BANGLADESH-CHINA COLLABORATION IN AERONAUTICAL FIELD : A STEP FORWARD TO BAF SUSTAINABILITY
Source: Mirpur Papers, Volume 22, Issue 23, November 2016
Wing Commander Muhammed Kamrul Islam, Engineering
ABSTRACT
It has been 44 years since the inception of BAF. The role of BAF in national and international arena has earned good fame. Being a tactical air force, BAF has expanded the reinforcement in many parts of the world. But maintaining the sustainability of an air force of the third world country, like BAF, is a challenging issue. Setting up aviation industry and manufacturing military aircrafts require skilled manpower with advanced industrial backbone of the nation.
BAF has already made remarkable success in overhauling different types of aircrafts. But all the spares used for the overhauling or routine maintenance are procured from abroad. From operational perspective to retain sustainability of BAF in peace time and in times of crisis, it is hampered due the dependency and delay of spare acquisition and major maintenance support from abroad.
Based on different types of Chinese aircrafts in BAF inventory and experience in maintenance and overhauling, this research carried out an analysis on how BangladeshChina collaboration in aeronautical field would facilitate BAF to enhance sustainability. In doing so, the case studies of sustainability endeavour of few air forces were taken into consideration.
The research design and framework was based on a Strength-WeaknessOpportunity-Threat (SWOT) analysis for a potential Bangladesh- China collaboration in aeronautical field. Both subjective analyses based on the deep interview with the decision makers of BAF and objective analyses based on the survey from the professionals of BAF were carried out in a holistic approach.
The interpretation and findings of the data reveals the suitability of the proposition while addressing some mitigation of the weaknesses and threats. Finally, comprehensive short-term, mid-term and long-term recommendations were made in line with the findings of the research towards a roadmap of BAF sustainability.
INTRODUCTION
Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) was established in 1971. It has been 44 years since the inception. By this time, BAF has gone through different stages of development and expansion in terms of operations, training, maintenance, and administration.
The role of BAF in the national and international arena has earned good fame. Being a tactical air force, BAF has expanded the reinforcement in many parts of the world. The roles have encompassed from peace-time training and operations up to Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW) including Counter Insurgency Operations (CIO), Humanitarian Assistance or projecting deterrence to potential threats.
But maintaining the sustainability of the air forces of the third world countries is a challenging issue. Same is the case for BAF. In most of the cases, the smaller air forces do not have the capability to produce the aircraft spares or carry out the major repair works. Setting up aviation industry and manufacturing military aircrafts require skilled manpower with advanced the industrial backbone of the nation.
The majority of BAF aircrafts or helicopters are from three origins; namely Chinese, Russian and US made. After the journey of long 44 years, with the national growth and improvement indexes, it would be prudent to step towards the capacity building and self-reliance in the aeronautical field. The primary focus for such an endeavor may be to achieve sustainability first and in the long run to be financially viable.
Despite the advancement of BAF, dependency of military hardware on foreign countries remains a major concern. This dependency has two facets; from the operational perspective the ‘Sustainability Issue’ and from the economic perspective ‘Financial Issue’. For the sovereignty of the nation, the ‘sustainability issue’ for making BAF able to achieve the mission by proper training and being equipped is of prime importance.
The procurement and maintenance of aircraft and helicopters need a long supply process which is very expensive. For BAF, it is even more delayed and expensive for dependency on the countries of origin of different aircrafts or helicopters. BAF has already made remarkable success in overhauling different types of aircrafts.
But all the spares used for the overhauling or routine maintenance are procured from abroad. This procurement has a long delay of supply procedure which is also exorbitantly expensive. The delay in the process of procurement hampers the training and operation of BAF. As such, a means to solve the problem of such spares or maintenance support is likely to improve the sustainability of BAF both in peace-time and in crisis.
AIM
The aim of this paper is to carry out a feasibility study to analyze the BangladeshChina collaboration in Aeronautical field that will facilitate BAF to enhance sustainability. Scope of the Paper This paper will highlight the case studies of sustainability of Iran Air Force, Indian Air Force and Pakistan Air Force. A Strength-Weakness-Opportunity-Threat (SWOT) analysis will be carried out from subjective as well as objective perspective based on the interview and survey from the decision makers in BAF and professionals of the field.
Finally, short-term, mid-term, and long-term recommendations in line with the findings of the research will be given.
SUSTAINABILITY APPROACHES IN AIR FORCES
Case Study of Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force
After the Islamic revolution, the Imperial Iranian Air Force (IIAF) turned into Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF). Prior to the revolution in 1979, the United States supplied the Shah of Iran with about 500 of its latest-generation combat which made the then Imperial Iranian Air Force one of the most capable in the region. (
http://www.janes.com, n.d.).
