Bangladesh Opinion Let’s talk the talk: Confronting Bangladesh’s national security threats

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Anu Anwar

January 16, 2023 6:00 AM

In September 2022, in these pages, I argued that national security is a taboo subject in Bangladesh. National security is taboo precisely because the discourse on national threats is the real taboo.

In Bangladesh, whether scholars or bureaucrats, military or civilian, nobody is comfortable discussing the country's emerging and existential threats.

The discourse of national security takes place rarely, and even in such rare discourses, there is a deliberate effort to demilitarize it. It is often portrayed to the public and indoctrinated in academic settings that Bangladesh has no security threats. Therefore, all it needs to do is focus on economic development.

This argument misses the fact that a country must create a set of basic prerequisite conditions if it is to reach middle-income status and sustain the developmental momentum. Securing territorial integrity, establishing absolute sovereignty, and possessing the capability to maintain, and if necessary, enforce stability -- is the key to creating a required condition overcoming the middle-income trap.

All the countries that are developed today, they achieved the threshold of national security first --either via internal or external balancing. Singapore, Israel, Japan, South Korea -- any nation-state that is comparable with Bangladesh's geo-strategic realities, followed this pathway to achieve the status of a developed country.

Bangladesh shares these countries' vision of development and pursuing policies to become a middle-income country by 2031 and a developed country by 2041 -- but has yet to realize that the fundamentals lie in ensuring national security first.

The chronic politicization of institutions and dysfunctional nature of politics make national security a taboo subject. Disregarding threat perceptions causes unpreparedness and undermines the nation-building process, which ultimately leads to weakening the nation -- let alone its development.

Disregarding national threats is certainly not unanimously accepted as a good idea by all segments of society. If that were the case, then Bangladesh, despite being an overpopulated developing nation, would not spend billions of dollars each year and enlist over two hundred thousand of service members in active service. Not to mention, the paramilitaries on reserve.

So, what is the missing part here?

The missing part is dysfunctional domestic politics and the interest of vested quarters. These interest groups, prioritizing personal gain, view national threats through the lens of their own party, business, or personal interest. That also explains why there is no such consensus either on threat perceptions or national security policy, or even the national interest.

In this article, I thus intend to speak the unspeakable.

First, for Bangladesh, a sovereign country with the world's eighth largest population, sitting at the Indo-Pacific geopolitical crossroads -- what is the number one threat for the nation?

It is the southeastern frontier, a tumultuous border with the rough state of Burma, where more than a million of Myanmar's population are sheltered inside Bangladesh's territory.

Chittagong division and its rich coastline along the Bay of Bengal is the key contributor to Bangladesh's recent economic miracle. This is precisely what makes Bangladesh different from neighbouring Nepal or Bhutan.

Not to think too far down the road, even a little turmoil in this region, will immediately halt the nation's only seaport Chittagong and pause economic activities within a matter of days. A minor conflict could cripple the economy.

This is why Bangladesh should pursue a strategy of “deterrence for peace,” aiming to prevent war -- as opposed to provoking it -- by showing our strengths. As Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, the missile man of India, once replied, “strength respects strength,” to a question whether he ever felt guilty about developing nuclear weapons.

What we need is to strengthen the capacity of armed forces on such a scale that makes Burmese forces' objectives untenable, therefore, compel Tatmadaw to self-restraint.

This also explains how it all started. The largest influx of Rohingya crossed the Bangladesh border in 2017 -- just a year prior to a national election, perhaps not coincidentally.

Major countries pressured Bangladesh to shelter an unreasonable number, over a half million of refugees, when these countries themselves have done little to nothing for Rohingyas themselves.

Bangladesh's role in sheltering the Rohingya has stood the government in good stead on the world stage and perhaps helped to quiet questions with respect to the legitimacy of elections held the following year.

The temptation to play the same card in the upcoming election remains and may hinder the government from initiating what it takes to resolve Bangladesh's number one national security threat.

To be clear, there never had been, and never will be, a diplomatic solution to this problem -- unless Bangladesh can create sustained leverage over Myanmar, which remains unlikely.

The only option therefore is for Bangladesh's armed forces to rebuild itself and strengthen its warfighting capacity to punish the Tatmadaw for their genocidal acts, thus coercing Myanmar to compel repatriation.

