ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s defence manufacturing industry has seen rising demand after its weapons gained combat-tested status. The systems were used during a conflict with India last year.
Officials said jets, drones and missiles attracted strong foreign interest. Several countries have approached Pakistan for defence purchases.
Sources said Pakistan held talks with 13 countries. Six to eight talks have reached advanced stages. Discussions involve aircraft, drones and weapons systems, reuters reported.
The proposed deals include JF-17 fighter jets. Pakistan co-produces the jets with China. Talks also cover training aircraft and ammunition.
Pakistan’s defence production minister confirmed foreign interest. He said several countries were seeking jets and military equipment. He shared no deal details.
China’s defence ministry declined to comment. Pakistan’s military also withheld specifics.
Analysts said global conflicts disrupted traditional arms supply chains. Countries now seek alternative suppliers. Pakistan has emerged as a viable option.
Pakistan tested its aircraft during an air battle with India in May. Its air force flew JF-17 jets alongside Chinese-made J-10 fighters.
Reuters spoke with defence sources and analysts. They described growing interest in Pakistan’s military hardware. They cautioned that talks may not result in deals.
Defence Minister Raza Hayat Harraj confirmed negotiations. He said international pressure could derail talks. He described negotiations as sensitive.
Harraj said buyers showed interest in aircraft and training systems. He also cited interest in ammunition. He highlighted lower costs than Western alternatives.
The JF-17 costs about $30 million to $40 million. Western jets cost more than three times as much. Analysts said price appeals to many buyers.
Growing list of potential buyers
Retired Air Marshal Asim Suleiman said interest continues to expand. He said three African countries are also in line. He excluded Libya and Sudan deals previously reported.
Defence sources said talks with Bangladesh were most advanced. The discussions include arms sales and defence cooperation. They also include intelligence sharing.
Sources said talks cover JF-17 Block III jets. They also include Mushshak trainer aircraft. Drones and armoured vehicles are under discussion.
Expanding production capacity
Analysts said Pakistan must scale production. The JF-17 remains the cornerstone of its programme. Drones and trainers are also in demand.
Suleiman said aircraft output will rise by 2027. He said production could double. Pakistan currently produces about 20 jets annually.
Analysts said manufacturing constraints appear limited. They said Chinese backing will help expansion. They see few long-term obstacles.
Security analyst Andreas Krieg praised Pakistan’s flexibility. He said Pakistan offers cost-effective defence solutions. Krieg said this appeals to African partners.
He said Pakistan can train forces and supply advisers. Andrew Krieg noted joint exercises and maritime support. He said Pakistan delivers faster than Western partners.
Private sector partnerships also support growth. Drone production has expanded rapidly. Firms now work closely with the military.
At Sysverve Aerospace in Rawalpindi, workers build hundreds of drones yearly. The company supplies kamikaze and reconnaissance drones.
Company director Saad Mir confirmed private sector involvement. He said the army encourages such partnerships.
China and geopolitical limits
Analyst Siemon Wezeman raised concerns over approvals. He said China may block sales to some buyers. He questioned deals with Sudan and Libya.
Both regions face United Nations arms embargoes. Analysts warned such restrictions complicate negotiations.
Pakistan also balances Middle East alliances. It maintains close ties with Saudi Arabia. It also navigates relations with the UAE.
Pakistan signed a mutual defence pact with Saudi Arabia. It is discussing another agreement involving Turkey. Officials have not released details.
Analysts said ideology aligns Pakistan with Saudi Arabia. They said economic interests often align with the UAE.
Countries in talks
Sources said talks include Sudan and Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Morocco, Ethiopia and Nigeria are also involved. Eastern Libya’s government is included.
Pakistan has publicly confirmed talks with Bangladesh and Iraq. Officials shared no further details. Most potential buyers are Muslim-majority nations.
Many come from the Middle East and Africa. Pakistan has long served as a regional security partner.