Pakistan has reached a defence deal worth more than $4 billion with the Libyan National Army to supply military equipment, according to multiple Pakistani officials familiar with the matter, as reported by Reuters.
The agreement was finalized following a meeting last week between Pakistan’s Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Saddam Khalifa Haftar, the deputy commander of the Libyan National Army, in Benghazi, officials said.
The deal is among Pakistan’s largest-ever military export agreements and includes equipment for land, sea, and air forces to be delivered over a period of approximately two and a half years.
Two officials said the value of the agreement exceeds $4 billion, while others placed it closer to $4.6 billion.
According to a draft of the agreement seen by Reuters, the package includes the sale of 16 JF-17 fighter jets, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, along with 12 Super Mushak trainer aircraft used for pilot training.
One official confirmed the list, while another said the equipment mentioned forms part of the deal, though final quantities may vary. Pakistan’s foreign ministry, defence ministry and military did not respond to requests for comment on the agreement.
The Libyan National Army’s official media channel said on Sunday that a defence cooperation agreement had been signed with Pakistan, covering weapons sales, joint training and military manufacturing. Haftar described the development as the start of a new phase of strategic military cooperation between the two sides.
Libya has remained divided since the 2011 uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi. The UN recognized Government of National Unity controls western Libya, while the Libyan National Army holds eastern and southern regions, including key oilfields.
Libya has been under a United Nations arms embargo since 2011, requiring UN approval for weapons transfers. It remains unclear whether exemptions were sought for the deal.
Three Pakistani officials said the agreement does not violate UN restrictions, noting that other countries are also engaged in defence cooperation with Libyan authorities.
A UN panel of experts reported in December 2024 that the arms embargo on Libya remains ineffective, with several countries continuing to provide military support to factions despite the restrictions.
Pakistan has been actively seeking to expand its defence exports, promoting its domestic defence industry that includes aircraft production, armoured vehicles, naval platforms and munitions. Officials say recent military engagements and growing ties with Gulf countries have helped boost Pakistan’s profile as a defence supplier.