Bangladesh Air Force Pilots Spotted in JF-17 Cockpit in Pakistan, Potential Acquisition of 32 Jets as European Options Deemed Cost-Prohibitive

In a notable shift in military procurement strategy, Bangladesh appears to be turning its attention towards the JF-17 Thunder, a joint venture between China and Pakistan. This comes after earlier considerations of acquiring more advanced Western and Chinese fighters such as the Eurofighter Typhoon, Rafale, and J-10CE.

The shift in interest was highlighted when Bangladeshi pilots were recently photographed in the cockpits of JF-17 jets during a visit to Pakistan, as reported by various Pakistani media outlets.

Bangladesh's pursuit of modernizing its air force has been marked by a careful evaluation of various aircraft. Initially, there were reports of interest in the Eurofighter Typhoon and later in the French Rafale, both renowned for their advanced capabilities and technology.

However, the high costs associated with these Western jets, along with potential geopolitical considerations, may have prompted Bangladesh to explore more affordable options.

The interest in the J-10CE, China's fourth-generation-plus fighter, signaled Bangladesh's intent to diversify its military assets and explore alternatives.

The JF-17, priced at approximately $40 million per unit, presents a significantly more affordable option compared to its Western counterparts. This makes it an attractive proposition for Bangladesh, which needs to balance military modernization with economic constraints.

Another key factor contributing to Bangladesh's interest in the JF-17 is the familiarity of its pilots with the aircraft's engine. The JF-17 utilizes the Russian Klimov RD-93 engine, similar to the RD-33 engines powering Bangladesh's MiG-29 fleet. This commonality could streamline training, maintenance, and logistics, reducing costs and easing the integration of the JF-17 into the existing air force structure.

While the JF-17 may not be as advanced as the Eurofighter or Rafale, it offers a balanced package for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, aligning well with Bangladesh's defence requirements. Furthermore, its design allows for future upgrades, ensuring the aircraft can remain relevant as technology advances.

 

[Kiran Kumar]

I think China is using the String of Pearls concept nicely, by keeping neighbors away from us. Pakistan had JF-17 and is improving them. Now, Bangladesh will get JF-17, next Sri Lanka will purchase, after 1-2 years Nepal will get them. What we do is, we are closely watching our neighbors' movements. Ghanta, watching.

 

[sanket]

It's good news Bangladesh is showing interest in the JF-17. Myanmar has already grounded its JF-17 fleet. Hope in the future Bangladesh will join them.

 

[obiwankenubi jedi]

Whose influence is Bangladesh under?

Seems to be China for sure, but then why or how did we consider them our allies for decades?! Was it due to US pressure then?

It's only logical that they will go to Pakistan and buy JF-17s then, after buying Chinese submarines, tanks, and drones from Turkey.

No wonder we need Russia and America both as our allies to ward off the China, North Korea, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Turkey, Azerbaijan axis.

India needs Tejas Mk1a and Mk2 soon to keep them under control and decide on MRFA.

 

[Bhishma]

I think China is using the String of Pearls concept nicely, by keeping neighbors away from us. Pakistan had JF-17 and is improving them. Now, Bangladesh will get JF-17, next Sri Lanka will purchase, after 1-2 years Nepal will get them. What we do is, we are closely watching our neighbors' movements. Ghanta, watching.

String of pearls doesn't mean $hit. SL already gave us Mattala airport, so forget them. Nepal is heavily dependent on India; their people have zero options other than India. At best, their sellout politicians could be a mosquito bite. Pakistan is checked by Afg/BLA and BD by the Arakan army. India also contained China's global superpower ambition by selling carrier-killer tech to the Philippines/Indonesia; let's not forget that. They are nothing more than a regional power now. So stop pushing this China-Pak propaganda that they are some strategic genius. They are not. India has done pretty well so far.

 

[saffronsword]

🤣🤣😂😂

 

[saffronsword]

only advantage of JF 17 is its cost effective and can be assembled in large numbers rapidly....... if i am not wrong....

