ISLAMABAD: Somalia is moving forward with negotiations to purchase up to 24 JF-17 “Thunder” fighter jets from Pakistan in what could become its largest defence acquisition in decades, Somalia Today reported.
According to the report, discussions centre on the advanced Block III variant of the aircraft and form part of a multi-phase package valued at approximately $900 million. The negotiations reportedly include not only the jets but also pilot training, weapons integration, and long-term maintenance and logistics support.
If finalised, the deal would mark a significant milestone for Mogadishu as it seeks to rebuild an air combat capability that has remained dormant since the collapse of the Somali state in 1991.
During the Cold War, Somalia operated Soviet-made MiG-21s and British Hawker Hunter aircraft, maintaining one of sub-Saharan Africa’s more capable air forces. However, prolonged internal conflict following the fall of President Siad Barre dismantled that capacity, leaving airbases damaged and aircraft inoperable.
In recent years, Somalia has relied on foreign partners, including the United States and Turkey, for aerial surveillance, drone strikes and logistics support in its fight against the Al-Shabaab insurgency.
Arms Embargo Lifted
The negotiations follow a key diplomatic development: the United Nations Security Council’s decision in December 2023 to lift a long-standing arms embargo on Somalia’s federal government. The move opened the door for Mogadishu to import advanced military equipment as it works to modernise its security forces.
At the same time, the African Union is transitioning from its ATMIS mission to a new stabilisation force known as AUSSOM, increasing expectations that Somali national forces will assume greater responsibility for territorial security.
The JF-17 Thunder is jointly developed by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s AVIC Chengdu. Designed as a cost-effective, lightweight multi-role fighter, it is marketed to emerging air forces as a more affordable alternative to Western platforms such as the F-16.
The Block III configuration includes active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, upgraded avionics and improved precision-strike capabilities, making it suitable for air defence, ground attack and maritime patrol missions. With an estimated unit cost between $30 million and $40 million, it is significantly less expensive than many Western counterparts.
Potential Regional Backing
Defence analysts cited by Somalia Today noted that a procurement package approaching $1 billion would exceed Somalia’s annual security budget, estimated at around $255 million in 2025. As a result, observers believe regional partners such as Turkey and Saudi Arabia — both of which have strengthened defence ties with Mogadishu — could play a role in financing broader military reforms.
Turkey operates its largest overseas military facility, Camp TURKSOM, in Mogadishu and has signed a 10-year defence and economic cooperation agreement with Somalia. Saudi Arabia has also deepened engagement, signing a military cooperation pact earlier this year aimed at enhancing training, technical support and Red Sea security.
Somalia’s renewed push for sovereign air power comes amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa, including disputes involving Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland.
Boost for Pakistan’s Defence Exports
For Pakistan, securing a Somali contract would bolster its ambitions to expand defence exports. Islamabad has previously sold JF-17 aircraft to countries including Myanmar, Nigeria and Azerbaijan, and has sought additional buyers in Asia and the Middle East.
While the aircraft has drawn interest abroad, analysts caution that establishing a sustainable air combat capability would require Somalia to invest heavily in pilot training, infrastructure, maintenance systems and munitions stockpiles.
Experts note that fighter jets alone would not decisively defeat Al-Shabaab’s insurgency but could enhance airspace control, rapid deployment and maritime security along Somalia’s 3,300-kilometre coastline.
If the deal materialises, it would mark a significant step in Somalia’s effort to restore sovereign military capabilities and reshape the regional security balance, Somalia Today reported.