Pakistan Claims Bangladesh Has Shown 'Potential Interest' In Procuring JF-17 Fighter Jets

Last Updated:January 07, 2026, 19:44 IST

However, Bangladesh has not officially confirmed whether such a plan is under consideration.

On Tuesday, Bangladesh Air Force Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan met Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu.

Bangladesh has expressed a “potential interest" in procuring JF-17 Thunder fighter jets from Pakistan, the Pakistani military claimed on Wednesday. However, Bangladesh has not officially confirmed whether such a plan is under consideration.

The JF-17 Thunder is a single-engine, lightweight combat aircraft jointly developed by China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC).

Pakistan has claimed the jet has proven its capabilities in previous conflicts with India, though its operational effectiveness remains unclear. During the May 7-10 conflict with India, Pakistan reportedly used Chinese-origin Chengdu J-10 fighter jets extensively, according to military experts.

The potential interest in the JF-17 came during a meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday between Bangladesh Air Force Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu.

The meeting, according to the PAF’s media wing Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), focused on strengthening operational cooperation, training, capacity building, and collaboration in aerospace development. Detailed discussions were also held on the potential procurement of JF-17 aircraft.

Khan, leading a high-level defence delegation, visited key PAF facilities. Sidhu briefed the Bangladeshi air chief on Pakistan’s recent defence advancements and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh through comprehensive training programmes, from basic flying to advanced and specialised courses.

Sidhu also assured fast-tracked delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, along with a complete training and long-term support system.

The ISPR said the Bangladeshi delegation expressed interest in PAF’s operational expertise, maintenance support for its aging fleet, and integration of air defence radar systems to enhance surveillance. The visit was described as a reflection of the “strong historical ties" between the two countries and a shared resolve to deepen defence cooperation.

Relations between Islamabad and Dhaka have warmed since the installation of the Muhammad Yunus-led government in 2024. The countries had experienced tensions after Bangladesh’s previous government initiated trials in 2010 against collaborators accused of aiding Pakistani forces during the 1971 Liberation War.

(With inputs from PTI)

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