Defence ties deepen as Bangladesh weighs JF-17 jets

BD air chief tours Air HQ during landmark trip

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan and Bangladesh took another step towards deepening defence cooperation on Tuesday as a high-level Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) delegation, led by Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, held talks with Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at the Air Headquarters with discussions also covering the potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft.

The visit of the Bangladesh air chief is the latest in a series of high-level exchanges, underscoring what both sides describe as a shared resolve to deepen defence cooperation and build a long-term strategic partnership. The visiting Bangladesh air chief was accorded a guard of honour upon arrival.

According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement, the meeting focused on strengthening operational cooperation and institutional synergy between the two air forces, with particular emphasis on training, capacity building and collaboration in aerospace advancements.

During the talks, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu briefed his counterpart on the Pakistan Air Force's (PAF) recent operational and technological advancements and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to supporting the Bangladesh Air Force through a comprehensive training framework.

This framework, the ISPR said, would span basic to advanced flying training as well as specialised courses at various PAF institutions. The PAF chief also assured fast-tracked delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, along with a complete training and long-term support ecosystem to meet BAF requirements.

A key element of the discussions was Bangladesh's expressed interest in benefiting from PAF's operational experience and combat-proven platforms. The Bangladeshi air chief praised the PAF's combat record and sought assistance in maintenance support for BAF's ageing fleet, as well as the integration of air defence radar systems to enhance air surveillance capabilities.

"Detailed discussions were also held on potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder aircraft," the ISPR said, indicating growing interest in Pakistan's flagship multi-role fighter jet, which is jointly produced with China and has already been inducted by several air forces.

The Bangladeshi delegation also visited key PAF facilities, including the National ISR & Integrated Air Operations Centre, PAF Cyber Command and the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park.

The visitors were briefed on Pakistan's capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), cyber and space domains, electronic warfare and unmanned systems.

The visit comes against the backdrop of a broader recalibration in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations following the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Since then, ties between Islamabad and Dhaka have shown signs of gradual transformation after decades of limited engagement, particularly in the defence and security domain.

While Bangladesh's relations with India, traditionally its closest regional partner, have remained strained amid political and strategic differences, Dhaka has quietly explored new avenues of cooperation with Pakistan.

Recent months have seen an uptick in diplomatic contacts and defence-related engagements, signalling a more pragmatic approach on both sides.

According to the ISPR, the visit also highlighted the strong historical ties between the two countries and reflected mutual interest in expanding collaboration in training, technology and force modernisation with the JF-17 Thunder emerging as a potential centrepiece of future cooperation.