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Pakistan, Bangladesh Discuss JF-17 Jet Sale & Defence Pact in High-Level Talks

The air force chiefs of Pakistan and Bangladesh held extensive talks in Islamabad on a potential defence pact, which includes the sale of the JF-17 Thunder multi-role combat aircraft. Pakistan also assured fast-track delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft with full training support. The meeting is part of broader high-level engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, including discussions on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and aviation. These diplomatic moves highlight ongoing efforts to deepen defence and economic relations between the two South Asian nations.

Key Points: Pakistan-Bangladesh Talks on JF-17 Fighter Jet Sale

  • Potential JF-17 fighter jet sale
  • Defence cooperation pact discussed
  • Super Mushshak trainer aircraft delivery
  • Talks to expand trade and investment
  • High-level military diplomacy
2 min read

Pakistan confirms talks with Bangladesh on potential JF-17 fighter jet sale, defence pact

Pakistan confirms talks with Bangladesh on potential JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft sale and broader defence cooperation pact. Details inside.

"extensive talks on the procurement of the JF-17 Thunder - Daily Star"

Dhaka, January 8

The air force chiefs of Bangladesh and Pakistan held talks on a potential pact which covers the sale of the fighter aircraft JF-17 to Dhaka, Daily Star reported, citing Pakistan's military.

Referring to Pakistani military's press wing, Daily Star said on Wednesday that the talks took place in Islamabad. Pakistan's Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and his Bangladesh counterpart Hasan Mahmood Khan had extensive talks on the procurement of the JF-17 Thunder, a multi-role combat aircraft jointly developed with China.

According to Daily Star, the statement, which was shared on Tuesday, further mentioned that Islamabad assured Dhaka of fast-track delivery of "Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, along with a complete training and long-term support ecosystem".

The meeting comes shortly after the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Bangladesh, Imran Haider paid a courtesy call on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House in Dhaka on December 28. During the meeting, the Pakistan High Commissioner said that Dhaka-Karachi direct flights are expected to start in January, the Chief Adviser's Press Wing.

During the meeting, both sides discussed ways to expand cooperation in trade, investment and aviation, as well as scaling up cultural, educational and medical exchanges to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two South Asian nations, it added.

Also in October, Chairman of Pakistan's Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, paid a courtesy call on Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus.

"During the meeting, they discussed a wide range of issues concerning Bangladesh-Pakistan relations, including the growing importance of bilateral trade, investment, and defence cooperation," the Chief Adviser's Press Wing said in a statement on Sunday."Emphasising the shared historical, cultural, and people-to-people ties between the two countries, General Mirza expressed Pakistan's desire to strengthen cooperation in multiple sectors. He noted the vast potential for expanding trade, connectivity, and investment between Bangladesh and Pakistan," it added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
From a strategic perspective, this is significant. The JF-17 is a Chinese-Pakistani project. Increased military cooperation between Dhaka and Islamabad, with Beijing's shadow, could subtly shift regional equations. Hope our foreign policy mandarins are engaging with Bangladesh proactively.
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Priya S
Bangladesh is our friend and a major trade partner. We share deep cultural and historical ties. Instead of viewing everything through a security lens, we should focus on strengthening our own bilateral ties with them—more trade, better connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges. 🙏
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Rohit P
The article mentions "shared historical ties" between Pakistan and Bangladesh. That's a very diplomatic way to put it, considering 1971. Bangladesh's growth has been impressive, and they will do what's best for their national interest. We should respect that.
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Karthik V
JF-17 is a capable aircraft, but Bangladesh might be looking for cost-effective options. India could have been a potential partner for defence equipment, but our delivery timelines and bureaucratic hurdles are often a problem. This is a wake-up call for our defence exports. We need to be more competitive and reliable.
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Nisha Z
Direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi starting soon? That's great for people with family connections and business. The focus should be on regional economic growth and stability. Defence deals are one aspect, but prosperity through trade benefits everyone.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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