In a significant development for South Asian defence dynamics, Bangladesh has conveyed a "potential interest" in procuring the JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter aircraft from Pakistan. This interest was formally discussed during a high-level meeting between the air force chiefs of the two nations in Islamabad this week.
High-Level Talks in Islamabad
The pivotal discussions took place on Tuesday when Bangladesh Air Force Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, leading a defence delegation, met with Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu. According to a statement released on Wednesday by Pakistan's Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the meeting aimed at strengthening operational cooperation and institutional synergy.
The talks covered extensive ground, focusing on training, capacity building, and collaboration in aerospace advancements. A key point on the agenda was the potential procurement of the JF-17 Thunder aircraft. The ISPR statement highlighted that the Pakistani side briefed their Bangladeshi counterparts on the PAF's recent advancements and the combat capabilities of the JF-17, which Pakistan claims were proven during the four-day military conflict with India in May 2025.
Deepening Defence Cooperation
Beyond the fighter jet discussion, the meeting solidified several other areas of partnership. Air Chief Marshal Sidhu reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to supporting the Bangladesh Air Force through a comprehensive training framework. This includes everything from basic to advanced flying and specialised courses across PAF institutions.
In a related development, Sidhu assured the fast-tracked delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, along with a complete training and long-term support ecosystem. The Bangladeshi delegation also visited key PAF facilities during their visit.
The Bangladeshi air chief reportedly praised the PAF's combat record and expressed interest in benefiting from its operational expertise. He also sought assistance in maintenance support for Bangladesh Air Force's aging fleet and the integration of air defence radar systems to enhance the country's air surveillance capabilities.
A Thaw in Historical Ties
This defence outreach follows a notable warming in relations between Dhaka and Islamabad, a shift that began after changes in Bangladesh's political leadership in August 2024. The installation of the Muhammad Yunus-led government, following the ouster of then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League, paved the way for this diplomatic reset.
Relations between the two countries had been strained for years, particularly after the Hasina government initiated war crime trials in 2010 of collaborators accused of aiding Pakistani forces during Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War. The recent interactions mark a conscious effort to move past historical grievances.
The ISPR statement concluded that the visit "underscored the strong historical ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh and reflected a shared resolve to deepen defence cooperation and build a long-term strategic partnership." While the expression of interest in the JF-17 is a preliminary step, it signals a potentially major shift in the regional defence procurement landscape and bilateral relations.
