MOGADISHU — Somalia explores major air force revival deal with Pakistan
Somalia is in advanced discussions with Pakistan over a potential defence agreement that could see Mogadishu acquire up to 24 JF-17 Block III fighter jets, in what would mark the country’s most ambitious attempt in decades to rebuild its air power.
If concluded, the deal would represent a major milestone in Somalia’s ongoing military reconstruction, more than 30 years after the collapse of its central government in 1991 led to the disintegration of its air force and broader state institutions.
The JF-17 Thunder, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, is a lightweight, multi-role combat aircraft designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground operations. The Block III variant features upgraded avionics, improved radar systems, and enhanced combat capabilities.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, the proposed agreement would not be limited to aircraft procurement. It is also expected to include pilot training programmes, technical assistance, and long-term maintenance support—key components for any effort to rebuild a sustainable air force from scratch.
Somalia has not operated a functional combat air fleet for over three decades, relying instead on regional partners and international allies for air support in counter-insurgency operations, particularly against the Al-Shabaab militant group.
Analysts say the reported talks reflect Mogadishu’s broader push to strengthen national security institutions as it gradually takes over more responsibility from African Union peacekeeping forces and foreign security partners.
However, defence cooperation of this scale would also present significant challenges, including financing, training capacity, infrastructure development, and long-term operational sustainability.
Neither Somali nor Pakistani authorities have publicly confirmed final details of the negotiations, and it remains unclear whether a formal agreement has been reached.
If completed, the deal would signal one of the most significant shifts in Somalia’s military capabilities since state collapse, potentially reshaping the country’s long-term security posture in the Horn of Africa.
