Pakistan, Bangladesh explore defence cooperation with Fighter Jet talks

Senior air force officials from Pakistan and Bangladesh have held discussions in Islamabad on possible defence cooperation, including the sale of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets to Dhaka, according to a statement from Pakistan’s military. The talks signal Islamabad’s intent to expand its defence exports while strengthening strategic engagement with Bangladesh.

Focus on JF-17 and training aircraft

Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu met his Bangladeshi counterpart, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, to deliberate on the procurement of the JF-17 Thunder — a multi-role combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China. The aircraft has been promoted by Islamabad as a cost-effective fighter with modern combat capabilities.

In addition to the JF-17 discussions, Pakistan also reiterated its commitment to deliver Super Mushshak trainer aircraft to Bangladesh on an expedited basis. Islamabad has offered a comprehensive package that includes pilot training, long-term maintenance support, and operational assistance, Pakistan’s military media wing said.

Regional context and military outreach

The talks come as Pakistan seeks to leverage the operational experience gained during last year’s intense confrontation with India — the most severe hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in nearly 30 years. Islamabad has increasingly projected its air force capabilities as it looks to secure international defence deals.

At the same time, Pakistan and Bangladesh have been moving to rebuild ties that were dormant for decades. Following the removal of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the two countries resumed direct trade for the first time since Bangladesh’s 1971 independence war. Military delegations from both sides have also engaged in multiple rounds of discussions in recent months.

Implications for India’s strategic calculus

The warming Pakistan–Bangladesh relationship coincides with a period of uncertainty in Dhaka’s ties with New Delhi. Relations between India and Bangladesh have faced strain since the political upheaval of 2024, during which Sheikh Hasina sought refuge in India.

For New Delhi, Bangladesh remains a crucial strategic partner in the Bay of Bengal and a key element of its northeastern security framework. Any expansion of defence cooperation between Dhaka and Islamabad — particularly involving platforms of Chinese origin — is likely to be closely monitored by Indian policymakers.

Long-term defence engagement under consideration

While discussions on the fighter jet deal are still at an early stage, Pakistan’s proposal goes beyond aircraft sales. The offer reportedly includes pilot training, maintenance infrastructure, and collaboration in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations, suggesting a longer-term effort to build operational linkages with the Bangladesh Air Force.

As these talks progress, the evolving defence relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh is expected to remain a subject of strategic interest for regional powers, particularly India.

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