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Pakistan is preparing to sell JF-17 Thunder fighter jet to Bangladesh. Regarding this, talks have taken place in Islamabad between the air force chiefs of the two countries. Pakistani Army has confirmed this talk.
According to Bangladeshi newspaper Daily Star, a meeting was held between Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu and Bangladesh Air Force Chief Hasan Mahmood Khan. The possible sale of JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft and defense cooperation were discussed in the talks.
JF-17 Thunder is a multi-role combat aircraft, developed by Pakistan in collaboration with China. This aircraft is considered capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground attack and is already in service with the Pakistan Air Force.
Pakistan will also provide trainer aircraft to Bangladesh
According to the report, Pakistan has also assured Bangladesh of fast-track delivery of ‘Super Mushshak’ trainer aircraft. Along with this, it has been said to provide pilot training and long-term support system.
According to the Pakistani Army, the possibilities of increasing cooperation in areas like defence, trade and connectivity are also being discussed between the two countries.
There has been no official confirmation yet on this possible deal from Bangladesh. Diplomatic contacts between Pakistan and Bangladesh have increased in recent months.
In late December, Pakistan’s High Commissioner met Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Professor Mohammad Yunus in Dhaka.
Bangladesh increasing relations with Pakistan
There has been continuous tension in the relations between India and Bangladesh since the coup of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Whereas relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh have continuously improved. Mohammad Yunus has met Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif twice after August 2024.
In November 2024, a Pakistani cargo ship reached Chittagong port for the first time since 1971. Apart from this, in April 2025, the foreign secretaries of both the countries met in Dhaka after 15 years.
Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also visited Dhaka on 27–28 April, the first high-level visit since 2012. During this, both the countries had discussed agreements to increase mutual cooperation.
Relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan are improving
January 2025: Bangladeshi Lieutenant General S.M. Qamar-ul-Hassan’s visit to Pakistan.
February 2025: Start trading directly for the first time. A consignment of 50,000 tonnes of rice was sent from Pakistan to Bangladesh.
August 2025: Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reached Dhaka. First tour of this level in 13 years.
September 2025: Conversation between Mohammad Yunus and Ishaq Dar in New York, diplomatic channel activated again.
October 2025: Pakistan’s second ranking Army General Sahir Shamshad Mirza went to Bangladesh, talks on defense and security cooperation.
October 2025: Both countries agreed to enhance military cooperation, training exchange and military-to-military interaction.
