Recent reports show that Somalia, considered one of Africa’s most fragile states, has agreed to purchase Pakistan/Chinese-made JF-17 Thunder fighter jets.
- Somalia reportedly purchased Chinese-made JF-17 Thunder fighter jets from Pakistan to modernize its armed forces amid ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
- Details on the deal, including the quantity, cost, and delivery timeline, have not been publicly disclosed, but previous reports suggested up to 24 jets for around $900 million.
- The jets are intended to address Somalia's lack of combat aircraft since 1991 and provide an advantage against insurgent groups like Al-Shabaab.
- Pakistan has recently been expanding its military exports to Africa, with significant deals involving Libya, Sudan, and ongoing cooperation with Egypt.
While details of this deal, including the number of airframes, costs, or delivery timelines, are yet to be publicly disclosed by both parties, Turkish outlet TRHaber reported that the deal had been sealed.
Prior to this development, earlier reports indicated that the East African nation might acquire up to 24 Block III variants of the aircraft in a transaction estimated at approximately $900 million, as part of its efforts to modernize its armed forces amidst counter-insurgency operations and regional instability.
The relevance of the jets has become more pronounced in light of Somalia’s struggles in tackling Al-Shabaab, the Al-Qaeda-linked insurgent group that controls large rural areas in southern and central regions.
The deal, which has been discussed since the beginning of the year, also comes at a time when Somalia finds itself in a stalemate over recognizing neighbouring Somaliland as a sovereign state.
Discussions for the purchase came a few months before Israel decided to recognize the disputed Somaliland as an independent nation.
The negotiations for the fighter jets began in September last year, in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, when Pakistani Air Marshal Muhammad Sarfraz met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, and Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, as seen on the Defensepost.
The purchase included 16 JF-17 fighter jets, as well as 12 Super Mushak trainer aircraft used for basic pilot training.
By December, Israel had stated that it supports Somaliland’s decision to break away from Somalia.
With the insurgency Somalia faces and the conflicts surrounding it, the purchase of the Thunder fighter jets could give the country a much-needed advantage.
This purchase is also important because of how much the country has lacked a functioning fixed-wing combat capability.
This is an issue that dates as far back as 1991, constraining Somalia’s ability to secure its airspace against emerging threats as regional alliances evolve.
Pakistan is no stranger to the African market as it has of late been making very important military deals with countries on the continent.
Africa and Pakistan in recent deals
In December, 2025, Pakistan struck a military equipment deal worth more than $4 billion with Libya’s eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA).
In February 2026, it was reported that Sudan’s military authorities, under General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, were pushing to secure a $1.5 billion arms agreement with Pakistan.
At the time, the arms deal was said to contain 10 Karakoram-8 (K-8) light attack aircraft, more than 200 unmanned aerial vehicles, and upgraded air defence systems, reflecting Khartoum’s efforts to regain air superiority after months of contested control of the skies.
Another African country, Egypt, shares close military ties with Pakistan as it coordinates with Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan through the R4 diplomatic framework, giving the four countries an existing platform for closer political and security cooperation.
Back in 2024, it was reported that Pakistan was looking to outfit the Thunder fighter, which was intended to replace the older French-made Mirage jets, with nuclear-capable cruise missiles.
"These developments, along with heightened tensions in the region, have raised concerns about accelerated arms racing as well as new risks for escalation in a potential conflict between India and Pakistan, especially since India is also increasing the size and improving the capabilities of its nuclear arsenal," wrote FAS analyst Eliana Johns.
JF-17 Thunder jet
The JF-17 Thunder, a combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China, is gaining attention as countries look for more affordable ways to strengthen their air forces.
Designed for multiple missions, the lightweight fighter can engage aerial targets and strike ground positions.
Its relatively lower cost compared with some Western combat aircraft has helped Pakistan promote it to countries seeking to modernise their military capabilities without committing to more expensive platforms.
The 14-metre aircraft weighs about 7,900 kilograms and has a 9-metre wingspan. It can carry air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, guided and unguided bombs, and a 23mm cannon. It also features electronic warfare equipment.
Powered by a Russian-made Klimov RD-93 engine, the JF-17 can reach speeds of Mach 1.6, or about 1,976 kilometres per hour, and fly at altitudes of up to 16,900 metres.
Its stated operational range is about 3,482 kilometres.
Beyond its military role, the aircraft reflects a wider shift in the global arms market, where China and Pakistan are seeking to expand their influence by offering alternatives to established Western suppliers.