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Pakistan, Bangladesh in Talks for JF-17 Jet Sale & Defence Pact

Pakistan's military confirms that the air force chiefs of Pakistan and Bangladesh held extensive talks in Islamabad on a potential defence pact, which includes the sale of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets. The discussions also covered fast-track delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft and associated training systems. This high-level military dialogue follows recent diplomatic engagements aimed at expanding cooperation in trade, investment, and aviation between the two nations. Both sides have emphasized strengthening bilateral relations across multiple sectors, including defence.

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

  • Fighter jet sale discussed
  • Defence pact negotiations
  • High-level military dialogue
  • Broader bilateral cooperation
2 min read

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

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

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

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

P
Priya S
The historical context between Bangladesh and Pakistan makes this a bit surprising. But nations move on, I suppose. The focus seems to be on trade and connectivity too, which is good for regional stability. Direct flights between Dhaka and Karachi could boost people-to-people ties.
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Aman W
JF-17 is a capable aircraft, but Bangladesh has other options too. This might be a negotiation tactic for better terms from other suppliers. Let's see if this deal actually materializes. 🤔 The trainer aircraft part of the deal seems more concrete.
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Sarah B
As an observer, the deepening of defence ties between these two countries, with China's shadow in the background via the JF-17, is a significant geopolitical shift in South Asia. India's regional diplomacy will be tested.
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Vikram M
Bangladesh is a valued friend and partner. While they have the right to diversify their defence imports, we must ensure our relationship with Dhaka remains strong and multifaceted. Trade, connectivity, and cultural ties with us are far deeper. This is a reminder to keep investing in that relationship.
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Kriti O
The article mentions "shared historical, cultural, and people-to-people ties." That's a very diplomatic way to put it, considering 1971. Times change, but history isn't forgotten. Hoping Bangladesh's leadership makes decisions that truly benefit its people's security and economic future first.

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