Indeed, if Bangladesh could pose a credible threat to the Tatmadaw, Myanmar wouldn't have dared to launch the exodus in the first place.

This explains why Myanmar doesn't dare to push Chins to India or Kachin and Shan to China. It is precisely because Myanmar's generals know very well that doing so would provoke a shock and awe military response from China or India in which they would lose decisively.

To be clear, protecting the territorial boundary is the number one national security priority. Those who try to undermine it must meet with a decisive and proportionate military response.

Dhaka did not do this in 2017, resulting in our carrying the burden of over one million refugees. Failing to fight for it now will cost us far more down the line.

The sole question remains: Why did we fail to stop the influx of 2017?

Nobody here is expecting our border security forces to kill Rohingyas to stop the influx, but there were many other ways to nip the exodus in the bud.

If Tatmadaw is the culprit, deterring them from what they were doing, even punishing them for the consequences, is the solution for resettling the Rohingyas in their motherland.

If the argument is that Bangladesh's armed forces are weaker compared to the Burmese, then one has to answer why a country with a six times larger economy, three times larger population, and spending more money on the military than the Burmese armed forces, would still be weaker in military power.

Suppose the argument is that Tatmadaw is more combat-ready as they have an experience of a prolonged battle with insurgencies. In that case, one has to answer why Bangladesh's armed forces, which played a key role in liberating the nation by waging a full-fledged war against much stronger forces and having succeeded in suppressing insurgency in CHT, would be less confident in its capability.

A comparison of both forces' history suggests Bangladesh's armed forces have a track record of wins in its battle, while Tatmadaw has been fighting for decades but with a track record of losses.

Looking at the long term, keeping the rise of nationalism in India in mind, Rohingyas are doing the groundwork for all players. If Rohingyas staying in Bangladesh becomes a norm, then the so-called religion-based residence argument will be validated.

Indian politicians are already asserting that millions of Muslims in India's northeast should also be pushed to Bangladesh.

The catastrophic consequences for Bangladesh of such an influx need not be elaborated. The clock is ticking. If Bangladesh acts now, it still has the opportunity to turn things around.

If China or India takes the Myanmar side, so be it. It would be a watershed moment for the nation to test who a friend is and who is a foe.

However, further delay will make Bangladesh only a passive victim of the great games in which we can only lose.

One way or another, things are moving in that direction.

The recent news suggests Japan and India are interested in building road connectivity linking Bangladesh's Bay of Bengal with India's impoverished northeastern seven sisters. This has been India's aspiration for years, but the entry of Japan into this is a new phenomenon.

Though it is touted as an economic project, there is no significant economic gain here for Bangladesh. What would Bangladesh gain from connecting with a part of India which is much poorer than Bangladesh itself? Bangladesh needs interstate connectivity, but that should be North-South bound, not East-West bound, and connecting third countries such as Nepal, not confined to India only.

Nor would Bangladesh get anything extra from Japan by implementing this project that it couldn't get without it.

The truth is crystal clear. The economic carrot is an eyewash here, the reality is security. Perceiving China as a threat, building this connectivity makes perfect sense.

Japan has its own calculations as to how investing in India's capacity building will help its own security concerns with respect to China.

But the question for Bangladesh is: Does it secure or weaken Bangladesh?

Japan has been a friendly country to Bangladesh, and will surely remain so. This proposed connectivity would certainly deepen Japan-India ties and help secure both nations. But what is in it for Bangladesh is not clear.

Another national election is due next year. While elections are a matter of celebration for some countries, for Bangladesh it is likely to be a time for violence, turmoil, and political horse-trading.

The options are shrinking. This time Democratic president Biden is in power, and Western countries are creating intense pressure, at least rhetorically, on the government to hold a free and fair election.

The ruling party holds two cards with respect to the big powers.

One is doing what they tell Bangladesh to do regarding Rohingyas. The second is the security corridor.

Acceding on both fronts might solve the short-term problem, but at what long-term cost?

Then again, even if the opposition were to come to power, is there any evidence to suggest that they would or could deal with these matters differently?

Do they have any clear-cut foreign and defense policy outlook based on solid action plans either to repatriate Rohingyas or to pursue a truly independent foreign policy? Their track record suggests no such thing.

Moreover, after 15 years out of power, the opposition is desperate to return to power, whatever it takes.

