Pakistan, Indonesia close to fighter jet defence deal

Indonesia’s defence minister held talks with Pakistan’s Air Force Chief in Islamabad to explore a potential defence deal that could include the sale of fighter jets and armed drones to Jakarta, according to three security officials familiar with the discussions, as reported by Al-Monitor on January 12^th.

The meeting comes as Pakistan’s defence sector pursues a series of procurement negotiations with Libya’s National Army and Sudan’s military, as it seeks to expand its footprint as a regional defence supplier.

Indonesia’s Defence Ministry confirmed the talks between Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu.

Defence ministry spokesperson Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait was reported to have said that “the meeting focused on discussing general defence cooperation relations, including strategic dialogue, strengthening communication between defence institutions, and opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields in the long term,” adding that the discussions had not yet resulted in any concrete decisions.

According to one security source, the talks focused on a potential sale of JF‑17 fighter jets, a multi‑role aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China, as well as armed drones capable of both surveillance and strike operations. Two additional sources said the negotiations were at an advanced stage and involved more than 40 JF‑17s, while one noted Indonesia’s interest in Pakistan’s Shahpar drone platform.

The sources did not disclose any details regarding delivery schedules or the duration of a possible agreement. Pakistan’s military public relations office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Another security source familiar with the procuring discussions said Pakistan was exploring a broader package that not only included JF‑17 Thunder jets, but also air defence systems, and training for Indonesian air force personnel at all levels, including engineering staff.

Retired Air Marshal Asim Suleiman, who remains briefed on air force negotiations, told reporters “The Indonesia deal is in the pipeline,” adding that the number of aircraft under discussion was close to 40.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited Pakistan last month for a two‑day trip aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, including defence cooperation.

Indonesia has placed a series of major aircraft orders in recent years, including 42 French Rafale jets valued at $8.1 billion in 2022 and 48 KAAN fighter jets from Turkey last year, as part of its push to modernise and replace its ageing air force fleet.

Indonesia have also considered buying China’s J-10 fighter jets and is in talks to purchase U.S. made F-15EX jets.

Interest in Pakistan’s defence industry has risen since its aircraft were used in a brief conflict with India last year. The JF‑17 has been central to that momentum, appearing in a deal with Azerbaijan and a $4 billion weapons agreement with Libya’s National Army.

Pakistan is also pursuing a potential defence pact with Bangladesh that could include Super Mushshak training aircraft and JF‑17s, as relations with Dhaka continue to improve.

Islamabad has additionally been reported to be in discussions with Saudi Arabia on a defence agreement valued between $2 billion and $4 billion, which would involve converting Saudi loans into military hardware.

Al-Monitor via Reuters, Maghrebi.org.