Islamabad–Dhaka | Pakistan has formally acknowledged discussions with Bangladesh on a potential defence agreement that could include the sale of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, signalling a possible expansion of military and strategic cooperation between the two South Asian neighbours.
According to reports cited by the Daily Star, senior air force leadership from both countries met in Islamabad for detailed deliberations on defence collaboration. The talks were held between Bangladesh Air Force Chief Hasan Mahmood Khan and Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, with a focus on the possible induction of the JF-17 Thunder multirole combat aircraft into Bangladesh’s air fleet.
Focus on JF-17 and Training Support
The JF-17 Thunder, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, featured prominently in the discussions. The aircraft is positioned by Pakistan as a cost-effective, multirole platform capable of meeting a range of operational requirements.
In an official statement released by Pakistan’s military press wing, Islamabad also assured Dhaka of the timely delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft. The package, according to the statement, would include a comprehensive training framework and long-term logistical and technical support, underlining Pakistan’s intent to offer a complete ecosystem rather than a limited hardware transaction.
Defence Talks Follow Diplomatic Outreach
The air force-level engagement comes close on the heels of broader diplomatic exchanges between the two countries. On December 28, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Imran Haider, paid a courtesy visit to Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House in Dhaka.
During the meeting, the Pakistani envoy indicated that direct air connectivity between Dhaka and Karachi is expected to commence in January, a move seen as a practical step toward strengthening bilateral engagement. The discussions also covered ways to enhance trade, investment, aviation cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, including cultural, educational and medical collaboration.
Growing Momentum in Bilateral Defence Engagement
Defence cooperation has featured increasingly in recent Bangladesh–Pakistan interactions. In October, Professor Muhammad Yunus met General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of Pakistan’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, during a courtesy visit in Dhaka. That meeting reportedly addressed a wide spectrum of bilateral issues, with particular emphasis on the growing relevance of defence cooperation alongside trade and investment.
According to Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser’s Press Wing, General Mirza highlighted Pakistan’s interest in expanding collaboration across multiple sectors. He underscored the shared historical and cultural links between the two countries and pointed to significant untapped potential in connectivity, commerce and investment.
Strategic Signals in a Changing Regional Landscape
While no formal agreement has been announced, Pakistan’s confirmation of talks marks a notable development in regional defence dynamics. The discussions on fighter aircraft, training platforms and long-term support suggest that both sides are exploring structured, sustained cooperation rather than isolated transactions.
As diplomatic engagement, defence dialogue and connectivity initiatives progress in parallel, the evolving Pakistan–Bangladesh relationship is being closely watched in the region for its strategic and economic implications.
