27/02/2026
Somalia is in the process of acquiring 24 JF-17 fighter jets to boost its air defense capabilities according to sources.
JF-17, is an advanced, light-weight, all weather, day / night multi-role fighter aircraft; developed as a joint venture between Pakistan and China.
It has air-to-air and air-to-surface combat capabilities, advanced avionics, an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, electronic warfare systems and the ability to fire beyond-visual range missiles. It can also track multiple targets at once and provides more visibility at longer distances.
Its low price coupled with its recent performance during the 2025 Pakistan-Indian war, have boosted the demand. During the conflict Pakistan deployed JF-17s alongside J-10s,which succeeded in shooting down several western made Indian fighter jets during the aerial combat.
The JF-17 that Somalia is seeking to acquire belongs to the so-called 4.5th generation of fighter jets, which is just half a step below the 5th generation of fighter jets made up of the most advanced aircraft such as the US F-22 and F-35, China’s J-20 and J-35, and Russia’s Su-57. Meanwhile Kenya is still stuck with the flying coffins of 1970s.
If indeed the deal is confirmed, then Somalia will have unmatched air power in the entire East Africa.
However it is worth noting that acquiring a jet fighter is one thing but the real cost lies in the support package which includes pilot and ground training, spare parts, weapons, and maintenance.
All in all, what can't be ignored is that Somalia is slowly rising from the rubbles of civil war and terrorism. In 1970s it had one of the most powerful militaries in East Africa. For example in 1975 it had 45 jet fighters; Ethiopia 35; Uganda 53; Kenya 3; Tanzania 20. Then everything came tumbling down when the civil war broke out.
Odhiambo Obiyo
