Air chiefs of Pakistan, Bangladesh agree to boost cooperation

RAWALPINDI: Bangladesh Air Chief Marshal Hassan Mahmood visited the Air Headquarters and agreed on defense and operational cooperation with the Pakistan Air Force.

A high-level delegation led by Bangladesh Air Chief Marshal Hassan Mahmood visited the Air Headquarters in Islamabad, where he was warmly welcomed.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Bangladesh Air Chief was presented a guard of honor upon his arrival at the Air Headquarters.

On this occasion, an important meeting was held between Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu and the Bangladesh Air Chief.

According to the ISPR, focus was placed on further strengthening operational cooperation and institutional coordination, in addition to special emphasis on cooperation in the training, capacity building and aerospace sectors.

Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu briefed his counterpart on the recent progress, modern capabilities and operational readiness of the Pakistan Air Force.

He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to support the Bangladesh Air Force, assuring the provision of Super Mushtaq trainer aircraft, modern training system and integrated support ecosystem.

The PAF chief said that the Bangladesh Air Force would be provided access to high-level flying and specialized courses under the comprehensive training framework of the PAF. The meeting also discussed in detail the possible purchase of JF-17 Thunder aircraft.

The Bangladesh Air Chief appreciated the excellent combat record and operational expertise of the PAF and expressed keen interest in utilizing these capabilities.

He also expressed his desire to cooperate in the integration of air defense radar systems to improve air surveillance.

The Bangladeshi delegation also visited the National ISR and Integrated Air Operations Center, Cyber ​​Command and the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park, where the delegation was briefed on the modern capabilities of the PAF in ISR, cyber, space, electronic warfare and unmanned systems.

According to the ISPR, the visit reflects the strong historical ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh and highlights the shared commitment to further deepen defense cooperation as well as forge a strategic partnership.