Pakistan rejects claims of Sri Lanka rejecting JF-17s offer

Reports claiming that the Sri Lanka Air Force has rejected a proposal from Pakistan to supply JF-17C Block 3 fighter jets have been dismissed as false by the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo.

An Indian media report had claimed that Pakistan offered Sri Lanka a fleet of six to 10 JF-17C Block 3 fighter aircraft to replace its ageing Kfir and F-7 fighter jets.

The report, citing unnamed sources, further alleged that Pakistan had proposed deploying a Pakistan Air Force training team to assist with the induction of the aircraft and pilot training.

It also claimed that Sri Lanka had previously shown interest in acquiring the latest variant of the JF-17 fighter aircraft, but that the proposal failed to proceed.

However, responding to the report, the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo said the claims were inaccurate and that no discussions had taken place regarding the purchase of aircraft.

The issue comes amid earlier reports in 2016 that Sri Lanka was considering a deal with Pakistan to acquire eight JF-17 fighter jets. At the time, local media reported that an agreement was expected to be signed, but the Sri Lanka Air Force later denied those claims.

Sri Lanka currently operates a fleet that includes Kfir and F-7 aircraft, among others, and has previously explored options to modernise its air capabilities.