ISLAMABAD: In a significant development underscoring the evolving strategiclandscape in South Asia, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Chief of theAir Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force, led a high-level delegation to AirHeadquarters in Islamabad, where he held detailed discussions with hisPakistani counterpart, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu. Themeeting, marked by a ceremonial Guard of Honour, focused on bolsteringoperational cooperation, training programmes and technologicalcollaboration. This visit, occurring amid rapidly warming bilateralmilitary relations since early 2025, highlights a shared commitment toovercome historical divides and forge a long-term defence partnership.
The discussions centred on comprehensive training support from the PakistanAir Force to its Bangladeshi counterpart. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer AhmedBaber Sidhu briefed the visiting dignitary on recent advancements in PAFcapabilities and reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to provide structuredtraining from basic flying to advanced specialised courses across variousPAF institutions. This initiative aims to enhance the professional capacityof Bangladesh Air Force personnel, addressing gaps in modern aerialoperations and maintenance expertise. Such cooperation reflects Pakistan’sgrowing role as a regional provider of defence education and skilldevelopment.
A key highlight of the engagement was Pakistan’s assurance for thefast-tracked delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft to Bangladesh. Thepackage includes a complete ecosystem encompassing pilot training,technical support and long-term maintenance services. The Super Mushshak,an indigenously developed basic trainer, has proven effective in buildingfoundational flying skills for air forces worldwide. This commitment isexpected to accelerate the modernisation of Bangladesh’s traininginfrastructure while strengthening interoperability between the two airforces.
The Bangladeshi Air Chief expressed admiration for the Pakistan Air Force’scombat record and operational expertise. He sought assistance inmaintaining Bangladesh’s aging aircraft fleet, a pressing challenge as theair force pursues fleet renewal under its Forces Goal 2030 modernisationplan. Additionally, discussions explored integration of advanced airdefence radar systems to improve surveillance and early warningcapabilities. These requests underscore Dhaka’s strategic pivot towardsreliable partners capable of offering cost-effective, sustainable solutions.
Detailed talks also addressed the potential procurement of JF-17 Thundermultirole fighter aircraft by Bangladesh. The JF-17, jointly developed byPakistan and China, has gained prominence as an affordable yet capableplatform, with export successes in multiple countries. Interest in thisaircraft aligns with Bangladesh’s efforts to diversify procurement sourcesand acquire advanced multi-role capabilities without excessive reliance onsingle suppliers. Analysts view this as a potential game-changer forregional air power dynamics.
The delegation undertook an extensive tour of key Pakistan Air Forcefacilities, including the National ISR & Integrated Air Operations Centre,PAF Cyber Command and the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park.These visits provided firsthand insights into Pakistan’s advancements inintelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, cyber defence, spaceoperations, electronic warfare and unmanned aerial systems. Such exposureis anticipated to inspire similar institutional developments within theBangladesh Air Force.
This high-profile engagement builds upon a series of reciprocal militaryvisits that have accelerated since 2025, following the political transitionin Bangladesh. Earlier interactions, including meetings between senior armyofficials and subsequent navy exchanges, have laid the groundwork forbroader cooperation. The current visit by the Bangladesh Air Chief marks amilestone as one of the first such high-level air force interactions since1971, symbolising a decisive shift towards mutual trust and collaboration.
Experts observe that deepening defence ties between Pakistan and Bangladeshserve shared interests in regional stability, countering common securitychallenges and promoting technological self-reliance. The emphasis on jointcapacity building and equipment procurement could pave the way for futureexercises, technology transfers and even co-production initiatives. As bothnations navigate complex geopolitical realities, this partnershipdemonstrates how historical reconciliation can translate into tangiblestrategic benefits.
The visit concluded with mutual reaffirmation of the strong historical andcultural bonds between the two nations. It reflects a resolve to transformpast differences into opportunities for collaborative progress in defenceand security domains. Observers anticipate that sustained high-levelengagements will further solidify this emerging strategic alignment inSouth Asia.
Source: https://www.dawn.com
Tags: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan Air Force, Bangladesh Air Force, JF-17Thunder
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