![](https://bharatshakti.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/LT-BSI-Defence.gif")
Pakistan and Indonesia are in advanced discussions over a potential defence deal that could see Jakarta acquire combat aircraft and armed drones from Pakistan, according to a Reuters report citing three security officials familiar with the talks.
Indonesia’s Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin met Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu in Islamabad to explore defence cooperation, including the possible sale of JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter jets and unmanned aerial systems, the officials said.
One of the sources said the discussions centred on the JF-17, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, along with surveillance and strike-capable drones. Two other officials said negotiations had reached an advanced stage and could involve the sale of more than 40 JF-17 aircraft. One of them added that Indonesia had also expressed interest in Pakistan’s Shahpar armed drones.
No details were disclosed on delivery schedules or the duration of the proposed contract.
Both governments confirmed the high-level meeting but stopped short of announcing a deal.
“The meeting focused on discussing general defence cooperation relations, including strategic dialogue, strengthening communication between defence institutions, and opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields in the long term,” Indonesian Defence Ministry spokesperson Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait told Reuters, adding that the talks had not yet resulted in concrete decisions.
Pakistan’s military said in a statement that Sjamsoeddin also met Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, with discussions focusing on “matters of mutual interest, evolving regional and global security dynamics, and exploration of avenues for enhancing bilateral defence cooperation.”
Indonesia modernising ageing air force
A separate security source with knowledge of ongoing procurement talks said Pakistan had proposed not only fighter jets but also air defence systems, pilot training programmes across multiple levels, and engineering support for the Indonesian Air Force.
“The Indonesia deal is in the pipeline,” retired Air Marshal Asim Suleiman, who remains briefed on air force procurement matters, told Reuters, estimating the number of JF-17 jets under discussion at close to 40.
The talks follow Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Pakistan last month, during which both sides agreed to deepen bilateral ties, including defence cooperation.
Indonesia has been actively modernising its ageing air force fleet, placing large orders in recent years. These include an $8.1 billion deal for 42 French Rafale jets in 2022 and an agreement last year to acquire 48 KAAN fighter jets from Turkey. Jakarta has also explored purchasing China’s J-10 fighters and remains in talks with the United States over the F-15EX jets.
Pakistan’s expanding defence footprint
Pakistan’s defence industry has stepped up overseas marketing efforts as it seeks to establish itself as a regional arms supplier. Interest in its weapons platforms has increased since Pakistani jets were deployed during a brief military confrontation with India last year, according to Reuters.
The JF-17 has been central to that push, featuring in recent defence deals with Azerbaijan and a reported $4 billion weapons agreement with Libya’s National Army. Islamabad is also pursuing closer defence ties with Bangladesh, which could include sales of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft and JF-17 fighters.
Reuters has previously reported that Pakistan is also in discussions with Saudi Arabia over a defence arrangement valued between $2 billion and $4 billion, potentially involving the conversion of Saudi loans into military hardware supplies.
Team BharatShakti
