Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are in talks to convert about $2 billion of Saudi loans into a JF-17 fighter jet deal, two Pakistani sources said, deepening military cooperation months after the two nations signed a mutual defence pact last year. ADVERTISEMENTThe mutual defence deal was signed following Israel's strikes on what it said were Hamas targets in Doha, an attack that shook the Gulf region. He said those countries included Saudi Arabia, but could not confirm any details about the negotiations. Pakistan has long provided military support to the kingdom, including training and advisory deployments, while Saudi Arabia has repeatedly stepped in to support Pakistan financially during periods of economic stress. It secured the Fund's support after Saudi Arabia and other Gulf allies provided financial and deposit rollovers.

Source: The Telegraph January 08, 2026 14:08 UTC