Exclusive: Pakistan and Indonesia Near Deal on 40+ JF-17 Fighters and Shahpar Strike Drones, Sources Say

ISLAMABAD/JAKARTA Jan 12 (Reuters) - Indonesia's defence minister met Pakistan's air force chief in Islamabad to discuss a potential defence sale that could include JF-17 multi-role combat jets and Shahpar armed drones, three security officials familiar with the meeting told Reuters on Monday.

Sources said the talks were advanced and could involve more than 40 JF-17s — a light combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China — alongside surveillance and strike-capable drones. Officials did not disclose delivery schedules or the expected duration of a possible agreement.

FILE PHOTO: A visitor takes a look at the JF-17 Fighter aircraft during Dubai Air Show in Dubai, UAE November 12, 2017. REUTERS/Satish Kumar/File Photo

Official Confirmations

Both Indonesia's Defence Ministry and Pakistan's military confirmed the meeting between Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu. Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, a defence ministry spokesperson, said the discussions focused on long-term defence cooperation, strategic dialogue and strengthening communication between defence institutions, and had not yet resulted in any concrete decisions.

FILE PHOTO: A JF-17 Thunder fighter participates in a flying display during the 51st Paris Air Show at Le Bourget airport near Paris, June 16, 2015. Picture taken June 16, 2015. REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol/File Photo

The Pakistani military also confirmed the talks and said the defence minister held separate discussions with Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir about mutual interests, evolving regional and global security dynamics, and ways to deepen bilateral defence cooperation.

Offerings Under Consideration

FILE PHOTO: Pakistan Air Force (PAF) JF-17 Thunder fighter jet performs during the Pakistan Day military parade in Islamabad, Pakistan, March 23, 2022. REUTERS/Saiyna Bashir/File Photo

One security source familiar with procurement talks said Pakistan had offered JF-17 Thunder jets, air-defence systems, and comprehensive training packages for junior, mid-level and senior Indonesian air force personnel, plus engineering and maintenance support. A retired Pakistani air marshal quoted by Reuters said the number of JF-17s discussed was close to 40.

Why It Matters

Indonesia is modernizing an ageing air force and has recently placed major orders — including 42 French Rafale fighters in 2022 and 48 Turkish KAAN fighters last year — while also exploring other options such as China’s J-10 and the U.S.-made F-15EX. A potential Pakistani sale would add a lower-cost, operationally proven alternative and expand Islamabad's footprint in the global defence market.

Pakistan's Growing Defence Exports

Pakistan's defence industry has stepped up export efforts amid heightened interest after its combat jets were used in a brief conflict with India last year. The JF-17 has been central to growing export attention, appearing in deals with Azerbaijan and in a reported $4 billion agreement with Libya's National Army. Islamabad is also reported to be exploring defence cooperation with Bangladesh and conducting talks with Saudi Arabia that could convert loans into military equipment.

Reporting by Saad Sayeed and Ariba Shahid in Islamabad, and Ananda Teresia in Jakarta; additional reporting by Mubasher Bukhari in Lahore. (Editing by Alex Richardson)