Saudi Arabia Mediates Pakistan–Sudan Fighter Jet Deal as Strategic Defence and Regional Support Intensifies
Riyadh is facilitating talks that could convert billions in Saudi loans to Pakistan into JF-17 fighter jets for Sudan amid deepening security cooperation and shifting regional alignments
Saudi Arabia is playing a central role in mediating a complex defence arrangement that could see Pakistan supply JF-17 Thunder fighter jets to Sudan, reflecting Riyadh’s growing engagement in regional security and its deep strategic partnership with Islamabad.
The initiative, currently in advanced discussions, would convert approximately two billion dollars in outstanding Saudi loans to Pakistan into an acquisition of Chinese-developed JF-17 aircraft, with the total package potentially reaching four billion dollars when additional weapons, training and support equipment are included.
The talks come against the backdrop of a mutual defence agreement signed by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in September 2025, under which both countries pledged to regard aggression against one as an act against both, and at a time when Pakistan seeks to boost its defence exports while managing economic pressures.
While neither government has publicly confirmed the details, regional reporting suggests that Riyadh’s involvement goes beyond facilitating a simple loan conversion to fostering broader cooperation that could benefit Sudan’s armed forces in their ongoing conflict with the Rapid Support Forces militia.
Observers say Saudi mediation reflects both its determination to support allied governments and its interest in stabilising strategic areas along the Red Sea, where prolonged civil strife has raised concerns over security and trade routes.
Sudan’s defence forces have long sought to modernise their air capability, and the acquisition of cost-effective, combat-tested JF-17s — jointly developed with China — could represent a significant upgrade.
For Islamabad, the proposal offers a dual advantage: converting financial obligations into tangible defence cooperation while securing its defence industry’s production lines during a period of fiscal strain.
For Riyadh, the potential deal illustrates an evolving security posture that incorporates diversified defence partnerships beyond traditional Western suppliers.
Saudi Arabia’s strategic backing of the arrangement — though still subject to negotiation and final agreement — underscores its active role in shaping regional security outcomes and reinforcing alliances across the Middle East and Africa.
The initiative, currently in advanced discussions, would convert approximately two billion dollars in outstanding Saudi loans to Pakistan into an acquisition of Chinese-developed JF-17 aircraft, with the total package potentially reaching four billion dollars when additional weapons, training and support equipment are included.
The talks come against the backdrop of a mutual defence agreement signed by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in September 2025, under which both countries pledged to regard aggression against one as an act against both, and at a time when Pakistan seeks to boost its defence exports while managing economic pressures.
While neither government has publicly confirmed the details, regional reporting suggests that Riyadh’s involvement goes beyond facilitating a simple loan conversion to fostering broader cooperation that could benefit Sudan’s armed forces in their ongoing conflict with the Rapid Support Forces militia.
Observers say Saudi mediation reflects both its determination to support allied governments and its interest in stabilising strategic areas along the Red Sea, where prolonged civil strife has raised concerns over security and trade routes.
Sudan’s defence forces have long sought to modernise their air capability, and the acquisition of cost-effective, combat-tested JF-17s — jointly developed with China — could represent a significant upgrade.
For Islamabad, the proposal offers a dual advantage: converting financial obligations into tangible defence cooperation while securing its defence industry’s production lines during a period of fiscal strain.
For Riyadh, the potential deal illustrates an evolving security posture that incorporates diversified defence partnerships beyond traditional Western suppliers.
Saudi Arabia’s strategic backing of the arrangement — though still subject to negotiation and final agreement — underscores its active role in shaping regional security outcomes and reinforcing alliances across the Middle East and Africa.
