If I am not wrong, Gripen outsources a lot of it's parts from various countries and the Engine coming from US. While on paper it looks like the cheapest and best option, there is a strategic complication with Gripen procurement. BD has recently communicated openly we will not be signing security pact with US. Clearly we don't want US string attached to anything. Procuring Gripen would allow just that. Otherwise we could have gone for F 16s or F18s for that 3 billion.
So Gripen is definitely not happening for now.
This is an excellent point.
The choice of which fighter for BAF is more of a strategic one than a tactical one.
What the news reveals is that it will be a WESTERN design.
MONUMENTAL shift for BAF.
Secondly, most likely new build.
Again major shift.
Third, if the recent news is any indication, Bangladesh seems to be wanting to stay out of the US/China cold war as much as possible.
i.e. continuously stating it views the Indo-Pacific plans from the US as a non military entity. i.e. economic etc.
So looks like US options are out including Apache, GE engines for Gripen and AMRAAM. (unless things happen behinds the scenes which we do not know)
On the flip side, if BAF does choose Eurofighter, we are looking at Bangladesh beginning to source EXPENSIVE high end kit from Europe.
Allowing BAF to field a technologically modern force without being attached to US whims and at the same time leaving the door open for Chinese hardware.
Fourth point, the presence of Typhoon in BAF is a MAJOR psychological hit to Bangladesh's neighbors.
Especially if Tranche 3B or Tranche 4.
Perhaps the most capable birds in South Asia.
Certainly enough for Myanmar and even though its only 16 for now, may give India the nudge that says Bangladesh can't be walked over anymore.
Regardless bhais, rejoice these snippets of news and enjoy the process!!!