Pakistan Bets Big On JF-17 Jets: Could The IMF Be Out Of The Picture Soon? | World News

New Delhi: Islamabad may not need any more Indian Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout in the next six months, as orders for Chinese JF-17 Thunder fighter jets have reportedly increased following the conflict with India in May 2025, according to Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif. He claimed that demand for aircraft has reached record levels, positioning Pakistan to strengthen its defense exports.

The country is currently bound by a $7 billion IMF program (the 24th program), which follows a $3 billion short-term arrangement that prevents default in 2023. These loans have strict conditions, including financial reforms, subsidy cuts and income-generating measures. Previous IMF requirements had forced Pakistan to sell its national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

Asif underlined that JF-17s have been subjected to combat tests, which increases their attractiveness to buyers. Pakistan has recently pursued international defense agreements as part of an effort to monetize its domestic military industry. The aircraft is at the center of Islamabad’s weapons development strategy amid a $4 billion arms deal with the Libyan National Army and talks with Azerbaijan.

Talks with Bangladesh are ongoing and Pakistan is negotiating with Saudi Arabia to convert a nearly $2 billion Saudi loan into the purchase of JF-17s. Analysts say this indicates a move by both countries to strengthen military cooperation amid financial pressures and shifting security alliances in the Middle East.

Retired Air Marshal Amir Masood said that Pakistan has contacted at least six countries to supply fighter jets, electronic systems and weapons packages for JF-17. He emphasized that the aircraft’s combat experience and cost-effectiveness make it an attractive option for buyers.

Some experts are wary of Asif’s claims. Political scientist Ayesha Siddiqa said despite the minister expressing confidence, it was unlikely Pakistan would generate enough revenue from aircraft sales alone to avoid IMF support.

The JF-17 squadron was deployed during the May 2025 military conflict with India, which saw the heaviest fighting between the nuclear-armed neighbors in decades. Post-conflict assessments reported that Pakistan lost six to nine fighter jets, two high-value surveillance aircraft, more than 10 armed drones and a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft during India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

Analysis shows that nearly 20 percent of the Pakistan Air Force’s infrastructure at 11 air bases suffered major damage. This included critical assets impacting operational readiness, such as the Saab 2000 AWACS and TPS-43J radar systems. Radar tracking and thermal imaging reportedly confirmed the loss of multiple jets.

The JF-17 Thunder is a light multirole fighter aircraft jointly built by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC). Production started in the early 2000s within the scope of a bilateral agreement. Approximately 58 percent of the aircraft is produced in Pakistan and the rest in China. Islamabad is handling the front fuselage, vertical tail and final assembly, while Beijing is building the middle and rear fuselage. Each aircraft is fitted with Russian engines and British Martin Baker seats.

The unit cost of the JF-17 is estimated to be between $25 million and $30 million, making it a competitively priced option in the international fighter jet market.