Somalia is negotiating a US$900 million agreement with Pakistan to acquire up to 24 JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets, a purchase that could mark the largest defence investment by the country in decades and a major step toward rebuilding its long-neglected air force.
The talks, reported by Defence Security Asia, come amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa and as Mogadishu seeks to strengthen state institutions in the face of persistent security threats, particularly from the insurgent group Al-Shabaab.
Somalia has long lacked a functioning fixed-wing combat capability since the collapse of the central government in 1991. The country’s military is ranked among the weakest globally; according to the Global Firepower 2026 Military Strength Index, Somalia sits 137th out of 145 countries and is classified as fifth among Africa’s weakest armed forces. Rebuilding airpower is seen as essential to protecting Somalia’s vast airspace, deterring external threats and accelerating efforts to defeat Al-Shabaab insurgents, who continue to control significant rural territory and carry out attacks in and around the capital, Mogadishu.
Discussions over the potential purchase accelerated in February 2026 when Somali Air Force Commander Mohamud Sheikh Ali visited Islamabad to advance negotiations. A Somali defence ministry official told reporters that securing fighter jets was not only about enhancing capability but also “about asserting sovereignty. Our airspace must be protected by Somali hands.”
The JF-17, produced jointly by Pakistan and China, has been pitched by Islamabad as a cost-effective alternative to Western combat aircraft. According to Pakistani Defence Production Minister Raza Hayat Harraj, while Western fighters may offer advanced capabilities, they often carry price tags more than three times higher than the estimated $30 million to $40 million per JF-17 unit. The aircraft also comes with flexible weapons integration, pilot training, spare parts support and fewer political constraints than some Western options, making it attractive for countries with limited defence budgets.
Supporters argue the JF-17 platform has proven its value in Pakistan’s Air Force operations against a range of threats, including more expensive Western and Russian systems. Critics acknowledge that while the JF-17 may not match the cutting-edge performance of top-tier fighters, its overall package, affordability, logistical support and operational simplicity, aligns with Somalia’s immediate security needs.
The negotiations are unfolding against a broader backdrop of shifting regional alignments. Diplomatic tensions in the Horn have increased, particularly after Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, a self-declared autonomous region in northern Somalia seeking international legitimacy. That move has reignited debates about sovereignty and control of Somali territory and airspace, making investments in national defence capabilities even more symbolic.
At the same time, Mogadishu has been recalibrating international partnerships. Somalia has strengthened ties with Saudi Arabia, a longstanding ally of Pakistan and a key Middle Eastern power with interests in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Relationships with the United Arab Emirates have cooled relative to previous years, reflecting evolving security priorities. Despite recent political commentary from the United States under President Donald Trump about shifting American engagement, Washington and Turkey continue to provide military support and limited airpower assistance to Somalia as part of broader efforts to stabilise the country and the strategically vital maritime routes along the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Security analysts caution that even if a deal is agreed, the operational impact will depend on pilot training, maintenance infrastructure, logistics and integration into Somalia’s broader defence architecture. Deploying a modern combat fleet requires significant investment beyond just aircraft acquisition, including base upgrades, air defence networks, supply chains and trained personnel.
Nonetheless, if consummated, the proposed 24-jet deal would represent a historic milestone in Somalia’s defence development. It reflects not only the country’s urgent need to rebuild its military capabilities but also the complex interplay of regional geopolitics, shifting alliances and the enduring challenge of securing peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
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