JF-17 Thunder in focus as PAF chief, Indonesian defence minister discuss bilateral cooperation

A high-level Indonesian defence delegation, led by Minister of Defence Lt Gen (R) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, called on Chief of Air Staff Pakistan Air Force Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at Air Headquarters in Islamabad on Tuesday to discuss strategic aviation cooperation and the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet.

The meeting serves as a critical follow-up to the recent state visit by the Indonesian president to Pakistan. Both leaders underscored a shared commitment to fortifying bilateral ties, with a specific focus on capacity building, specialised training, and technological exchange between the two air forces, the Director General Public Relations - Pakistan Air Force (DGPR - PAF) said in a statement.

The development comes on the heels of interest shown by several countries in acquiring the celebrated JF-17 fighter jet, which bolstered its prestige after demonstrating its capabilities in the May 2025 war against India. The light combat aircraft is jointly developed by Pakistan and China and produced in Pakistan.

READ MORE: Iraq hails Pakistan Air Force’s expertise, seeks JF-17 Thunder Jets

Air Chief Marshal Sidhu briefed the visiting minister on the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) aggressive modernisation drive. He highlighted the induction of niche capabilities and infrastructure development designed to maintain an operational edge in multi-domain operations. He reaffirmed that the PAF remains committed to sustained institutional engagement and joint operational collaboration with Indonesia.

A central component of the dialogue involved the JF-17 Thunder aircraft and potential technical collaboration, reflecting Indonesia’s growing interest in Pakistan’s flagship fighter jet. Minister Sjamsoeddin commended the PAF’s operational excellence and specifically lauded the technological milestones achieved via the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park (NASTP). He described the park as a testament to Pakistan’s increasing self-reliance in the aerospace sector.

The visiting dignitary expressed a keen interest in expanding joint ventures in aviation and aerospace, acknowledging Pakistan’s role in regional stability. The meeting signals a growing momentum in Pak-Indonesia defence relations, aimed at deepening a longstanding partnership through enhanced dialogue and modern military cooperation.

Praising Pakistan Air Force’s professionalism and technological advancement, Iraq on Saturday expressed keen interest in JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft.

Lieutenant General Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi, Commander of the Iraqi Air Force expressed this desire in a meeting with Air the PAF chief who called on him during his official visit to Iraq.

READ MORE: Pakistan, Indonesia reaffirm commitment to expanding defence ties

In a meeting with Air Chief Marshal Sidhu on January 6, Bangladeshi Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan also praised PAF’s combat record and expressed interest in benefiting from its operational expertise, seeking assistance in maintenance support for Bangladesh Air Force’s aging fleet and integration of air defence radar systems to enhance air surveillance.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were also held on potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder aircraft as well among other matters of mutual interest.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are in talks to convert about $2 billion of Saudi loans into a JF-17 fighter jet deal, deepening military cooperation months after the two nations signed a mutual defence pact last year.

As per sources, the discussions were limited to the provision of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets.