Iraq’s Purchase of JF-17
ISLAMABAD – Iraq has become the fifth country to enter a $664 million deal with Pakistan for the purchase of JF-17 Thunder aircraft.
Iraq’s Purchase of JF-17: Previously, Malaysia, Nigeria, Azerbaijan, and Myanmar acquired JF-17 Block III aircraft from Pakistan. The production of these fighter planes has been a joint effort between Pakistan and China.
Due to the impressive capabilities of the Thunder, multiple nations have expressed interest in Pakistan’s source of pride. In the past, Argentina had conducted an evaluation of the combat aircraft. Reports indicate that the Iraqi government has allocated $664 million to purchase 12 JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets from Pakistan.
Earlier reports suggested that Iraq had entered into a contract with a Pakistani company to procure an undisclosed quantity of aircraft, believed to be JF-17 Block III.
The Iraqi Defense Minister, Jumaa Inad, confirmed, “We have entered into a contract with a Pakistani company to procure aircraft.” The negotiations for the sale of these jets lasted for over two years.
Both the Pakistani and Iraqi governments have approved the defense deal. The addition of the JF-17 Block III jets, the latest variant of the successful JF-17, would greatly enhance the capabilities of the Iraqi Air Force.
Iraq is particularly interested in acquiring JF-17 Thunder jets to counter the persistent threat of drone usage by its adversaries.
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According to sources, this aircraft purchase from Pakistan represents the largest defense deal between the two countries in approximately forty years.
Nigeria has already incorporated JF-17 Thunder aircraft into its air force, and they are performing their duties satisfactorily, as per the sources.