Bangladesh “Officially” Expresses Interest in Pakistan-China Developed JF-17 Thunder Fighter Jets ??

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Bangladesh has “officially” expressed its interest in acquiring the Pakistan-China jointly developed JF-17 “Thunder” fighter jets as part of efforts to modernize its air force.

During an official visit to Pakistan on January 15, a delegation of senior Bangladeshi military officials expressed strong interest in advanced defense systems produced by Pakistan’s defense industry, according to a report by Pakistan’s Express Tribune.

Led by Lieutenant General SM Qamarul Hassan, the Bangladeshi delegation held a meeting with Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar at Air Headquarters in Islamabad.

The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral military cooperation, particularly between the two air forces.

The report highlighted that Bangladeshi military officials praised the sophistication of Pakistan’s defense systems.

Lt Gen Hassan specifically showed keen interest in the JF-17 fighter jet, fueling widespread speculation that the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) is seriously considering procuring the aircraft.

This development is believed to be Bangladesh’s first public indication of its interest in the JF-17 fighter jet.

The Bangladesh Air Force is actively seeking modern combat aircraft to enhance its operational capabilities and reduce reliance on its aging fleet of F-7 and MiG-29 fighters.

Additionally, Bangladesh has faced challenges in sourcing spare parts for its Russian-made MiG-29s due to international sanctions imposed on Moscow following its conflict with Ukraine.

Recent reports suggest Bangladesh could become the second South Asian country, after Pakistan, to acquire Chinese-made fighter jets.

Dhaka has reportedly shown interest in the 4.5-generation J-10C fighter jet, with local media indicating plans to procure 16 units.

Bangladesh Air Force Chief Air Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan has publicly stated the country’s need to strengthen its air force.

“We are making every effort to acquire fighter jets and attack helicopters,” he was quoted as saying by local media, reflecting the air force’s interest in the J-10C.

In August last year, reports emerged that China had offered Bangladesh the J-10C to replace its aging fleet of F-7 fighters, also supplied by China.

The JF-17 fighter jet is co-developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG).

Its latest variant, the JF-17 Block III, reportedly incorporates fifth-generation fighter technology from China’s J-20 “Mighty Dragon.”

Compared to the JF-17 Block II, the advanced Block III variant is equipped with the KLJ-7A Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, developed by China Electronics Technology Group.

Chinese military analysts claim this radar rivals the U.S. F-35’s AN/APG-81 and Russia’s Su-57 N036 phased array radar.

In contrast, India’s Su-30MKI, equipped with the N011 “Snow Leopard” passive phased array radar, is reportedly inferior to the JF-17 Block III’s radar, according to Chinese defense experts.

The JF-17 Block III also features a Wide-Angle Holographic Head-Up Display, similar to that of the J-20, and is fitted with an Infrared Missile Approach Warning System, positioned near the air intake—mirroring the configuration of China’s J-10C.

For air-to-air combat, the JF-17 Block III will be armed with two types of missiles: the PL-10 short-range missile, comparable to the U.S.-made AIM-9X, and the PL-15 beyond-visual-range missile, boasting a range of 200–300 km.

This capability offers a significant advantage over the air-to-air missiles currently deployed by Indian aircraft.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA