In a bold assertion, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stated that a recent surge in international orders for its JF-17 Thunder fighter jets could allow the country to stop relying on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for financial assistance within the next six months. This claim was made in the context of increased defence engagement following a military standoff with India in May 2025.
Confident Claim Amid Economic Struggles
Speaking on a Geo News programme, Khawaja Asif expressed high confidence in Pakistan's emerging role as a defence supplier. "Right now, the number of orders we are receiving after reaching this point is significant because our aircraft have been tested," Asif told the channel. He directly linked this to the nation's economic future, adding, "We are receiving these orders, and it is possible that after six months we may not even need the IMF."
This statement comes despite Pakistan's deep and repeated dependence on IMF bailouts to stabilise its fragile economy. The country secured a $7 billion Extended Fund Facility in September 2024 and an additional $1.4 billion climate resilience loan in May 2025, both tied to strict reform conditions.
Orders Linked to May 2025 India-Pakistan Hostilities
Minister Asif argued that the four-day military confrontation with India in May 2025 demonstrated Pakistan's "resolve and military effectiveness" to the global community, leading to the increased interest in its military hardware. The conflict, referred to as Operation Sindoor by India, was triggered after Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam in April 2025. India's retaliatory strikes targeted terror camps and military facilities inside Pakistan.
Interestingly, the Indian Air Force chief had stated in November 2024 that the JF-17 was among at least five advanced Pakistani fighters shot down during those very hostilities.
Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia in Focus for JF-17 Deals
The minister's comments followed significant defence diplomacy. A Bangladeshi defence delegation recently met Pakistan's air chief to discuss a potential purchase of the JF-17 Thunder. This move is seen as part of Dhaka's outreach to Islamabad amid its straining relations with India. The two nations are also set to resume direct flights from January 29 after a hiatus of over ten years.
In a parallel development, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are negotiating to convert approximately $2 billion in existing Saudi loans into a deal for JF-17 fighter jets, as reported by Reuters citing two Pakistani sources. This would deepen military ties between the two Islamic nations, who signed a mutual defence pact last year. The talks occur as Saudi Arabia re-evaluates its security partnerships.
Pakistan markets the Chinese co-developed JF-17 as a cost-effective, multi-role fighter aircraft, offering an alternative outside traditional Western defence supply chains along with training and maintenance support.
