Pakistan Inks $1.8 Billion Deal with Iraq for 12 JF-17 Block III and Trainer Aircraft, Claims Pak Media

According to Pakistani media outlet "The Nation", Pakistan and Iraq has signed a $1.8 billion defence agreement in Baghdad under which Pakistan would provide twelve JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets and twelve MFI-17 Mushaq trainer aircraft to the Iraqi Air Force.

Details Still Emerging​

While the specifics of the agreement are yet to be officially confirmed, sources within the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) have indicated that the deal was finalized during high-level talks between Pakistani and Iraqi defense officials.

The deal, if confirmed, would represent a significant boost to Pakistan's defense industry and further solidify its relationship with Iraq.

What We Know So Far​

Based on the unconfirmed reports, the agreement includes:

• Twelve JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets: A 4.5-generation multi-role fighter jet jointly developed by Pakistan and China.
• Twelve MFI-17 Mushaq trainer aircraft: A primary trainer aircraft used by the PAF and several other air forces worldwide.

Iraq would be the 4th country to get JF- Thunder aircrafts. Pakistan Air force has earlier provided these aircrafts to Nigeria and Myanmar. The agreement to purchase these aircrafts by Azerbaijan from PAF has already finalised.

It's important to note that these reports remain unconfirmed. While the sources cited by Pakistani media outlets are considered credible, official confirmation from both governments is still pending.