Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Tuesday that Pakistan is seeing a sharp increase in international demand for its defence equipment, particularly military aircraft, following last year’s conflict with India. He said the performance of Pakistan’s weapons systems during the fighting has boosted their credibility in global markets.
Speaking on Geo News programme Capital Talk, Asif described the clash with India as a turning point for Pakistan’s defence industry. He said the country’s “honour and prestige” had risen and that foreign interest in Pakistani-made equipment was growing because it had been tested under real combat conditions.
Asif claimed that if all pending defence export orders are finalised and implemented within the next six months, Pakistan could significantly reduce its reliance on external financial support. “If these orders materialise, we may not need the IMF,” he said, adding that Pakistan could manage its economy with its own resources.
Pakistan is currently under an International Monetary Fund programme. In October last year, Islamabad and IMF staff reached a staff-level agreement on the second review of the Extended Fund Facility and the first review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility.
The minister’s comments followed a meeting between Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and Bangladesh Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan. Discussions focused on the possible procurement of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets. Pakistan also offered fast-track delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft with full training and long-term support.
Islamabad hopes to build on the perceived success of its air force during the May 2025 conflict, the most serious fighting with India in nearly 30 years.
