Pakistan and Bangladesh have held talks on a possible agreement involving the sale of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets to Dhaka, as Islamabad steps up efforts to expand defence exports and strengthen bilateral military ties.

According to Pakistan’s military, the discussions took place in Islamabad between Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and his Bangladeshi counterpart Hasan Mahmood Khan. Talks centred on the potential acquisition of the JF-17, a multi-role combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China.

Pakistan also offered accelerated delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, along with training and long-term support, the statement said.

The talks come as Pakistan seeks to leverage what it describes as the operational performance of its air force during clashes with India in May last year, the most intense fighting between the nuclear-armed neighbours in decades.

Improving relations

The engagement reflects warming ties between Islamabad and Dhaka following political unrest in Bangladesh. Large-scale protests in August 2024 led to the departure of then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, straining Bangladesh’s relations with India and opening space for closer ties with Pakistan.

Since then, the two countries have resumed direct trade for the first time since 1971 and increased military-level contacts. Pakistan’s military said the talks underscored a shared intent to expand defence cooperation.

Bangladesh, currently led by an interim government under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, is due to hold general elections on February 12.

Defence export push

The JF-17 is a key platform in Pakistan’s defence industry and has featured in arms deals with Azerbaijan and the Libyan National Army.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said rising demand for military exports could boost the country’s economy, telling local media that Pakistan’s aircraft were attracting strong international interest.