Pakistan showcases JF-17 Thunder jet at Saudi defence exhibition

Pakistan’s air force has showcased its JF-17 fighter jet and Super Mushshak military training aircraft at a World Defence Show 2026 defense exhibition in Saudi Arabia.

The exhibition comes as the government intensifies efforts to expand arms exports following heightened tensions with India last year. Pakistan is pitching the jet as a cost-effective, combat-ready alternative for countries in the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa after it was successfully tested in combat.

“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 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.”

The statement said the PAF’s presence at the exhibition in Riyadh reflects its leadership’s vision of fostering defense cooperation, promoting defense exports and strengthening strategic partnerships with friendly nations.

“The exhibition provides an opportunity for international delegations, defense officials and military industry leaders to engage with PAF representatives and explore avenues for collaboration, training and technology transfer,” it added.

Pakistan has been seeking to convert defense exhibitions into export opportunities, particularly for the JF-17 and the Super Mushshak trainer, which has already been inducted by several foreign air forces.

The event in Riyadh comes amid closer security ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. In September last year, the two countries signed a joint defense pact pledging that aggression against one would be treated as an attack on both.