Bangladesh Air-Force MRCA Program

[Marlii]

What is the current state of this program?

 

[Afif]

What is the current state of this program?

Stuck. (Lack of Funding and political turmoil)


Note- India seriously needs to consider threatening Bangladesh from time to time. That may up our defence projects/procurement to a necessary rate.

 

[Gary]

Even chat gpt agrees with you. I prodded it a lot to figure out the best platform for BAF and gripen came out on top with cost and technology advantage over rafale and euro fighter

If I'm the chief of BAF. Any adequate 4th gen fighter (1 squadron)+ AWACS+MRTT if possible is enough.

 

[Afif]

If I'm the chief of BAF. Any adequate 4th gen fighter (1 squadron)+ AWACS+MRTT if possible is enough.

Let me explain in details once and for all.

First and foremost, Russia is out of option.

Secondly, if we want to buy from J-10C from PRC, then we have to buy at least two squadron (32x) to match Myanmar AF fire power. (They have 50+ 4th gen fighter)

But then there is that sufficient possibility of PRC double crossing us in any future conflcit with Myanmar.

And this is based on previous experience.

And then of course, there is that Rohinga crisis, in which they are in bed with Myanmar.

China was the front runner for Navy's ongoing frigate program.

But Rohinga Crisis was one of the reason Bangladesh started to looking at other options. (Along with the plan to move toward NATO standard as much possible)

But most important of all, the immediate consequence of such purchase from China is likely to be that our Big neighbor India would be extremely irritated if we buy such advanced Chinese platforms in that numbers. It will have geopolitical consequences that Bangladesh does not want to avoid. (For understanble reason)

Hence our only logical option is West.

That is the geopolitical aspect of this.

From a technical point of view, for now even Just one squadron will Eurofighter trench 4 will give us qualitative overmatch against Myanmar air force.

Also, it will be the first step in developing credible deterrence against our big neighbor.

Becuase otherwise Chinese J-10 does not have qualitative match for Rafale that India will soon induct in numbers under MRFA program.

About AWACS, it is doubtful if we need one. And when it comes to tanker, we definitely don't need that.

 

[Gary]

Let me explain in details.

First and foremost, Russia is out of option.

Secondly, if we want to buy from J-10C from PRC, then we have to buy at least two squadron (32x) to match Myanmar AF fire power. (They have 50+ 4th gen fighter)

That's why there's the AWACS as a force multiplier.

reason)

Hence our only logical option is West.
That is the geopolitical aspect of this.

From a technical point of view, for now even Just one squadron will Eurofighter trench 4 will give us qualitative overmatch against Myanmar air force.

Also, it will be the first step in developing credible deterrence against our big neighbor.


About AWACS, it is doubtful if we need one. And when it comes to tanker, we definitely don't need that.

Money in the end torpedo this kind of hope, if it's not for China + Prabowo. We would not likely have Rafale and F-15EX. The reason why we have those nice things is because of national urgency and luck, yes we are lucky to have Prabowo as DefMin. Had other people been selected by Jokowi as DefMin, it's a completely different story altogether

From what I see and understand Bangladesh doesn't really care about the urgency and there's no DefMin the like of Prabowo who understands the need for modern weapons and actually lobbied the Ministry of Finance to finance those projects.

Any 4th gen jet, even second-hand old block refurbished F-16 like @Isa Khan said, when it comes equipped with the correct force multiplier and correct pilot training is more than enough, especially against air force the likes of Myanmar (lol).

 

[Nilgiri]

Note- India seriously needs to consider threatening Bangladesh from time to time. That may up our defence projects/procurement to a necessary rate.

Nothing of the sort will be done. India desires as friendly relationship as possible with BD.

BD has all it needs to ramp up its game stemming from Burma anyway.

It is BD intelligentsa job to question why the GDP estimates by the BBS under the SHW regime have not materialised into commensurate forex and tax base....which are crucial to propel the defence sector in the end.

 

[Marlii]

Dassault planning Rafale Assembly Line in India with an eye on Indian Navy & Air Force orders – Indian Defence Research Wing

idrw.org

The indian MMRCA program is now picking up pace.

 

[Isa Khan]

The way new chief talked it looks like new MRCA isn't coming anytime soon. BAF should've settled down with J-10C for now as all other production lines are busy. $1 billion was enough to get two squadrons with MRO. Facilities was good enough for Chinese aircraft. The deal wouldn't put too much stress on forex. The way former two chiefs begged for new MRCA I don't know who's to blame anymore.

 

[Afif]

The way new chief talked it looks like new MRCA isn't coming anytime soon. BAF should've settled down with J-10C for now as all other production lines are busy. $1 billion was enough to get two squadrons with MRO. Facilities was good enough for Chinese aircraft. The deal wouldn't put too much stress on forex. The way former two chiefs begged for new MRCA I don't know who's to blame anymore.

Well, I would be happy if it doesn't come. I honestly changed my mind about ultra expensive twin engine eurocanards. I think best solution is FA-50 or Hurjet. They arguably pack similar technology, though being much lesser in volume. I.e range and payload. But we don't seriously need either that much. As our main goal is A2A interception. Not heavy A2G fire power or long range strikes mission/CAP.

Specially, what we are reading about Hurjet with GaN based AESA with 200km range and Gokhan ramjet BVR, it could be game changer for us as it balances cost and capability perfectly.

 

[PutinBro]

Forex reserves are expected to rise to 25 billion (gross) according to BPM-6 method by the end of next June.Basically eating up 24-25 fiscal year despite various measures taken by BB.25 billion in BPM-6 will mean around 30 billion in BB method.

Before economic crisis our reserve was close to 50 billion in BB method.So you can all see the picture, at least 2 more(including 24-25) fiscal years needed before we can reach pre crisis level.All this at a time when we should be aiming for at least 100 billion in forex reserve ...

 

[Bluetooth]

Forex reserves are expected to rise to 25 billion (gross) according to BPM-6 method by the end of next June.Basically eating up 24-25 fiscal year despite various measures taken by BB.25 billion in BPM-6 will mean around 30 billion in BB method.

Before economic crisis our reserve was close to 50 billion in BB method.So you can all see the picture, at least 2 more(including 24-25) fiscal years needed before we can reach pre crisis level.All this at a time when we should be aiming for at least 100 billion in forex reserve ...

Source?

 

[PutinBro]

Source?

Will BB steps build up reserves? Not so soon

Bangladesh Bank’s steps to boost the country’s foreign currency reserves will not yield any positive results overnight.

www.thedailystar.net

 

[Isa Khan]

I think best solution is FA-50 or Hurjet.

They arguably pack similar technology

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has revealed more details about the planned upgrade of its FA-50 Fighting Eagle light combat aircraft, 60 examples of which are currently in service with the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF).

Speaking to Janes at the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition 2021 (ADEX 2021) held from 19–23 October, company officials said the upgrade, which is aimed at enhancing both the range and combat capabilities of the platform, is set to include fitting the aircraft with a conformal 300-gallon fuel tank for extended range and integrating the platform with targeting pods and new weapons systems, including mid-range air-to-surface missiles and beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAMs).

Potential candidates for the mid-range air-to-surface missile include Kongsberg and Raytheon's Joint Strike Missile (JSM), Roketsan's Stand-Off Missile (SOM), and the Taurus KEPD 350K-2 from Taurus Systems. That said, South Korea's Agency for Defense Development (ADD), which is also involved in the FA-50 upgrade, has also expressed its intension to develop such a missile.

According to KAI, the upgrade, which is expected to begin in 2022, will also involve fitting the aircraft with a multi-mode fire-control radar, a glass cockpit with a large area display, a helmet-mounted display, an aerial refuelling capability, electronic warfare systems, a multimode network-centric system, a new tactical data link, and a digital flight control system with triple redundancy. The move is meant to convert the FA-50, which is also being offered for export, into a “true multi-role combat aircraft”, noted KAI.

If BAF opts EFT then this could be a good cost effective option to supplement Yak-130 fleet and replace obsolete F-7 fleet while maintaining both quality and quantity at the same time.

ADEX 2021: KAI reveals more details about FA-50 upgrade plans

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has revealed more details about the planned upgrade of its FA-50 Fighting Eagle light combat aircraft, 60 examples of which are...

www.janes.com

https://www.facebook.com/ROKArmedForces/posts/4330925773672443

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Hurjet trainer version is still in prototype phase. The combat version is still in conceptual phase. It was only showcased with bvr, sraam & teber but still we need more details i think. TAI will need to supply the Turkish demand first if they roll out the combat version.

But a combat version of FA-50 already exists. KAI already produced lots of airframes and is working on to manufacture block 20 for Poland which will be even better. KAI is also reviving the plan to produce a single seat combat version. So yes FA-50 with Turkish weapon+meteor can be a good option. But we've not GSOMIA yet and we can get only 16 in $1 billion.

I was actually talking about a MMRCA not light multi-role fighter. Also, forgot about Gripen. A Gripen+J-10 combo would be nice but doesn't look like Saab is interested.

 

[Isa Khan]

The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing has dismissed a report about a potential deal with France for Rafale fighter jets, calling the claims “unfounded”.

This response comes after a report by the Indian publication The Sunday Guardian claimed “France aims to finalise Rafale deal with Bangladesh” thanks to renewed negotiations under the interim government led by Prof Muhammad Yunus.

