed that Pakistan is holding talks with several countries over possible deals to sell the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet.
In an interview with the BBC, he said negotiations are underway with multiple states but any agreement will require China’s approval because the aircraft is jointly developed by Pakistan and China.
Reuters and other international outlets have previously reported that countries such as Libya, Sudan, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia have shown interest in defence deals involving the JF-17 Thunder.
However, the minister avoided naming any country directly and said these matters are classified. He added that once the aircraft are delivered, it will become clear who has bought them.
Haraj said the performance of the JF-17 Thunder during the recent Pakistan-India conflict drew attention from air forces around the world and earned praise.
He said price is also a major factor. While similar fighter jets often cost between 250 and 350 million dollars, the JF-17 Thunder costs around 40 to 50 million dollars making it far more affordable.
He explained that some parts of the aircraft are made in Pakistan and others in China, and China will be part of every export deal.
He said China is fully involved in these discussions and has the right to be.
Defence analysts say Pakistan must move carefully because China is the senior partner in the project and controls the core technology. They believe any export will be a joint China-Pakistan arrangement.
Haraj said Pakistan will not sell the aircraft to every country and will only deal with friendly states.
He also said Turkiye, China, Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan are among Pakistan’s closest strategic partners, and cooperation in defence, including drones, is also expanding.
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