UK High Commissioner on Eurofighter Prospect for BAF: "Sovereignty Doesn't Come Cheap"

[Bilal9]

Only yesterday I heard from a Japanese that the Mitsubishi Company of Japan researched for two decades to build civilian planes. It was built but was not recognized by IATA or some other international authority.

And in the process of research, Mitsubishi spent and lost $10 billion worth of money. Note that it was Mitsubishi that built 0 fighters in the 1940s that was the best in the world at that time. Subaru was another company.

The Mitsubishi SpaceJet (Japanese: 三菱スペースジェット, originally named Mitsubishi Regional Jet) was a regional jet project by Japanese company Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation (MAC), a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) subsidiary. On 6 February 2023, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries terminated the Spacejet project alltogether, stating the uncertainty of the regional jet market size, and announced plans to dissolve its Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation subsidiary.

Among other factors in its demise, two other regional jet competitors which were introduced sooner was the slightly larger Airbus (Bombardier) A220 and the Embraer (Brazil) 190 E2. The regional jet market was already saturated and could not take a 3rd contender without inflicting heavy losses on all contenders.

Mitsubishi SpaceJet - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Tom-tom]

The J-10 was never available to any foreign state until recently. Even the PAF got 30-40 combat aircraft

Jet engines are a question mark with respect to China. Chinese are not interest in sharing the technology at least upto this point


You do not have a border with China

China has offered it to bdesh many times, but did not want to be to out spoken about it. As they did not want their j-10 humiliated by org/dept, that doesn't know which way to go or to look.

It something that have been doing slightly debilitatly, as they don't want puppet string welded to them.

 

[Bengal71]

Why does BD want to buy such fancy warplanes? Who would attack them or who would they attack?

If they want to buy a good fighter why not go for JF 17?

Regards

I see what you did there. A tricky effort wasn't really required to gauge Bengali perception/opinion about acquiring weapons systems from Pakistan. Here it is below, it may vary though given we Bengalis are a painful bunch in terms of varied opinions which is a good thing BTW.

The JF-17 is better than what we have now but not a good enough fighter. I also think Pakistan can't be trusted given they supplied the Burmese with the same jet, acquisition of the jet represents a conflict of interest. Besides, Bengali pride is a major issue specially in the Awami League era, which is a good thing BTW.

We have waited so long why not wait a little longer and get the Turkish TFX/Kaan? It would be cheaper and far more modern, plus less likely of sanctions.

It does not exist. There is no guarantee it will exist by 2030 and even less chance of them scaling up production enough to supply us by 2035-2040.

Bangladesh cannot fully trust UK against India and China agaist Burma for ongoing wartime support hence the need for a Western-Chinese mix.


We are surrounded by unreliable (and at times, hostile) countries operating Rafales and Su-30 variants. If we cannot stand up to these jets, no point in maintaining an air force. JF-17s would not cut it.

Bangladesh finds itself in a perplexing geopolitical situation, it's a matter of bad luck not a matter of lack of strategy.

We have two potential adversaries, namely India and Myanmar. The two adversaries are aligned with the two global powers at the moment, namely the western power (US and European alliance) and the Eastern Power (China and Russia alliance). There is no third option unfortunately. Only solution is a sub-optimal and expensive one which is procurement of systems for the same role from two different powers, effectively doubling acquisition and maintenance costs. It's untenable at the moment, specially that we are not a wealthy nation. Bangladesh finds itself in between a rock and a hard place.

 

[nahtanbob]

We have two potential adversaries, namely India and Myanmar. The two adversaries are aligned with the two global powers at the moment, namely the western power (US and European alliance) and the Eastern Power (China and Russia alliance). There is no third option unfortunately. Only solution is a sub-optimal and expensive one which is procurement of systems for the same role from two different powers, effectively doubling acquisition and maintenance costs. It's untenable at the moment, specially that we are not a wealthy nation. Bangladesh finds itself in between a rock and a hard place.

nice way of summarizing

 

[Kaleem.61]

The decision to purchase military equipment, such as fighter jets, involves various factors, including cost, capabilities, diplomatic considerations, and potential sanctions. It ultimately depends on the specific requirements and priorities of the country involved.

If Bangladesh is looking to acquire advanced fighter jets and is concerned about affordability and potential sanctions, exploring alternative options could be a reasonable approach. China's J-10 fighter jet is a domestically developed aircraft that offers advanced capabilities and is generally considered more affordable than Western counterparts like the F-16.

However, it's important to note that the procurement of military equipment involves several considerations beyond the initial cost. Factors such as interoperability with existing systems, maintenance and logistics support, training, and the overall defense relationship with the supplying country must be carefully evaluated.

Moreover, political and diplomatic considerations may play a significant role in such decisions. The relationship between Bangladesh and the United States, for example, could impact the availability and support of military equipment.

Ultimately, the choice between the EFT (European Fighter Typhoon), F-16, or J-10 would depend on Bangladesh's specific needs, available resources, strategic considerations, and the geopolitical landscape at the time of the decision. It would be advisable for the Bangladeshi government to conduct a thorough assessment and consult with defense experts to make an informed decision.

