While very Informative news........
Don’t you lot think it would be better for Bangladesh to Improve the Air Force 1st as that’s a bit weak?? of course there is a budget limit but
8-10 Mig 29s????? If that’s true then clearly the air force is at a Disadvantage in terms of readily combat aircraft available!!!
I’m assuming Mig 29 is the Main Multi Role Fighter Aircraft in BAF inventory correct?@
If you look at it most countries (or at least most of them) have better Air Forces then Navy and If there is hostilities then Bangladesh could be at a great disadvantage.
Also Note Mig 29 while a Tough Bird is but Damn Expensive even JF17 is New and Cheaper than that 30 years old Bird.
Just want to get your Analysis thx
Peace
According to reports, Bangladesh originally ordered 16 Fulcrums. That order was later reduced to half due to lack of infrastructure and resources to take care of them. Also, Russian after-sales service isn't that great, although it is improving. There were rumors that the MiGs cannibalized one another, but I do not know as to what extent that's true.
The current MiG-29 is the SE variant. There are plans to upgrade them.
Target major purchase
Big plan on war weapon purchase
Russian birds are cheaper than Western ones. As far as the costs of taking care of them goes, it depends on the end-user's infrastructure, ability to take care of them and how often they fly them.
As far as the MiGs are concerned, the BAF is somewhat an underfunded force. I do wish that it becomes better funded. At times I have come to think that we have too many tanks.
The navy is also very important, albeit the most important.
There have been discussions over procuring additional aircraft, namely the FC-1 and FC-20.
Bangladesh Eyes China Arms | Flashpoints
Bangladesh Is Negotiating With China To Get J-10 Fighter_Aircraft ~ ASIAN DEFENCE NEWS
There have been some rumors that they'd want more MiG-29s, although I doubt if that's in the interests of the BAF. However, both the FC-1 and FC-20 use Russian engines, but I think it is still better to operate the single-engined aircraft rather than a twin-engined one.
I doubt if China is willing to sell the FC-20 through the current Bangladesh government since it is currently heavily in line with Indian interests. At best, it'll be exported to limited countries with whom China has good relations with, and sees it as strategically fit.
The FC-1 is a realistic option for BAF, but the problem is that Hasina and her party are extremely anti-Pakistan.
So, at the moment, it is a no-go situation as long as the AL remains in power. Additional Russian birds (or God forbid Indian), making it into service of the BAF is very unlikely.