Those capabilities don’t mean anything when the enemy has air superiority though. UCAVs are basically flying chickens against fighter jets. And Bangladeshi air force lacks fighters even against a country like Myanmar with their Su-30s and new Jf-17s. What they would really could use is a dual role future Hürjet to complement their ancient Mig-29s. That is probably at least a decade away tho.
Yes, and it would be great if they persue the development of a single seat version optimised for A2A combat. Like KAI is doing with FA-50.
I am increasingly skeptical of buying 16x Eurofighters for $3 billions. Leaving aside the current problem with such large funding, operational logic is also dubious. With big logistical footfrint, it will be hard to disperse and protect them on the ground. Also, even a loss of single one would have big impact.
Given Malaysia bought 18x FA-50 block 20 for $900 millions, 16x Hurjet light attack version with armament package can be reasonablely bought for a billion or slightly less. (assuming Turkish products will be more cost effective.) That something looks financially doable in the short term. Perhaps with 16x more optional. And the pruchase cost can be distributed over longer time period.
We will need to replace 32x F-7 soon. And I don't think we can afford that numbers of Gripen/F-16 or J10C. So, instead of dreaming for the best that never comes and wasting lots of valuable years, Hurjet is something actually doable. Also, TAI's potential offer for local assembly is somthing to consider. Given BD already developed basic trainer locally, there are minimum experties and infustructure (although insufficient) available to build upon.
However, one critical thing for Hurjet to be competitive is Gokhan. (along with its AESA radar) With its ramjet propulsion it can compansate for range and kinetic deficiencies of conventional BVR weapon like Gokdogan resulting from Hurjet's lesser speed and altitude. Otherwise going against SU-30 would be a bit of madness.
