Bangladesh Air-Force MRCA Program

Isa Khan

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Google Translation:-

Forces Goal-2030 has been formulated to ensure the geopolitical security of the country. The plan, adopted to ensure a strong national defense system, emphasizes the need to strengthen the Bangladesh Air Force. That is why the Air Force has been told to build multiple squadrons with multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA) or warplanes capable of performing a variety of roles. Initiatives have already been taken to procure these state-of-the-art warplanes capable of providing all possible assistance on land and at sea. The Armed Forces Department has also given policy approval for the purchase of 16 such warplanes.

The total cost to buy the warplanes will be Tk 25,200 crore. Of this, Tk 7,300 crore will be required for one-time payment in the first year. The Air Force Headquarters has requested the Ministry of Defense to include the issue in the forthcoming budget (FY 2021-22). A copy of the proposal has also been sent to the finance secretary, sources in the finance department said.

The proposal calls for the purchase of state-of-the-art MRCA warplanes capable of providing all-round assistance on land and at sea, as well as effective defense systems in response to the current geopolitical situation and potential threats. Neighboring countries have more contemporary modern warplanes. In light of the Forces Goal 2030, there are guidelines for deploying multiple MRCA squadrons in the Air Force. As part of this, an MRCA (MiG-29 fighter) squadron was added to the Air Force fleet in 1999, which is currently operating. The purchase of fighter jets required to set up another MRCA squadron is currently under consideration at the policy-making level of the government.

Based on the tender process for the 16 aircraft and the proposals submitted by the governments of different countries, the Air Force says that according to the plan, the procurement process will be completed in G to G method. In order to make an MRCA purchase agreement, a down payment of the first year will require 25 per cent of the total value or Tk 7,300 crore in the next financial year. This money needs to be kept in reserve in bulk without being included in the regular budget of the Air Force. The rest of the money has to be paid within 5-10 years. Or the money can be raised for one-time payment in the first year by including it in the project form in the annual development plan. In that case also, according to the agreement, it will be necessary to make arrangements for payment in the remaining 5-10 years.

According to the Air Force proposal, the Armed Forces Department has already approved in principle the purchase of 16 state-of-the-art Western Origin (MRCA) MRCAs. The procurement process is currently in process. The purchase of these proposed aircraft is quite expensive. For this reason, buying them from the regular budget of the Air Force will have a negative impact on the operating budget of the Air Force. As a result, there will be a deficit in installment payment, management and maintenance.

According to the proposal, security is inextricably linked with a country's economic growth and overall development. Therefore, the development of the overall security system is also a priority to ensure sustainable development. Plans have been made to purchase the proposed warplanes to ensure the sovereign security of the country. Therefore, this procurement activity can be completed even if it is included in the annual development budget.

The Air Force has also requested that the matter be presented at a tripartite meeting on the medium-term budget structure for the next financial year. When contacted, the senior finance secretary declined to comment.

However, a senior official of the finance department told Banik Barta that work is underway to prepare the next budget. If such a proposal comes from the Ministry of Defense, it will be considered with special importance as the issue involves national security.

The proposal said about the current capabilities of the Air Force, the professionalism of the Bangladesh Air Force in defending independence and sovereignty is now appreciated beyond the borders of the country. The contribution of other concerned ministries including finance and defense in this achievement is undeniable. As part of the implementation of Forces Goal-2030, the Air Force's inventory includes training aircraft, including fighter jets. There are also state-of-the-art transport and transport training aircraft, various types of helicopters, advanced technology air defense systems, weather radar, short-range missile systems, heavy and medium quality missiles and ammunition. The inclusion of these has made the Air Force more powerful and capable of repelling external enemy attacks.

 

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EFT? or Dassault Rafale?
 

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Google Translation:-

Forces Goal-2030 has been formulated to ensure the geopolitical security of the country. The plan, adopted to ensure a strong national defense system, emphasizes the need to strengthen the Bangladesh Air Force. That is why the Air Force has been told to build multiple squadrons with multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA) or warplanes capable of performing a variety of roles. Initiatives have already been taken to procure these state-of-the-art warplanes capable of providing all possible assistance on land and at sea. The Armed Forces Department has also given policy approval for the purchase of 16 such warplanes.

