Somalia’s Air Force chief has received a model of Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder fighter jet during a visit by Pakistan’s Air Force commander to Mogadishu, as the two countries discuss military cooperation, training and the development of Somalia’s air force.
MOGADISHU, Somalia (Somali Report) — Somalia’s Air Force commander, Brigadier General Abdiasisak Mahmoud, received a model of Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder fighter jet from his Pakistani counterpart, Air Marshal Muhammad Sarfraz, during a visit to the Somali Air Force headquarters in Mogadishu, according to Somali military sources.
The presentation took place after a meeting between the two commanders focused on strengthening military cooperation between Somalia and Pakistan, particularly efforts to rebuild and develop Somalia’s air force.
The two sides exchanged information on the current state and requirements of the Somali Air Force, with discussions covering priority areas including training, equipment and the development of operational capabilities.
Pakistan’s military delegation also inspected the Somali Air Force headquarters and met officers working in different sections of the force. The visit provided the Pakistani officials with an overview of the force’s existing capabilities and its needs for further development.
The JF-17 Thunder is a single-engine multirole fighter jointly developed by Pakistan and China. The aircraft was designed to carry out a range of missions, including air defence, ground attack and other combat operations.
The latest JF-17 Block III variant features upgraded radar, avionics and communications systems, as well as the ability to carry a range of modern weapons. Depending on the configuration, the aircraft can be equipped with air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground weapons and bombs.
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The presentation of the aircraft model does not by itself indicate that Somalia has acquired or formally ordered JF-17 fighter jets. No details of a purchase agreement or delivery schedule were provided in the information surrounding the visit.
Somalia has in recent years sought to rebuild its air force as part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s security institutions after decades of conflict. The government has also been seeking greater military cooperation with international partners, including assistance in training personnel and developing military capabilities.
The visit by Sarfraz came as a senior Pakistani delegation was in Mogadishu for meetings with Somali government officials. The engagements are part of wider efforts to deepen bilateral relations, including cooperation in the defence and security sectors.
Somalia and Pakistan have maintained military ties, with Pakistan having experience in training and supporting armed forces in partner countries. The latest meetings focused on identifying areas where the two countries could expand cooperation in support of Somalia’s efforts to improve the capabilities of its air force.
The visit comes as Somalia continues to confront Al-Shabaab and other security threats, placing increased emphasis on developing national security institutions and improving the capabilities of its armed forces.
Neither side publicly announced a contract for JF-17 aircraft during the visit. Further details on any potential future defence cooperation between Somalia and Pakistan were not immediately available.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
