Pakistan Pitches JF-17 Jets to Saudi Arabia in $2 Billion Loan-to-Arms Swap Talks

• Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are discussing converting $2 billion of Saudi loans into a deal for JF-17 Thunder fighter jets.
• The talks aim to deepen military cooperation, operationalizing a mutual defence pact signed last year amidst Pakistan's financial strain and Saudi Arabia's security re-evaluation.
• The JF-17, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, is a cost-effective and combat-tested aircraft, previously deployed during conflict with India.
• The total deal could be worth $4 billion, with an additional $2 billion for equipment beyond the loan conversion.
• Pakistan is actively expanding its defence exports, with recent deals including JF-17s to Libya and talks with Bangladesh, aiming to boost its economy.

Why It Matters: Cash-strapped Pakistan seeks to convert Saudi loans into a major JF-17 fighter jet deal, deepening military ties and boosting its defence industry.