ISLAMABAD: In a significant boost to bilateral defence relations,Bangladesh and Pakistan have formalised a Pact for the procurement of theJF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter aircraft through the signing of aMemorandum of Understanding in Dhaka.
The MoU, signed between senior officials of the Bangladesh Air Force andPakistan Aeronautical Complex, paves the way for the potential acquisitionof an initial batch of the Block III variant of the jointly developedSino-Pakistani combat jet.
Defence sources described the development as a testament to growing trustbetween the two Muslim-majority nations, marking the first major militaryhardware deal since diplomatic ties were normalised decades ago.
The JF-17 Thunder, equipped with advanced avionics, beyond-visual-rangemissiles and precision strike capabilities, is expected to substantiallyenhance Bangladesh Air Force’s operational readiness against regionalthreats.
Analysts view the agreement as a strategic success for Pakistan’s defenceexport drive, following recent contracts with Nigeria, Myanmar andAzerbaijan, while reinforcing Islamabad’s position as a reliable supplierof cost-effective fourth-generation combat platforms.
Both sides have committed to expedite technical evaluations and financingarrangements, with delivery timelines projected within the next three tofive years subject to final governmental approvals.
The development comes amid Bangladesh’s ongoing air force modernisationprogramme and reflects deepening military-to-military engagement betweenthe two countries in recent years.
Source:www.defence.pk/pdf/threads/bangladesh-signs-mou-with-pakistan-for-jf-17-thunder.756789/”>https://www.defence.pk/pdf/threads/bangladesh-signs-mou-with-pakistan-for-jf-17-thunder.756789/
Source:www.janes.com/defence-news/asia-pacific/bangladesh-advances-jf-17-procurement-talks-with-pakistan”>https://www.janes.com/defence-news/asia-pacific/bangladesh-advances-jf-17-procurement-talks-with-pakistan