 

[Tom-tom]

I see what you did there. A tricky effort wasn't really required to gauge Bengali perception/opinion about acquiring weapons systems from Pakistan. Here it is below, it may vary though given we Bengalis are a painful bunch in terms of varied opinions which is a good thing BTW.

The JF-17 is better than what we have now but not a good enough fighter. I also think Pakistan can't be trusted given they supplied the Burmese with the same jet, acquisition of the jet represents a conflict of interest. Besides, Bengali pride is a major issue specially in the Awami League era, which is a good thing BTW.



It does not exist. There is no guarantee it will exist by 2030 and even less chance of them scaling up production enough to supply us by 2035-2040.



Bangladesh finds itself in a perplexing geopolitical situation, it's a matter of bad luck not a matter of lack of strategy.

We have two potential adversaries, namely India and Myanmar. The two adversaries are aligned with the two global powers at the moment, namely the western power (US and European alliance) and the Eastern Power (China and Russia alliance). There is no third option unfortunately. Only solution is a sub-optimal and expensive one which is procurement of systems for the same role from two different powers, effectively doubling acquisition and maintenance costs. It's untenable at the moment, specially that we are not a wealthy nation. Bangladesh finds itself in between a rock and a hard place.

The Indonesian/S.korean project - will defo be scaled up. To meet the needs of 3 seperate states.

Ishalla these guys crack it. It may be our saving grace.

We buy from west, these gems in the sky, and it will be a self fulling prophecy like Syria or Ukraine.

 

[Cheepek]

Then to use bdesh like cannon fodder, against China.

What can BD do to China?

It will be a scene to behold here when BD Air Force signs a contract for some variant of Tejas.

 

[bluesky]

We have waited so long why not wait a little longer and get the Turkish TFX/Kaan? It would be cheaper and far more modern, plus less likely of sanctions.

The baby is inside the mother’s womb. No one really knows if the Turkish plane would be a stillborn.

Turkey has little experience to build a plane or the engine. A fighter plane needs matured engine. Russia and many other European countries have matured engines.

But, when even Chinese engines are not yet matured, how do you expect Turkic plane engines would be matured with no experience?

 

[Sandwalk]

What can BD do to China?

It will be a scene to behold here when BD Air Force signs a contract for some variant of Tejas.

M Y A N M A R

Why write such silly comments knowing
The United States want to contain China in all possible ways. A naval base in Chittagong will give the US full surveillance of Chinese trade routes, ports and eventual wartime installations in Myanmar.

Also, a 200+ million strong country bordering its «ally» is not optimal for US Indo-Pacific strategy. Historically, very few major power has been successfully able to control the subcontinent without having control of the Ganges-Bramaputra delta.

 

[Bengal71]

M Y A N M A R

Why write such silly comments knowing
The United States want to contain China in all possible ways. A naval base in Chittagong will give the US full surveillance of Chinese trade routes, ports and eventual wartime installations in Myanmar.

Also, a 200+ million strong country bordering its «ally» is not optimal for US Indo-Pacific strategy. Historically, very few major power has been successfully able to control the subcontinent without having control of the Ganges-Bramaputra delta.

There is a better way. They can build the base in Myanmar itself by befriending and indulging the generals.

 

[Cheepek]

M Y A N M A R

Why write such silly comments knowing
The United States want to contain China in all possible ways. A naval base in Chittagong will give the US full surveillance of Chinese trade routes, ports and eventual wartime installations in Myanmar.

You really believe US needs BD to keep an eye on Myanmar?

 

[Sandwalk]

There is a better way. They can build the base in Myanmar itself by befriending and indulging the generals.

Can try yes but Chinese influence is way too strong. China-Russia is protecting Myanmar.

You really believe US needs BD to keep an eye on Myanmar?

View attachment 930137

Yes i think so.
For two reasons: India is unrealible, indian coast is still quite a distance from Myanmar. Third: A strong Chinese presence in BD with a booming industry means China containment in Subcontinent fails, plus Indo prt of Indo-Pacific fails.

The US likes to have Options and have millitary bases next border to unfriendly nations.

 

[Cheepek]

Can try yes but Chinese influence is way too strong. China-Russia is protecting Myanmar.



Yes i think so.
For two reasons: India is unrealible, indian coast is still quite a distance from Myanmar. Third: A strong Chinese presence in BD with a booming industry means China containment in Subcontinent fails, plus Indo prt of Indo-Pacific fails.

The US likes to have Options and have millitary bases next border to unfriendly nations.

India is unreliable having logistics, communications and intelligence sharing agreements with US. Okay.

 

[Sandwalk]

India is unreliable having logistics, communications and intelligence sharing agreements with US. Okay.

India is a member of NDB, SCO and supports Russia in Ukraine.

India is in limbo, and the US know that, plus India wants to carve out a separate pole for itself, maybe even try to dominate the Indian ocean region, which is Against long term US interests of continued US SUPREMACY in all theaters.

 

[Cheepek]

India is a member of NDB, SCO and supports Russia in Ukraine.

India is in limbo, and the US know that, plus India wants to carve out a separate pole for itself, maybe even try to dominate the Indian ocean region, which is Against long term US interests of continued US SUPREMACY in all theaters.

I agree with you on the latter. No substance against China though. India is the only country which has had a military conflict with China in the recent years, and probably one of very few countries in the world which will have it again.