MOGADISHU: Somalia is negotiating with Pakistan to purchase up to 24 JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets in what could become the country’s largest defence investment since the Cold War era, according to foreign media reports.
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The discussions gained momentum following a February 2026 visit to Islamabad by Somali Air Force Commander Mohamud Sheikh Ali, highlighting the country’s efforts to rebuild a fixed-wing combat capability that collapsed after the fall of Somalia’s central government in 1991.
A Somali defence ministry official said the planned acquisition represents more than a military purchase, describing it as a step toward restoring national sovereignty and ensuring control over the country’s airspace and coastline.
Pakistan’s Defence Production Minister Raza Hayat Harraj termed the JF-17 a cost-effective solution, noting that Western alternatives can cost more than three times the aircraft’s estimated price of $30 million to $40 million per unit.
Security analysts say the JF-17 Thunder offers an attractive operational package, combining affordability, flexible weapons integration, training support, and fewer political restrictions compared with many Western defence systems.
Former Pakistan Air Force air commodore Adil Sultan said the aircraft’s operational credibility has been strengthened by its performance in real-world scenarios, making it appealing for countries seeking modern airpower within limited defence budgets.
If finalised, the deal — estimated at around $900 million — would mark a significant expansion of Somalia’s defence capabilities and could reshape the security dynamics of the Horn of Africa by reducing reliance on foreign airpower support.
Analysts believe the acquisition would enable Somalia to exercise greater sovereign control over its airspace, including sensitive regions such as Somaliland, while strengthening counterterrorism and maritime security operations across the region.