“Bangladesh’s Interim Government isn’t aware of any such deal in the offing,” said the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing in a Facebook post. “Bangladesh has not received any official request from France yet to revive the negotiations.”

The potential Rafale deal was initially discussed in 2019 under the administration of the then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The negotiations stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, there has been no official effort to revisit the agreement, the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing said.

CA’s Press Wing calls report on potential France-Bangladesh Rafale deal “untrue”

The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing has dismissed a report about a potential deal with France for Rafale fighter jets, calling the claims “unfounded”. This response comes after a rep

unb.com.bd

France seeks Rafale deal with Bangladesh

France aims to finalise Rafale deal with Bangladesh as discussions gain momentum under Caretaker PM Mohammad Yunus. New Delhi: France is hoping that the

sundayguardianlive.com

 

[Isa Khan]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1864605027517735185

 

[Isa Khan]

The dignitary expressed profound interest in sophisticated military hardware being developed, notably the JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, and highlighted an earliest initiation of formal process for technical and technological assessment of the platform. For the purpose, a formal invitation would be extended for evaluation team visit to Pakistan.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=865882885522923

 

[Isa Khan]

The governments of Bangladesh and China discussed the potential sale of combat aircraft for the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), according to a press statement released by the Office of the Chief Adviser of the Government of Bangladesh on March 28th.

The announcement came alongside numerous other matters discussed during Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’ official visit to Beijing, where he met Chinese President Xi Jinping as well as other top Chinese officials.

Notes and Comments​

Since the mid-2010s, the BAF actively sought new multirole combat aircraft to modernize its fleet. Under Forces Goal 2030 roadmap, the BAF released a tender in 2017 for up to 12 new multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA) to be bought in two batches.

The tender specified the need for a twin-engine platform equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar providing air-to-air and air-to-surface range of 150 km and 50 km, respectively, helmet-mounted display and sight (HMD/S) system, integrated electronic warfare (EW) and electronic countermeasures (ECM) suite, and payload capacity of at least 5,000 kg, among other requirements.

In effect, the original requirement narrowed the BAF’s focus to the Russian MiG-35, which was offered to Dhaka by the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). However, a deal was not signed. It seemed that Bangladesh shifted its focus to Western aircraft, with the Dassault Group Rafale being a candidate at some point. But as with past initiatives for new fighter aircraft, Dhaka did not finalize an agreement, thus leaving the BAF with increasingly obsolete fighter aircraft.

Since the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government, it seemed that momentum was once again returning to a potential BAF fighter program, with Chinese options being the key focal point of Dhaka’s interest. This would mark a significant shift as, in the 2010s, it appeared that Russia would secure a new BAF fighter deal, especially as it supplied the Yak-130 advanced trainer to Bangladesh shortly before the original fighter tender was released.

Currently, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) offers two multirole fighter aircraft for export: the J-10CE produced by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC), and the JF-17, which is co-produced by CAC and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC).

In January 2025, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) promoted the JF-17C Block-3 to Bangladesh during a visit by a military delegation led by Lt. Gen. S.M. Kamrul Hassan. The Block-3 is the latest JF-17 variant, introducing an AESA radar, HMD/S, ECM capability, and other capability gains to the platform, which is now the mainstay fighter of the PAF fleet.

While this issue is still in its early stages, several factors could contribute towards a potential Chinese fighter sale to Bangladesh.

For Dhaka, Chinese aircraft offer technologically modern options at competitive price points. Both the J-10CE and JF-17C are offered with AESA radars, HMD/S, and long-range air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions. The PAF bought the J-10CE for $75 million USD per unit, while the JF-17C would cost less. Moreover, Beijing can offer credit or loans to back a deal.

For Beijing, a fighter sale creates a pathway for it to expand its presence in South Asia while potentially dividing India’s attention further by nurturing another credible military threat in the region, augmenting Pakistan’s presence. Bangladesh could follow up a fighter purchase with the procurement of new, longer-ranged surface-to-air missiles (SAM), for example.

Bangladeshi and Chinese Leaders Talk Possible Fighter Sale - Quwa

The governments of Bangladesh and China discussed the potential sale of combat aircraft for the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF)

quwa.org

Chief Adviser GOB

Bangladesh, China to elevate ties to new height BEIJING, March 28: China and Bangladesh have decided to elevate their relations to a new height after a historic bilateral meeting between President...

www.facebook.com

 

[Isa Khan]

Bangladesh Air Force pilots fly with Eurofighter Typhoons in Italy during the AeroSpace Power Conference (APSC). Being invited by the Italian Air Chief Luca Goretti, Bangladesh participated in the event, scheduled from 8 May to 9 May 2025. During the visit, the Bangladeshi delegation visited Leonardo's facilities, including the Eurofighter Typhoon, UAV, and C130 maintenance plants.