MiG-35? Don’t the Indians already have them? Plus I’d genuinely hate to see Myanmar going for the same fighters after we purchase them. We should consider our neighbors’ strength, the fighter jets they use and go for the ones they don’t have and are unlikely to acquire in the future. And we should also keep in mind that a fighter’s look isn’t going to play any particular role during warfare, its combat efficiency is. In this regard, my first and only choice would be F-18 Super Hornet since our economy is larger and more stable than ever. As you’ve posted earlier on US refusing to sell F-16 to us back in 1999 I just hope that they don’t refuse us this time. And I’m quite optimistic they won’t, since the US Navy left one F-18 fighter for BAF as a gift, and that’s a positive sign.
The MIG-35 is still currently under development with only the last phases in the project remaining. It comes with good features, but Russian end-user support isn't good as experienced with the current MIGs we have. As a rule of thumb, the procurement cost is 1/3 of the total cost of the total lifespan of the aircraft. Those MIGs aren't cheap to maintain and arm. Air-to-air missiles usually have a shelf life of around 2-3 years. An American aircraft would be even more expensive.
During the MMRCA in India, the MIG-35 was one of the contenders. It lost to the Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon. The F-16 and the F-18 was part of that competition, but lost out to the European birds.
India selects EF, Rafale for MMRCA shortlist
http://www.defence.pk/forums/india-defence/105832-india-selects-ef-rafale-mmrca-shortlist.html
Here are the results of the criteria used by the Indians during MMRCA:
Source:
http://g2globalsolutions.com/review/?p=5608
The Rafale has a solid chance to win, and it is a formidable aircraft. Plus nuke capable.
As far as we are concerned, I don't know about the American jets. The F-18 as a gift seems like a very odd gift to give to someone
It don't necessarily guarantee that American officials would permit the sale of American made birds to Bangladesh. And if they do, they may not be come with great features. Another thing we need to take into account is that India is considered the most important country to US strategy in South Asia. Anything that opposes India may not suit well to US interests. And unlike India and China, we are not an economic powerhouse and have a long way to go to become economically self-sufficient.
In fact, when Bangladesh bought the MIG-29s, many, including the US and India were surprised as to why Bangladesh even need such advanced jets in the first place, especially considering that Bangladesh didn't face any "credible" threat. The AL failed to give a valid reason for the procurement to begin with, both to Bangladeshis and other countries concerned. It was simply done to fill their pockets.
I agree on the part that we do need sufficient defense with respect to our requirements, what I don't agree with as some users here are implying is getting into an arms race with our neighbors. We don't see Nepal, Bhutan or even Sri Lanka (fought a bloody civil war) doing that. It is simply not the nature of Bangladesh and our founding. The Bangladeshi politicians and officials understand that very well.
