Somalia has reportedly reached an agreement with Pakistan to acquire JF-17 Thunder fighter jets as part of an effort to rebuild its air force. The deal, though not publicly confirmed by either government, was reported by Turkish media outlet TRHaber. The report did not specify the number of jets, the value of the agreement, or a delivery schedule. This development comes amid rapidly expanding defense ties between Mogadishu and Islamabad.
A senior Pakistan Air Force delegation led by Air Marshal Muhammad Sarfraz visited Mogadishu in September to discuss rebuilding the Somali Air Force and developing air-defense capabilities. Sarfraz met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, and senior Somali military commanders. The meetings focused on personnel training, institutional development, air-defense capabilities, and longer-term cooperation between the two air forces.
The Pakistani delegation also visited Somali Air Force headquarters, where officials discussed organizational development, specialized training, and strengthening the skills of officers. Somali media reported that Sarfraz presented Somali Air Force commander Brig. Gen. Abdirisaq Mahmoud Haji with a model of the JF-17 Thunder during the visit. This gesture suggests a significant level of cooperation and commitment to the deal.
The reported deal follows an Aug. 4 visit to Pakistan by Fiqi, during which the two governments signed a memorandum of understanding on defense and security cooperation. The agreement covers military training, capacity building, counterterrorism, and broader defense cooperation. This memorandum laid the groundwork for the current agreement to acquire JF-17 fighter jets.
Earlier reports suggested Somalia was considering acquiring as many as 24 JF-17 Block III aircraft in a deal potentially worth about $900 million. However, these figures have not been confirmed by either Mogadishu or Islamabad. The JF-17 Thunder was jointly developed by Pakistan and China and is manufactured primarily in Pakistan. The latest Block III version is equipped with advanced avionics and electronic warfare systems.
The Somali Air Force was once equipped with combat aircraft during the government of Mohamed Siad Barre but largely collapsed in 1991. Successive Somali governments have since sought to rebuild the service, primarily focusing on personnel, training, and institutional capacity. President Mohamud's government has stepped up efforts to modernize Somalia's armed forces as Somali troops take on greater responsibility for national security.
Somali officials have described the developing relationship with Pakistan as part of a broader effort to rebuild national defense institutions and establish sustainable air-defense capabilities. The acquisition of JF-17 fighter jets is a significant step towards modernizing Somalia's military and enhancing its defense capabilities.
Key points
- Somalia agrees to acquire JF-17 Thunder fighter jets from Pakistan.
- The deal aims to rebuild Somalia's air force and enhance its defense capabilities.
- The JF-17 Thunder is a 4.5-generation fighter equipped with advanced avionics and electronic warfare systems.
