By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - A growing number of countries are expressing interest in acquiring Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder fighter jets following their widely noted performance during last year’s brief conflict with India, with Iraq emerging as the latest nation to signal intent to procure the aircraft, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

During an official visit to Iraq, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu held talks with Lieutenant General Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi, Commander of the Iraqi Air Force, at Iraqi Air Force Headquarters. The Air Chief was accorded a Guard of Honour, reflecting the strengthening defence ties between the two countries.

According to ISPR, discussions focused on enhancing bilateral military cooperation through joint training, capacity building and improved operational collaboration. Air Chief Marshal Sidhu highlighted the deep-rooted religious, cultural and historical relations between Pakistan and Iraq and reaffirmed PAF’s commitment to supporting the Iraqi Air Force in training and institutional development.

The Iraqi Air Chief praised PAF’s professionalism and technological advancement and expressed keen interest in the JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter jet as well as the Super Mushshak trainer aircraft. He also appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting regional stability. Both sides agreed to pursue joint exercises and training initiatives to strengthen interoperability.

Defence officials say the renewed international interest in the JF-17 follows its strong operational performance during the brief but intense conflict between Pakistan and India in May last year, which showcased the aircraft’s combat capability, cost-effectiveness and adaptability in high-threat environments.

Beyond Iraq, several other countries have entered discussions with Islamabad over possible acquisition of the JF-17. Earlier, senior defence leadership from Bangladesh held talks in Islamabad on training, maintenance support and potential procurement of the aircraft. Indonesian defence officials have also explored cooperation in aerospace development and future fighter acquisition, while Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in expanded operational collaboration and joint training with the Pakistan Air Force.

Defense sources further indicate that a number of African countries, including Libya and Sudan, have shown interest in Pakistan’s modern aviation platforms as part of broader defence modernization efforts.

Military analysts note that the JF-17—jointly developed by Pakistan and China—has gained attention as a cost-effective, combat-proven alternative to more expensive Western fighters, making it attractive for countries seeking to upgrade their air forces without heavy financial burden.

Officials in Islamabad view the rising demand as a significant boost to Pakistan’s indigenous defence industry and a reflection of the country’s growing profile as a supplier of modern military hardware, training and operational expertise across the Middle East, Africa and Asia.