The Pakistani JF-17 fighter jet is failing to attract buyers, leaving Pakistan empty-handed despite grand claims.

Pakistan JF-17 fighter jet: Wherever the label “Made in Pakistan” is attached, the world’s trust is halved. Perhaps this is why Pakistan’s supposedly state-of-the-art JF-17 fighter jet is failing to attract buyers. Despite Pakistan’s grand claims, the reality is that it hasn’t received a single export order. The Pakistani government is concerned about this lack of interest from the international community and is now beginning to acknowledge this reality.

The Defense Production Minister has admitted that the ongoing negotiations regarding the fighter jet are likely to fail.

Doubts about Pakistan’s claims

Pakistan has been making big claims about its flagship JF-17 fighter jets, presenting them as an alternative to Western fighter aircraft. The price of a single JF-17 ranges between $30 million and $40 million. According to a Moneycontrol report, Pakistani officials claim that the JF-17, along with the Chinese-made J-10 aircraft, was used during the aerial conflict with India last year.

This was done to demonstrate that its fighter jet is battle-tested. However, experts are skeptical of Pakistan’s claim. They say that the JF-17 is being heavily promoted, but it lacks the necessary capabilities.

Lack of these features in the JF-17

According to the report, the JF-17 lacks the technological advancements, weapon integration, and long-term support packages that are crucial for attracting buyers. Most countries don’t finalize deals on national security issues based solely on price. The features they require in a fighter jet are absent in Pakistan’s flagship JF-17.

Read Also –

Trump has now threatened France, warning of imposing 200 percent tariffs.

Therefore, it has not received any export orders so far. Experts say that Pakistan’s economy is weak, its foreign debt is increasing, and its international credibility has been severely damaged. In this situation, the Shehbaz Sharif government is also trying to secure other benefits instead of cash in exchange for the aircraft. However, it is not succeeding in this either.

Talks with 13 Countries, Zero Orders:

Analysts warn that Pakistan’s sales pitch is exaggerated and lacks credibility. Pakistan has held talks with 13 countries regarding the sale of JF-17 jets, drones, and training aircraft. However, none of these discussions have resulted in a contract.

Pakistan’s Minister of Defence Production, Raza Hayat Harraj, says that talks are ongoing, but there is a risk of failure due to international pressure. Meanwhile, the Pakistani military and Ministry of Defence have refused to comment on the orders, suggesting they have nothing to report.

Shehbaz Sharif’s Grand Claims:

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has publicly claimed several times that many countries are actively involved in negotiations to buy Pakistani fighter jets. However, so far, none of these talks have materialized into orders. Sudan, Nigeria, Morocco, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, and Libya reportedly showed interest in Pakistani aircraft, but the discussions did not progress.

Read Also –

“We will wipe Iran off the face of the earth,” Donald Trump’s biggest threat to Tehran.

A major reason for this is political instability in most of these countries and scrutiny of past procurement processes. Furthermore, it would not be easy for these countries to conduct defense deals with Pakistan instead of China. Sales to Sudan and Libya are also complicated by UN arms embargoes.

Fighter Jets as a Debt Repayment Tool:

The report suggests that Pakistan is using the JF-17 more as a financial tool than a commercial product. It has offered fighter jets to creditors and allies instead of cash payments. In talks with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan offered JF-17 jets in exchange for debt repayment. Similarly, similar offers have been made to other allies, as Pakistan is struggling to repay its debts.

Pakistan’s economy is in dire straits. It survives on loans from others, but the problem is that it doesn’t even have the money to repay those loans. Therefore, the Pakistani government wants to repay its debts by selling its weapons, but even this desire is not being fulfilled.