Indonesia’s Defence Minister held talks with Pakistan’s air force chief in Islamabad to explore a potential defence deal that could include the sale of combat aircraft and armed drones to Jakarta, according to three security officials familiar with the discussions.
The talks come as Pakistan’s defence industry steps up efforts to secure international contracts and position itself as a growing regional supplier. Islamabad is currently engaged in defence procurement discussions with several countries, including Libya’s National Army and Sudan’s military.
One source said the discussions centred on the possible sale of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, a multi-role combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China, along with drones capable of surveillance and precision strikes. Two other sources said the negotiations were at an advanced stage and could involve more than 40 JF-17 jets. One of them added that Indonesia had also shown interest in Pakistan’s Shahpar unmanned aerial vehicles. No details were disclosed regarding delivery schedules or the duration of any potential agreement.
Both Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence and Pakistan’s military confirmed the meeting between Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu.
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