Pakistan & Bangladesh eye JF-17 aircraft deal, deepen air force cooperation

Bangladesh – (Special Correspondent / Web Desk) – Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu on Tuesday met a high-level Bangladeshi defence delegation to discuss expanding air force cooperation, including possible acquisition of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, according to the military’s media wing.

Jointly developed with China, the JF-17 Thunder has emerged as the Pakistan Air Force’s mainstay over the past decade, replacing older aircraft with a modern multi-role combat platform.

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Bangladesh Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan visits Pakistan. A potential deal to be signed with Pakistan for JF-17 thunder block 3 and Super Mushak aircraft from Pakistan for BAF pic.twitter.com/QdnsX5aKNc

— Defense Technology of Bangladesh-DTB (@DefenseDtb) January 6, 2026

• The Bangladesh Air Force chief, accompanied by a defense delegation, held talks with the Pakistan Air Force chief in Islamabad. During the meeting, both sides discussed professional matters and avenues for strengthening air force cooperation.
• The discussions also highlighted the JF-17 Thunder, Pakistan’s indigenously produced multi-role fighter aircraft, jointly developed in collaboration with China.

Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan led a high-level defense delegation meeting with Sidhu at the Air Headquarters in Islamabad, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

“The meeting focused on strengthening operational cooperation and institutional synergy, with emphasis on training, capacity building and collaboration in aerospace advancements,” the military’s media wing said.

“Detailed discussions were also held on potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder aircraft,” the ISPR added.

Sidhu reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the BAF through a comprehensive training framework, from basic to advanced flying and specialized courses across PAF institutions, the ISPR said. He also assured fast-tracked delivery of the Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, along with a complete training and long-term support ecosystem, it added.

Super Mushshak is a lightweight, two to three-seater single-engine aircraft. It can operate from short, unprepared strips, according to the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex.

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Khan expressed interest in benefiting from the PAF’s operational expertise and sought assistance in maintenance support for his country’s aging fleet, the ISPR said. Khan also discussed the integration of air defense radar systems between both nations to enhance air surveillance.

The Bangladeshi delegation visited key PAF facilities, including the National ISR & Integrated Air Operations Center, PAF Cyber Command, and the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park, during their visit, the ISPR said.

“The visit underscored the strong historical ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh and reflected a shared resolve to deepen defense cooperation and build a long-term strategic partnership,” the statement said.

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The JF-17 fighter jet has seen extensive operational use in recent years, taking part in air-to-air and air-to-ground missions across multiple theaters. The aircraft was used in counterterrorism operations in North Waziristan in 2014 and 2017. It was also involved in the 2017 downing of an Iranian drone near the southwestern Balochistan border and in Operation Swift Retort during the 2019 aerial skirmish with India.

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The fighter jet also featured in Pakistan’s 2024 cross-border strikes inside Iran and Afghanistan targeting militant groups and was deployed again in combat roles during the May 2025 conflict with India. Pakistan claimed it had downed six Indian fighter jets during the conflict, which New Delhi rejected.