Islamabad: Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif recently stated that demand for his country’s JF-17 fighter jets has increased rapidly. These deals are so substantial that his country will not need to borrow from the world in the coming years. Asif is known for his boastful statements, but it is true that Pakistan’s defense sector has received a significant boost recently. Cooperation, particularly from China, is strengthening Pakistan’s defense sector, and the country is actively seeking customers in the Arab world.
Buoyed by Chinese support, Pakistan is increasing its military presence in the Arab world. Islamabad signed a defense deal with Saudi Arabia last year and is currently negotiating a multi-billion dollar arms agreement with Sudan. Pakistan also desires a NATO-like military alliance of Islamic countries, initially including Turkey and Saudi Arabia alongside Pakistan. This is a particular cause for concern for India.
The Idea of an Islamic NATO –
Pakistani minister Raza Hayat recently revealed in an interview with Reuters that negotiations are underway for a military agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. He said, “A Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-Turkey trilateral agreement is already in the works. This is separate from the bilateral Saudi-Pakistani agreement signed last year.”
According to Hayat, Pakistan has a draft of the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-Turkey trilateral agreement. Saudi Arabia and Turkey also have copies of the draft. The governments of all three countries have been discussing it for the past 10 months. Final agreement between the three countries to finalize this deal is expected soon.
Pakistan’s Defense Deals –
Pakistan’s $1.5 billion deal to supply weapons and jet aircraft to Sudan is in its final stages. This will provide a significant boost to the Sudanese army, which is fighting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Islamabad is also in talks with Saudi Arabia to convert a $2 billion loan into a deal for JF-17 fighter jets. Iraq has also expressed interest in purchasing JF-17 Thunder jets from Pakistan.
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According to defense deal standards, the $1.5 billion Sudanese agreement and the $2 billion Saudi agreement cannot be considered very large. However, these agreements certainly demonstrate the growing reach of Pakistani military hardware and its influence in the Arab world.
Pakistan’s Changing Role –
According to NDTV, Pakistan’s military role in the Arab world has traditionally been limited to training armed forces. This role has recently been changing. If the current negotiations are successful, it could make Pakistan a major security provider in several respects. This would give it the ability to shift the balance in delicate conflicts.
China’s role behind Pakistan is particularly significant. The JF-17 was jointly developed by Pakistan and China. Pakistan is securing several deals based on these aircraft. If these Pakistani aircraft prove successful initially, its stature as an arms supplier will increase significantly in the coming years.
