Pakistan clinches $4bn+ arms deal with Libya’s LNA

December 23, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan has finalized a defense deal worth more than $4 billion with Libya’s Libyan National Army (LNA) for the sale of military equipment, Arab News reported, citing Pakistani officials, despite a longstanding United Nations arms embargo on the North African country.

According to the report, the agreement was concluded following a meeting last week in Benghazi between Pakistan’s military chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Saddam Khalifa Haftar, deputy commander-in-chief of the LNA.

The officials, who are directly involved in defense affairs, spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the deal.

Arab News reported that the package is among Pakistan’s largest-ever arms export agreements and includes equipment for land, sea and air forces, to be delivered over a period of around two-and-a-half years.

A draft of the agreement, as seen by the publication, lists the purchase of 16 JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, as well as 12 Super Mushak trainer aircraft.

Pakistani officials confirmed the items were part of the deal, though exact quantities may vary.

Two officials told Arab News the deal is valued at more than $4 billion, while others placed the figure closer to $4.6 billion.

Pakistan’s foreign ministry, defense ministry and military did not respond to requests for comment.

The LNA’s official media channel said on Sunday that it had entered into a defense cooperation agreement with Pakistan covering weapons sales, joint training and military manufacturing.

“We announce the launch of a new phase of strategic military cooperation with Pakistan,” Haftar said in remarks aired by Al-Hadath television.

Libya has remained under a UN arms embargo since 2011, requiring prior UN approval for weapons transfers. A UN panel of experts noted in a December 2024 report that the embargo remains largely ineffective, with foreign states increasingly providing military assistance to rival Libyan factions.

It remains unclear whether any exemption was sought for the Pakistan-Libya deal.

Pakistani officials cited by Arab News said the agreement does not violate UN restrictions, arguing that other countries have also engaged with Libya’s eastern authorities and that there are no sanctions on Haftar.

The report noted that Pakistan has been actively expanding its defense exports, promoting platforms such as the JF-17 as cost-effective alternatives to Western aircraft, while offering training and maintenance support.

The Libya agreement would significantly expand Pakistan’s presence in North Africa amid growing competition for influence in Libya’s divided security landscape and oil-rich economy.

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