ISLAMABAD: Iraq reportedly concluded a $664 million deal for 12 JF-17 Block 3 jets from Pakistan following over two years of negotiations.
A joint venture between Pakistan and China, the production of these aircraft is driven by a keen export strategy. The JF-17 Block III, their latest model, has been snapped up by Iraq, Malaysia, Nigeria, Azerbaijan, and Myanmar, with Argentina also showing interest in the past.
While the specifics of the deal remain confidential, it’s rumored that Iraq has acquired 12 JF-17 Thunder Block III fighters, with the price tag speculated to be around $664 million. These new additions are set to take over from the US F-16s, currently the only type of fighter jets in Iraqi service. Unfortunately, these F-16s quickly deteriorated into a non-operational state after their handover from the US, requiring expensive repairs.
Iraqi Defence Minister Jumaa Inad has been quoted as saying, “We signed a contract with a Pakistani company to purchase aircraft.” The negotiations for the sale of the jets continued for more than two years.
The defence deal was approved by the governments of Pakistan and Iraq. The JF-17 Block III jets, which are the latest model of the successful JF-17, could be a welcome addition to the Iraqi Air Force.
