Pakistan and Bangladesh have held high-level discussions on the potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft as the air forces of both countries seek to deepen operational cooperation and long-term defence collaboration.
According to a statement issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Tuesday, Bangladesh Air Force Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan called on Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu in Islamabad during an official visit leading a senior defence delegation.
The meeting focused on enhancing institutional synergy, operational cooperation, and collaboration in training, capacity building, and aerospace development. The visiting air chief was accorded a guard of honour on arrival.
Air Chief Marshal Sidhu briefed his Bangladeshi counterpart on recent advancements within the PAF and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the Bangladesh Air Force through a comprehensive training framework, ranging from basic and advanced flying instruction to specialised professional courses at PAF institutions.
He also assured the early delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, along with a complete training, maintenance, and long-term support ecosystem.
The Bangladeshi air chief praised the Pakistan Air Force’s operational record and combat experience, particularly highlighting the JF-17 Thunder’s performance during conflicts with India in 2019 and 2025. The multi-role fighter aircraft has been jointly developed by Pakistan and China.
According to ISPR, the visiting delegation expressed keen interest in benefiting from PAF’s operational expertise, seeking support in maintenance solutions for Bangladesh’s aging air fleet as well as assistance in integrating air defence radar systems to enhance national air surveillance.
Detailed discussions were also held on the potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder aircraft, the statement said, adding that the delegation visited key PAF operational and technical facilities during the trip.
The visit underscored the strengthening defence relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh and reflected a shared resolve to expand strategic cooperation across air power, training, and defence technology domains.