 

[saffronsword]

An evil smell must have been left behind in the cockpit after he left.......

 

[Enforcer]

Swift soft actions are needed against Bangladesh before it become a major problem for India. A well coordinated and documented and organized news reporting needs to be done on Bangladesh to expose their islamic extremists roots to the west. Also Bangladesh needs to be diplomatically isolated from the west and labeled as an radical country with the likes of iraq, syria and pakistan. More efforts are needed to cutoff their trading ties to the west and divert all jobs back to india. Ruin them financially to avoid bangladesh becoming stronger militarily.

 

[saffronsword]

pakis are doing something smart.....they are upgrading the JF 17 regularly as they go along.....thats whats worrying.....

 

[Bhishma]

Interesting point to note is China has fully resorted to proxy warfare now and no more direct engagement. 2030 onwards China wont be problem for us. They are on severe decline. This is just the last breath of the dragon. If a global economic crisis hits, it will be the last nail in their coffin. They have $4tn forex in dollars & made several bad loans - all that money will be flushed down the drain. We need to look beyond China. The real enemy USA will start showing their face - world's #1 nuisance. China is playing a very stupid game locking horns with us. Our biggest common enemy for both of us is the US. Logically it will make sense for China and India to work together and confront USA.

But there is severe trust deficit with China today. They had tremendous goodwill ~2015. Instead of converting that goodwill, they went in a stupid direction attacking us in Galwan, surrounding us with pearls, claiming our territory. If they had made a deal with us, we could have ensured their energy security & solved their Malacca dilemma. We could have easily created a Gujarat to Tibet energy/trade route for them. They invested so much in CPEC - US will never allow it and Pak backstabbed them.

 

[WarTech]

Whose influence is Bangladesh under?

Seems to be China for sure, but then why or how did we consider them our allies for decades?! Was it due to US pressure then?

Many people were clamoring that US was the one who made the coup, but it was China the mastermind along with ISI support.

 

[Kumar Naresh]

जेएफ 17 का एकमात्र लाभ यह है कि यह लागत प्रभावी है और इसे बड़ी संख्या में तेजी से जोड़ा जा सकता है.... अगर मैं गलत नहीं हूं तो....

200% Right

 

[sishir]

We have Mr Doval and Mr Jayshankar master of international strategy. They could not see this coming?? I am saying Pakistan and Bangladesh will now enter strategic cooperation
Let's check and stop the impact on north east. Mr ZI is planning all moves from Beijing. We will stay with atmanirbar Bharat.

 

[Joydip 1978]

Amidst all these developments in our neighboring countries one thing that's disturbing us is the lack of 5th Gen Fighter Jets in our side.It's high time we purchase SU-57 or equivalent fight jets of at least two squadron to remain in the contest.Given the dismal performance of HAL to provide Tejas MKI & MKII it's unlikely that we can catch up the China & Pakistan any time soon with our indegeneous fighter jets.Because for some strange reasons the kind of advancement we have achieved in space and missile technology that could not be replicated in our avionics.So,there is no other option but to look for outside sources due to the utter incompetency of HAL.

 

[Akshat]

Whose influence is Bangladesh under?

Seems to be China for sure, but then why or how did we consider them our allies for decades?! Was it due to US pressure then?

Right now it seems to be US, through Pak as the intermediary. Remember the UNGA meeting a few months back? Just look at how warmly the chief advisor was greeted by Biden himself. US is also not taking any steps or even making any statements against them at this point.

As for our own relations, they were indeed good. This move was a complete coup by a minority, and is neither supported by the older establishment nor by the public at large.

 

[Akshat]

Many people were clamoring that US was the one who made the coup, but it was China the mastermind along with ISI support.

No, it is US indeed. With Pakistan as the middleman. B'desh has still not taken any significant pro-China step. US isn't sanctioning B'desh or even issuing a statement against them. And look at the grand welcome Yunus got from Biden personally.