Iraq has made a $664 million deal with Pakistan to buy 12 JF-17 Thunder Block III Fighter jets, the latest model of the JF-17. Iraq has joined the list becoming 5th country who have purchased JF-17 from Pakistan including Malaysia, Azerbaijan, Nigeria, and Myanmar. The JF-17 is a multi-role fighter jet developed jointly by Pakistan and China.
The government of Iraq has also approved the outlay for the purchase of the jets expected to be delivered in the next 2 years. The fighter jets will reinforce the Iraqi Air Force’s capabilities against threats and drones.
The agreement is the biggest defense agreement between Iraq and Pakistan in about 40 years. Jumaa Inad, Iraqi Defence Minister, stated in a conversation confirming that a contract with a Pakistani company has been signed, and negotiations for the sale of jets continued for more than 2 years.
The deal highlights the growing cooperation between the two countries.
