A high-level defence delegation led by Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Chief of the Air Staff, Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), at Air Headquarters, Islamabad, marking a significant milestone in the strengthening of bilateral air power cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Upon arrival, the visiting Air Chief was accorded a smartly turned-out Guard of Honour, symbolizing the deep respect and longstanding professional camaraderie between the two air forces.
During the meeting, both Air Chiefs held comprehensive and forward-looking discussions aimed at enhancing operational cooperation, institutional synergy, and strategic collaboration. Key areas of focus included training, capacity building, human resource development, and cooperation in cutting-edge aerospace technologies.
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu briefed the visiting dignitary on Pakistan Air Force’s transformational journey, highlighting advancements across operational readiness, indigenous capability development, and force modernization. He reaffirmed PAF’s unwavering commitment to supporting Bangladesh Air Force through a robust and comprehensive training framework, encompassing basic, advanced, and specialized flying as well as technical and professional courses across PAF’s premier training institutions.
In this regard, the Pakistan Air Force Chief assured expedited delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, complemented by a complete training, maintenance, and long-term support ecosystem, ensuring sustained operational effectiveness for the Bangladesh Air Force.
Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan lauded PAF’s exceptional combat record, professionalism, and technological progress, expressing keen interest in leveraging PAF’s vast operational and maintenance expertise. He sought assistance in maintenance and life-extension support for Bangladesh Air Force’s aging fleet, as well as integration of modern air defence radar systems to strengthen national air surveillance and airspace security.
Both sides also held detailed and productive deliberations on potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder multirole fighter aircraft, recognizing the platform’s proven combat capability, cost-effectiveness, and growth potential as a cornerstone of future air power.
The visiting delegation undertook an extensive tour of key Pakistan Air Force operational and technological facilities, including the National ISR & Integrated Air Operations Centre, PAF Cyber Command, and the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park (NASTP). The delegation was briefed on PAF’s capabilities in Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR), cyber operations, space domain awareness, electronic warfare, and unmanned systems, reflecting PAF’s multidomain operational preparedness.
The visit underscored the enduring historical bonds between Pakistan and Bangladesh and reflected a shared resolve to elevate defence cooperation into a long-term strategic partnership, rooted in mutual trust, interoperability, and collective progress in aerospace power.
The high-level engagement stands as a testament to both air forces’ commitment to regional stability, professional excellence, and collaborative advancement in the evolving security environment.
