MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia is set to receive six JF-17 Thunder fighter jets from Pakistan, officials said, in a move aimed at restoring air combat capability.
The delivery would mark a major step toward rebuilding the country’s long-defunct air force, which collapsed in 1991 after government fell nationwide.
Reliable sources say six aircraft are part of negotiations that could expand deal significantly to include up to 24 jets eventually.
The deal is estimated at about $900 million and involves the advanced Block III variant of the aircraft with modern combat systems.
The JF-17 is jointly produced by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s AVIC Chengdu and marketed as affordable and capable multirole fighter jet.
Myanmar, Nigeria and Azerbaijan operate the aircraft, while several other nations have expressed interest in potential purchases including Iraq, Bangladesh and Sudan.
Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly financing the purchase, reflecting strategic interests in stabilizing the Horn of Africa amid regional tensions.
The expected arrival follows the United Nations’ decision to lift a decades-long arms embargo on Somalia that had restricted weapons imports nationwide.
Analysts say the jets could strengthen Somalia’s air defenses and reduce reliance on foreign aircraft for domestic security operations in coming years.