TP Report
ISLAMABAD: In a landmark development that promises to reshape bilateral relations, Somalia and Pakistan are engaged in advanced negotiations for a comprehensive defence cooperation package centered on the acquisition of JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets. This historic initiative, valued at approximately $900 million, represents Mogadishu’s most significant defence procurement since the challenges of the early 1990s and opens a new chapter in the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Beyond Defence: A Comprehensive Vision
Ambassador Hassan’s vision extends far beyond military cooperation. Understanding that sustainable partnerships rest on multiple pillars, he has worked tirelessly to promote educational exchanges, trade relations, and people-to-people connections between Somalia and Pakistan.
His efforts have facilitated Somali students pursuing higher education in Pakistani institutions, opened channels for bilateral trade discussions, and ensured that Somalia’s voice is heard clearly in Islamabad’s diplomatic corridors. When Somali delegations arrive in Pakistan, they find doors already opened, relationships already nurtured, and opportunities already identified – the fruits of their Ambassador’s labour.
A Testament to Brotherly Solidarity
The discussions, which gained significant momentum following a productive visit to Islamabad in early February by a Somali Air Force delegation led by Commander Mohamud Sheikh Ali, reflect the deep trust and mutual respect that characterises Somalia-Pakistan relations. A Somali defence ministry official eloquently captured the significance of this partnership: “Our airspace must be protected by Somali hands,” framing the potential acquisition as both a practical necessity and a powerful statement of national resurgence.
Pakistan’s Rising Stature in Defence Cooperation
For Pakistan, these talks represent a proud moment in its emergence as a reliable defence partner for brotherly Muslim nations. The JF-17 Thunder–co-developed by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation–has garnered international acclaim as a cost-effective, versatile multirole combat aircraft that offers an attractive alternative to more expensive Western platforms.
“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,” noted Pakistan’s Defence Production Minister Raza Hayat Harraj, highlighting the aircraft’s exceptional value proposition. Pakistani defence officials have emphasised the platform’s flexibility in weapons integration and its tailored support ecosystem, designed specifically for partners seeking reliable defence solutions without political encumbrances.
The JF-17 has already earned the confidence of several nations, including Myanmar, Nigeria, and Azerbaijan, with growing interest from markets across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. “Pakistan is becoming more relevant as a flexible, mid-tier provider of defence capacity,” observed Andreas Krieg, lecturer in security studies at King’s College London, in a recent assessment that underscores Pakistan’s rising credentials in global defence exports.
A Strategic Partnership for Mutual Benefit
The potential Somalia deal carries profound strategic importance that transcends commercial considerations. For Mogadishu, rebuilding its air force capabilities represents a crucial step toward asserting full sovereignty over its national airspace, expansive coastline, and territorial integrity. This partnership with Pakistan would enable Somali forces to gradually assume greater responsibility for national security, particularly as the nation addresses internal security challenges and navigates complex regional dynamics.
Navigating the Path Forward Together
Both nations approach this partnership with clear-eyed understanding of the commitments involved. Successful implementation will require comprehensive cooperation in pilot training, logistics infrastructure, radar systems, and airfield development. Accordingly, the proposed agreement contemplates integrated support arrangements, including training programmes, weapons integration, and long-term maintenance partnerships that will bind the two countries’ defence establishments in enduring collaboration.
A New Chapter in South-South Cooperation
The timing of these negotiations reflects positive developments in Somalia’s trajectory, including the 2023 lifting of United Nations arms embargoes that once constrained legitimate military modernisation. This creates an opportunity for Somalia to exercise its sovereign right to self-defence while deepening ties with trusted partners like Pakistan.
These discussions offer a shining example of mutually beneficial cooperation between two brotherly Islamic nations. For Pakistan, successfully concluding this agreement would demonstrate its capacity to compete in global defence markets while strengthening bonds with an important African partner. For Somalia, it represents access to capable, affordable technology from a trusted friend, supporting its journey toward renewed stability and self-reliance.
Building Bridges for Tomorrow
Sources indicate that discussions continue regarding financing mechanisms, with the possibility that friendly nations such as Saudi Arabia and Turkey might contribute to facilitating this transformative acquisition. At an estimated value approaching $1 billion, this partnership would represent one of the most significant defence cooperation agreements in Somalia’s modern history and a powerful affirmation of Pakistan’s growing role in supporting the defence capabilities of brotherly nations.
Beyond the immediate transaction lies the promise of sustained engagement–training exchanges, technical cooperation, and integrated support networks that will strengthen the bonds between Somalia and Pakistan for generations to come. This partnership exemplifies the best of South-South cooperation: mutual respect, shared interests, and a common vision for a more secure and prosperous future.
As these negotiations progress, they carry the hopes of two nations united by faith, history, and the enduring belief that brothers stand together in times of need and opportunity alike.
