ISLAMABAD: Bangladesh has signalled interest in the potential procurement of Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft during high-level talks between the air chiefs of the two countries in Islamabad, marking a significant step toward deeper defence and aerospace cooperation.
The discussions took place as Pakistan reaffirmed support for training, maintenance, and fast-tracked delivery of defence platforms to the Bangladesh Air Force.
According to Pakistan’s military media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a high-level defence delegation led by Bangladesh Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan met Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at Air Headquarters in Islamabad.
ISPR said the talks focused on strengthening operational cooperation and institutional coordination between the two air forces, with emphasis on training, capacity building, and collaboration in advanced aerospace domains.
The Bangladeshi Air Chief praised PAF’s combat record and expressed interest in benefiting from its operational expertise, seeking assistance in maintenance support for Bangladesh Air Force’s aging fleet and integration of air defence radar systems to enhance air surveillance. Detailed discussions were also held on potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder aircraft.
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu briefed him on PAF’s recent advancements and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh Air Force through a comprehensive training framework from basic to advanced flying and specialized courses across PAF institutions. He also assured fast-tracked delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, along with a complete training and long-term support ecosystem.
The Bangladeshi Air Chief praised PAF’s combat record and expressed interest in benefiting from its operational expertise, seeking assistance in maintenance support for Bangladesh Air Force’s aging fleet and integration of air defence radar systems to enhance air surveillance.
The delegation visited key PAF facilities, including the National ISR & Integrated Air Operations Centre, PAF Cyber Command, and the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park, observing capabilities in ISR, cyber, space, electronic warfare, and unmanned systems.
The visit underscored the strong historical ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh and reflected a shared resolve to deepen defence cooperation and build a long-term strategic partnership.
