A historic deal on weapons has allegedly been concluded between Pakistan and the National Army (LNA) in Libya and costs more than $4 billion. This deal on aircraft and weapons will be among the biggest weapons exports to have ever come from the Pakistani side.
This deal came after a meeting between the chief of the Pakistani army and the LNA’s deputy chief in the city of Benghazi. This shows the Pakistan government’s desire to have its influence in North Africa.
What are the Details on the Deal
According to the report, the sale includes 16 multi-role F-17 fighter planes jointly developed by Pakistan and China, which are in addition to 12 Super Mushak trainers and other land, air and sea-based equipment.
The agreement will take about two and a half years to be implemented. It was not possible to get a ‘distribution of specific figures,’ which have not been made public ‘in the interests of security,’ but the ‘agreement marks one of the largest sales of military equipment on which the country has ever embarked,’ said an unnamed LNA spokesperson.
The LNA also revealed their decision to conduct military training jointly, in addition to the possibility of collaborating in the manufacture of defense equipment.
ALSO READ: ‘Biggest Visa Chaos’: Thousands of Indian H-1B Workers Stranded in India as US Cancels Interviews
What are the Regional & International Context
Libya has faced an arms embargo imposed by the United Nations since 2011. However, there has often been a lack of consistency when it comes to the full implementation of this accord. The LNA has control of the eastern and southern parts of Libya and the oil fields there and the UN-led Government of National Unity controls the western side.
The agreement between Pakistan and the LNA has provoked questions regarding international legitimacy and whether there has been an infringement of the arms embargo of the UN.
Strategy of Pakistan’s Defence Industry on Export
Pakistan has also been actively pursuing defence exports, in large part due to their indigenous experience in military manufacturing and fighting insurgency. Its defence exports range from aircraft manufacturing, armoured vehicles, ammunition to shipbuilding.
ALSO READ: India–New Zealand Announce Free Trade Agreement Boosting Trade & Investment
They also promote the JF-17 fighter jet, an affordable and multi-purpose aircraft that can also provide training and maintenance services not within the Western bloc. Such an agreement makes them major defence suppliers in the region.
Strategic Implications & Future Outlook
This development enhances Pakistani presence in North Africa as the country also strengthens relations with other strategic international partners like the Gulf nations of Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Regional nations are competing to exercise their influence in Libya with a fragmented government and an economy that relies on oil.
The participation of one of the most reliable Pakistani suppliers of defence services adds to the increasing importance of the nation in international defence trade.
ALSO READ: US Visa Crackdown: Online Presence Checks Expanded for H-1B, H-4 Applicants
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice regarding arms or defence agreements.