Indonesia shows 'keen interest' in expanding defense ties with Pakistan

Pakistan and Indonesia are moving to strengthen their defense relationship, with Jakarta expressing 'keen interest' in Pakistani combat aircraft, drones and expanded military collaboration, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Monday.

Lieutenant General (Retd) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Indonesia’s Minister of Defence, met Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces (COAS & CDF), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. The discussions focused on regional security dynamics and avenues for deeper bilateral defense engagement.

According to the ISPR, the meeting highlighted the importance of enhancing institutional linkages, expanding joint training initiatives, and promoting defense industrial cooperation as core pillars of the growing relationship between the two countries.

The Indonesian minister praised the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged their significant sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. He also expressed Indonesia’s keen interest in expanding defense ties with Pakistan across multiple domains.

Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a strong and enduring partnership based on shared strategic interests and mutual respect. “Pakistan values its defense relationship with Indonesia, which has historically been underpinned by trust and cooperation,” he said.

Meanwhile, sources told Reuters that the talks also involved the potential sale of Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder multi-role combat jets and Shahpar drones to Indonesia. The discussions are reported to be in an advanced stage and may involve close to 40 JF-17 jets, alongside training programs for Indonesian air force personnel and engineering staff.

Regional and global context

Pakistan’s JF-17 jets have attracted international attention following their deployment in a short conflict with India last year, and they are part of deals with Azerbaijan and a $4 billion weapons agreement with the Libyan National Army.

Separately, Pakistan is in talks with Bangladesh to supply Super Mushshak training aircraft and JF-17 jets as defence ties with Dhaka improve.

The meeting builds on Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Pakistan last month, which focused on strengthening bilateral ties, including defense collaboration.

With additional input from Reuters