Pakistan Signs $4 Billion Military Deal With Libyan Force

Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir speaks at Exercise Hammer Strike in Mangla on 1 May 2025.

Pakistan has reached a deal worth over $4 billion to supply military equipment to the Libyan National Army (LNA), according to four Pakistani officials, despite a United Nations arms embargo on Libya.

The agreement, one of Pakistan’s largest-ever weapons sales, followed a meeting last week in Benghazi between Pakistan’s military chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and LNA deputy commander Saddam Khalifa Haftar, the officials said.

The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the deal, confirmed it covers equipment for land, sea, and air operations, including fighter jets and trainer aircraft.

Haftar announced the agreement as a “new phase of strategic military cooperation with Pakistan” during remarks broadcast on 21 December. LNA media also reported the deal involves joint training and military manufacturing but provided no additional details.

Libya has been under a UN arms embargo since 2011, requiring approval for any weapons transfers. The UN-recognized Government of National Unity controls much of western Libya, while the LNA controls the east and south, including major oilfields, and does not recognize the western government’s authority.

A December 2024 UN report described the arms embargo as “ineffective,” noting that some foreign states have increasingly provided military training and support to forces in both parts of Libya. It remains unclear whether Pakistan or Libya sought exemptions from the UN restrictions.

The reported deal includes 16 JF-17 multi-role fighter jets, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, and 12 Super Mushak trainer aircraft. Officials confirmed these items are part of the agreement, which is expected to be executed over two-and-a-half years.

Pakistan’s foreign ministry, defence ministry, and military did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The agreement is likely to face international scrutiny given Libya’s ongoing instability since the 2011 uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi.