Pakistan has finalised a defence export agreement worth more than $4 billion with Libya’s National Army (LNA), in what is being described by international media as the country’s largest military export deal to date.
According to reports citing Pakistani officials, the agreement includes the supply of a wide range of military equipment, including 16 JF-17 fighter jets and 12 Super Mushshak trainer aircraft. One official confirmed the equipment list, while another said all items were part of the deal but did not disclose final quantities.
The agreement was concluded following a meeting last week in the Libyan city of Benghazi between Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and the LNA’s Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Saddam Khalifa Haftar. Another Pakistani official said the deal covers land, naval, and air defence equipment, with deliveries expected to be completed over the next two and a half years.
Libya’s National Army has also confirmed the defence cooperation agreement through its official media channels.
International reports note that Libya remains subject to a United Nations arms embargo, meaning any defence deal involving the country could face scrutiny. Libya has remained unstable since the 2011 uprising that led to the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi and continues to be divided between rival factions.
However, Pakistani officials have maintained that the agreement does not violate any United Nations restrictions.
Libya’s UN-recognised Government of National Unity, led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, controls most of western Libya, while the LNA, led by Khalifa Haftar, holds eastern and southern regions, including areas with major oil reserves.
International media have also reported that Pakistan signed a strategic defence cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia earlier this year.
