Pakistan and Indonesia Explore New Defence Partnership

Potential Sale of Fighter Jets and Drones

Pakistan and Indonesia are currently in discussions about a significant defence agreement. The potential deal could include the sale of JF-17 fighter jets and Shahpar drones to Indonesia. The talks took place recently in Islamabad, where Indonesia's defence minister met with Pakistan's air force chief. Both sides confirmed the meeting but emphasized that no final decisions have been made yet.

Details of the Potential Deal

• JF-17 Fighter Jets: These aircraft are jointly produced by Pakistan and China and are versatile, capable of performing various missions.
• Shahpar Drones: These drones are designed for surveillance and attack missions.

While the exact number of jets and drones is still unclear, sources suggest the deal could involve around 40 jets.

Indonesia's Air Force Modernization

Indonesia is in the process of upgrading its aging air force fleet. The country has already acquired jets from France and Turkey and is considering options from the U.S. and China. A potential deal with Pakistan could be another step in this modernization effort.

Pakistan's Growing Defence Industry

Pakistan's defence industry has been gaining attention, particularly after a conflict with India last year. The JF-17 jets have already been part of deals with other countries. Additionally, Pakistan is in discussions with nations like Libya, Sudan, and Bangladesh regarding potential defence agreements.

Future Collaboration

The talks between Pakistan and Indonesia are still in the early stages. No details about delivery times or the duration of the deal have been disclosed. However, both countries appear keen on strengthening their defence cooperation in the future.