Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in talks to swap loans for JF-17 jets

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are negotiating converting about $2 billion of Saudi loans into a deal for JF-17 fighter jets, two Pakistani sources said; talks are ongoing and neither government has commented.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are reportedly discussing converting roughly $2 billion of Saudi loans into a purchase of JF-17 fighter jets, according to two Pakistani sources. The discussions follow a mutual defence pact signed by the two countries in September. One source said the total package could be about $4 billion including additional equipment, and those close to the matter spoke on condition of anonymity. Pakistan and Saudi official channels had not issued public comments at the time of the report. Key points: - Sources reported the talks center on converting about $2 billion of Saudi loans into JF-17 deliveries. - One source cited a broader package value near $4 billion that would include equipment beyond the loan conversion. - Officials from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had not publicly confirmed the discussions, which were described as ongoing. Summary: The reported talks, if carried out, would further operationalise defence cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and recall recent financial support ties between the two governments. Undetermined at this time.