Bangladesh in Advanced Talks to Procure Pakistan’s JF-17 Fighter Jets
Islamabad: Bangladesh is in discussions with Pakistan to procure JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, signalling a potential new defence agreement as Islamabad seeks to capitalise on rising international interest in its combat aircraft following the May 2025 conflict with India.
A high-level defence delegation led by Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Chief of the Air Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), held detailed talks on the proposed acquisition during a visit to Air Headquarters in Islamabad. The delegation met Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), and was accorded a Guard of Honour on arrival.
The JF-17 Thunder, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, has emerged as a flagship export of Pakistan’s defence industry. International attention toward the aircraft increased sharply after reports that the PAF shot down several Indian combat aircraft, including French-made Rafale jets, during the May 2025 conflict. Following these reports, shares of China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, the manufacturer of the aircraft, rose by more than 17 per cent.
Pakistan’s growing profile as an arms exporter was further underscored in December 2025, when it concluded a multi-billion-dollar conventional weapons deal with Libya. The agreement, described as one of Pakistan’s largest-ever defence exports, included the sale of 16 JF-17 Thunder fighter jets and 12 Super Mushshak trainer aircraft.
According to officials, the meeting between the two air chiefs focused on strengthening operational cooperation and institutional synergy, with particular emphasis on training, capacity building and collaboration in aerospace development. Air Chief Marshal Sidhu briefed the visiting delegation on recent advancements within the PAF and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the BAF through a comprehensive training framework.
He also assured fast-tracked delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, along with complete training and long-term support arrangements. The Super Mushshak is a Pakistani-made basic trainer aircraft widely used for pilot training.
Air Chief Marshal Khan praised the PAF’s combat record and sought assistance in maintenance support for the Bangladesh Air Force’s ageing fleet. He also expressed interest in cooperation on the integration of air defence radar systems to strengthen air surveillance capabilities.
During the visit, the Bangladeshi delegation toured key PAF facilities, including the National ISR and Integrated Air Operations Centre, PAF Cyber Command and the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park. They were briefed on capabilities spanning intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), cyber and space operations, electronic warfare and unmanned systems.
The visit highlighted the longstanding ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh and reflected a shared commitment to deepen defence cooperation and develop a long-term strategic partnership between the two air forces.
