To be clear, the F-7BGI already has the 86km range KLJ-6F radar installed and so in theory with some software modifications it should be able to fire the SD-10A BVR missile. 86km is just long enough to be used effectively against BVR targets.
OK, not any good against MAF JF-17 Block 2s and the soon to be coming SU-30SMEs but they may be at least able to hold their own against the 30 Mig-29s that MAF has with the old downgraded N-019E radar and the R-27 missile. I am talking purely in defensive mode in order to defend point targets like airbases and strategic installations.
With some smart thinking, BAF should be able to field an airforce very quickly(12-18 months max.) and cheaply with 16 SD-10A equipped F-7BGIs and 8 Mig-29BMs with extended range R-77 missiles. Now the MAF just cannot walk over BAF anymore and this changes the military balance back in BD's favour.
Myanmar's political earthquake has severely weakened its strength.
Personally, I don't think this is a good time to buy fighterjets.
Because within five to 10 years, there will be a variety of new generation fighters on the market.
Many countries have delayed fighter jet purchases or are buying only light fightersto get
through the transition.
The countries that are still buying heavy fighter jets are countries that are under a lot of military pressure.
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a third generation fighter, it will be obsolete in the 2030s, and its
service life will be at least 30 years.
This is the golden period of development for many countries, the US and Europe will use a lot of
power to suppress China, they don't have the strength to suppress other countries, they don't
dare to suppress many countries like Turkey and Iran too much, because they are afraid that
excessive repression will lead them to be closer to China.
Bangladesh also has this advantage now, the more it gets closer to China, the more it will be
treated well by Europe, USA and even India.
Iran and China signed a 25 year deal and the US immediately said it would lift sanctions based
on the same logic.
All in all, I think Bangladesh should buy some cheap planes now and wait for 5 years to negotiate for a new generation of fighter jets. The benefit of this is saving money and having a new generation of more powerful fighter jets.