In a significant development, Pakistan received another international defense order from Iraq for the sale of 12 JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets manufactured at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra.
According to top official sources, several rounds of negotiations on fighter jets between Pakistan and Iraq continued this year at the highest level but were finally completed with the visiting Iraqi defense delegation led by Deputy Commander Iraqi Air Force Major General (Pilot) Muhammad Majeed Mahdi Mahmood and top Pakistani officials. Gen. Mehdi is in Pakistan on official business.
According to sources, both the Iraqi and Pakistani governments approved the defense deal, and a formal agreement is expected to be signed in Islamabad next month. The Iraqi government has approved a 664 million USD purchase of 12 fighter planes from Pakistan.
