Somalia is reportedly in advanced discussions with Pakistan to acquire up to 24 JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets, a move that could mark the country’s most significant effort since 1991 to rebuild its air combat capability.
The talks gained traction following a visit by Somali Air Force Commander Mohamud Sheikh Ali to Islamabad in February 2026. Since the collapse of its central government in the early 1990s, Somalia has lacked a functional fixed-wing combat fleet, relying largely on limited external support for air security.
According to officials in Mogadishu, the government aims to restore an independent air defence capability to better safeguard national airspace and reduce dependence on foreign partners. The proposed acquisition is seen as a strategic step toward strengthening sovereignty and national security.
Pakistan’s Defence Production Minister Raza Hayat Harraj said the JF-17 offers a cost-effective alternative to Western fighter aircraft, with an estimated price ranging between $30 million and $40 million per unit. Comparable Western platforms, he noted, can cost more than three times that amount.
Defence analysts in Islamabad highlight that the JF-17 package typically includes aircraft, pilot training, maintenance support, spare parts, and weapons integration. This comprehensive structure, combined with fewer political conditions in procurement, makes the platform attractive for developing nations seeking to modernize their air forces.
If finalized, the deal could be valued at around $900 million, making it Somalia’s largest defence purchase in decades. The acquisition would significantly enhance the country’s ability to monitor and protect its airspace and coastline in the strategically important Horn of Africa region
