Negotiations between Somalia and Pakistan for the purchase of 24 JF-17 Thunder fighter jets have reportedly made significant progress, with a proposed multi-phase defense deal valued at approximately PKR 2.51 trillion (around USD 900 million) under consideration.

Somalia is accelerating high-level discussions to acquire modern fighter aircraft from Pakistan, and the proposed deal for up to 24 JF-17 Thunder jets is being viewed as a crucial effort to restore the country’s aerial combat capabilities for the first time since the state’s collapse in 1991.

According to Somali media reports, discussions between the two countries are primarily focused on the latest Block-III variant of the JF-17, with the overall multi-phase defense package estimated at around PKR 2.51 trillion (USD 900 million).

If finalized, this agreement would mark the largest and most significant defense procurement in Mogadishu since the Cold War, potentially reshaping the security structure in the African region.

In addition to the acquisition of Block-III JF-17s, the negotiations also cover pilot training, weapons integration, and a full logistics support package. Saudi Arabia and Turkey are reportedly potential financial backers of the deal.

Pakistan has previously exported the JF-17 to countries including Myanmar, Nigeria, and Azerbaijan, while Bangladesh and Iraq have also expressed interest in acquiring the JF-17 Thunder jets.