By Asha Elmi - Reporter
MOGADISHU, Oct 7, 2026 Somalia has reached an agreement with Pakistan to acquire JF-17 Thunder multirole fighter jets as part of efforts to rebuild and modernise its air force, Turkish news outlet TRHaber reported on Wednesday on X though neither government has publicly confirmed a final procurement contract.
The report did not disclose the number of aircraft involved, the value of the agreement or a timetable for deliveries.
The report comes weeks after a senior Pakistan Air Force delegation visited Mogadishu for talks focused on rebuilding Somalia's air force and strengthening air defence cooperation between the two countries.
The delegation was led by Air Marshal Muhammad Sarfraz, Pakistan's Air Defence Commander and Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, who held meetings with senior Somali officials including President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and Defence Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi.
Sarfraz also met Somali Air Force commander Brigadier General Abdirisaaq Mahmoud Haji at the force's headquarters, where talks focused on training, institutional development, specialised skills and the capabilities Somalia needs as it rebuilds its air force.
During the visit, Sarfraz presented the Somali Air Force commander with a model of the JF-17 Thunder, according to reports and images from the meeting. Neither side announced an aircraft purchase agreement at the time.
The September visit followed a trip to Pakistan in August by a Somali delegation led by minster Fiqi, during which the two countries moved to deepen defence and security cooperation.
Related articles
Pakistan's Air Force said after the August meetings that it was prepared to support the Somali Air Force's modernisation through training, operational expertise and institutional development.
Earlier media reports said Somalia was in negotiations with Pakistan over the possible acquisition of up to 24 JF-17 Block III aircraft. Neither Mogadishu nor Islamabad publicly confirmed those details.
The JF-17 Thunder is a lightweight multirole combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China and produced with the involvement of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex.
TRHaber said the reported acquisition formed part of Somalia's efforts to develop a multilayered air defence capability.
Somalia has been seeking foreign assistance to rebuild its air force after decades of conflict severely weakened the country's military aviation capabilities.
If confirmed, the acquisition would mark a significant step in that rebuilding effort and deepen growing defence ties between Somalia and Pakistan.
Officials in Mogadishu and Islamabad have yet to publicly provide details of a final JF-17 procurement agreement.