In a move that highlights Pakistan’s rapidly expanding defense footprint, high-level officials from Indonesia and Pakistan are nearing a landmark agreement for the sale of advanced combat aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles. On Monday, January 12, 2026, Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin met with Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu in Islamabad to finalize the broad strokes of a deal that could redefine regional security dynamics in Southeast Asia.
Sources familiar with the negotiations indicate the pact is in an “advanced stage” and revolves around the acquisition of approximately 40 JF-17 Thunder fighter jets and a fleet of indigenous Pakistani “killer drones,” specifically the Shahpar-II surveillance and strike platform.
The JF-17: A Proven Pivot for Jakarta
The proposed sale of the JF-17 Thunder—a multi-role, 4.5-generation fighter jointly developed by Pakistan and China—represents a significant shift in Indonesia’s procurement strategy. While Jakarta has recently ordered French Rafales and Turkish KAAN fighters, the JF-17 offers a cost-effective, battle-proven alternative to modernize its aging fleet.
- Combat Pedigree: Interest in the JF-17 surged following the jet’s successful deployment in a brief aerial conflict between Pakistan and India in 2025, where its performance garnered international attention.
- Block III Capabilities: The deal is expected to feature the latest Block III variant, equipped with Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and advanced electronic warfare suites.
- Economic Synergy: Valued significantly lower than Western counterparts, the JF-17 allows Indonesia to scale its air force quickly while maintaining its “free and active” foreign policy.
Expanding the “Drones for Defense” Pipeline
Beyond manned aircraft, the discussions focused heavily on Pakistan’s growing expertise in unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). Indonesia has expressed a specific interest in the Shahpar-II, an armed drone capable of both high-altitude surveillance and precision strikes.
| Feature | Shahpar-II Specification | Strategic Value for Indonesia |
| Endurance | Up to 14 hours (Armed) | Extended maritime patrol over the archipelago |
| Armament | Laser-guided “Barq” missiles | Precision counter-insurgency and naval strike |
| Range | 300km (Line of Sight) / SATCOM capable | Remote operations across island chains |
| Autonomy | Fully autonomous take-off and landing | Reduced operator burden and training time |
Estimated Value of the Deal
While official figures remain confidential, analysts point to similar recent Pakistani exports to estimate the financial scale of the Indonesian package.
- The JF-17 Component: With the JF-17 Block III estimated at $25 million to $30 million per unit, a 40-jet order would likely range between $1 billion and $1.2 billion for the airframes alone.
- Total Package Value: When factoring in the Shahpar-II drones, air defense systems, pilot training, and long-term engineering support, industry experts suggest the total deal could be valued between $2 billion and $4 billion. This aligns with Pakistan’s recent $4 billion weapons pact with the Libyan National Army and ongoing talks with Saudi Arabia for a similar amount.
Geopolitical Context: A Multi-Polar Partnership
The timing of Minister Sjamsoeddin’s visit—following a state visit by President Prabowo Subianto in December 2025—underscores a deepening “brotherly” tie between the two largest Muslim-majority nations. For Pakistan, the deal represents a major victory in its bid to become a significant regional arms exporter.
For Indonesia, the partnership serves as a hedge against global supply chain volatility. By diversifying its arsenal with Pakistani hardware, Jakarta reduces its reliance on any single superpower, ensuring its defense readiness remains independent of shifting Western or Chinese sanctions regimes.
The Bottom Line: From Dialogue to Deployment
While a formal contract has yet to be signed, the “strategic momentum” described by both defense ministries suggests that an official announcement is imminent. If finalized, this will stand as Pakistan’s largest-ever defense export to a Southeast Asian nation, marking a new era of south-south military cooperation.
JF-17-Thunder-fighter-jets-Picture-on-Wikimedia-by-Okonkwo-john
