Pakistan signs JF-17 jets deal with a ‘friendly country’; It’s a matter of concern for India because…

New Delhi: A deal for JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets is likely to be signed between Pakistan and Bangladesh. During the Dubai Airshow, Pakistan announced the confirmation of a deal to sell JF-17 fighter jets to a “friendly country.” Two days after this announcement, a report claimed that this “friendly country” could be Bangladesh. The two countries have recently steadily expanded their defence ties. India(BHARAT) is also closely monitoring Bangladesh-Pakistan defence cooperation, as it has raised security concerns in the country’s northeast.

Pakistan-Bangladesh defence cooperation

A report by Defence Security Asia states that Pakistan will supply Bangladesh with 16 to 24 aircraft for $400 to $700 million. This will be the largest fighter jet acquisition in Bangladesh’s history. This deal is also significant for Pakistan’s defence cooperation, and for Bangladesh, it will be a major leap towards enhancing its air power.

Bangladesh’s Master Plan

Although Pakistan has not named any country, the Defence Security Asia report states that Bangladesh has been formally evaluating the JF-17 since January this year. The Bangladesh Air Force’s current fleet consists of older F-7BG/MB fighters, MiG-29s, and Yak-130 trainers. These do not meet modern needs. Consequently, Dhaka is working on a master plan to modernise the military by 2030.

Bangladesh is seeking affordable options to modernise its military, given its economic downturn. It has zeroed in on the JF-17 Thunder Block as a major asset for its Air Force (BAF). Relations between Dhaka and Islamabad have improved since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. Consequently, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, Mohammad Yunus, is eyeing arms purchases from Pakistan and China.

JF-17 Features

Currently, the JF-17 is the most important fighter aircraft in the Pakistani Air Force. It is a 4.5-generation, single-engine, multirole fighter aircraft. It is jointly developed by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC). The JF-17 can be used for a variety of roles.

The JF-17 Thunder has a range of 3,482 km with drop tanks and a maximum take-off weight of 13,500 kilograms. It can carry out air-to-air and air-to-surface strikes, as well as drop anti-ship missiles and guided bombs. The JF-17 is armed with a 23mm GSh-23-2 twin-barrel gun. Its service ceiling is 50,000 feet.