Pakistan selling fighter jets jointly made with China to General Haftar

Pakistan has reportedly reached a deal worth over US$ 4 billion to supply weapons to the Libyan National Army, despite the UN arms embargo imposed in 2011. This follows a meeting last week in Benghazi between General Munir and the leader of the Libyan faction. The Pakistani defence chief cited the effectiveness shown by the JF-17s in the clashes with India last May.

Karachi (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Pakistan has reportedly reached a deal worth over US$ 4 billion to sell military equipment to the Libyan National Army (LNA), the militia led by General Saddam Khalifa Haftar, this despite the UN arms embargo on the North African country torn by years of war, Reuters reported, citing anonymous statements from four Pakistani officials.

The arms deal, one of the largest ever made by Pakistan, was reportedly finalised in a meeting last week between Pakistan’s 1st Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and General Saddam Khalifa Haftar in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi.

A draft of the agreement seen by Reuters includes the purchase of 16 JF-17 fighter jets, aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China, and 12 Super Mushak trainer aircraft.

One official confirmed the accuracy of the list, while another noted that the final numbers could vary. According to the officials, the agreement would include land, sea, and air equipment, with deliveries spread over two and a half years.

For its part, the LNA's official media channel Al-Hadath reported that a military cooperation pact with Pakistan had been signed, including arms sales, joint training, and military production.

Libya has been subject to a UN arms embargo since 2011, requiring UN approval for any weapons transfer.

A December 2024 UN report called the embargo "ineffective," noting that several states continue to provide military assistance to Libyan factions. It is unclear whether exemptions to the embargo have been requested.

Pakistan is seeking to expand defence exports, relying on its military industry, and promoting the JF-17 as a low-cost, multi-role fighter outside Western supply chains.

With its Libyan partners, Pakistan specifically cited the performance of its Air Force in the clashes with India in May.

“Our recent war with India demonstrated our advanced capabilities to the world,” Field Marshal Munir said in a speech broadcast on Al-Hadath yesterday.

The agreement with Libya would boost Pakistan's presence in North Africa, amid international competition for influence over the country and its oil resources.