This article summarizes reporting by Reuters.

Indonesia and Pakistan Nearing Major Defense Pact for JF-17 Jets and Drones

Indonesia and Pakistan are reportedly in the final stages of negotiating a significant defense package that would see the Southeast Asian nation acquire JF-17 Thunder fighter jets and armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). According to reporting by Reuters on January 12, 2026, the two nations are “closing in” on the agreement following high-level meetings in Islamabad.

The potential deal highlights Pakistan’s growing footprint in the global arms export market and Indonesia’s strategy to diversify its military hardware. The discussions took center stage during a meeting between Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu. While a final contract has not yet been signed, sources indicate the talks have reached an advanced stage.

Details of the Proposed Defense Package

According to the reports, the procurement package focuses on bolstering Indonesia’s air combat and surveillance capabilities. The deal is expected to include the JF-17 Thunder Block III, a multi-role fighter jet jointly developed by Pakistan and China, as well as armed drones.

Fighter Jets and Drones

Industry reports suggest the agreement could involve approximately 40 units of the JF-17 Thunder Block III. This variant is the most advanced iteration of the platform, featuring 4.5-generation capabilities. Additionally, the package reportedly includes the Shahpar series of armed drones, likely the Shahpar-2 or the newer Shahpar-3, which are designed for both surveillance and strike missions.

As noted in the Reuters report, the Indonesian delegation also held talks with Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, signaling the broad scope of the defense cooperation. The deal is estimated by defense analysts to be valued in the multi-billion dollar range, potentially between $3 billion and $4 billion, though official figures remain undisclosed.

Technical Capabilities and Strategic Fit

The equipment under negotiation offers Indonesia significant capability upgrades at a competitive price point compared to Western alternatives.

JF-17 Thunder Block III: This aircraft is equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and is compatible with long-range air-to-air missiles, such as the PL-15. These features provide “Beyond Visual Range” (BVR) capabilities comparable to more expensive Western jets.

Shahpar UAVs: The Shahpar-2 and Shahpar-3 drones offer Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) performance. Specifications cited in defense reports indicate these platforms can carry laser-guided missiles and possess endurance ranging from 14 to over 30 hours, depending on the variant and payload.

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The “High-Low” Mix Strategy

From an operational standpoint, Indonesia’s interest in the JF-17 aligns with a classic “high-low” fleet mix strategy. Jakarta has recently invested in high-end, expensive platforms like the French Rafale and is in talks for the American F-15EX. While these jets offer superior kinematics and payload, they are costly to procure and operate in large numbers.

The JF-17 Block III offers a pragmatic solution: it delivers near-peer electronic warfare and BVR capabilities at a fraction of the cost. This allows the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) to build the necessary squadron mass to cover its vast archipelago without exhausting its defense budget on a purely Western fleet. Furthermore, acquiring hardware from Pakistan reduces Indonesia’s vulnerability to potential Western sanctions or end-user restrictions, ensuring operational sovereignty.

Pakistan’s Growing Export Ambitions

If finalized, this deal would mark another major milestone for Pakistan’s defense industry, which has been aggressively pursuing export opportunities to bolster the national economy.

According to industry data, Pakistan has recently secured export contracts with nations such as Azerbaijan, Nigeria, and Iraq. The sale of JF-17s to Azerbaijan, valued at over $1.6 billion, previously set a record for the country’s defense exports. A successful deal with Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim nation and a major G20 economy, would significantly validate the JF-17 program on the global stage.

The diplomatic foundation for this deal appears to have been strengthened by recent high-level exchanges, including a visit by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to Pakistan in late 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the JF-17 Thunder?
The JF-17 Thunder is a lightweight, single-engine, multi-role combat aircraft developed jointly by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC). The Block III variant features advanced avionics and radar systems.

Has the deal been signed?
No. According to Reuters, the two sides are “closing in” on the deal, and negotiations are in an advanced stage, but a final contract has not yet been officially inked.

Why is Indonesia buying Pakistani jets?
Indonesia pursues a “mixed fleet” policy to avoid over-reliance on any single supplier. The JF-17 offers a cost-effective way to increase fleet size and capabilities while diversifying supply chains away from exclusive dependence on Western or Russian technology.

Sources

• Reuters
• Defense Security Asia
• Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS)