Pakistan Secures $4 Billion Arms Deal With Libyan Force

Pakistan has signed one of its largest-ever defence export agreements, securing a deal worth over $4 billion to supply military equipment to a Libyan armed force. The agreement marks a significant expansion of Pakistan’s presence in the global conventional arms market and aligns with its stated push towards an export-driven defence economy.

Details of the Arms Agreement

According to Reuters, the arms sale involves supplies to the Libyan National Army (LNA). The deal reportedly spans land, air, and naval military equipment, including the JF-17 fighter jets jointly developed by Pakistan and China. Pakistani military officials described the agreement as historic in scale and financial impact, placing it among the country’s most significant defence export transactions to date.

High-Level Military Engagements

The deal reportedly followed a meeting in Benghazi between Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces, Asim Munir, and Saddam Khalifa Haftar, deputy commander-in-chief of the LNA. While Pakistan’s foreign and defence ministries did not formally comment, sources indicated that the agreement reflects growing strategic military cooperation between Islamabad and the eastern Libyan force.

Justification Amid Libya Arms Embargo

Senior Pakistani military officials defended the arms sale despite the United Nations arms embargo on Libya. They described the embargo as largely ineffective, noting that several Western and Middle Eastern countries have supplied weapons to Libyan factions for years. Officials said the deal is consistent with Pakistan’s broader policy vision of building a self-sustained economy through defence exports, backed by the civilian government and military leadership.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Libya has been under a UN arms embargo since 2011.
• The Libyan National Army controls eastern Libya.
• JF-17 is a multirole fighter aircraft co-developed by Pakistan and China.
• Defence exports are a key component of Pakistan’s economic strategy.

Geopolitical Implications and Scrutiny

Any arms agreement with the LNA is expected to face international scrutiny due to Libya’s prolonged instability following the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that removed Muammar Gaddafi and split the country between rival authorities. Reuters noted that weapons transfers to Libyan actors remain highly sensitive in diplomatic circles. Nevertheless, LNA leadership publicly welcomed the agreement, announcing the launch of a new phase of strategic military cooperation with Pakistan, signalling Islamabad’s growing footprint in Middle Eastern and North African defence markets.