Pakistan to supply JF-17 fighter jets and Mushshak trainers in landmark Libya deal
December 23, 2025
Pakistan has reportedly secured a major military aviation export deal with Libya’s eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA), covering fighter aircraft, basic trainers, and additional defence equipment.
The agreement is said to include 16 JF-17 Thunder light multirole fighter jets and 12 MFI-17 Super Mushshak basic trainers, with overall deal valuations ranging between $4 billion and $4.6 billion, depending on the source. Reuters reports that the package also includes other military systems beyond aviation, though details remain limited.
Pakistan inks major arms deal with unrecognised Libyan strongman
The JF-17 Thunder is jointly developed by Pakistan and China and manufactured by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) in partnership with Chengdu Aircraft Corporation. Designed as a lightweight, cost-effective multirole fighter, the aircraft has been positioned as an alternative to legacy Russian designs and more expensive Western platforms.
While China has not adopted the aircraft for its own air force, the JF-17 has achieved modest export success. Customers to date include Azerbaijan, Myanmar, and Nigeria, with deliveries ongoing. The most recent Block III variant introduces an AESA radar, updated avionics, and improved weapons integration, significantly boosting its export appeal.
For Pakistan, a Libyan order would represent one of the largest single export contracts for the programme and a major endorsement of PAC’s ability to deliver complex combat aircraft internationally.
Super Mushshak strengthens the training pipeline offering
Alongside the fighters, the reported sale includes 12 MFI-17 Super Mushshak basic trainers. Also produced by PAC, the aircraft is a modernised derivative of the Saab Safari and is widely used for basic and primary military flight training.
The inclusion of trainers alongside frontline fighters suggests a broader force development package, potentially covering pilot training, sustainment, and long-term support, rather than a simple aircraft sale.
Pakistan Seals $4.6 Billion Arms Deal with Libya’s LNA
— Mintel World (@mintelworld) December 22, 2025
Pakistan has reached a landmark agreement worth up to $4.6 billion to supply military equipment to the Libyan National Army (LNA), according to officials and documents seen by Reuters.
The deal involves the sale of 16 JF-17… pic.twitter.com/LqF6tS4pTt
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Libya adds to Pakistan’s JF-17 export successes
According to Reuters, the aviation platforms form part of a wider defence cooperation agreement reportedly signed in Benghazi between Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and representatives of the LNA. The LNA has publicly described the arrangement as encompassing weapons supply, training, and military manufacturing cooperation.
The deal highlights Pakistan’s ambition to position itself as a credible supplier of complete military aviation solutions, spanning combat aircraft, training platforms, and associated support, particularly for customers constrained by cost, sanctions, or access to Western equipment.
Azerbaijani Air Force JF-17 Block III fighters.
— Air Power (@RealAirPower1) View on X
Libya is divided into two, with the internationally recognised government, the Government of National Unity (GNU), ruling from the western city of Tripoli, and the Government of National Stability (LNA) ruling from Tobruk in the eastern half of the country. LNA, headed by strongman General Khalid Haftar, is not internationally recognised as the country’s legitimate government.
If confirmed, the agreement would mark a significant milestone for Pakistan’s defence aviation industry and further cement the JF-17’s role as one of the few actively exported non-Western fighter aircraft currently in production.
Featured Image: Shimin Gu / Wikimedia