On 28 February 1979, the US government placed an embargo on further arms deliveries to Iran. Because of the lack of spare parts caused by the arms embargo, the Iranians found it extremely difficult to keep their fleet operational throughout the Iran-Iraq war. Under the circumstances, Iran's aircraft and other military industries showed a level of skill and creativity. They had carried out reverse engineering process to operate the fleets in subsequent combats and also made collaborations with the allies. Necessity had driven the development.
Case Study of Pakistan Air Force
China and Pakistan have strong diplomatic ties and collaboration in the aviation industry for a long time. In 1971 Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) in Kamra (Punjab) was established which services, assembles and manufactures fighter and trainer aircraft. The PAC is the world’s third largest assembly plant. Initially, it was founded with Chinese assistance to rebuild Chinese aircraft in the PAF fleet, which included Shenyang F-6 (now retired), Nanchang A-5, F-7 combat aircraft, Shenyang FT-5 and FT6 Jet trainer aircraft.
The PAC also has the Kamra Radar and Avionics Factory (KARF), to assemble and overhaul airborne as well as ground-based radar systems, electronics, and avionics. The KARF has also upgraded the PAF Chengdu F-7P interceptor. PAC has expanded a specialized manufacturing unit in the 1980s namely Aircraft Manufacturing Factory (AMF).AMF had a joint venture with Hongdu Aviation Industry to coproduce the K-8 Karakoram (Hongdu JL-8), which is an advanced jet trainer.
The biggest achievement of AMF is the China-Pakistan joint production and manufacture of the JF-17 Thunder aircraft with the Chengdu Aircraft Industry (CAI) (Niazi, 2009). The example of PAF may be taken as a ready reference for BAF for a potential collaboration with China. Despite the technological shortfalls and economic constraints, PAF could excel and achieve capacity building and self-reliance endeavour based on the effective collaboration.
Case Study of Indian Air Force
India has been in the journey of research and development and collaborations for a long time. The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was established in 1940 and the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) was established in 1958. HAL is currently involved in the design, fabrication, and assembly of aircraft, jet engines, helicopters and their spare parts.
HAL has a long history of collaboration with several agencies like Airbus, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Sukhoi Aviation Corporation, Israel Aircraft Industries, RSK MiG, Dassault Aviation and many more. They have developed Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, a derivative of SU-27 as SU-30MKI etc. The DRDO is also engaged in various projects in aviation, UAVs etc (HAL looks at foreign partners for chopper project, 2008) (
http://www.indiastrategic.in).
China as a Potential Candidate for Collaboration
It would be difficult to start and cope up collaboration with US or Russia in the aeronautical field based on the fleets available in BAF and the present inadequate infrastructure. The neighbours like India and Pakistan are yet to achieve the selfsustainability and remarkable technological advancement to facilitate Bangladesh. After analyzing different approaches of various air forces towards the sustainability and BAF fleet of Chinese origin, it is apparent that China is a potential candidate for Bangladesh for collaboration in the aeronautical field. The geo-political scenario and the interest of China in the Indian Ocean region will also play a role in favour of BAF (Shen, 2010).
A SWOT ANALYSIS ON BAF-CHINA COLLABORATION
SWOT Model for BAF-China Collaboration
The widely used structured planning method i.e. SWOT analysis was carried out to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for the proposed collaboration. The SWOT model is shown in Figure 1.
ANALYSIS & FINDINGS
Probable Starting Option of Collaboration.
BAF may start to produce the small scale products those may be used as spares in BAF and also be utilized by China in the international market. Chinese authority may be approached to utilize BAF as an outsourced organization for the production of some spares (Air Vice Marshal M Mazharul Islam, 2015). BAF may continue to operate the same type of aircraft from the same origin in future and then by establishing Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MRO) of all types of Chinese origin aircraft operated by BAF (Air Cdre Anwarul Haque Sarder, 2015).
In the initial step, BAF may start with the production of some simple spares like rubberized items of PT-6 and F-7 aircraft (Air Cdre Hasan Mahmood Khan, 2015), (Group Captain Abdus Salam, 2015). Phase wise manufacturing of spares may be carried out like initially BAF may go for rubberized items e.g. packing, rubber ring, gasket, rubber hose, insulated wires, cable connector, etc. then some metal parts like rivets, screws, nut-bolts, springs etc, thereafter some small component like different circuit breakers, switch, solenoid valve, panel, etc. and finally critical components like pump, booster, landing gear etc.
