By Uzma Ehtasham
Pakistan has reached a milestone moment in its modern history with the signing of a defence agreement with the Libyan National Army valued at more than four billion dollars, a deal that ranks among the largest in the country’s military and economic record. Beyond the headline figure, the agreement carries profound strategic and economic significance, encompassing the supply of sixteen JF-17 fighter jets, twelve Super Mushshaq trainer aircraft, and a broad range of ground, naval, and aerial equipment, all scheduled for phased delivery over the next two and a half years. The accord was finalized during Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s visit to Benghazi, where he met Libyan National Army Deputy Commander-in-Chief Saddam Khalifa Haftar, and it reflects a convergence of diplomacy, military planning, and industrial capability.
The scope of the deal is notable not only for the hardware involved but for the partnership it represents. Libyan official media reported that the agreement extends beyond sales to include joint training initiatives and cooperation in defence production, signaling a deeper, more enduring strategic alignment between the two nations. In a broadcast statement on Al Hadath TV, Haftar described the arrangement as the beginning of a “new era of strategic military cooperation” with Pakistan. Pakistani security officials have hailed it as an extraordinary diplomatic and industrial achievement, underscoring Field Marshal Munir’s unique role as both a soldier and a statesman whose leadership bridges operational expertise and international diplomacy.
While some details remain classified for security reasons, British media reports suggest the total value of the agreement ranges between four and 4.6 billion dollars. Covering land, sea, and air capabilities, the contract demonstrates Pakistan’s ability to provide a comprehensive defence package, positioning its defence industry as a versatile and internationally competitive player. This achievement comes against the backdrop of historical challenges, including periods when Pakistan faced severe economic strain, dwindling foreign exchange reserves, and mounting fiscal pressures. Today, the landscape has shifted markedly. Pakistan is emerging as a nation capable of leveraging its defence expertise to bolster economic stability, strengthen international trust, and create sustainable industrial growth.
Central to this success is Pakistan’s aviation sector. The Super Mushshaq trainer aircraft and the JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, produced by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC), illustrate a level of self-reliance that few countries in the region can claim. Super Mushshaq aircraft have already been exported to a range of nations, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Syria, Iraq, Oman, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Myanmar, earning accolades for durability, affordability, and reliability. Similarly, the JF-17 Thunder, developed in collaboration with China, is gaining international attention for its modern technology, combat efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, with operators such as Nigeria and Myanmar already integrating the aircraft into their air forces and further deals under negotiation. A memorandum of understanding signed at the 2025 Dubai Airshow further underscores the growing global confidence in Pakistan’s aviation exports.
These achievements are not the product of chance; they reflect a strategic vision in which military leadership and political oversight are aligned toward both national security and economic growth. Field Marshal Munir’s efforts extend beyond the conventional remit of defence, supporting Pakistan’s industrial and financial strength domestically and abroad. The economic impact of the Libya deal is already observable. During the same period, the State Bank of Pakistan reported a historic increase in foreign exchange reserves, reaching 21.1 billion dollars, of which 15 billion are held directly by the central bank. In parallel, the ratio of external debt to GDP has fallen from 31 percent to 26 percent, indicating a broader sense of economic stability and rising confidence among international investors and partners.
The Libya agreement offers more than immediate financial or industrial gain; it signals Pakistan’s growing credibility and trustworthiness in the global defence market. By providing a comprehensive package of advanced equipment, training, and collaborative production, Pakistan is asserting itself as a reliable partner capable of meeting sophisticated military requirements. This positions the country not merely as a regional actor but as a player with global relevance in the defence industry—a sector that can contribute to economic growth, employment, and technological innovation.
At a time when global markets are increasingly competitive and technological capabilities are closely tied to national security, Pakistan’s defence exports offer a rare convergence of industrial self-sufficiency, technological innovation, and diplomatic acumen. The Super Mushshaq and JF-17 programs exemplify how domestic expertise can be leveraged for both national security and international engagement, enhancing Pakistan’s reputation and generating tangible economic benefits. Moreover, the deal demonstrates that military diplomacy, when combined with industrial capacity and strategic foresight, can serve as a powerful engine of national progress.
(The writer is a public health professional, journalist, and possesses expertise in health communication, having keen interest in national and international affairs, can be reached at uzma@metro-morning.com)
