Pakistan to sell JF-17 to friendly country as MoU signed at Dubai Airshow 2025

Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu held a series of high-level meetings with the heads of air forces of several friendly nations on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow 2025.

The PAF chief also met senior defence officials in the United Arab Emirates, including Lt Gen Pilot Ibrahim Nasser Al-Alawi, the UAE’s Undersecretary of Defence, and Maj Gen Rashid Mohammed Al-Shamsi, Commander of the UAE Air Force and Air Defence.

The interactions focused on expanding cooperation in advanced training, building partnerships in new aerospace technologies, and improving operational coordination between the two countries.

UAE officials praised the PAF’s modernisation efforts and its progress in developing homegrown aviation capabilities, with both sides expressing a commitment to deepen military engagement through joint exercises and professional exchanges.

Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, held a series of high-level engagements with Air Chiefs from friendly countries on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow 2025. During the visit, Chief of the Air Staff also held… pic.twitter.com/HuypaG1FI2

— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) November 20, 2025

A PAF contingent is taking part in this year’s Dubai Airshow, bringing the JF-17 Thunder Block-III and the Super Mushshak trainer aircraft to the event. The participation highlights Pakistan’s advancements in indigenous aircraft manufacturing and training platforms.

The JF-17 Block-III attracted significant attention at the show, drawing interest from defence experts and visitors for its modern systems, enhanced combat performance, and operational record. According to officials, several countries have conveyed interest in purchasing the aircraft.

"Its cutting-edge technology, strong combat capabilities and proven operational performance in Marka-e-Haq reinforced its reputation as a highly capable and cost-effective multirole fighter," read a statement.

It said that several countries expressed interest in acquiring the JF-17 Thunder, demonstrating increasing international confidence in Pakistan’s aviation industry. 

"In a noteworthy development, an MoU was signed with a friendly country for the procurement of the JF-17 Thunder, marking another significant milestone in Pakistan’s expanding defense and industrial partnerships," the statement said.