The total cost to buy the warplanes will be Tk 25,200 crore. Of this, Tk 7,300 crore will be required for one-time payment in the first year. The Air Force Headquarters has requested the Ministry of Defense to include the issue in the forthcoming budget (FY 2021-22). A copy of the proposal has also been sent to the finance secretary, sources in the finance department said.

The proposal calls for the purchase of state-of-the-art MRCA warplanes capable of providing all-round assistance on land and at sea, as well as effective defense systems in response to the current geopolitical situation and potential threats. Neighboring countries have more contemporary modern warplanes. In light of the Forces Goal 2030, there are guidelines for deploying multiple MRCA squadrons in the Air Force. As part of this, an MRCA (MiG-29 fighter) squadron was added to the Air Force fleet in 1999, which is currently operating. The purchase of fighter jets required to set up another MRCA squadron is currently under consideration at the policy-making level of the government.

Based on the tender process for the 16 aircraft and the proposals submitted by the governments of different countries, the Air Force says that according to the plan, the procurement process will be completed in G to G method. In order to make an MRCA purchase agreement, a down payment of the first year will require 25 per cent of the total value or Tk 7,300 crore in the next financial year. This money needs to be kept in reserve in bulk without being included in the regular budget of the Air Force. The rest of the money has to be paid within 5-10 years. Or the money can be raised for one-time payment in the first year by including it in the project form in the annual development plan. In that case also, according to the agreement, it will be necessary to make arrangements for payment in the remaining 5-10 years.

According to the Air Force proposal, the Armed Forces Department has already approved in principle the purchase of 16 state-of-the-art Western Origin (MRCA) MRCAs. The procurement process is currently in process. The purchase of these proposed aircraft is quite expensive. For this reason, buying them from the regular budget of the Air Force will have a negative impact on the operating budget of the Air Force. As a result, there will be a deficit in installment payment, management and maintenance.

According to the proposal, security is inextricably linked with a country's economic growth and overall development. Therefore, the development of the overall security system is also a priority to ensure sustainable development. Plans have been made to purchase the proposed warplanes to ensure the sovereign security of the country. Therefore, this procurement activity can be completed even if it is included in the annual development budget.

The Air Force has also requested that the matter be presented at a tripartite meeting on the medium-term budget structure for the next financial year. When contacted, the senior finance secretary declined to comment.

However, a senior official of the finance department told Banik Barta that work is underway to prepare the next budget. If such a proposal comes from the Ministry of Defense, it will be considered with special importance as the issue involves national security.

The proposal said about the current capabilities of the Air Force, the professionalism of the Bangladesh Air Force in defending independence and sovereignty is now appreciated beyond the borders of the country. The contribution of other concerned ministries including finance and defense in this achievement is undeniable. As part of the implementation of Forces Goal-2030, the Air Force's inventory includes training aircraft, including fighter jets. There are also state-of-the-art transport and transport training aircraft, various types of helicopters, advanced technology air defense systems, weather radar, short-range missile systems, heavy and medium quality missiles and ammunition. The inclusion of these has made the Air Force more powerful and capable of repelling external enemy attacks.

It would be helpful if you could change the Tk 25,200 core into US $ dollars.
 

Isa Khan

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EFT? or Dassault Rafale?

Nothing's confirmed yet. BAF just asked for the money. Rafale was offered during French ministers visit and EFT recently said in it's magazine that we are it's potential customer. EFT has more chance IMO. Rumor suggest the same.

It would be helpful if you could change the Tk 25,200 core into US $ dollars.

Approximately $3 billion.
 

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Following the need for the modernization of Bangladesh's armed forces, Dhaka is preparing to finalize some of the most interesting defense contracts in recent years. The main one concerns the purchase of a new multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA) to replace (or initially integrate) the old F-7 and MiG-29 jets of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF).

Under the 'Forces Goal 2030' program, in 2017 the Bangladesh Directorate General Defense Purchase (DGDP) launched the tender for the procurement of eight fighter aircraft (plus option for an additional four), which was subsequently increased to 16 jets.

BAF is looking for a newly built fighter powered by two engines with at least 5,500 kg of dry thrust and over 8,000 kg with afterburner each and with at least eight weapon attachment points and a minimum payload of 5,000 kg.

The government demands that the fighter be equipped with an electronically-scanned radar array with an air-to-air range of 150 km and an air-to-surface range of 50 km. The aircraft will also have to include an Integrated Electronic Warfare (EW) and Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) suite; Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system with a target tracking range of at least 50 km; helmet mounted display and viewfinder system (HMD/S) with cueing; head-up display (HUD) and modern glass cockpit.

BAF is looking for a complete package that includes aircraft, maintenance and training, and a range of air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons. It must also provide for the opening of a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in the country.

When the teder was launched, the main contenders were Russian UAC's Su-35, MiG-35 and Su-30SM fighters, however in the last couple of years, the nation has started targeting mostly Western aircraft (westernization plan).

A source close to the Bangladeshi Defense told Blog Before Flight that at the top of the list is the Eurofighter Typhoon, offered to the nation by the Italian aerospace firm Leonardo. In addition, Dhaka could also select other 'Made in Italy' systems such as the AW101 medium-lift/multirole helicopter and the C-27J Spartan transport aircraft, the latter to replace the old An-32 fleet.

Leonardo boasts well-established commercial relations with Bangladesh, especially in the rotary wing sector. BAF already operates AW119 and AW139 helicopters, while the Bangladeshi Navy fleet includes the AW109M. In 2019, BAF also ordered Leonardo's KRONOS LAND air surveillance radar.

BAF's modernization plan also includes procurement of Boeing Apache attack helicopters, TAI Hurkus basic trainer/ground attack aircraft and TAI Anka armed drones.
 

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Dhaka, May 20:- Chief of Air Staff of Bangladesh Air Force Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat, BBP, OSP, ndu, psc is in United States of America on an official visit. As part of the visit, Chief of Air Staff of Bangladesh Air Force called on Chief of US Air Force General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., Director of Defence Security Co-operation Agency (DSCA) Ms. Heidi Grant and Principal Director of Office of Secretary of Defence for Policy for South Asia in Pentagon on 19 May 2021.

During call on, they exchanged views on bilateral issues of mutual interests. Previously, he also discussed on various issues related to UN peacekeeping missions of Bangladesh Air Force with Military Advisor Lieutenant General Carlos Humberto Loitey of UN Headquaters on 18 May 2021. They exchanged views on various important issues including the use of Biman Bangladesh Airlines for rotation and increasing facilities of BAF peacekeepers in UN peacekeeping missions.

Besides, as part of the visit Chief of Air Staff of Bangladesh Air Force visited the manufacturing plant of F-16 fighter aircraft and paid tribute to the memorial of the victims of 9/11 attacks on the Pentagon.

 
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Saithan

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Dhaka, May 20:- Chief of Air Staff of Bangladesh Air Force Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat, BBP, OSP, ndu, psc is in United States of America on an official visit. As part of the visit, Chief of Air Staff of Bangladesh Air Force called on Chief of US Air Force General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., Director of Defence Security Co-operation Agency (DSCA) Ms. Heidi Grant and Principal Director of Office of Secretary of Defence for Policy for South Asia in Pentagon on 19 May 2021.

During call on, they exchanged views on bilateral issues of mutual interests. Previously, he also discussed on various issues related to UN peacekeeping missions of Bangladesh Air Force with Military Advisor Lieutenant General Carlos Humberto Loitey of UN Headquaters on 18 May 2021. They exchanged views on various important issues including the use of Biman Bangladesh Airlines for rotation and increasing facilities of BAF peacekeepers in UN peacekeeping missions.

Besides, as part of the visit Chief of Air Staff of Bangladesh Air Force visited the manufacturing plant of F-16 fighter aircraft and paid tribute to the memorial of the victims of 9/11 attacks on the Pentagon.

I saw the thread abou BAF getting closer to buying Typhoon. But wouldn’t it be better to get F16 V. Especially considering that you’ll have opportunity to get missiles from Turkey etc. I am not sure Typhoon is better when considering future prospect.
 

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I saw the thread abou BAF getting closer to buying Typhoon. But wouldn’t it be better to get F16 V. Especially considering that you’ll have opportunity to get missiles from Turkey etc. I am not sure Typhoon is better when considering future prospect.

