ISLAMABAD: Pakistan marked a new chapter in its defense and arms diplomacy, successfully navigating complex security challenges, including a war, in 2025. Islamabad expanded its global reach, signing defense agreements and pursuing arms sales with countries from the Middle East to North Africa, according to official statements and defense reports.
“Pakistan has a mature defence industrial base, from military uniforms to fighter jets, Pakistan exports almost everything,” said defence expert Major General Inam Ul Haque (retired) while speaking to Pakistan TV Digital.
“2025 was not a breakout year for Pakistan’s defence diplomacy but a continuation of its expertise,” he said.
“If it were not for capital constraints, Pakistan’s defense industrial complex has the potential to do so much more,” Inam ul Haque added.
Pakistan confirmed a series of defense-related agreements. Here’s a look at the key developments in 2025.
Azerbaijan's interest in JF-17 Block III
In June, shortly after the brief conflict between India and Pakistan, Azerbaijan finalized a defense contract with Pakistan for the purchase of 40 JF-17 Block III fighter jets, according to official statements, under a deal valued reportedly at $4.6 billion, making Baku one of the largest export customers for Pakistan’s flagship combat aircraft.
Earlier in 2024, Azerbaijan purchased JF-17s for the first time in a deal valued at approximately $1.2 billion, according to statements by Inter-Services Public Relations, the Pakistan army's media wing, and Azerbaijan’s president’s office.
Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defense agreement
Later in September 2025, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's official visit to Riyadh, according to a joint statement made by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).
"This agreement is a paradigm shift that was years in the making," said Inam Ul Haque. "It addresses the Kingdom’s vulnerability against a nuclear-armed, bellicose and uncontrolled Israel, while at the same time extending an economic lifeline to Pakistan."
Dubai Airshow JF-17 memorandum
By November, at the Dubai Airshow, Pakistan signed a memorandum of understanding linked to the sale of JF-17 fighters to a foreign country, according to Pakistan's military media wing.
The identity of the country was not publicly disclosed.
“Pakistan’s JF-17s are much superior and are a cost-effective option,” the general said.
The announcement was made on the same day that an Indian air force Tejas aircraft crashed during an aerobatic demonstration at the event.
Pakistan-Egypt defence-industrial memorandum
Pakistan and Egypt signed a defense-industrial memorandum of understanding in December at Egypt's Defence Expo in Cairo to expand cooperation in defense production and technology.
Senior officials at the signing told Egyptian local media that the agreement aimed to improve collaboration on unmanned aerial systems, precision-guided munitions, electronic warfare systems, and components for integrated air defense networks, areas where, according to the officials, Pakistan has developed a strong export record and operational credibility.
Defense talks with Turkey
Pakistan and Turkiye agreed to strengthen defense cooperation in July when Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defense Minister Yasar Güler met with Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad.
In early December, a high-level delegation from Türkiye's aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors visited Pakistan. According to official statements, Turkiye conveyed a strong interest in pursuing joint ventures and establishing manufacturing capabilities in Pakistan.
US F-16 support notification
Later in December, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a proposed support and upgrade package for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter aircraft fleet, worth approximately $686m, according to the official website of the US Congress.
The notification covered sustainment, technical support, and upgrade-related assistance.
