Maps
Magazine

MILITARY

Pakistan, Bangladesh Discuss JF-17 Thunder Fighter Jet Procurement
Pakistan and Bangladesh air chiefs held talks in Islamabad on defence cooperation, including the potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, training collaboration and support for Bangladesh Air Force’s aging fleet.
ND
by News Desk
2026-01-06
Pakistan, Bangladesh Discuss JF-17 Thunder Fighter Jet Procurement

Pakistan and Bangladesh have taken a significant step toward strengthening bilateral defence ties as the air chiefs of both countries held detailed discussions on the potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter aircraft, according to a statement issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Tuesday.

The discussions took place during a meeting in Islamabad, where Bangladesh Air Force Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan called on Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu. The Bangladeshi air chief was accompanied by a high-level defence delegation and was accorded a guard of honour on arrival.

The ISPR said the meeting focused on enhancing operational cooperation and institutional synergy, with particular emphasis on training, capacity building and collaboration in aerospace advancements. Both sides explored avenues to further deepen defence relations and strengthen air force-to-air force cooperation.

During the meeting, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu briefed his Bangladeshi counterpart on PAF’s recent advancements, highlighting Pakistan’s evolving air combat capabilities and training infrastructure. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the Bangladesh Air Force through a comprehensive training framework, ranging from basic and advanced flying courses to specialised training programmes at PAF institutions.

The PAF chief also assured the fast-tracked delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, along with a complete training package and long-term support ecosystem to assist Bangladesh in strengthening its pilot training capacity.

According to the ISPR, the Bangladeshi air chief praised the Pakistan Air Force’s combat record and operational excellence, expressing keen interest in benefiting from PAF’s experience. He sought Pakistan’s assistance in maintenance support for Bangladesh Air Force’s aging fleet and the integration of air defence radar systems to enhance national air surveillance capabilities.

“Detailed discussions were also held on the potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder aircraft,” the statement said. The JF-17 Thunder, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, is a multi-role fighter jet that has demonstrated its combat capabilities during military confrontations with India in 2019 and 2025.

The visiting delegation also toured key PAF operational and training facilities, gaining firsthand insight into Pakistan’s air force infrastructure and capabilities.

The ISPR said the visit underscored the strong historical ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh and reflected a shared resolve to expand defence cooperation. It added that both sides expressed commitment to building a long-term strategic partnership, particularly in the areas of air power development, training and technological collaboration.
Tagged:

PakistanAirForce

DefenceCooperation

JF17Thunder

PakistanBangladeshRelations
Share News: