Rawalpindi, January 6, 2026: A high-level defence delegation led by Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Chief of the Air Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force, called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of the Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), at Air Headquarters in Islamabad on Tuesday.
The meeting focused on strengthening operational cooperation and institutional synergy between the two air forces, with particular emphasis on training, capacity building, and collaboration in aerospace advancements.
Upon arrival, the visiting Air Chief was accorded a Guard of Honour. During the interaction, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu briefed the delegation on PAF’s recent advancements and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the Bangladesh Air Force through a comprehensive training framework. This includes basic and advanced flying training, as well as specialized courses at various PAF institutions. He also assured the fast-tracked delivery of Super Mushshak trainer aircraft, along with a complete training and long-term support ecosystem.
Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan lauded the Pakistan Air Force’s combat record and expressed keen interest in benefiting from its operational experience. He sought assistance in maintenance support for the Bangladesh Air Force’s aging fleet and discussed the integration of air defence radar systems to enhance air surveillance capabilities. Detailed discussions were also held on the potential procurement of JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft.
During the visit, the Bangladeshi delegation toured key PAF facilities, including the National ISR and Integrated Air Operations Centre, PAF Cyber Command, and the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park, where they were briefed on capabilities in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), cyber and space domains, electronic warfare, and unmanned systems.
The visit underscored the strong historical ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh and reflected a shared resolve to further deepen defence cooperation and build a long-term strategic partnership between the two air forces.
