The chiefs of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) have held a high-level meeting in Islamabad, with detailed discussions focusing on the potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets for the BAF.
Pakistan’s military media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), confirmed the development, reports Dawn.
According to a press release from Pakistan ISPR, Bangladesh Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan met with Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu during his official visit to Islamabad. The Bangladeshi air chief is leading a senior defence delegation on the visit.
The meeting covered a wide range of issues, including strengthening operational cooperation, institutional collaboration, training, capacity building, and joint initiatives in aerospace technology.
During the visit, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan was accorded a guard of honour. The PAF chief briefed him on Pakistan Air Force’s recent advancements and offered comprehensive support to the Bangladesh Air Force through a structured training framework, ranging from basic instruction to advanced flying and specialised courses.
The ISPR statement also noted that Pakistan assured the early delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, along with long-term training and technical support.
The Bangladesh Air Force chief praised the Pakistan Air Force’s combat experience and expressed interest in benefiting from its operational expertise. He also sought cooperation in maintaining BAF’s ageing fleet and requested assistance in integrating air defence radar systems to enhance airspace surveillance.
The possible acquisition of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets featured prominently in the discussions. Members of the Bangladeshi delegation also visited several key Pakistan Air Force installations during the tour.
ISPR said the visit reaffirmed the historic ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh and underscored both countries’ commitment to expanding defence cooperation and building a long-term strategic partnership.
The JF-17 Thunder is a lightweight, multi-role combat aircraft capable of operating in all weather conditions, day and night. The advanced fighter jet has been jointly developed by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation. The fighter has proved its combat capabilities during two military conflicts with India in 2019 and 2025.
