The recent conflict with India in May 2025 has significantly boosted Pakistan's arms exports, showcasing the prowess of its domestically produced military hardware. The JF-17 Thunder fighter jet, Al-Khalid main battle tank, and Fatah series guided multiple launch rocket system (G-MLRS) played pivotal roles in the conflict, proving their effectiveness and reliability. The JF-17 Thunder, in particular, demonstrated its capabilities by destroying India's state-of-the-art S-400 surface-to-missile system, which was deployed at Adampur. This success has not only bolstered Pakistan's military reputation but also its economic prospects, with the country's weapons industry attracting international attention and orders. The success of the weapons industry has sparked optimism among officials, with Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stating that Pakistan may not need the International Monetary Fund in six months due to the surge in orders. This positive trajectory is further evidenced by a series of arms deals that Pakistan has finalized or is currently discussing with friendly countries since May 2025. On January 10, 2026, the Iraqi Air Chief expressed 'keen interest' in acquiring the JF-17 Thunder jets, praising the Pakistan Air Force's professionalism during the May conflict. This interest is part of a broader trend, as Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are in talks to convert Saudi loans into a JF-17 fighter jet deal, deepening military cooperation between the two nations. Additionally, Pakistan and Bangladesh's air chiefs held detailed discussions on the potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder aircraft, with Pakistan committing to support the Bangladesh Air Force through comprehensive training. Pakistan has also finalized a multi-billion-dollar arms deal with Libya, selling conventional military equipment, including JF-17 fighter jets and Super Mushak trainer aircraft, further solidifying its position as a significant player in the global arms market.
