Bangladesh Air Force chief calls on PAF chief

(RNN TV) — Chief of the Air Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan, led a high-level defence delegation to Air Headquarters on Monday, where he held talks with Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu.

According to a PAF press release, the meeting focused on further strengthening operational cooperation and institutional synergy between the two air forces. Both air chiefs discussed a wide range of avenues for bilateral collaboration, with particular emphasis on joint training initiatives and cooperation in the aerospace domain.

Upon arrival at Air Headquarters, the BAF chief was presented a guard of honour by a smartly turned-out PAF contingent.

Welcoming the visiting dignitary, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu briefed him on the PAF’s recent developments and evolving capabilities. He highlighted the deep-rooted religious and historical ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh, which, he said, were reflected in the exemplary defence cooperation between the armed forces of the two brotherly countries.

The PAF chief reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fully support the BAF in effectively addressing emerging airpower challenges. He underscored that the PAF would continue to offer comprehensive training opportunities — from basic to advanced levels — for BAF cadets and pilots, along with specialised training facilities at various PAF institutions.

To meet the training requirements of the Bangladesh Air Force, the PAF chief reiterated that the process of supplying Super Mushshak trainer aircraft would be expedited. He added that Pakistan would also ensure the provision of a complete training ecosystem to facilitate timely induction, optimal operational readiness and long-term sustainment of the aircraft.

Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan lauded the PAF’s impressive combat record and consistent operational excellence. He expressed keen interest in benefiting from the PAF’s vast operational experience and professional expertise, and thanked Pakistan for its continued support. The BAF chief also conveyed his desire for PAF assistance in the modernisation of Bangladesh’s air fleet and sought cooperation in strengthening BAF’s air defence through the integration of air defence radar systems.

The two air chiefs also held detailed discussions on the JF-17 Thunder aircraft, reflecting the promising prospects of enhanced defence cooperation and a long-term strategic partnership.

During the visit, the BAF chief appreciated the state-of-the-art technical infrastructure at the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park, particularly facilities related to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), cyber, space technologies, electronic warfare and unmanned aerial systems.

The visiting delegation also toured key operational and strategic installations at Air Headquarters, including the National ISR and Integrated Air Operations Centre and the PAF Cyber Command, where they were briefed on the PAF’s operational capabilities in emerging domains of warfare.

The visit of the high-level Bangladeshi defence delegation, the statement said, reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and Bangladesh to further strengthen defence cooperation and promote a strategic partnership centred on capacity building and operational collaboration.