In a major development, Bangladesh and Pakistan are set to strike a major defence deal, where media reports claimed Dhaka is planning to purchase 15-17 JF-17 fighter jets from Islamabad. According to reports published in both Pakistan's Dawn and Bangladesh’s Daily Star, the air force chief had recently visited Islamabad, after which the deal was supposed to be finalised.
However, Bangladeshi officials could not proceed with the process as the country is set to hold general elections next month. Before the formation of a democratically elected government, the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus was not allowed to sign any major defence contract.
Referring to Pakistani military's press wing, Daily Star said on Wednesday that the talks took place in Islamabad. Pakistan's Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu and his Bangladesh counterpart Hasan Mahmood Khan had extensive talks on the procurement of the JF-17 Thunder, a multi-role combat aircraft jointly developed with China.
Pakistan's JF-17 fighter jet
JF-17 Thunder, a multi-role combat aircraft jointly developed with China and Pakistan, claimed that the fighter has proved its combat capabilities during two conflicts with India following the Pulwama attack in 2019 and 2025’s Operation Sindoor. However, the claims were rejected by the Indian side during multiple press briefings held after India launched a massive strike on Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following a massacre of tourists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam.
What are the key features of JF-17?
1. The JF-17 Thunder is a lightweight, multirole fighter jet jointly developed by Pakistan and China.
2. Pakistan claimed it as a cost-effective 4th/4.5-generation aircraft in the Pakistan Air Force, with the latest Block III variant introducing significant upgrades.
3. It is equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which provides superior target detection, tracking of multiple threats, and resistance to jamming compared to older mechanical radars.
4. It carries a wide range of weapons, including beyond-visual-range missiles like the PL-15E, precision-guided munitions, and over 3,600 kg of ordnance across multiple hardpoints.
Why is it concerning for India?
1. Revival of Pak-Bangladesh ties: Defence pact between Pakistan and Bangladesh hints at warming ties after years of distance. This could potentially reduce New Delhi’s diplomatic influence in Dhaka.
2. Security and intelligence concerns: The defence deal could complicate intelligence monitoring. It could also allow the movement of radical elements, illegal networks, or anti-India operatives.
3. Impact on India–Bangladesh equations: Closer Pak–Bangladesh ties could limit India’s leverage on sensitive issues like border management, counter-terror cooperation, and regional connectivity.