The bottom line is: On the question of national security and foreign policy, rhetoric aside, there appears to be little difference between the parties.

Bangladesh is sleepwalking towards danger at a time of geopolitical crisis. We must wake up before it is too late.

Anu Anwar is a fellow at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, and a PhD candidate at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.

 
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Afif

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Excellent article, but it should have written from someone siting in Dhaka.

Personally i believe, it is always one of the biggest national security concern of BD if India under ultra right ruling class follows the the same path of genocidal regime of Myanmar and force millions of Muslims into our territory.
And given the socio cultural and socio political environment in India as the author mildly described it, it is always a possibility and should be taken seriously.

With Myanmar we can settle the score in next 10 to 15 years if we can build up our armed forces with a long term well thought strategy, as we got the advantage of much bigger economy and the access to Western and specially TURKISH military technology unlike Myanmar.

But in case of India if similar crisis breaks out, we wouldn't be able to do anything offensive against a conventionally much bigger and nuclear armed adversary even if we have a well developed armed force.

And in my opinion, probably the best way to prevent such thing happening is to integrate BD meaningfully into a broader multinational security structure with a superpower.
Otherwise, for BD to survive any similar refugee crisis with India or any great powers game in the region on its own would be near impossible.

@F-6 enthusiast bro! What's your thoughts on that?
And @Baryshx as we were talking about Bangladesh's relationship with great powers that day, It may help you to understand how different BD's geopolitical and national security circumstances is.
 
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Isa Khan

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He wrote similar article last September.

https://defencehub.live/threads/bangladesh’s-fragile-national-security.14933/
 

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Well to be honest, BD armed forces are good enough for a country like BD.We can see this if we compare our forces with Vietnam,Philippines,Thailand,Sri Lanka,Malaysia etc.While not totally same in size and capability they are somewhat of the same category.

The problem is that Myanmar govt doesn't run things in the normal way.For obvious reasons, defence has always been the top priority.For this reason armed forces especially the BAF found itself completely off guard when 2017 happened.BAF did take some stupid decisions before that and the perhaps the biggest example is the aquision of the F-7BGI.Who buys those ***** in 21st century?And only 18 for f*** sake!!!

Also our army seriously lacked heavy equipments even though every govt in our history has constantly pushed money in to their mouths.

But let's not forget that in 2010 our GDP was 120 billion while in 2015 it was around 200 billion.Simply not enough for a strong military.

Also BD govt counted heavily on China and Russia hoping that they will balance things up but the exact opposite happened.
 
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PutinBro

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Excellent article, but it should have written from someone siting in Dhaka.

Personally i believe, it is always one of the biggest national security concern of BD if India under ultra right ruling class follows the the same path of genocidal regime of Myanmar and force millions of Muslims into our territory.
And given the socio cultural and socio political environment in India as the author mildly described it, it is always a possibility and should be taken seriously.

With Myanmar we can settle the score in next 10 to 15 years if we can build up our armed forces
Myanmar will not have the chance or capability to do harm in the next 30+ years and our armed forces expansion programs are done with someone else in mind.

If anything Myanmar serves as a perfect excuse for diplomatic justification of armed expansion as in past BD had to deal with constant pressure from that country whenever any big purchases were made.Apparently two obsolete submarines acquired for training and familiarisation purposes were enough to start itches...
 

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Myanmar will not have the chance or capability to do harm in the next 30+ years and our armed forces expansion programs are done with someone else in mind.

If anything Myanmar serves as a perfect excuse for diplomatic justification of armed expansion as in past BD had to deal with constant pressure from that country whenever any big purchases were made.Apparently two obsolete submarines acquired for training and familiarisation purposes were enough to start itches...
by 2040 BAN should operate at least six modern submarine like DMSE 2000 or type218 and at least eight modern frigate like Fremm or similar western origin ship.
And more importantly for BAF it should at least operate a mix of 48/50 4.5 and 5 gen aircraft.
last but not the least, for army it needs to replace our 350 old Chinese tanks with fourth generation MBT, as well as to replace our 1000 plus old soviet APCs with new generation AFVs.
 

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at least build your armed forces capability into something which can deter the Myanmar for good, the most lacking in Bangladesh armed forces is their Air Forces fighter capability either frontline assets or supporting assets not to mention ISR and C4ISR capability, all of them is severely lacking.
 

