Pakistan’s giant leap, know why this $1.5 billion defense deal is surprising the world?

News India Live, Digital Desk: In the eyes of the world, Pakistan’s image has often been that of a debt-taking country, but recently a news from the defense corridors has shocked everyone. It is reported that Pakistan is very close to signing a huge defense deal worth 1.5 billion dollars (about more than Rs 12,000 crore) with a major Muslim country (amid discussions of Iraq or Azerbaijan).

What is the story behind this deal?
Actually, this entire matter is related to the supply of war ships and weapons. If sources are to be believed, Pakistan is preparing to sell its domestically made ‘JF-17 Thunder’ fighter jets. This deal is important for Pakistan because its economic situation is currently going through a critical phase, and defense export can become a major support to increase foreign exchange reserves.

Saudi Arabia’s ‘special’ connection
The most interesting twist in this deal is the involvement of ‘Saudi Arabia’. Experts are saying that Saudi Arabia is not only playing the role of a facilitator in this deal, but it is also making its presence felt as a big player in this regional security equation. It is believed that Pakistan is going to directly benefit from Saudi’s efforts in increasing defense coordination among Muslim countries.

JF-17: Game changer or just business?
Pakistan has been presenting its JF-17 fighter planes as an economical option. He argues that if a country cannot buy American or European aircraft, then it can rely on these aircraft made with Pakistani-Chinese technology. If this $1.5 billion deal is finalized, it will be one of Pakistan’s largest defense contracts ever.

What are the challenges?
Of course! The arms market is not easy. Experts around the world have different opinions regarding maintenance, availability of spare parts and the actual combat capability of the aircraft. Nevertheless, this effort of Pakistan shows that it is fully prepared to make a place in the global market on the basis of its defense manufacturing capacity.

Now it remains to be seen whether this deal will be able to put a few drops of relief in Pakistan’s emptying pockets or whether international pressure and competition will make this path more difficult.