Are Pakistan and Bangladesh Strengthening Defense Ties with JF-17 Fighter Jets?
Strengthening Defense Relations
Islamabad/Lahore: Recent discussions between the air force leaders of Pakistan and Bangladesh have centered on the potential acquisition of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets by Dhaka, signaling a move towards enhanced defense collaboration, as reported by the Pakistani military.
However, Bangladesh has yet to officially confirm any plans regarding this procurement.
The JF-17 Thunder is a lightweight, single-engine combat aircraft developed through a partnership between China's Chengdu Aircraft Corporation and Pakistan's Aeronautical Complex.
While Pakistan asserts that the jet has demonstrated its capabilities during conflicts with India, its overall effectiveness remains somewhat ambiguous.
During the recent conflict with India from May 7 to 10, Pakistan reportedly relied heavily on the Chinese-made Chengdu J-10 fighter jets, according to military analysts.
A high-ranking defense delegation from Bangladesh, led by Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, met with Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at the Air Headquarters in Islamabad on Tuesday.
The discussions aimed at enhancing operational cooperation and institutional synergy, focusing on training, capacity building, and advancements in aerospace technology, as stated by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media branch of Pakistan's military.
The ISPR noted that detailed conversations took place regarding the potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder aircraft, and the delegation toured significant PAF facilities.
During their meeting, Sidhu updated Khan on the recent developments within the PAF and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to supporting the Bangladesh Air Force through a comprehensive training program, ranging from basic to advanced flying and specialized courses at PAF institutions.
He also promised expedited delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, along with a complete training and long-term support framework, according to the statement.
Khan's delegation was part of a high-level defense initiative.
This engagement follows a thaw in relations between Islamabad and Dhaka, particularly after the political shift in Bangladesh's leadership in August 2024.
The ISPR reported that the Bangladeshi air chief commended the PAF's combat history and expressed interest in leveraging its operational expertise, seeking assistance for maintenance support for the aging fleet of the Bangladesh Air Force and the integration of air defense radar systems to improve air surveillance.
"This visit highlighted the strong historical connections between Pakistan and Bangladesh and demonstrated a mutual commitment to enhancing defense cooperation and establishing a long-term strategic partnership," the statement concluded.
Bangladesh achieved independence from Pakistan in 1971, and since the establishment of the Muhammad Yunus-led government in 2024, both nations have aimed to foster closer ties, following the removal of the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina.
Relations had been particularly tense after the Hasina administration initiated trials in 2010 against collaborators accused of assisting Pakistani forces during the 1971 Liberation War.