Pakistan Claims Benefit from Conflict with India; Fighter Jet Orders Surge, Defense Minister Says

Islamabad: Pakistan has claimed that last year’s military confrontation with India has worked in its favor. Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated that following the four-day conflict, the country has seen an increase in military aircraft export orders. According to Asif, if these orders are fully realized, Pakistan may no longer need to rely on loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The statement comes at a time when a high-level Bangladeshi defense delegation met Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu to discuss potential defense cooperation.

Bangladesh Eyeing Fighter Jet Purchases

Reports suggest that during the meeting, Pakistan’s Air Force Chief discussed the possible sale of JF-17 Thunder aircraft with the Bangladeshi delegation. The JF-17 Thunder is a multirole fighter jointly developed by China and Pakistan and has been in service with the Pakistani Air Force for over a decade.

The fighter jet gained attention last May during the conflict with India, when Pakistan claimed it had shot down six Indian aircraft, including French-made Rafale jets. Pakistan leveraged this claim in its propaganda to promote JF-17 sales, emphasizing the effectiveness of Chinese military technology compared to Western systems. Pakistani military officials have actively toured several countries to promote these aircraft.

Defense Minister Highlights Importance of Orders

Speaking to Geo News, Khawaja Asif emphasized the strategic significance of these orders, noting that the aircraft had already been “tested in operational conditions.” He added, “We are receiving orders, and it is possible that in six months, we may not require IMF assistance at all.” Asif expressed confidence, stating, “I can say with full assurance that if these orders are fulfilled in six months, Pakistan will no longer need IMF support.”

Chinese Weapons Exposed During Operation Sindhur

Pakistan markets the JF-17 as a cost-effective multirole fighter and positions itself as a supplier capable of providing aircraft, training, and maintenance outside Western supply chains. However, during India’s Operation Sindhur, the effectiveness of Chinese-supplied weapons in Pakistan was exposed. The Indian Air Force struck 11 Pakistani airbases, including key installations such as Chaklala, Murid, and Rafiqui, causing confirmed damage.