Published: 12:09 AM, 18 May 2026
Pakistan reportedly intends to train up Bangladesh Air Force
Bangladesh Air Force Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan (L) and Pakistan Air Force Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu (R) in Islamabad on 6 January 2026. -File Photo
On the anniversary of "Operation Sindoor," a delegation of senior officials from the Pakistan Air Force visited Bangladesh on 11 May 2026. Speculation has intensified that Islamabad may provide training to the Bangladesh Air Force in the near future, raising concerns in New Delhi.
Will Pakistan now train the Bangladesh Air Force? That speculation has grown stronger following the visit of the Pakistani Air Force delegation to Dhaka. Not only that, Prime Minister Tarique Zia's administration may also give the green light to import the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet, jointly developed by China and Pakistan. Such developments by the Bangladeshi government are reportedly increasing India's unease. Although New Delhi is closely monitoring the situation, it has not issued any official statement.
After the meeting, several media outlets, citing multiple sources, revealed details of the discussions between the two sides. According to a report by the Bangladeshi news agency Prothom Alo, Bangladesh plans to send Air Force pilots and technical staff to Pakistan in the future for advanced fighter aircraft training.
There, they would receive instruction in operating modern combat jets, aerial maneuvers and combat techniques, as well as military aircraft maintenance. Islamabad has proposed that the entire training program be conducted at the Mushaf Air Base in Sargodha.