PutinBro

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by 2040 BAN should operate at least six modern submarine like DMSE 2000 or type218 and at least eight modern frigate like Fremm or similar western origin ship.
And more importantly for BAF it should at least operate a mix of 48/50 4.5 and 5 gen aircraft.
last but not the least, for army it needs to replace our 350 old Chinese tanks with fourth generation MBT, as well as to replace our 1000 plus old soviet APCs with new generation AFVs.
BN plan was to order 6 subs by 2030.2 will be ordered initally as recently revealed.More to be ordered by 2040.

No offence but you really want to fight these guys with 50 fighters!!!
 

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at least build your armed forces capability into something which can deter the Myanmar for good, the most lacking in Bangladesh armed forces is their Air Forces fighter capability either frontline assets or supporting assets not to mention ISR and C4ISR capability, all of them is severely lacking.
Perhaps increase their defense budget at least for a few years. Change from eastern weapons such as Russia, and china to countries that align with Bangladesh just as Turkey. Honestly, if we made a list it would be too long, but let me mention a few.

Air force:
- Order different types of drones such as TB2, ANKA, and akinci.
- 48 fighter jets ( F16/F15, Rafaele, Gripen


Land forces:
- Air defense systems

Navy:
- Unmanned boats
- Some corvettes/frigates.


I don't know the capabilities that Bangladesh has in terms of training, but a C4ISR structure and network are really important. Turkey could offer training to Bangladesh according to Nato standards. Myanmar is honestly not strong.
 

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at least build your armed forces capability into something which can deter the Myanmar for good, the most lacking in Bangladesh armed forces is their Air Forces fighter capability either frontline assets or supporting assets not to mention ISR and C4ISR capability, all of them is severely lacking.
i understand what are you saying, but mostly in the last decade the focus was mainly on the force expansion and infrastructure building. For example army raised three new infantry division in that time and stablish two major bases. as well as there is ongoing construction of a new air bases and billion dollars naval base for submarines.
Hopefully, by 2030 we will get two squadron western origin double engine 4.5 gen multirole which is likely to change the air balance decisively in favor of Bangladesh.
 

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BN plan was to order 6 subs by 2030.2 will be ordered initally as recently revealed.More to be ordered by 2040.
I know, but i just dont buy that. at best they will get two new submarine before 2030.
And by 2030s our two ming class sub needs to retired for the shake of crews lives safety. so if can we buy 4 more new submarine in 2030s it would be 6 operational by the end of that decade.
No offence but you really want to fight these guys with 50 fighters!!!
With all honesty, do you believe BAF got a real chance to procure more than 50 4.5/5 gen aircraft by 2040? i mean, sure they got their plan but.....anyway i would be happy if they just can do the number 50 by that timeline.
 

Madokafc

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Perhaps increase their defense budget at least for a few years. Change from eastern weapons such as Russia, and china to countries that align with Bangladesh just as Turkey. Honestly, if we made a list it would be too long, but let me mention a few.

Air force:
- Order different types of drones such as TB2, ANKA, and akinci.
- 48 fighter jets ( F16/F15, Rafaele, Gripen


Land forces:
- Air defense systems

Navy:
- Unmanned boats
- Some corvettes/frigates.


I don't know the capabilities that Bangladesh has in terms of training, but a C4ISR structure and network are really important. Turkey could offer training to Bangladesh according to Nato standards. Myanmar is honestly not strong.

Bangladesh Navy and Army is quite okay actually

the Air Force is severely lacking on otherhand, Air Force is multiplier power deterrence for any armed forces if they can be handle as right as they are the most high tech branch and capital intensive

if i were Bangladesh planner responsible for their air force expansion plan, i would take the option

First, take two squadron of western made fighter, preferably Eurofighter Typhoon as Bangladesh has historical and closer ties with United Kingdom and United Kingdom doesn't have much political interest in Sub continent nowadays. Also, Eurofighter Typhoon is still in use and still in order from several Europen countries and also middle east customer, like Germany , Qatar and so on so they can still has opt for further future upgrade and support from OEM countries in decades to come. They are very good air superiority fighter and also one of the best interceptor out there. Your Air Force definitely need it to counter and deter growing air superiority assets of Myanmar Air Force.

