In late December 2025, the Libyan National Army (LNA) secured a major defence deal with Pakistan, reportedly valued at over $4 billion, for the acquisition of 16 JF-17 Block III multi-role fighter jets and 12 Super Mushshak trainer aircraft. This transaction is significant not only for its scale but for its strategic implications in a conflict zone that has seen protracted fragmentation and foreign interference for over a decade.
The LNA, under the command of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, has historically relied on irregular militias and asymmetric operations to exert control over eastern and southern Libya, including critical oilfields. While effective in localised conflicts, this approach left the LNA vulnerable to technologically advanced adversaries, particularly unmanned systems deployed by the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity. The introduction of the JF-17 Block III represents a structural shift in the LNA’s capabilities: it is no longer a militia reliant on opportunistic force but an actor approaching state-level air power.
JF-17 Block III: A Tactical Game-Changer
The JF-17 Block III, co-developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, is a 4.5-generation fighter with AESA radar and compatibility with the PL-15 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. In practical terms, this gives the LNA the ability to detect and engage targets at standoff ranges, including tactical drones and legacy aircraft. From a regional security standpoint, this elevates the LNA’s operational envelope considerably.
It is particularly telling that Pakistan has marketed the JF-17’s combat credentials, citing its performance during aerial clashes with India in May 2025. During these engagements, JF-17s reportedly participated in the downing of multiple Indian aircraft, including at least one Dassault Rafale. While some of these claims remain politically charged, the message is clear: the platform is battle-tested, relatively cost-effective, and capable of delivering results without the geopolitical encumbrances often associated with Western fighter exports.
Super Mushshak: Building a Sustainable Pilot Pipeline
While frontline fighters often dominate the narrative, the inclusion of 12 Super Mushshak trainers is equally critical. These aircraft enable the LNA to develop a domestic pilot training program, reducing reliance on foreign flight schools and enhancing operational sustainability. Based on the Saab MFI-17, the Super Mushshak’s robust design and short-field performance make it ideal for Libya’s austere airbases, ensuring a pipeline of skilled aviators capable of operating advanced platforms in future conflicts.
Strategic Implications
From an analytical perspective, this acquisition shifts the balance of power in eastern Libya. It provides the LNA with a credible deterrent against both local adversaries and external actors supporting the Tripoli government. More broadly, it underscores the increasingly porous nature of UN arms embargoes. Despite sanctions in place since 2011, Libya continues to be a theatre for the transfer of advanced military technologies, with multiple external powers—state and non-state—shaping the operational capabilities of local forces.
Additionally, the deal signals Pakistan’s intent to expand its footprint in the global defence market. By leveraging a platform like the JF-17—proven, versatile, and politically unobtrusive—Pakistan is positioning itself as a cost-effective alternative to Western suppliers, particularly in regions where political conditions complicate traditional arms sales.
In sum, the JF-17 and Super Mushshak deal is more than a transactional acquisition; it is a strategic pivot. For the LNA, it transitions the force from irregular operations to a more conventional, technologically credible air power. For analysts monitoring North African security dynamics, it is a reminder that regional conflicts are increasingly defined by access to advanced aerial platforms and the ability to sustain operational readiness independently.
The LNA’s modernization trajectory, facilitated by this deal, will be a key factor in Libyan power dynamics throughout 2026 and beyond.
