Pakistan and Bangladesh Deepen Defence Ties with Potential JF-17 Deal

The air force chiefs of Pakistan and Bangladesh met in Islamabad to explore a defence pact that includes the sale of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets to Dhaka.

Pakistan’s Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu hosted Bangladesh’s Hasan Mahmood Khan, underscoring “strong historical ties” and a “shared resolve to deepen defence cooperation and build a long-term strategic partnership,” according to Pakistan’s military statement.

Discussions also covered fast-tracked delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft with comprehensive training and support.

Shift in Regional Dynamics Boosts Cooperation Relations have warmed significantly since August 2024 protests ousted Sheikh Hasina, straining Bangladesh-India ties while bringing Islamabad and Dhaka closer. Direct trade has resumed post-1971 war, and military engagements have increased.

Under interim leader Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh heads to elections on February 12, 2026. Pakistan aims to leverage JF-17 successes—jointly developed with China and exported to Azerbaijan and Libya—to expand arms sales.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif highlighted booming orders, claiming the industry could reduce IMF dependency within months. This potential deal marks Pakistan’s push to capitalize on its combat-proven weapons amid evolving South Asian geopolitics.