ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s air force is promoting its JF-17 fighter jet and Super Mushshak military training aircraft at a major defense exhibition in Saudi Arabia, according to an official statement on Tuesday, as Islamabad intensifies efforts to expand arms exports following heightened regional tensions with India last year.
The exhibition comes as Pakistan leans on defense diplomacy to market the JF-17 to foreign buyers, pitching the jet as a cost-effective, combat-ready alternative for countries in the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa.
Interest in the aircraft has grown since a brief but sharp military confrontation with India in May last year, which Pakistani officials have cited as evidence that the fighter jet is combat-tested.
“Pakistan Air Force contingent is participating in the World Defense Show — 2026 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, featuring its cutting-edge JF-17 Thunder Block-III Multi-role fighter jet and the highly acclaimed Super Mushshak basic trainer aircraft,” the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations(ISPR), said in a statement.
“World Defense Show 2026 serves as a premier global platform for defense and security,” it added. “PAF’s participation at WDS-2026 reinforces Pakistan’s position as an emerging hub of aerospace innovation, operational competence and reliable defense solutions.”
