Pakistan has reportedly agreed to a weapons sale worth more than $4 billion with Libya’s eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA), according to Reuters, which cited multiple Pakistani officials familiar with the matter.
The reported agreement, one of the largest defence export deals in Pakistan’s history, was finalised following a meeting last week between Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Saddam Khalifa Haftar, the deputy commander-in-chief of the LNA, in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi, the officials told Reuters.
Why It Matters
The reported deal comes despite Libya being subject to a United Nations arms embargo since 2011, raising questions about compliance and international oversight. It also reflects Pakistan’s broader push to expand its defence exports beyond South Asia and the Middle East.
Libya remains divided between rival administrations, with the internationally recognised Government of National Unity based in Tripoli and the LNA controlling much of eastern and southern Libya, including major oil-producing regions.
What to Know
According to Reuters, four Pakistani officials involved in defence matters said the agreement would span approximately two and a half years and include military equipment for land, sea and air forces. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the negotiations.
A draft copy of the agreement reviewed by Reuters listed the proposed purchase of 16 JF-17 fighter jets—jointly developed by Pakistan and China—as well as 12 Super Mushak trainer aircraft used for basic pilot instruction. One official confirmed the list’s accuracy, while another said the items were part of the deal but could not confirm exact quantities.
Two of the officials valued the deal at more than $4 billion, while two others estimated it at around $4.6 billion. Pakistan’s foreign ministry, defence ministry and military did not respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.
The LNA’s official media outlet separately reported that it had entered into a defence cooperation agreement with Pakistan, encompassing weapons sales, joint training and military manufacturing, though it did not disclose financial or technical details.
Arms Embargo Context
Libya has been under a UN arms embargo since 2011, requiring Security Council approval for any transfer of weapons or related materiel. It was not immediately clear whether Pakistan or the Libyan authorities had applied for or received any exemption.
Three of the Pakistani officials cited by Reuters said the agreement did not violate UN restrictions. A December 2024 report by a UN panel of experts previously described the embargo as “ineffective,” noting that foreign states had increasingly provided military assistance to rival Libyan factions despite the ban.
What People Are Saying
“We announce the launch of a new phase of strategic military cooperation with Pakistan,” Saddam Khalifa Haftar said in remarks broadcast by Al-Hadath, referring to the reported agreement.
Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, said in separate televised comments that Pakistan’s recent military engagements had demonstrated its defence capabilities, as Islamabad seeks to expand its footprint in international arms markets.
What Happens Next
It remains unclear whether the reported deal will proceed to delivery without UN scrutiny or whether formal exemptions will be sought. Any implementation would likely draw attention from international monitors as Libya’s competing authorities and foreign partners continue to vie for influence over the country’s fragmented security landscape.