Take the South Korean Boramae if the production line has been opened for foreign customer, they are force multiplier and already take loyal Wingman as part of its capability since is inception, though lately i am hear from some people, Indonesia is mulling to put non Korean made loyal wingman option for Indonesian KF 21 version (most likely Turkey made ones). One Boramae, accompanying by, let's say at least four Kizilelma they would be capable to carry significant munition and fire power.

For ISR assets, you need it sooner or later, starting from ESM capability, AWACS, jamming and other. Manned and umanned assets is needed.
 

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Perhaps increase their defense budget at least for a few years. Change from eastern weapons such as Russia, and china to countries that align with Bangladesh just as Turkey.
This process is already underway. For example, The tender for western origin fighter and frigates for BAF and BAN respectively.
Air force:
- Order different types of drones such as TB2, ANKA, and akinci.
- 48 fighter jets ( F16/F15, Rafaele, Gripen
Around 6/9 TB has been ordered already to be deployed in the south eastern region alongside the border of Myanmar, but it is for army aviation. hopefully air force will be able to get 6/12 Akinci in the future. and there is probably no need for Anka as for ISR mission i am betting on upcoming domestic drone which is being developed by BAF for a long time now.

the fighter should be Gripen or Typhoon. American or French option should not be prioritized.
- Air defense systems
You probably know it has been ordered already under MRSAM program.
- Unmanned boats
Not sure how much use unmanned boats will have.
I don't know the capabilities that Bangladesh has in terms of training, but a C4ISR structure and network are really important. Turkey could offer training to Bangladesh according to Nato standards. Myanmar is honestly not strong.
Well, when it comes to the matter of C4ISR it would be more helpful if we examine more spesifically.
So, for example when it comes to air force its primary job is air surveillance.
For that, there has been some good procurement recently. for example BAF ordered around 6 Kronos land radar from Leonardo, which is a GaN based AESA with a detection range of 250km.
As well as there is an order for 2 GM403 from Thales which has a range of 500km, and one of the best in its class. similar or more capable than ERIS.
And 1 Leonardo RAT-31DL has been already installed strategically along the coastline of bay of Bengal. Which also has 500km range.
These are all NATO standard latest generation European origin radars and if you look up BD and its surrounding airspace these are actually good enough.

What BAF really needs now is 1 regiment MRSAM and LRSAM each.

And when it comes to Areal ISR capability, with the procurement of 16/24 Typhoon or Rafale it will be accomplished effectively alongside with the domestic UAV and the possible future purchase of TB2 and Akinci.
@Madokafc
 
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F-6 enthusiast

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Excellent article, but it should have written from someone siting in Dhaka.

Personally i believe, it is always one of the biggest national security concern of BD if India under ultra right ruling class follows the the same path of genocidal regime of Myanmar and force millions of Muslims into our territory.
And given the socio cultural and socio political environment in India as the author mildly described it, it is always a possibility and should be taken seriously.

With Myanmar we can settle the score in next 10 to 15 years if we can build up our armed forces with a long term well thought strategy, as we got the advantage of much bigger economy and the access to Western and specially TURKISH military technology unlike Myanmar.

But in case of India if similar crisis breaks out, we wouldn't be able to do anything offensive against a conventionally much bigger and nuclear armed adversary even if we have a well developed armed force.

And in my opinion, probably the best way to prevent such thing happening is to integrate BD meaningfully into a broader multinational security structure with a superpower.
Otherwise, for BD to survive any similar refugee crisis with India or any great powers game in the region on its own would be near impossible.

@F-6 enthusiast bro! What's your thoughts on that?
Agree with what you said above (and with the author of the article).
We also hold some cards of our own , although it doesn't seem like they are being used for personal gain not national gain.
 

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With Myanmar we can settle the score in next 10 to 15 years if we can build up our armed forces with a long term well thought strategy, as we got the advantage of much bigger economy and the access to Western and specially TURKISH military technology unlike Myanmar.
The author states

''To be clear, there never had been, and never will be, a diplomatic solution to this problem -- unless Bangladesh can create sustained leverage over Myanmar''

We must solve this problem by military means. What Azerbaijan has done.

We should study the Azerbaijan Model of modernising the armed forces and the doctrine/strategies.
Azerbaijan Forces achieved the political goals in a relatively short period of time.

imo , the prerequisite for all this is
1. A national government that has the mandate of the people and the willpower to embark on increased defence spending
2. A strong and stable economy that can fund defence purchases
 

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Bangladesh could buy some Hisar-O and why not Siper in the future for their air defenses.
 

