By Khawaja Hamza
Islamabad, Pakistan and Bangladesh took another step toward deepening bilateral defence cooperation as a high-level delegation of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), led by its Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, held talks with Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at Air Headquarters in Islamabad.
The visit focused on expanding operational collaboration, strengthening institutional linkages, and exploring new avenues in training, maintenance, and aerospace technology. It comes amid Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts to modernize its air force and Pakistan’s push to enhance defence partnerships across South Asia and beyond.
The Bangladeshi Air Chief was accorded a Guard of Honour on arrival, underscoring the importance Pakistan attached to the visit. During the meeting, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu briefed the delegation on recent advancements made by the Pakistan Air Force, including progress in integrated air operations, cyber and space domains, and indigenous aviation capabilities.
According to officials familiar with the discussions, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Bangladesh Air Force through a comprehensive training framework. This includes opportunities ranging from basic and advanced flying training to specialized professional courses at various PAF institutions.
Pakistan also assured the fast-tracked delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, along with a complete training and long-term logistical support package.
Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan praised the Pakistan Air Force’s operational experience and combat record, expressing interest in leveraging its expertise to address key challenges faced by the Bangladesh Air Force. He sought assistance in maintenance support for BAF’s aging aircraft fleet and discussed the integration of air defence radar systems to improve airspace surveillance and early warning capabilities.
The talks also covered the potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder multi-role fighter aircraft, jointly developed by Pakistan and China. While no formal announcement was made, the discussions highlighted Bangladesh’s interest in evaluating the platform as part of its future force structure.
As part of the visit, the Bangladeshi delegation toured several 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 Pakistan’s capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), cyber operations, space technologies, electronic warfare, and unmanned systems.
Defence analysts see the visit as a reflection of growing military-to-military engagement between the two countries, rooted in shared professional interests and long-standing ties. Both sides emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation to address evolving regional security challenges and to build a long-term strategic partnership based on trust, training, and technology collaboration.
