Somalia is in talks with Pakistan to buy up to 24 JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets. If finalized, this would mark the country’s most serious effort since 1991 to rebuild its air combat power and protect its airspace and long coastline.
The discussions gained momentum after Somali Air Force Commander Mohamud Sheikh Ali visited Islamabad in February 2026. Officials say the visit showed how urgent it is for Somalia to restore its air force, which collapsed after the central government fell decades ago.
A Somali defence ministry official said, “Our airspace must be protected by Somali hands.” The statement shows that the plan is not just about buying jets. It is about restoring national pride and sovereignty.
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In the Horn of Africa, air power is extremely important. Control of the skies means control over land, trade routes, and counterterrorism operations. For Somalia, which has struggled with internal conflict and militant threats, this move could change the balance of power.
Pakistan’s Defense Production Minister Raza Hayat Harraj highlighted the financial side of the deal. He said, “While some Western options may be more technologically advanced, they cost more than three times as much as an approximately $30 million to $40 million JF-17.” He described the aircraft as a cost-effective option for countries with limited defence budgets.
Security analysts in Islamabad say the JF-17 Thunder offers more than just a fighter jet. The package includes training, weapons integration, spare parts, and fewer political conditions compared to Western arms deals. This flexibility makes it attractive for countries seeking independence in defence matters.
Former Pakistan Air Force air commodore Adil Sultan said, “The PAF demonstrated superior performance against much more expensive Western and Russian systems.” He added that the jet’s performance record has increased its appeal in sensitive defence markets.
If the agreement goes through, the deal could be worth around $900 million. It would become Somalia’s largest defence investment since the Cold War era.
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Beyond upgrading military hardware, the purchase could reshape security dynamics in the Horn of Africa. It may reduce Somalia’s reliance on foreign air support, especially from the United States and Turkey, and allow it to assert stronger control over its airspace, including over Somaliland.
