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Even as Pakistan positions itself as a mediator in the US-Iran conflict, intelligence sources claim Islamabad is simultaneously expanding arms exports by supplying Lighting-2 loitering munitions and JF-17 fighter jets to several Gulf nations.
Pak Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir (Photo: Reuters)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Jul 31, 2026 17:58 IST
Even as Pakistan projects itself as a mediator in the escalating US-Iran conflict, Islamabad is simultaneously supplying weapons to several Gulf nations affected by the war, according to top intelligence sources.
Sources told India Today that Pakistan is currently selling Lighting-2 Loitering Munitions to Iraq and Kuwait. They added that Pakistan recently conducted tests of the Lighting-2 Loitering Munition.
According to sources, the Lighting-2 is a long-range precision strike drone capable of hitting targets up to 300 km away while carrying a payload of 300 kg of explosives. Loitering munitions are considered a critical component of modern warfare because they can target air defence systems, radar installations and other high-value assets.
In a separate development, the sources said Pakistan has finalised deals to export JF-17 fighter jets to Azerbaijan, Qatar and Yemen.
The JF-17 fighter aircraft is co-developed by Pakistan and China and forms the backbone of the Pakistan Air Force. The report also claims that Pakistan is working on an advanced JF-17 Block 4 variant equipped with upgraded avionics, radar and enhanced weapons capability.
Pakistan's role in the US-Iran standoff has remained under scrutiny from the outset because of its strategic ties with both Tehran and Washington, as well as its close defence partnership with Beijing.
The latest intelligence inputs indicate that Islamabad is using the cover of the conflict to expand its defence exports across the Gulf region, a move that could potentially alter the regional balance, according to the sources.
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Published On:
Jul 31, 2026 17:58 IST
