MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somalia is set to acquire six JF-17 Thunder fighter jets from Pakistan, officials say, restoring long-dormant air combat capability.
The delivery would mark a significant milestone in rebuilding Somalia’s air force, which collapsed after the central government fell in 1991.
Sources say the six aircraft form part of broader negotiations that could eventually expand to include up to 24 jets.
The agreement, reportedly valued near $900 million, includes the advanced Block III variant equipped with modern radar and weapons systems.
The JF-17 is jointly produced by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s AVIC Chengdu, and marketed as affordable multirole fighter.
Analysts say the purchase, reportedly financed by Turkey and Saudi Arabia, follows the lifting of a UN arms embargo.