F-16 V would be far better compared to the early tranche Typhoons that were being looked at before.

For one it would have AESA and integration with lot of newer missiles and weapons.

But it would also be lot more expensive too...like any new platform today.

The thing with this current BAF requirement is its largely stopgap squadron to run in interim till BD economy grown a lot more and a 5th gen option etc becomes more accessible and mainstay then.

With that (interim stopgap) in mind, BAF might also consider older F-16s to refurbish rather than brand new ones (V).

At some point, BAF just need to bite bullet and pick and double down on something.
 

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F-16 V would be far better compared to the early tranche Typhoons that were being looked at before.

For one it would have AESA and integration with lot of newer missiles and weapons.

But it would also be lot more expensive too...like any new platform today.

The thing with this current BAF requirement is its largely stopgap squadron to run in interim till BD economy grown a lot more and a 5th gen option etc becomes more accessible and mainstay then.

With that (interim stopgap) in mind, BAF might also consider older F-16s to refurbish rather than brand new ones (V).

At some point, BAF just need to bite bullet and pick and double down on something.


That is true, and that was more less what I was thinking.

Though I imagine that UAV are going to be more dominant in the future we will still need fighter pilots.

So if BAF is going to establish relation with a jet, I imagine that F16 wouldn’t be a bad choice as it’s a US plane thus should have some similarity/familiarity to F35.

Also have to establish maintenance centers etc for these planes. Drawing on experience from friendly nation and not being overly reliant on US as they take an arm in the process.
 

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That is true, and that was more less what I was thinking.

Though I imagine that UAV are going to be more dominant in the future we will still need fighter pilots.

So if BAF is going to establish relation with a jet, I imagine that F16 wouldn’t be a bad choice as it’s a US plane thus should have some similarity/familiarity to F35.

Also have to establish maintenance centers etc for these planes. Drawing on experience from friendly nation and not being overly reliant on US as they take an arm in the process.

Every great power does that in the end. US is no different. You will be reliant on someone in the end as autarky can only do so much long term when you are behind and will be developing still for a long while.

i.e There will be compromises with whatever tech tree alliance/ecosystem here BD opts for this century.

I would imagine the stopgap pick would give good indication where the 5th gen will be sourced from too (as it makes sense to double dip)....at least in most rational process I can see.

Over-reliance just becomes matter of perspective on degree.

But I doubt it will affect BD, the way it has for Turkey (vis a vis parties like US, Russia, EU, China respectively etc) given BD does not have the same geopolitical context and is quite focused on certain set of immediate priorities/goals (till 2030, 2050 etc) and looking for basic conventional deterrence based on it till it can expand into more geopolitical tiers sustainably.
 

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I saw the thread abou BAF getting closer to buying Typhoon. But wouldn’t it be better to get F16 V. Especially considering that you’ll have opportunity to get missiles from Turkey etc. I am not sure Typhoon is better when considering future prospect.

Typhoons are confirmed and the deal will probably be announced in BASS-2022.They will come under BAFs twin engine/heavy mrca programme.So currently F16V has no chance.

However F16V might be selected when BAF starts replacing obsolete F7s with a new single engine fighter after first phase of heavy MRCA is complete.This might happen in 2023/2024-2025.Currently BAF didn't even release tender for single engine fighters.So it would be stupid to think that fighters like F16V will be in BAFs inventory any time soon.
 

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Anyone has the feeling that Uncle Sam might arm-twist and we end up getting F-16s and not EFTs? In fact, we might switch completely from getting a twin-engine platform, especially now that we have upgraded Mig-29s for the maritime strike role. Sure one can argue that we have publicly announced twin engine fighters. But We have also in the past floated tender copy pasting SU-30 specification and then retracted it. So I won't be surprised if we take a 180 degree turn with regards to twin engine requirement.

The US now has a geopolitical motive to provide BD with F-16s to counter China. As they are transitioning to 6th gen fighters in the next few decades moving away from F-22s, the F-16s will be their mass export product and a manner of keeping countries under their control.

Just a speculative thought on my part, but it is hard to imagine for me how we can actually maintain both EFT (for MRCA) and F-16 (as single engine alternative) in future - as many are assuming it to be the case.

