Pakistan Discusses Sale of JF-17 Fighter Jets to Bangladesh to Boost Defence Cooperation

According to reports, Pakistan is considering the sale of multi-role JF-17 Thunder fighter jets to Bangladesh, a move that could enhance defence cooperation between the two countries.

Reuters reports that commanders from the Pakistani and Bangladeshi air forces met in Islamabad and held detailed talks on this collaboration. The discussions focused on the potential purchase of these fighter jets, technical support provisions, training programmes, and long-term support.

So far, the exact number of fighter jets potentially to be sold to Bangladesh has not been officially announced. The JF-17 fighter is a joint product of Pakistan and China and is promoted as a multi-role combat aircraft.

Reuters adds that these negotiations are taking place as Pakistan seeks to leverage what it describes as the “successful performance” of its air force during last May’s conflict with India—a confrontation described by the source as the most severe military tension between the two countries in nearly three decades.

At the same time, Pakistani officials stress that these fighter jets serve a defensive purpose and aim to protect national sovereignty. Some analysts warn that finalizing such a deal could impact the defence balance in South Asia and trigger new sensitivities in the region.