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Pentagon Names Pakistan Top Buyer of Chinese Combat Jets as JF-17 Exports Accelerate

A new U.S. assessment highlights exclusive J-10C deliveries to Pakistan, signaling a widening China–Pakistan defense pipeline with reported JF-17 sales to Libya.

Overview

  • A Pentagon report to Congress identifies Pakistan as China’s most significant recipient of combat aircraft.
  • The report confirms Pakistan is the only J-10C customer, with 20 delivered by May 2025 out of 36 on order, while interest from other countries has not yet produced finalized sales.
  • China’s current export lineup centers on the FC-31, J-10C, and the China–Pakistan co-developed JF-17, alongside deliveries to Pakistan of Caihong and Wing Loong drones and long-standing naval platforms.
  • Reuters reported a defense package exceeding $4 billion for Libya’s eastern-based forces that is expected to include 16 JF-17 fighters and 12 Super Mushak trainers with deliveries over two and a half years.
  • Pakistan announced a Dubai Airshow memorandum for JF-17 procurement by an unspecified country, building on existing customers in Myanmar, Nigeria, and Azerbaijan as it markets aircraft with training and maintenance support.