Pakistan Eyes Defense Deals With Bangladesh And Saudi Arabia

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has entered into formal negotiation for the sale of JF-17 fighter aircraft to Bangladesh, official announcement said on Thursday.
The talks were held in Islamabad in a meeting between Bangladesh Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal, Hassan Mahmood Khan and Chief of the Air Staff, Bangladesh Air Force called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at Pakistan Air Force at Air Headquarters, Islamabad. The meeting focused on strengthening operational cooperation and institutional synergy, with emphasis on training, capacity building, and collaboration in aerospace advancements.

“The Bangladeshi Air Chief praised PAF’s combat record and expressed interest in benefiting from its operational expertise, seeking assistance in maintenance support for Bangladesh Air Force’s aging fleet and integration of air defense radar systems to enhance air surveillance” reads a press release issued by Air Force media wing, “Detailed discussions were also held on potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder aircraft. The delegation visited key PAF facilities, including the National ISR & Integrated Air Operations Centre, PAF Cyber Command, and the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park, observing capabilities in ISR, cyber, space, electronic warfare, and unmanned systems”.

At the same time British wire service has reported that Saudi Arabia is exploring the acquisition of Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, potentially converting approximately $2 billion in outstanding loans to Pakistan into a major defense purchase.

The Kingdom’s current fleet, dominated by American F-15s and European Typhoons, faces notable constraints on the integration of long-range standoff strike weapons. These restrictions stem from longstanding US commitments to preserve Israel’s technological superiority.
Negotiations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reportedly focus on transforming debt obligations into a tangible defence agreement involving the JF-17 Thunder, a lightweight multirole fighter co-developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation.

“The aircraft has gained prominence for its cost-effectiveness, modern avionics, and compatibility with a wide array of munitions. Recent demonstrations by the Pakistan Air Force highlight the platform’s integration with advanced Chinese systems, positioning it as an attractive option for nations seeking high-performance capabilities without prohibitive political conditions”.

Further bolstering its attractiveness is the JF-17’s compatibility with advanced beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, including the PL-12 and the more capable PL-15, which the Pakistan Air Force has publicly integrated on its Block III variant. The PL-15, with an estimated engagement range of up to 145 kilometers in export versions, provides a significant edge in aerial combat scenarios. Such capabilities enable the aircraft to challenge adversaries at extended distances, a feature that could prove decisive in the Middle Eastern theatre.
Defense analysts note that the potential inclusion of Pakistan-specific systems, such as the emerging Taimur cruise missile Weapon System, could further elevate the platform’s strategic value for Saudi Arabia.
Taimur represents an indigenous standoff cruise missile effort, potentially offering ranges and precision comparable to advanced Western counterparts. This progression would allow Riyadh to build a layered munition inventory, combining affordable solutions with high-end precision strikes.
Pakistan’s domestic defense industry has received a major boost after the May 2025 military conflict with India in which the Pakistani Air Force shot down seven Indian fighter aircraft in the initial phase of the conflict.
Talks for the sale of JF-17 fighters to Bangladeshi and Saudi Air Force will lead to finalization of third and fourth deals for the procurement of indigenously built fighter aircraft by foreign countries. Pakistan has already signed two other deals for the sale of JF-17 to Azerbaijan and Libyan National Army
In late 2025 Azerbaijan and Pakistan finalized a historic $4.6 billion agreement to acquire 40 JF-17C Block III aircraft from Pakistan. The first batch JF-17 were delivered and integrated into the Azerbaijani Air Force as early as September 2024, and the deal represents one of Pakistan’s largest-ever defense exports. The Block III version, featuring advanced AESA radar and compatibility with long-range air-to-air missiles, is intended to replace Azerbaijan’s aging Soviet-era MiG-29 and Su-25 fleets.
The second deal was signed between Pakistan and Libyan National Army in December 2025. Under the agreement major defense pact worth between $4 billion and $4.6 billion between Pakistan and the Libyan National Army during Chief of Defense Force, Field Marshal Asim Munir’s visit to Libya in December 2025.  The deal reportedly includes 16 JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, 12 Super Mushshak trainer aircraft.