Somalia in Talks to Buy Fighter Jets From Pakistan in Bid to Rebuild Its Air Force

Somalia

Somalia is in negotiations with Pakistan to purchase up to 24 JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, a move that could mark the country’s most significant effort in decades to rebuild its air force and reassert control over its airspace. The discussions reflect a broader push by Somali leaders to restore military capabilities that largely disappeared after the collapse of the central government in 1991.

The talks gained momentum earlier this month when Somalia’s air force commander, Mohamud Sheikh Ali, traveled to Islamabad, underscoring the urgency behind the effort. For Somalia, rebuilding an air combat force is not only a military objective but also a symbol of national recovery and sovereignty after years of conflict and reliance on foreign support.

Somali officials have framed the potential acquisition as essential to protecting the country’s skies and long coastline, one of the longest in Africa. Control of the airspace carries strategic importance, affecting everything from counterterrorism operations to maritime security and the protection of trade routes.

Cost appears to be a decisive factor in Somalia’s interest in the Pakistani-built aircraft. Pakistani officials say the JF-17, which costs between $30 million and $40 million per unit, offers a more affordable alternative to Western-made fighter jets, which can cost several times as much. For a country working to strengthen its defenses while managing limited resources, the aircraft presents a more attainable option.

Military analysts say the appeal of the JF-17 goes beyond its price. The aircraft is often marketed as a complete package that includes pilot training, maintenance support and weapons integration. This makes it particularly attractive to countries seeking to develop their air forces without becoming overly dependent on Western suppliers or restrictive arms agreements.

If finalized, the deal could be worth as much as $900 million, making it Somalia’s largest defense investment in decades. Such a purchase would represent a turning point for a country that has spent years rebuilding its national institutions, including its armed forces.

The acquisition could also shift the balance of security in the Horn of Africa. Somalia has long relied on international partners, including the United States and Turkey, for air support in its fight against extremist groups. A fully operational air force would allow the country to take greater responsibility for its own defense while strengthening its control over both inland territory and offshore waters.

For Somalia, the negotiations are about more than aircraft. They reflect a nation seeking to restore its independence, rebuild its military credibility and secure its place in a region where control of the skies remains a powerful symbol of sovereignty.