How Pak hardsells JF-17 to Dhaka, the aircraft India downed in Op Sindoor
- Team TOI Plus
- Updated: Jan 12, 2026, 20:57 IST IST
After China, its “all-weather” ally Pakistan is positioning itself as a key defence partner of Bangladesh, seeking to capitalise on shifting regional alignments and Dhaka’s expanding military requirements.
Bangladesh has reportedly expressed “potential interest” in acquiring the JF-17 ‘Thunder’ fighter from Pakistan. Jointly developed by China and Pakistan, the aircraft was deployed against India during the May 7–10 hostilities and figured among the “at least five high-tech Pakistani fighters” that Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said were shot down by the Indian Air Force during Operation Sindoor.
Bangladesh has reportedly expressed “potential interest” in acquiring the JF-17 ‘Thunder’ fighter from Pakistan. Jointly developed by China and Pakistan, the aircraft was deployed against India during the May 7–10 hostilities and figured among the “at least five high-tech Pakistani fighters” that Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said were shot down by the Indian Air Force during Operation Sindoor.
