Pakistan has sealed an arms deal worth more than $4bn with Libya’s eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA), led by General Khalifa Haftar. The agreement could change the balance of power in Libya’s long-running conflict.
The deal was concluded during a recent visit to Benghazi by Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir. During the trip, he met Haftar’s son, Saddam. The agreement covers the supply of military equipment, including fighter jets jointly built by Pakistan and China.
Addressing Libyan military officers, Munir stressed the importance of strong armed forces. “Please make your armed forces as strong as possible because armed forces did guarantee the existence of countries,” he said.
In a video from the visit, Munir also described Libya as “a land of lions,” referring to the country’s history of resistance led by anti-colonial figure Omar al-Mukhtar.
Under the deal, the LNA is expected to receive 16 JF-17 fighter jets and 12 Super Mushak trainer aircraft. This would significantly boost the group’s air power. At present, neither the LNA nor the UN-recognised government in Tripoli operates a strong air force.
Officials said the agreement would run for about two and a half years and could be worth as much as $4.6bn, making it Pakistan’s largest arms export deal to date.
Libya has remained divided since the 2011 removal of longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi. Haftar controls the east of the country, while Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh leads the internationally recognised government in Tripoli. Haftar’s failed attempt to capture the capital in 2019 deepened the split.
The arms deal comes as Pakistan seeks to expand defence exports amid economic pressure at home. Arms have continued to flow into Libya for years despite a United Nations embargo. The agreement could also affect Pakistan’s relations with Turkey, which supports the Tripoli-based government and remains a close partner of Islamabad.