Defense cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh seems to be increasing rapidly in recent months. Pakistan announced at the Dubai Airshow that it is soon going to sell JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jet to a friendly country. As soon as this came to light, military analysts started speculating as to who this country could be. Reports that emerged two days later indicated that this friendly country could actually be Bangladesh. The new political equations formed after the fall of Sheikh Hasina government have reactivated the relations between Dhaka and Islamabad. The interim government has taken steps towards reviving defense cooperation with both China and Pakistan. In such times, the acquisition of modern fighter aircraft like JF-17 can prove to be a big change for Bangladesh Air Force.

According to Defense Security Asia report, Pakistan may be ready to provide 16 to 24 JF-17 Thunder Block-III to Bangladesh. The estimated deal could be between 400 to 700 million dollars. This will be considered the biggest fighter jet acquisition in the history of Bangladesh Air Force. India is also keeping an eye on this possible agreement, because this deal can affect the balance of security situations in the North-Eastern region.

Why the search for JF-17 increased among the old fleet

Bangladesh has been trying to modernize its air fleet for a long time. It has aircraft like F-7, MiG-29 and Yak-130, whose technology is considered weak compared to modern warfare requirements. Dhaka formally began the evaluation of the JF-17 in January 2025, studying the machine’s technical capabilities, weapon systems and cost, as Bangladesh wants modern technology within a limited budget. This is a joint project of Pakistan-China, hence its price is less than half that of western fighter planes. The leadership that came to power after the Sheikh Hasina government has shown interest in increasing defense cooperation with Pakistan and China, due to which the possibility of purchasing JF-17 has become stronger.

What is the specialty of JF-17 Block-III?
JF-17 Thunder is considered the main strength of Pakistan Air Force. Its new Block-III version is a 4.5 generation multirole fighter, which has been jointly developed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex. The specialty of this aircraft is its cost, advanced electronic system and balanced combat capability. Its range can exceed 3,400 km and the maximum take-off weight is approximately 13,500 kg. It is considered accurate in both air-to-air and air-to-ground operations.

Anti-ship missiles, laser-guided bombs, modern radar, self-defense system and 23 mm gun make it strong in the category of multirole fighter. Its service ceiling is 50,000 feet, making it effective even in high altitude missions. Low cost and simple maintenance make it a viable solution for air forces with medium budgets.

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Dangerous JF-17 fighter aircraft, which is said to be the strength of Pakistan’s Air Force, is flying in the skies of Azerbaijan. After which the market of rumors has become hot. Pakistani Army has issued a statement regarding this matter. In the statement, Pakistani Army said that JF-17 Block III fighter aircraft of PAK Air Force have arrived in Azerbaijan to participate in bilateral air exercises. This joint air exercise reflects the growing military relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.

However, after Pakistani fighter planes were seen in the skies of Azerbaijan, there was speculation that Azerbaijan had received a new batch of fighter jets. But the Pakistani Army exposed the truth by issuing a statement in this regard.

Pakistan busy in showing the power of JF-17 jet

According to the Eurasian Times report, the Pakistani Army said in its statement that the Pakistan Air Force’s participation in the Indus Shield Alpha exercise also reflects the PAK Air Force’s commitment towards regional stability and global military cooperation. Emphasizing this, the Pak Army said that its JF-17 fighter planes have been flying non-stop from its airbase located in Pakistan to Azerbaijan. Through which Pakistan is displaying the power of JF-17 fighter aircraft built in collaboration with China.

What is the agreement between Pakistan and Azerbaijan,

Mutual relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan are very close. This can be evidenced by the fact that when Pakistan was involved in a military conflict with India in the month of May, the names of Turkey as well as Azerbaijan were among the countries supporting Pakistan.

At the same time, a military agreement worth $4.6 billion has been signed between these two countries for 40 JF-17 Block III fighter planes. Keeping in mind its tension with Armenia, Azerbaijan has made a deal for fighter planes with Pakistan. This deal is under Pakistan’s Aeronautical Complex, which is the biggest export order for it till date.

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