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Pakistan has finalized a major military equipment deal with Libya worth over $4 billion, according to a Reuters report, marking a significant expansion of Pakistan’s defense exports in North Africa. The agreement was concluded following high-level talks between Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir and senior Libyan military leadership in Benghazi, eastern Libya.
The deal comes despite a United Nations arms embargo on Libya, raising questions about its implementation and international legal ramifications. Four Pakistani officials involved in defense matters, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the agreement, confirmed the development to Reuters.
According to documents reviewed by Reuters before the finalization, the defense package includes 16 JF-17 fighter jets and 12 Super Mushak trainer aircraft. The JF-17 is a multi-role combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China that has become a centerpiece of Pakistan’s defense export strategy. The Super Mushak, meanwhile, is a propeller-driven aircraft used primarily for basic pilot training.
The comprehensive agreement extends beyond aircraft to include equipment for Libya’s land, sea, and air forces. Two officials valued the deal at over $4 billion, while two others put the figure at approximately $4.6 billion. The implementation timeline is expected to span two-and-a-half years, suggesting a phased delivery approach.
Libya’s National Army (LNA) official media confirmed entering into a defense cooperation agreement with Pakistan that encompasses weapons sales, joint training initiatives, and military manufacturing partnerships, though specific details were not disclosed publicly.
During the high-level meetings, General Munir reportedly told Saddam Khalifa Haftar, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan National Army, that Pakistan would share its technological equipment with Libya, describing the North African nation as a “brotherly country.” He emphasized that a strong armed force ensures national sovereignty and security.
The deal represents a significant milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to expand its defense exports globally. The country has been actively promoting its domestic defense industry, which includes aircraft production and overhaul capabilities, armored vehicle manufacturing, munitions production, and naval construction.
Pakistan’s defense industry has positioned itself as an alternative supplier for countries seeking military equipment outside traditional Western supply chains. This approach appears to be gaining traction, particularly among nations with complicated relationships with Western powers or those seeking more cost-effective defense solutions.
The agreement with Libya comes amid Pakistan’s broader strategic push to strengthen security ties with countries in the Middle East and North Africa. In September 2025, Pakistan signed a Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement with Saudi Arabia and has engaged in senior-level defense talks with Qatar, indicating a pattern of expanding military relationships across the region.
For Libya, a country that has experienced significant political instability and civil conflict since the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, the deal potentially strengthens the military capabilities of the LNA, which controls eastern parts of the country. Libya remains divided between competing political and military factions, with various international powers supporting different sides in the conflict.
The timing of this agreement also coincides with Pakistan’s efforts to showcase its defense industry on the global stage. Pakistani officials have repeatedly highlighted the performance of their domestically produced military equipment, including the JF-17 fighter jet, as cost-effective alternatives to more expensive Western systems.
This development signals Pakistan’s growing influence in North Africa’s defense landscape at a time when regional and global powers are competing for strategic positioning in Libya, a country with substantial oil reserves and a strategically important location in the Mediterranean.
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12 Comments
The expansion of Pakistan’s defense exports is an interesting development, but the Libya connection raises some red flags. I hope the authorities have thoroughly vetted this agreement to avoid any potential issues.
You raise a fair point. Given the complex geopolitical situation in the region, it’s important that Pakistan navigates this deal carefully and transparently.
This is a significant military deal for Pakistan, but there are concerns about the UN arms embargo on Libya. I’m curious to learn more about how this agreement will be implemented and its legal implications.
Indeed, the legal aspects of this deal will be closely watched. Careful coordination with the international community will be crucial to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
The $4 billion value of this deal is substantial, and it will be interesting to see how it impacts the dynamics in the North African region. I hope the authorities have thoroughly assessed all the potential risks and implications.
You make a valid point. Given the volatility in the region, it’s crucial that Pakistan ensures this deal is implemented in a way that promotes stability and aligns with international norms.
While the scale of this deal is impressive, the timing and geopolitical context raise some concerns. I hope the authorities have considered all potential implications before finalizing the agreement.
Agreed. Given the sensitive nature of the situation, it’s crucial that Pakistan ensures full compliance with international laws and regulations.
The JF-17 fighter jets and Super Mushak trainer aircraft seem like a well-rounded defense package. I’m curious to see how the Libyan military will utilize these capabilities.
The mix of combat and training aircraft is intriguing. It will be interesting to monitor how Libya integrates these platforms into their overall defense strategy.
This deal highlights the growing importance of Pakistan’s defense industry and its ability to export sophisticated military equipment. However, the Libya connection is certainly a complex and delicate issue.
Absolutely. Pakistan will need to navigate this carefully to balance its defense export ambitions with the need to maintain international credibility and avoid potential controversies.