Another Country Expresses Interest in JF-17 Following Bangladesh

Pakistan’s military said on Saturday that Iraqi officials showed strong interest in acquiring Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder fighter jets and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft during high-level air force talks in Iraq.

Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu met Iraqi Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Staff Pilot Mohanad Ghalib Mohammed Radi Al-Asadi during an official visit aimed at strengthening defense ties.

The Iraqi Air Force welcomed the Pakistani air chief with a formal guard of honor at its headquarters, a gesture reflecting growing cooperation between the two forces, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations.

During the meetings, both sides discussed expanding military collaboration, including joint training programs, skills development, and closer operational coordination.

The Iraqi air force chief praised the Pakistan Air Force for its operational standards and technological progress. He also expressed interest in Pakistan’s training facilities and explored the potential purchase of JF-17 fighter jets and Super Mushshak trainer aircraft.

Pakistan’s defense industry has attracted greater attention in recent years, particularly after a brief military confrontation with India in May last year. Pakistan said it shot down six Indian aircraft during the standoff, including Rafale jets.

Since then, several countries have expanded defense engagement with Pakistan. Military delegations from multiple nations have sought to learn from the Pakistan Air Force’s multi-domain air warfare capabilities.