Thereafter, designing and developing a prototype aircraft and at the end fabrication of Primary Trainer aircraft may be considered (Group Captain Sade Uddin Ahmed, 2015). One of the major options while purchasing new Chinese aircrafts in future is to acquire them in segregated module sand assemble them in Bangladesh under the supervision of Chinese experts (Air Vice Marshal M Mazharul Islam, 2015). As China is likely to stop the production of PT-6 aircraft in near future, a suitable option of the collaboration may be to rebuild or start manufacturing PT-6 aircrafts of the same design in use in 210 Maintenance Unit (after necessary strengthening) with future options of required modifications (Air Cdre Anwarul Haque Sarder, 2015).
Present Sustainability Issue of BAF.
Due to the non-availability of spares from abroad caused by supply procedures and dependency on foreign countries for major repair, the present training and operation of BAF is hampered at times (Air Cdre Hasan Mahmood Khan, 2015). Starting with the production of less infrastructure extensive items of aircrafts like PAC, KAMRA of PAF, BAF may start towards self-sustenance (Group Captain Sade Uddin Ahmed, 2015). After necessary MOU and air-worthiness certification, production of spares in BAF would solve such problems and give confidence to BAF with self-reliance (Gp Capt Md Maksudun Nabi, 2015).
Advantage of Collaboration During Crisis.
In times of crisis, if BAF could produce some of her own spares, this could help to achieve the sustainability to a greater extend to retain the combat power. As a military organization, there is no better option than this, irrespective of the financial issues. This is also treated as the first step of the self-sufficiency and in-turn will provide sustainability (Air Cdre Hasan Mahmood Khan, 2015). The present procurement system is very complicated, lengthy and takes approximately two years’ time for receiving the spare parts, which will jeopardize the times of crisis (Air Cdre M Quamrul Ehsan, 2015).
Probable Impact on Morale Due to Self-Reliance.
It is time to think of Chinese collaboration for manufacturing spares and aircraft in future for better self-reliance (Air Cdre Anwarul Haque Sarder, 2015). It will give a very high morale to the BAF personnel and also will be a pride for the nation. This capacity building will enable BAF to lead the aviation sector in the nation. The high morale of BAF personnel will further help to demonstrate professionalism (Air Cdre Hasan Mahmood Khan, 2015).
Probable Difficulties in BAF for Collaboration.
If the Govt. is convinced and agrees in principle, provides a special budget for materializing the collaboration for infrastructural development and Transfer of Technology (TOT), then there is no difficulty likely to be faced by BAF. However, civilian personnel would be required to be employed in addition to the BAF personnel. In all the aspects, BAF will be in advantage in terms of self-reliance, capacity building, smooth flow of products or spares, etc. (Air Cdre M Quamrul Ehsan, 2015), (Gp Capt Md Maksudun Nabi, 2015).
Availability of Raw Materials and Labour in Bangladesh.
At present, there is no comprehensive list of the potential spares those could be produced in BAF after collaboration with China. As such, the availability of raw material issue is yet to be known (Gp Capt Md Maksudun Nabi, 2015). However, it is learnt that in the majority of cases the raw materials would be required to be imported from abroad (Air Cdre M Quamrul Ehsan, 2015).
Probable Industrial Support in Bangladesh.
Some of the industries in Bangladesh like Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory (BMTF), Khulna Ship Yard (KSY) and other industries may also provide support to BAF in case of production of metallic spares or other items (Air Vice Marshal M Mazharul Islam, 2015). However, certain dedicated industrial infrastructures would also be required for a sustainable development (Air Cdre M Quamrul Ehsan, 2015).
Financial Viability of Collaboration.
Although the scope of the research is focused on the sustainability and not in the financial viability of a potential collaboration, yet few aspects were revealed which were in favour of the proposition financially also. After completion of 20 X F-7 aircraft overhauling in 214 MRO, the organization will cross the breakeven point (fixed cost for setting up) and start making financial profit in favour of BAF budget. The overhauling of Bell-212 and PT-6 aircrafts has also proven to be cost-effective (Air Cdre M Quamrul Ehsan, 2015).
Majority of BAF budget is being spent for the procurement of military hardware and for the maintenance and purchase of spares. Unless BAF achieves self-sustenance to reduce the expense on ‘maintenance and spare-purchase’ (variable cost), this imbalance would remain. Rather, a high investment as a fixed cost initially for the collaboration in the aeronautical field would require few years to reach the breakeven point and then would reduce the variable cost drastically in the long run (Air Cdre Anwarul Haque Sarder, 2015). After a successful collaboration and co-production, in addition to BAF sustainability, the ventures are likely to be financially viable in the international market also for the smaller air forces of the world (Group Captain Abdus Salam, 2015).
