A high-level defence delegation led by Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, BBP, BSP, BUP, ndc, psc, Chief of the Air Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), paid an official visit to Air Headquarters, Islamabad, where it called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of the Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral air force cooperation and institutional synergy, with particular emphasis on training, capacity building and collaboration in aerospace and emerging technologies. The visiting Air Chief was accorded a Guard of Honour on arrival, reflecting the cordial and longstanding relations between the two air forces.
During the discussions, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu briefed the Bangladeshi delegation on the Pakistan Air Force’s recent operational and technological advancements. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the Bangladesh Air Force through a comprehensive training framework, ranging from basic and advanced flying training to specialised professional courses at various PAF institutions. He also assured the fast-tracked delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, supported by a complete training package and a long-term technical and logistical support ecosystem.
Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan praised the Pakistan Air Force’s combat record and operational expertise, expressing strong interest in benefiting from its experience. He sought PAF assistance in maintenance and sustainment support for the Bangladesh Air Force’s ageing fleet, as well as cooperation in the integration of air defence radar systems to enhance national air surveillance capabilities. Detailed discussions were also held on the potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft.
Sources indicate that the Bangladesh Air Force may acquire up to 16 JF-17 Block III light multirole fighter jets from the Sino–Pakistan consortium as part of its ongoing force modernisation programme. In this regard, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, BBP, BSP, BUP, ndc, psc, visited China on 23 October 2025, where he held talks with senior officials of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) and other relevant stakeholders to discuss technical specifications, delivery timelines and financial arrangements. His subsequent visit to Pakistan is viewed as further strengthening the prospects of the potential JF-17 Block III acquisition.
During their stay, the Bangladeshi delegation visited key Pakistan Air Force facilities, including the National ISR & Integrated Air Operations Centre, PAF Cyber Command and the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park. The delegation was briefed on PAF capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, cyber and space operations, electronic warfare and unmanned systems.
The visit underscored the strong historical ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh and reflected a shared resolve to deepen defence cooperation encompassing aircraft acquisition, training, sustainment and advanced technologies, with the aim of building a long-term and mutually beneficial strategic partnership.
Amit Bhattacharya is a leading defence procurement expert with deep expertise in modern weapon systems and military hardware acquisition. Over more than a decade, he has collaborated with top defence contractors and strategic research institutions, delivering incisive analysis on procurement frameworks, capability development, and technology integration for armed forces worldwide. Amit bridges the gap between operational requirements and industrial capacity, providing authoritative evaluations of modernisation programmes, defence budgets, and acquisition reforms in both established and emerging defence markets. He leads the Defence Procurement and Defence Industry sections at BDMilitary, shaping strategic discourse on defence innovation. Amit earned his Master of Policy and Governance (MPAG) from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, complementing his practical expertise with advanced policy and governance insight.
