Pakistan’s ‘combat tested’ jets boost weapons salesCountries are interested in Pakistan as a source for defense sales after its JF-17 jets and other military equipment were tested in a conflict with India last yearBy Saad Sayeed / ReutersPakistan’s defense manufacturing industry is running red hot since its jets, drones and missiles earned the coveted “combat tested” tag in a conflict with India last year, attracting a slew of interested buyers. Pakistan’s military and defense ministry did not provide details on any deals but the country’s defense production minister confirmed that several countries were interested in jets and other military equipment. Pakistan’s weapons have become a viable alternative after they were tested in a massive air battle with India in May last year, in which Pakistan’s air force squadrons flew JF-17s alongside the advanced Chinese-made J-10s. Harraj also stressed the price difference between Pakistani jets and weapons and alternatives made in the US and Europe. Discussions on JF-17s and other weapons with Bangladesh and Iraq have been publicly acknowledged by Pakistan’s military, although more details have not been made public.

Source: Taipei Times January 23, 2026 17:28 UTC