The air force chiefs of Pakistan and Bangladesh have held detailed discussions on a possible agreement for the sale of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets to Dhaka, Pakistan’s military said, marking a significant step in Islamabad’s bid to expand its defence exports and strengthen ties with Bangladesh.
Talks Focus on JF-17 and Training Support
The talks in Islamabad brought together Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and Bangladesh Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan. According to a statement from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the two sides explored the potential procurement of the JF-17 Thunder, a multi-role combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China.
The ISPR added that Pakistan had pledged to “fast-track delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, along with a complete training and long-term support ecosystem.” The Mushshak trainers are a key part of Pakistan’s export portfolio and are already in use by several air forces in the Middle East and Africa.
The meeting comes as Pakistan seeks to leverage its recent military success in last May’s confrontation with India the worst fighting between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in nearly three decades to boost the global appeal of its home-grown defence technology.
Relations Improve After Diplomatic Freeze
The discussions also reflect a sharp improvement in relations between Islamabad and Dhaka after years of tension. Ties began to thaw following mass protests in Bangladesh in August 2024 that forced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee to India, effectively rupturing Dhaka’s relations with New Delhi.
“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,” the Pakistani military said in its statement.
Since Hasina’s ouster, the two countries have resumed direct trade for the first time since the 1971 war that led to Bangladesh’s independence. Their military officials have also held multiple rounds of talks aimed at expanding defence and economic collaboration.
Bangladesh is currently under an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus and will hold general elections on 12 February. The upcoming vote could see the political return of the once-banned Jamaat-e-Islami party, which has long maintained ideological ties with Pakistan.
Expanding Pakistan’s Defence Export Ambitions
The JF-17 Thunder has become the centrepiece of Pakistan’s weapons development programme. The aircraft has already featured in deals with Azerbaijan and in a $4-billion weapons agreement with the Libyan National Army.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Tuesday that the country’s growing weapons industry could soon play a pivotal role in its economic revival. “Our aircraft have been tested, and we are receiving so many orders that Pakistan may not need the International Monetary Fund in six months,” Asif told broadcaster Geo News.
Analysts say a potential aircraft deal with Bangladesh would not only symbolise a diplomatic reset but also enhance Pakistan’s position as an emerging defence exporter in Asia.
with inputs from Reuters