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Bangladesh could buy some Hisar-O and why not Siper in the future for their air defenses.
Bangladesh is already buying hisar-o. ( probably one regiment )
 

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Bangladesh Navy and Army is quite okay actually

the Air Force is severely lacking on otherhand, Air Force is multiplier power deterrence for any armed forces if they can be handle as right as they are the most high tech branch and capital intensive

if i were Bangladesh planner responsible for their air force expansion plan, i would take the option

First, take two squadron of western made fighter, preferably Eurofighter Typhoon as Bangladesh has historical and closer ties with United Kingdom and United Kingdom doesn't have much political interest in Sub continent nowadays. Also, Eurofighter Typhoon is still in use and still in order from several Europen countries and also middle east customer, like Germany , Qatar and so on so they can still has opt for further future upgrade and support from OEM countries in decades to come. They are very good air superiority fighter and also one of the best interceptor out there. Your Air Force definitely need it to counter and deter growing air superiority assets of Myanmar Air Force.

Take the South Korean Boramae if the production line has been opened for foreign customer, they are force multiplier and already take loyal Wingman as part of its capability since is inception, though lately i am hear from some people, Indonesia is mulling to put non Korean made loyal wingman option for Indonesian KF 21 version (most likely Turkey made ones). One Boramae, accompanying by, let's say at least four Kizilelma they would be capable to carry significant munition and fire power.

For ISR assets, you need it sooner or later, starting from ESM capability, AWACS, jamming and other. Manned and umanned assets is needed.
Any fighter jet such as typhoon, or any non-eastern ( except Korea) fighter jet would make the air force of Bangladesh superior. Myanmar has around 80 fighter jets of different types such as the Chinese J6/7, and mig 29. 48 fighter jets of the Typhoon or the KF21 would be more than enough. Honestly like i said Myanmar is not strong at all, Bangladesh should raise its defense budget for a couple of years to make the big procurement, and tilt the power.
 

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This process is already underway. For example, The tender for western origin fighter and frigates for BAF and BAN respectively.

Around 6/9 TB has been ordered already to be deployed in the south eastern region alongside the border of Myanmar, but it is for army aviation. hopefully air force will be able to get 6/12 Akinci in the future. and there is probably no need for Anka as for ISR mission i am betting on upcoming domestic drone which is being developed by BAF for a long time now.

the fighter should be Gripen or Typhoon. American or French option should not be prioritized.

You probably know it has been ordered already under MRSAM program.

Not sure how much use unmanned boats will have.

Well, when it comes to the matter of C4ISR it would be more helpful if we examine more spesifically.
So, for example when it comes to air force its primary job is air surveillance.
For that, there has been some good procurement recently. for example BAF ordered around 6 Kronos land radar from Leonardo, which is a GaN based AESA with a detection range of 250km.
As well as there is an order for 2 GM403 from Thales which has a range of 500km, and one of the best in its class. similar or more capable than ERIS.
And 1 Leonardo RAT-31DL has been already installed strategically along the coastline of bay of Bengal. Which also has 500km range.
These are all NATO standard latest generation European origin radars and if you look up BD and its surrounding airspace these are actually good enough.

What BAF really needs now is 1 regiment MRSAM and LRSAM each.

And when it comes to Areal ISR capability, with the procurement of 16/24 Typhoon or Rafale it will be accomplished effectively alongside with the domestic UAV and the possible future purchase of TB2 and Akinci.
@Madokafc
Nice, all the best wishes to Bangladesh.

It's nice that Bangladesh has invested in some very capable radars. But the C4ISR is more of an integrated solution that connects command, communication, and intelligence between the branches of the Armed forces of Bangladesh. Let me give you a few examples of some systems that contribute to the Moroccan C4ISR structure that we have. Our M1 abrams tanks for example have the blue force tracking box that has the capability to show all the troops that the tanks are friendly tanks, and they can work together against the enemy. You have perhaps seen Russian, or Chinese tank users using flags to coordinate between them. That's why you see that Nato forces do have a network structure in place so they can fight in the safest, and most efficient way. The C4ISR network is supposed to connect every system as small as tanks, radars, fighter jets, to frigates, etc.


 
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