Bangladesh, Pakistan Hold High-Level Defence Talks as Dhaka Eyes New-Generation Fighter Jets

Bangladesh has held high-level defence discussions with Pakistan amid the possibility of inducting next-generation fighter aircraft into the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF).

During a visit to Islamabad, Bangladesh Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan met his Pakistani counterpart Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Siddiqui to discuss broader defence cooperation, including the potential purchase of the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Pakistan’s military media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said the two air force chiefs held detailed talks on the prospects of Bangladesh acquiring the JF-17 Thunder.

Developed jointly by China and Pakistan, the JF-17 is a multi-role combat aircraft that Pakistan claims demonstrated its operational capabilities during conflicts with India in 2019 and 2025.

According to ISPR, the meeting in Islamabad focused on strengthening operational cooperation, training, technology transfer, capacity building, maintenance of legacy fleets and joint collaboration in aerospace technology. The Bangladesh Air Force chief is leading a high-level defence delegation during the visit.

Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan was accorded a guard of honour on arrival. During the talks, the Pakistani air chief briefed him on the Pakistan Air Force’s recent advancements and assured full training support for the BAF—from basic flying instruction to advanced and specialised courses.

He also said that Super Mushshak training aircraft would be delivered swiftly, along with long-term training and technical support.

The Bangladesh Air Force chief praised Pakistan’s combat experience and expressed interest in benefiting from its operational expertise. He sought assistance in maintaining ageing fighter aircraft, strengthening airspace surveillance and integrating air defence radar systems.

ISPR said the visit has added a new dimension to the historic relationship between Bangladesh and Pakistan, reinforcing commitments to enhanced defence cooperation and a long-term strategic partnership.

The JF-17 Thunder is a lightweight, all-weather, day-and-night capable multi-role fighter aircraft. It is produced jointly by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation.

Designed for air combat, ground attack, reconnaissance and precision strike missions, the JF-17 has a maximum take-off weight of 12,700 kilograms and can reach speeds of up to 2,205 kilometres per hour.