Bangladesh Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan meets Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at Air Headquarters. Photo: PPI
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and Bangladesh took another step towards deepening defense cooperation on Tuesday as a high-level delegation of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), led by Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, held talks with Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at the Air Headquarters, with discussions also covering the potential purchase of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets.
The Bangladesh air chief’s visit is the latest in a series of high-level exchanges, underscoring what both sides describe as a shared determination to deepen defense cooperation and build a long-term strategic partnership. The visiting Bangladesh Air Chief was given a guard of honor on his arrival.
According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) release, the meeting focused on strengthening operational cooperation and institutional synergy between the two air forces, with special emphasis on training, capacity building and collaboration in aerospace advancements.
During the talks, Air Marshal Sidhu briefed his counterpart on the recent operational and technological advancements of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the Bangladesh Air Force through a comprehensive training framework.
This framework, the ISPR said, would cover basic to advanced pilot training as well as specialized courses at various PAF institutions. The PAF chief also assured timely delivery of the Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, along with a comprehensive training and long-term support ecosystem to meet the BAF’s requirements.
A key part of the discussions was Bangladesh’s expressed interest in benefiting from the PAF’s operational experience and combat-proven platforms. The Bangladeshi air chief praised the PAF’s combat record and sought assistance in maintaining the BAF’s aging fleet, as well as integrating air defense radar systems to improve aerial surveillance capabilities.
“Extensive discussions were also held on the potential purchase of JF-17 Thunder aircraft,” the ISPR said, indicating growing interest in Pakistan’s flagship multi-role combat aircraft, produced jointly with China and already installed by several air forces.
The Bangladeshi delegation also visited key PAF facilities including the National Air and ISR Operations Centre, PAF Cyber Command and the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park.
The visitors were briefed on Pakistan’s capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), cyber and space domains, electronic warfare and unmanned systems.
The visit comes against the backdrop of a broader recalibration of Pakistan-Bangladesh relations following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. Since then, relations between Islamabad and Dhaka have shown signs of gradual transformation after decades of limited engagement, particularly in the area of defense and security.
While Bangladesh’s relations with India, traditionally its closest regional partner, remain strained due to political and strategic differences, Dhaka has quietly explored new avenues of cooperation with Pakistan.
Recent months have seen an increase in diplomatic contacts and defense-related engagements, a sign of a more pragmatic approach on both sides.
According to the ISPR, the visit also highlighted the strong historical ties between the two countries and reflects mutual interest in expanding collaboration in training, technology and force modernization, with the JF-17 Thunder becoming a potential centerpiece of future cooperation.
