Strengthening Ties: Bangladesh and Pakistan’s Defence Collaboration
Bangladesh and Pakistan are stepping up their defence partnership, highlighted by a recent visit from Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) headquarters. This meeting signals a potential agreement for Bangladesh to procure JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, showcasing the growing interest in Pakistan’s military assets following recent regional conflicts.
During his visit, Air Chief Marshal Khan had in-depth discussions with PAF’s Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu. The meeting included a formal Guard of Honour—an indication of the respect and importance both nations place on this collaboration.
The JF-17 Thunder, developed jointly by Pakistan and China, is gaining significant international attention, especially after the PAF’s impressive performance in the May 2025 conflict with India. Reports revealed that the PAF successfully downed multiple Indian aircraft during this time, including French Rafale jets, leading to a surge in global interest in the JF-17s. The result? The share prices of Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, which manufactures these jets, skyrocketed by over 17%.
This potential transaction is further bolstered by a recent multi-billion-dollar arms deal between Pakistan and Libya, which included several JF-17s. This indicates a positive trajectory for Pakistan’s defence exports, especially for their homegrown military technology.
While discussing operational cooperation, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu highlighted the PAF’s advancements and committed to providing Bangladesh with fast-tracked deliveries of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft. These aircraft are essential for pilot training and come with a comprehensive support package, including training infrastructure—a crucial element for Bangladesh as it eyes modernizing its air force.
Khan expressed admiration for the PAF’s impressive combat record and sought support for upgrading the Bangladesh Air Force’s aging fleet. There’s also a focus on integrating advanced air defence systems to bolster air surveillance capabilities.
The visit culminated in tours of several PAF facilities, including the National ISR and Integrated Air Operations Centre. The delegation observed cutting-edge technologies in ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), cyber operations, and unmanned systems, highlighting the PAF’s commitment to technological advancement.
This nascent partnership not only symbolizes the historical ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh but also marks a significant step towards a strategic defence relationship that could shape regional stability.
As both nations look to strengthen their military cooperation, it’s essential to keep an eye on developments in this partnership. For those interested in the evolving dynamics of defence partnerships in Asia, engaging with platforms like Pro21st can provide deeper insights and updates.
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