Somalia Eyes Pakistan’s JF-17 Fighter Jets in Major Push to Rebuild and Modernise Its Air Force

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia has reportedly reached an agreement with Pakistan to acquire JF-17 Thunder fighter jets as part of efforts to rebuild and modernise its air force, Turkish media outlet TRHaber reported, although neither government has publicly confirmed a final deal.

The report did not specify the number of aircraft involved, the value of the agreement or when deliveries might begin.

The reported agreement comes amid growing defence cooperation between Mogadishu and Islamabad, following a visit to Somalia by a senior Pakistani Air Force delegation that held talks with the country's top leadership.

The delegation, led by Air Marshal Muhammad Sarfraz, met President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi.

Discussions focused on rebuilding Somalia's air force, military training, institutional development and the creation of an effective air combat capability, according to information provided about the visit.

During the visit, Sarfraz presented a model of the JF-17 Thunder fighter to Somalia's air force chief, a gesture that highlighted the aircraft's place in discussions on future defence cooperation.

The visit followed a trip to Pakistan in August by a Somali delegation led by Defence Minister Fiqi. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen cooperation on defence and security.

Reports earlier this year said Somalia was considering acquiring up to 24 JF-17 Thunder Block III aircraft in a deal estimated at around $900 million. However, the figures have not been officially confirmed by either government.

If completed, the acquisition would represent a significant step in Somalia's efforts to rebuild an air force that has had limited operational capacity since the collapse of the central government in 1991.

The JF-17 Thunder is a multirole combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China. It is designed to carry out air-to-air combat and air-to-ground missions.

The Block III variant features an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, upgraded avionics and improved electronic warfare systems. It is generally classified as a fourth-generation-plus fighter, rather than a fifth-generation aircraft such as the US-made F-35, which incorporates stealth technology.

Somalia has been rebuilding its security institutions as it continues operations against the al-Shabaab militant group and seeks to strengthen national defence capabilities.

The development of an air force could expand the country's military options, but operating modern fighter jets would also require trained pilots, technical personnel, maintenance facilities, weapons systems and sustained funding.

Neither the Somali government nor Pakistan had publicly confirmed the reported agreement at the time of publication. Details of any contract, including the aircraft configuration, financing arrangements, training package and delivery schedule, remain unclear.

GAROWE ONLINE