A “friendly country” has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to purchase Pakistan’s JF-17 fighter jets — an aircraft that attracted “exceptional attention” from defense experts during the Dubai Airshow 2025. This was revealed by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) yesterday.
The JF-17 Thunder is a modern, lightweight, all-weather, day-and-night operational multirole fighter jet jointly developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAC).
According to ISPR, “During the event, the JF-17 Thunder Block-III remained the center of attention, drawing significant interest from defense analysts, aviation experts, and visitors.”
“Its cutting-edge technology, strong combat capabilities, and proven performance in the ‘Battle of Haq’ (the skirmish with India in May) have further established it as a highly capable and cost-effective multirole fighter.”
Demonstrating growing global confidence in Pakistan’s aviation industry, several countries expressed interest in acquiring the JF-17 Thunder. In a major development, an MoU was signed with a friendly country for the purchase of the jet — marking another milestone for Pakistan in defense and industrial cooperation.
This biennial airshow is being held from November 17 to 21 at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport.
ISPR further stated that the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, NI(M), HI(J), held several high-level meetings with the air chiefs of friendly countries during the Dubai Airshow 2025.
During the visit, the Air Chief also held detailed discussions with the UAE’s Undersecretary of Defense, Lieutenant General Pilot Ibrahim Nasser Al Alawi, and the Commander of UAE Air Force & Air Defense, Major General Rashid Mohammed Al Shamsi.
According to the statement, the discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in advanced training, promoting joint efforts in emerging aerospace technologies, and strengthening integrated mechanisms for improved operational coordination.
The UAE military leadership praised the Pakistan Air Force’s modernization efforts and its growing indigenous capabilities, expressing commitment to further strengthening military cooperation through joint exercises, professional exchanges, and forward-looking partnerships.
The Pakistan Air Force contingent at the airshow includes the advanced JF-17 Thunder Block-III and the renowned Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, showcasing Pakistan’s expanding expertise in indigenous military aviation.
