Minister confirms Pakistan in talks with several countries to sell JF-17 fighter jets

• China’s consent required for any JF-17 export deal: minister.
• JF-17 priced at $40–50m, cheaper than global rivals: Raza Hayat.
• JF-17 exports limited to friendly countries, says minister.
  

Minister for Defence Production Raza Hayat Haraj has confirmed that Pakistan is in talks with several countries over potential agreements to sell JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, The News reported on Wednesday quoting BBC.

In an interview with the BBC, the minister said negotiations were underway with multiple states for the export of the multi-role combat aircraft, which has been jointly developed by Pakistan and China.

He added that any agreement would require China’s consent, given its role in the development of the JF-17. “These negotiations are taking place and they take some time. Many countries are interested in these aircraft,” the minister said.

Reuters has repeatedly published reports, citing official sources, mentioning talks with Libya, Sudan, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia regarding defence agreements, particularly sale of JF-17 Thunder jets. However, Minister Raza Haraj avoided naming any country, saying: “These are classified matters. I cannot name any country or say at what level our talks with them are”.

“When these aircraft are delivered, the world will know which countries have bought them,” the minister said. The minister said, “Performance of JF-17 Thunder jets during the Pakistan-India war was seen by air forces around the world, and it was praised”.

Raza Haraj said in addition to its performance, the price of the fighter jet is also “an important factor”. He said globally, the average price of such aircraft ranges between $250 and $350 million, whereas JF-17 Thunder is priced lower than that. He said: “Its price is approximately $40 to $50 million”.

Raza Haraj explained: “Some parts of this aircraft are manufactured in China and some in Pakistan. Whenever we enter into any agreement with someone, China will be included in it”.

When asked whether China would also be a financial partner in such agreements, the minister said: “Many issues are discussed at the table. China is fully involved, it should be, and it is its right”.

Analysts who monitor Pakistan’s defence and military capabilities believe Pakistan will need to exercise caution in concluding agreements related to JF-17 Thunder. Analysts believe China is “senior partner” in joint JF-17 Thunder project and will closely monitor negotiations related to its export.

Another analyst says: “Pakistan can sell these aircraft, but technology will remain under China’s control. Export of JF-17 Thunder will be a joint China-Pakistan arrangement, with China as the senior partner”. Commenting on potential JF-17 Thunder sales, the minister said: “This aircraft is not for sale to every country. We want to ensure that we sell it only to friendly countries”.

When the minister was asked about the defence agreement signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia last year, he said its details could not be shared. “This is a defence agreement between Field Marshal Asim Munir, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Saudi government. I cannot say anything more than this”.

Raza Haraj said: “From a strategic point of view, Turkiye, China, Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan are Pakistan’s close friendly countries, and there is a close relationship with them in terms of strategic policy.”

Some time ago, Bloomberg reported, citing sources, that Turkiye was interested in manufacturing drones in Pakistan. When asked about this, the minister did not deny the reports and said: “I cannot tell you anything clearly, but I can say this much: a lot of work is being done on UAVs (drones) in Pakistan, even in the private sector, and many private companies are working in this field”.