Why Pakistan's war with India led to a boom in arms sales and defence ties

Pakistan is leveraging recent air combat claims against India and shifting geopolitical alignments to boost its defense exports, particularly the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet. The JF-17, jointly developed with China, is being marketed as a combat-proven and affordable alternative to more expensive Western aircraft for nations in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. A key part of the sales pitch is the aircraft's performance during a 2025 air confrontation with India, where Pakistani officials claim it shot down at least one advanced Indian Rafale fighter. This narrative has transformed the jet's reputation from a budget option to a battle-tested platform, increasing interest from countries seeking to diversify their military suppliers.