Pakistan to sell JF-17 fighter jets to Bangladesh and other countries

Pakistan Announces Potential Deal for JF-17 Fighter Jet Amid Rising Tensions with India

A meeting between Pakistani Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu and his Bangladeshi counterpart Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan has sparked interest in the domestically produced JF-17 Thunder fighter jet. The Pakistani military announced on January 6 that discussions were held to support Bangladesh’s air force, including the potential procurement of the aircraft.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that Khan praised the Pakistan Air Force’s combat record and sought assistance to upgrade Bangladesh’s aging fleet and integrate air defense radar systems. Alongside a promise of fast-tracked delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, the statement mentioned that “detailed discussions were also held on potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder aircraft.”

Separately, reports emerged that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are in talks to convert $2 billion of Saudi loans into a deal for the JF-17 fighter jet. This development comes after Pakistan signed a mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia in September 2024.

In December 2024, it was reported that Pakistan had reached a $4 billion deal with the Libyan National Army (LNA), including the sale of over a dozen JF-17 Thunder jets. While no formal agreement has been confirmed, analysts suggest that recent events have boosted interest in the aircraft.

The JF-17 Thunder is a lightweight, all-weather, multi-role fighter aircraft manufactured jointly by Pakistan’s Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation. The aircraft has been deployed to several countries, including Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and others, for pilot training purposes.

Recent tensions between India and Pakistan have led to increased interest in the JF-17 Thunder, with analysts citing its performance during the 2024 air war between the two nations as a factor in its appeal. The aircraft has been used by Pakistan’s air force alongside Chinese-made J-10C Vigorous Dragon jets and US-made F-16 Fighting Falcon jets.

The price of the JF-17 Thunder is estimated at $25 million to $30 million, making it an attractive option for countries looking for a cost-effective fighter jet. Several countries have already expressed interest in the aircraft, including Nigeria, Myanmar, and Azerbaijan.

Source: Al Jazeera