By Ansar M Bhatti
ISLAMABAD: Indonesia has shown keen interest in acquiring Pakistan’s indigenously developed JF-17 Thunder fighter jets along with Pakistani-made drones, as defence cooperation between the two friendly countries deepens, informed sources said on Monday. The potential defence deal is being viewed as a major milestone in Pakistan–Indonesia strategic ties and could pave the way for a broader defence pact between the two sides.
According to sources, discussions gained momentum during the recent visit of Indonesia’s Defence Minister, who held high-level meetings with key Pakistani officials, including the Minister for Defence Production and the Chief of the Air Staff. The talks focused on defence procurement, technology transfer, training, and long-term collaboration in the defence sector.
Sources revealed that Indonesia is considering the purchase of up to 40 JF-17 Thunder fighter jets if the negotiations materialize successfully. The multi-role combat aircraft, jointly developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China, has attracted global attention due to its cost-effectiveness, advanced avionics, and combat-proven capabilities. Pakistani-made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drones also featured prominently in the discussions, reflecting Indonesia’s growing interest in enhancing its aerial surveillance and defence capabilities.
The proposed deal is not limited to hardware procurement alone. It also envisages comprehensive training programmes for Indonesian Air Force officers and technical personnel in Pakistan. This would include pilot training, maintenance support, and operational familiarization, further strengthening institutional linkages between the armed forces of the two countries.
Pakistan and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations rooted in shared religious, cultural, and historical bonds. Both countries have consistently supported each other at regional and international forums and have been exploring new avenues to expand cooperation in trade, defence, education, and people-to-people contacts.
The visit of the Indonesian Defence Minister is seen as a direct follow-up to the recent visit of the President of Indonesia to Pakistan, during which both sides reaffirmed their commitment to cementing bilateral ties and elevating the relationship to new heights. During that visit, leaders from both countries vowed to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors, with defence collaboration identified as a key priority area.
Diplomatic and defence sources believe that Pakistan–Indonesia relations are set to further strengthen in the coming days, with sustained high-level exchanges and practical cooperation initiatives. If finalized, the JF-17 and drone deal would not only mark a significant boost for Pakistan’s defence exports but also underscore the growing trust and strategic convergence between Islamabad and Jakarta.
