Pakistan defence minister claims JF-17 orders could reduce IMF reliance

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has claimed that a surge in international orders for the Chinese-origin JF-17 Thunder fighter jet could reduce the country’s reliance on International Monetary Fund loans within six months.

Speaking to Geo News, Asif said the aircraft had been tested in combat and that Pakistan was receiving a large number of orders following the May 2025 military conflict with India. “Our aircraft have been tested, and we are receiving so many orders that Pakistan may not need the International Monetary Fund in six months,” he said.

Pakistan is currently under a $7 billion IMF programme, its 24th, which followed a short-term $3 billion deal in 2023 that helped avert a sovereign default. The loans come with strict conditions, including fiscal reforms, subsidy reductions, and revenue measures. Pakistan was also forced to sell its national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines, as part of the IMF requirements.

Islamabad has stepped up defence outreach in recent months to expand arms exports. The JF-17 has become central to Pakistan’s weapons programme, featuring in deals with Azerbaijan and a $4 billion agreement with the Libyan National Army. Talks have also been held with Bangladesh.

Pakistan is in discussions with Saudi Arabia to convert about $2 billion in loans into a JF-17 deal. A retired air marshal said that Pakistan was negotiating or had finalised defence deals with six countries.

However, political scientist Ayesha Siddiqa questioned Asif’s claims, saying aircraft production would not generate enough revenue to free Pakistan from IMF dependence. Pakistan has said JF-17s were deployed during last year’s conflict with India, although sources said the Pakistan Air Force suffered significant losses and damage to military infrastructure.