Objective Analysis : Survey Based
In addition to the deep interview, a survey was carried out among 20 professionals of BAF regarding the potential collaboration. In line with Likert scale, the survey results are analyzed based on 20 statements. With 20 statements having marks from 1 to 5, the maximum total score was 100. The total score for each participant is shown in Figure 2.
From Figure 2, the attitude of the participants is evident which is in general optimistic and positive for the proposed collaboration. The maximum score as 93, minimum score as 61, mean score as 79.75 with a standard deviation of only 6.54 which shows consistency in the opinion.
It is observed that, out of the 20 statement (items), 17 of the mean responses are satisfactory (above 3) and the mean of means is 4.01 which is also satisfactory. It shows that the internal and external strength and opportunities are strong and it can overcome the internal and external weaknesses and threats. However, following three items with score 3 or below may be addressed:
a. Item 7 (Some local market items may be utilized to produce few spares).
It seems that, for the production of spares, a major amount of raw materials would be required to be imported from abroad. However, a detailed study may be carried out on the available raw materials in the country and their processing facilities available to utilize for the production of spares.
b. Item 10 (The level of knowledge and training to BAF technical personnel need improvement).
The BAF technical personnel are employed for the maintenance and overhauling purposes. For any collaboration and production of spares, they would require adequate knowledge and training under the supervision of Chinese experts.
c. Item 15 (BAF would face manpower problem due to employing personnel for the collaboration).
With the existing manpower, it would be very difficult to continue with collaboration. It would require additional manpower, especially permanent civilian employees and retired BAF personnel.
A ROADMAP TO BAF SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability represents a large concept encompassing materials, personnel, organization and the equipment. These four components would be applicable to BAF for all types of aircrafts, military hardware and so on. As such, particular sustainability of Chinese origin aircrafts is a sub-set of BAF sustainability. But nevertheless, considering the high number of fighters, jet trainers and training aircrafts; the sustainability of Chinese origin aircraft alone can significantly improve BAF sustainability in training and operations.
CONCLUSION
Achieving sustainability for BAF needs a holistic approach for maintaining her combat power in times of crisis for all types of aircrafts and materials. The modular organizational support, skilled manpower, equipment setup and the consumable materials for each system will sum-up to the overall BAF sustainability. BAF have already proven the credibility in overhauling different types of aircrafts. But, one of the major concerns for BAF is the dependency on foreign countries for aircraft spares and major maintenance works. The delayed process of spare acquisition and administrative process hampers the sustainability of BAF to a great extent. As such, collaboration with China in the aeronautical field, due to a large Chinese fleet in BAF inventory, would enhance the sustainability of BAF.
RECOMMENDATION
Based on the findings of the research, recommendations for a roadmap towards BAF sustainability is given in short-term, mid-term and long-term plans.
Short Term Plan
a. By diplomatic means, BAF may approach for an MOU with China for collaboration in the aeronautical field. In the initial stage, BAF personnel may undergo training in Chinese aeronautical industries for subsequent productions in Bangladesh.
b. PT-6 aircraft may be rebuilt or manufactured in 210 Maintenance Unit after necessary collaboration and infrastructure strengthening.
c. Through a joint collaboration, BAF may enhance the capability by assembling the newly procured Chinese aircraft in Bangladesh under the supervision of Chinese experts.
d. Dedicated and skilled civilian personnel may be employed and retired personnel may be rehabilitated.
e. A separate study may be carried out for the availability of the raw materials in Bangladesh for the production of aircraft spares.
Mid-Term Plan
a. BAF may take necessary steps for phase wise manufacturing of Chinese aircrafts’ spares in Bangladesh. i.e. initially for rubberized items, then metal parts and thereafter some small components and finally some critical components. Spares which are consumed more may be prioritized initially.
b. BAF may continue to operate same types of Chinese aircraft and establish Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MRO) for all such types.
c. Subsequent procurement contracts of Chinese aircrafts or military hardware may include options for Transfer of Technology (TOT).
Long Term Plan
a. BAF may take necessary steps for establishing an aeronautical research foundation with the advanced technological setup.
b. BAF may approach the Govt. for a defence industry concept like PAF Kamra Model and necessary budgetary allocation may be made for the proposed establishment.
c. BAF may start a joint venture or co-production with China to modify or upgrade the PT-6 aircraft.
d. Chinese authority may be approached to utilize BAF as an outsourced organization for the production of spares or parts of aircrafts for the international market.
e. Collaborations for other origins of BAF aircrafts may be done eg. Russian and US made aircrafts.
References
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