JF-17 Thunder Model Presented to Somali Air Force
The JF-17 Thunder is a multi-role combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China and produced in Pakistan by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex in collaboration with China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group.
A high-level Pakistan Air Force delegation has presented a model of the JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft to the Somali Air Force during a visit to Mogadishu, as the two countries discussed strengthening defence cooperation and developing Somalia’s air capabilities.
The Pakistani delegation was led by Air Marshal Muhammad Sarfraz, Commander Air Defence and Deputy Chief of the Air Staff.
PAF Delegation Meets Somali Air Force Commander
Commander of the Somali Air Force Brigadier General Abdirisak Mohamud Haji received the high-level Pakistan Air Force delegation at Air Force Headquarters in Somalia.
The meeting brought together senior air force officials from the two countries as part of ongoing military-to-military engagement between Pakistan and Somalia.
During the interaction, the Pakistan Air Force delegation presented a model of the JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft to the Somali Air Force.
The JF-17 Thunder is a multi-role combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China and produced in Pakistan by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex in collaboration with China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group.
Somali PM Meets Pakistan Air Force Delegation
The delegation also held talks with Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre in Mogadishu, with discussions focusing on strengthening defence cooperation between Somalia and Pakistan.
The meeting particularly focused on efforts to develop the Somali Air Force, expand its capabilities and improve military training and personnel skills.
Barre thanked the Pakistani delegation for visiting Somalia, describing the engagement as important to strengthening relations and defence cooperation between the two countries.
The Somali prime minister said developing the Somali Air Force was an important part of those efforts, alongside broader initiatives to strengthen Somalia’s defence capabilities and support military operations against Al-Shabaab.
Barre also stressed the importance of continued Pakistani support and cooperation in the defence sector, particularly in developing Somalia’s air capabilities and improving the overall capacity of the country’s security and defence institutions.
Who Has Bought the JF-17?
The presentation comes amid reported Somali interest in the JF-17 Thunder. Since April 2026, the Federal Government of Somalia has reportedly been engaged in high-level negotiations with Pakistan over the potential acquisition of up to 24 JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets.
No final agreement for such an acquisition has been publicly announced by either Pakistan or Somalia.
Myanmar was the first country to buy the JF-17, ordering at least 16 Block II aircraft in 2015. Seven have been delivered so far.
Nigeria became the second foreign buyer, inducting three JF-17s into its air force in 2021.
Azerbaijan followed with an initial order for 16 aircraft in February 2024, worth more than $1.5 billion. In November 2025, Azerbaijan unveiled five JF-17s during its Victory Day parade, formally making it the third foreign operator of the aircraft.
That same month, the Pakistani military announced that it had signed a memorandum of understanding with a “friendly country” for the procurement of JF-17 aircraft, describing it as a “noteworthy development” without identifying the buyer.
Other countries, including Iraq, Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia, have also explored the option of acquiring the JF-17 over the past decade, although those plans have not materialised.
Regarding Saudi Arabia, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that if and when there is any concrete development, the media will be informed accordingly. The ministry did not announce or confirm any development regarding a potential JF-17 deal with the Kingdom.
Pakistan-Somalia Defence Cooperation
The visit comes as Somalia seeks to expand international partnerships to support the rebuilding of its security forces and strengthen their ability to conduct operations against armed groups.
The meetings with the Somali prime minister and senior Air Force leadership highlighted growing military-to-military engagement between Pakistan and Somalia, with air force development, military training and capacity building among the areas discussed.
