RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Air Force’s participation in the ongoing World Defence Show 2026 (WDS-26) in Saudi Arabia underscores Pakistan’s growing stature as an emerging hub for aerospace innovation, operational competence and reliable defence solutions, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday.
Describing WDS-26 as a premier global platform for defence and security, the ISPR said PAF’s presence at the exhibition reinforces Pakistan’s position in the international aerospace and defence market. The participation, it added, reflects the air force’s commitment to showcasing the country’s rapidly advancing indigenous aerospace capabilities and proven operational excellence.
At the exhibition, PAF is featuring its flagship JF-17 Thunder Block-III multi-role fighter jet alongside the widely used Super Mushshak basic trainer aircraft. According to the military’s media wing, the JF-17 Block-III represents the pinnacle of Pakistan’s combat aviation technology, equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, an advanced AESA radar, an enhanced electronic warfare suite and beyond-visual-range combat capabilities, placing it firmly in the 4.5-generation fighter category.
The Super Mushshak, meanwhile, highlights Pakistan’s strength in pilot training solutions. Renowned for its reliability, cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance, the aircraft has been inducted by several friendly countries and continues to serve as a benchmark platform for basic flying training worldwide.
The ISPR said PAF’s participation at WDS-2026 reflects its leadership’s vision of promoting defence cooperation, expanding defense exports, and strengthening strategic partnerships with friendly nations. The event also offers an opportunity for international delegations, defense officials, and industry leaders to engage with PAF representatives and explore avenues for collaboration, training and technology transfer.
Earlier in January, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that multiple countries were in active discussions with Pakistan to procure the JF-17 fighter jet, which drew significant attention following the India-Pakistan conflict in May last year.
Indonesia, Bangladesh, Iraq and Saudi Arabia have expressed interest in the aircraft, while Azerbaijan inducted the JF-17 into its air force in 2024, becoming the third country after Myanmar and Nigeria to do so.
