Pakistan and Libya have concluded a defense agreement worth over $4 billion to supply JF-17 fighter jets, trainer aircraft, and associated military support, according to officials and documents seen by international agencies. The pact, signed late December 2025 after talks in Benghazi, aims to strengthen military cooperation and includes aircraft delivery, pilot training, and additional defense equipment.
Details of the Pakistan Libya Defense Deal
The agreement calls for the export of 16 JF-17 multirole fighter jets, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, and 12 Super Mushak basic trainer aircraft for pilot training. These aircraft form the core delivery schedule, with shipments and support expected over roughly two and a half years.
Pakistani defense sources described this as one of Islamabad’s largest weapons export packages, though exact figures vary, with some officials placing the total closer to $4.6 billion when additional training, logistics, and equipment are included.
Strategic Context and Cooperation
The deal was finalized after meetings in Benghazi between Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and senior leaders of Libya’s eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA). The LNA said the pact also covers joint training and potential collaboration on military production.
Pakistan’s defense industry has been pushing for expanded exports of indigenous platforms like the JF-17 Thunder, seen as a cost-competitive multirole fighter in global markets.
UN Embargo Issues
Libya has been under a United Nations arms embargo since 2011, requiring Security Council approval for weapon transfers. The extent to which the new pact complies with these restrictions remains unclear. Pakistani officials have maintained that the deal does not breach UN rules, though enforcement of the embargo has been widely considered inconsistent.
Impact and Next Steps
If fully implemented, the agreement would mark a significant milestone for Pakistan’s defense exports and military cooperation with a North African partner. It could reshape Libya’s air capabilities by adding structured training pipelines and modern combat aircraft to its forces. Observers will watch how delivery schedules, compliance with international norms, and broader regional dynamics unfold in the months ahead.
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