Pakistan signs major $4 billion arms export deal with Libyan force: Report

Pakistan has reportedly concluded a massive arms deal with Libya to sell military equipment worth $4 billion to the Libyan National Army, including fighter jets, trainer aircraft and other military hardware, according to Islamabad officials. One of the largest ever arms export agreements for Pakistan was negotiated during a meeting between Pakistan's military chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir and the deputy commander of the LNA in Benghazi. The agreement comes despite the United Nations' embargo on Libya.

According to reports, the agreement constitutes the export of JF-17 multirole fighter jets co-developed with China, Super Mushak trainer aircraft, and other land, sea, and air equipment.

The deal is likely to come under international scrutiny as Libya has been under a United Nations arms embargo since 2011, imposed after the uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi. The embargo requires prior UN approval for any transfer of weapons, military equipment, or related assistance to Libyan actors.

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However, a UN panel of experts said in a December 2024 report that the embargo remains largely ineffective. The panel noted that several foreign states have openly provided arms, training, and military support to rival forces in both eastern and western Libya, undermining international efforts to stabilise the conflict-hit country.