Pakistan to Provide 12 JF-17s to Iraq
Pakistan and Iraq have strengthened their defense relationship by signing a significant agreement in Baghdad. The deal involves Pakistan supplying twelve MFI-Mushaq trainer aircraft and twelve JF-Thunder Block III fighter jets to the Iraqi Air Force, aiming to boost defense cooperation.
Sources from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) disclosed that the $1.8 billion agreement was finalized during discussions between Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar and his Iraqi counterpart at the Ministry of Defense in Baghdad.
Representatives from Iraq, including Lieutenant General Ahmed Dawood and Lieutenant General Shahab Jahid Ali, engaged in detailed discussions with Pakistani officials to finalize the terms of the agreement.
This marks the second time Pakistan is providing Mushaq Trainer aircraft to Iraq, following the successful induction of twelve Mushaq aircraft into the Iraqi forces in 2023. Iraq had expressed interest in acquiring more from the PAF.
Apart from the Mushaq trainer aircraft, Pakistan will also supply twelve JF-Thunder Block III fighter jets to Iraq. These aircraft are undergoing technical evaluations to ensure they meet Iraqi requirements.
With this deal, Iraq joins countries like Nigeria, Myanmar, and Azerbaijan as recipients of the JF-Thunder aircraft, showcasing Pakistan’s growing influence in the global defense market.
During the discussions in Baghdad, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar briefed Iraqi defense officials on the technical specifications and performance capabilities of the JF-Thunder aircraft. Iraqi officials are expected to visit Pakistan soon to inspect the manufacturing processes of these aircraft at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) in Kamra.
