Pakistan is increasingly promoting its domestically produced JF-17 Thunder fighter jets to other countries, pursuing aircraft sales as part of a broader strategy to expand its defence exports and deepen diplomatic ties.
The initiative gained attention after high-level talks in Islamabad between Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu and his Bangladeshi counterpart, where Dhaka’s interest in acquiring the multi-role jets was discussed, along with training and support cooperation.
The JF-17, co-developed by Pakistan and China, has attracted interest from several nations due to its relatively lower cost and flexibility compared with more expensive Western and Russian fighters.
Countries such as Myanmar, Nigeria and Azerbaijan have already operated the aircraft, and Bangladesh is exploring its potential use to modernise its ageing fleet.
Pakistan’s drive to market the JF-17 also reflects economic considerations. With defence sales seen as a potential boost to the country’s economy, Islamabad is engaging in deals that could provide revenue and strengthen strategic partnerships across South Asia and beyond.
Discussions reportedly include support packages covering pilot training, maintenance and long-term cooperation frameworks.
While formal contracts have yet to be signed, the renewed interest in the JF-17 underscores Pakistan’s ambitions to position itself as a competitive supplier in the global fighter jet market, offering an affordable alternative for nations with constrained defence budgets.