Regardless of my distrust of the Americans, it actually makes more sense for BAF to go all F-16. Economically it is sound in both short and long run. Gripen would have been ideal, but Swedes stand no chance in face of US influence over BD.
 

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Anyone has the feeling that Uncle Sam might arm-twist and we end up getting F-16s and not EFTs? In fact, we might switch completely from getting a twin-engine platform, especially now that we have upgraded Mig-29s for the maritime strike role. Sure one can argue that we have publicly announced twin engine fighters. But We have also in the past floated tender copy pasting SU-30 specification and then retracted it. So I won't be surprised if we take a 180 degree turn with regards to twin engine requirement.

The US now has a geopolitical motive to provide BD with F-16s to counter China. As they are transitioning to 6th gen fighters in the next few decades moving away from F-22s, the F-16s will be their mass export product and a manner of keeping countries under their control.

Just a speculative thought on my part, but it is hard to imagine for me how we can actually maintain both EFT (for MRCA) and F-16 (as single engine alternative) in future - as many are assuming it to be the case.

Regardless of my distrust of the Americans, it actually makes more sense for BAF to go all F-16. Economically it is sound in both short and long run. Gripen would have been ideal, but Swedes stand no chance in face of US influence over BD.
US would be very happy if we get any western fighter and not chinese ones , if they can manage to sell some of their equipment to us that's just a bonus. They want the PRC influence on military to diminish
They fear any kind of arm twisting , would lead us straight in Beijing's arms.
 

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US would be very happy if we get any western fighter and not chinese ones , if they can manage to sell some of their equipment to us that's just a bonus. They want the PRC influence on military to diminish
They fear any kind of arm twisting , would lead us straight in Beijing's arms.
Hence they will do their arm-twisting subtly. They have influence over Bangladesh on multiple fronts.

Bangladesh eventually will have to side with one camp. The Swiss can afford to be neutral because they are rich. Unfortunately same cannot be said for BD.
 

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Anyone has the feeling that Uncle Sam might arm-twist and we end up getting F-16s and not EFTs? In fact, we might switch completely from getting a twin-engine platform, especially now that we have upgraded Mig-29s for the maritime strike role. Sure one can argue that we have publicly announced twin engine fighters. But We have also in the past floated tender copy pasting SU-30 specification and then retracted it. So I won't be surprised if we take a 180 degree turn with regards to twin engine requirement.

The US now has a geopolitical motive to provide BD with F-16s to counter China. As they are transitioning to 6th gen fighters in the next few decades moving away from F-22s, the F-16s will be their mass export product and a manner of keeping countries under their control.

Just a speculative thought on my part, but it is hard to imagine for me how we can actually maintain both EFT (for MRCA) and F-16 (as single engine alternative) in future - as many are assuming it to be the case.

Regardless of my distrust of the Americans, it actually makes more sense for BAF to go all F-16. Economically it is sound in both short and long run. Gripen would have been ideal, but Swedes stand no chance in face of US influence over BD.
I agree with you I reckon america you push f16s down our throat. Buying EFT doesn’t get any any leverage.
plus Europeans have already divided the work of eft among themselves. If BAF chief is anything to go by, they won’t buy a fighter without some spares manufacturing capability, f16 enters here very nicely
I don’t see us having twin and single engine western jets, we are struggling with getting just one squadron a combo is a daydream
 

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I agree with you I reckon america you push f16s down our throat. Buying EFT doesn’t get any any leverage.
plus Europeans have already divided the work of eft among themselves. If BAF chief is anything to go by, they won’t buy a fighter without some spares manufacturing capability, f16 enters here very nicely
I don’t see us having twin and single engine western jets, we are struggling with getting just one squadron a combo is a daydream
i think BAF was looking is looking for something twin engined like Rafale And EFT for MRCA due to range , maritime strike capability , better high altitude performance etc. At best we'll get an MRO plant for those and get some level of ToT for Gripen , F-16 . I think US will try to restrict what weapons package we get for F-16 , unlike EFT,Rafale where if we can pay for it, we can get almost everything.

If we get the gripen, we can use the same weapons package of EFT. IF we get F-16, we can use Turkish Armaments.
 

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