Story by Bahari Duniya | Written by Disha Sharma
Pakistan’s $4 Billion Libya Arms Deal
Pakistan has reportedly secured one of the largest defence export deals in its history, finalising an agreement worth approximately $4 billion to supply military equipment to Libya. According to Reuters, the deal was concluded following a meeting in Benghazi between Pakistan’s military chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Libyan National Army Deputy Commander-in-Chief Saddam Khalifa Haftar.
While Islamabad has not officially confirmed the full details, sources told Reuters that the package includes 16 JF-17 multi-role fighter jets and 12 Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, which are used for basic pilot training. Pakistani officials said the agreement spans land, sea, and air defence systems, with deliveries planned over the next two-and-a-half years.
The agreement comes at a time when Pakistan’s economy remains under severe stress, with the country heavily dependent on IMF bailout programmes, prompting Islamabad to aggressively expand defence exports. Much of Pakistan’s military hardware is based on Chinese-origin technology transfers.
The JF-17 fighter jet, for example, is jointly developed by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group. With continued Chinese assistance, Pakistan now manufactures armoured vehicles, munitions, and has expanded into select naval construction as well.
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Pakistan has previously exported the JF-17 to Nigeria, Azerbaijan, and Myanmar, deals that indirectly benefited China. Beijing remains deeply embedded in the development of Pakistan’s defence sector and has long sought to position itself as a competitive global arms supplier, challenging Western and Russian defence manufacturers.
From Design to Exports: The China–Pakistan Partnership Powering the JF-17 Fighter Jet
Although Pakistan has managed to export the JF-17 fighter jet to a limited number of countries, and several others are said to be evaluating the aircraft, the Pakistan Air Force remains its primary operator.
The jet has been part of Pakistan’s frontline combat fleet since 2010. Classified as a fourth-generation, single-engine, lightweight, multi-role fighter, the JF-17 is designed to perform a wide spectrum of missions, ranging from air interception and ground-attack operations to maritime strike missions and aerial surveillance.
Despite being assembled in Pakistan, the JF-17’s production is heavily reliant on Chinese-supplied components. Pakistan’s role largely centres on airframe manufacturing and final assembly, while many of the aircraft’s critical systems — including AESA radar technology, electronic warfare systems, cockpit avionics, and most weapon packages — are sourced from China.
Because the fighter integrates Chinese-developed technology, every export transaction requires approval from both Islamabad and Beijing. In practical terms, any prospective JF-17 sale must first receive clearance from China’s Central Military Commission, followed by formal authorisation from the Chinese government.