Reuters: JF-17 Talks Ongoing Between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan
According to a report published by Reuters, the Chinese- and Pakistani-made JF-17 Thunder fighter jet has come onto the agenda as an unexpected candidate for Saudi Arabia’s next fighter aircraft procurement. While the mutual defence agreement signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia provides an important basis that could pave the way for the transfer of JF-17s to Riyadh, it is noted that the aircraft faces intense international competition.
The US Factor and F-35 Uncertainty
While it is not yet clear whether Saudi Arabia will opt for a platform such as the JF-17, it is assessed that a potential procurement could lead to political and military tensions with the United States. As is known, the Washington administration has for a long time shown a willingness to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.
Billion-Dollar Credit Balance on the Agenda
According to Reuters, citing two Pakistani sources, negotiations between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan regarding the procurement of JF-17s are continuing. One source stated that the talks are limited solely to the JF-17, while the other claimed that fighter jets are the “primary option”, but that different military equipment could also be included in the package.
The War Zone, one of the leading publications specialising in defence and security, reported that the agreement in question would be worth approximately 4 billion dollars, to be covered through the conversion of part of the loans Pakistan has received from Saudi Arabia. According to the report, Saudi Arabia also plans to make an additional expenditure of 2 billion dollars.
High-Level Military Contacts Gain Momentum
This week, Pakistan Air Force Commander Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu paid an official visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met with his Saudi counterpart, Lieutenant General Turki bin Bander bin Abdulaziz. During the meetings, bilateral defence cooperation, the regional security environment and future joint projects were discussed.
Mutual Defence Agreement Plays a Critical Role
It is stated that Saudi Arabia’s interest in the JF-17 increased following the mutual defence agreement signed with Pakistan in September last year. The agreement is regarded as the latest link in the long-standing security partnership between the two countries.
In a statement made by the Prime Minister’s Office of Pakistan following the agreement, it was said that:
“Any attack directed at one of the two countries would be considered as having been carried out against both countries.”
