US Unlikely to Approve Bangladesh's Renewed Request for F-16 Fighter Jets, Mirroring India's Regional Stability Concerns

Bangladesh's renewed pursuit of F-16 fighter jets from the United States appears to be facing headwinds, with indications that the US is unlikely to approve the request. This mirrors a similar situation in 1999 when Bangladesh's initial bid for the American aircraft was declined.

According to a report by Intelligence Online, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) recently revived the request during a visit to Washington, highlighting a persistent desire to enhance its air capabilities with US technology.

However, the US appears reluctant to proceed with the sale, echoing its stance from 1999. Back then, the US decision was influenced by geopolitical considerations and concerns about regional stability, particularly in light of Bangladesh's acquisition of Russian MiG-29 fighter jets. Similar concerns seem to be at play today.

A State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that while Bangladesh has expressed interest in the F-16s, the US assessment remains that such high-performance aircraft might not be "really appropriate" for Bangladesh's strategic needs.

This assessment takes into account Bangladesh's geographical context, surrounded by India on three sides and with Myanmar to the southeast, where there is no immediate military threat that necessitates such advanced fighter jets.

The US decision also appears to align with India's concerns about maintaining regional stability. Introducing advanced fighter aircraft into Bangladesh could potentially trigger an arms race in South Asia, destabilizing the existing balance of power. The US, seeking to strengthen its strategic partnership with India, is likely taking these concerns into account.

While Bangladesh may view the F-16s as a means to modernize its air force, the US seems to be prioritizing broader regional stability considerations. This suggests that the US is unlikely to deviate from its previous stance, and Bangladesh's renewed request for F-16s may once again be declined.

 

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[DB_NE_Guy]

Last paragraph shows logical analysis by US. Instead of giving them such weapons, under Trump there should be sanction against them by next year.

Edit: Some OSINT pages are saying that Arakan Army has invaded Bangladesh and occupied some territories.

Let's enjoy the game show......😂😂😂

 

[Garuda]

Do they know that their anual defense budget is 3.6 billion dollars while the country they are trying to threaten just spends 4 billion usd on 31 drones?

 

[Deepak Hegde]

Bangladesh name should be changed back to East Pakistan again!!

 

[Arun]

Bangladesh wants to attack United Kingdom of Great Britain with these aircrafts. Next they will ask S400 from Russia.😂😂😂

 

[Alok Gupta]

If they do get the F-16, they will become a part of PAF because the current Bangladesh administration is nore inclined to become East Pakistan again.

 

[Marcus]

Currently India's GDP is around 3.8 trillion USD when it reaches 8-10 trillion USD by 2030, India's tone will likely change if someone mess with India, neither USA or China want India to grow in long run as much to their level of GDP so that is why they want India to have internal instability skimishes via neighbour or third countries.

 

[sachin anand]

Bangladesh name should be changed back to East Pakistan again!!

Well said. I think Indian government can bring about a resolution, to declare Bangladesh as East Pakistan again or a colony if pakistan Then they can deal with East Pakistan the same way as they delt with Pakistan always.

 

[Sam]

Why we are opposing this? We should let them buy. meanwhile we can full proof our radar tech, it will be boost to our BMD program, our airdefence program, let one of them come into our air space and shoot it down, let their money go into drain😂😂

 

[Sandeep]

Bangladesh wants to try and grow into a major power but they don’t and never will. India needs to keep up the pressure on them and get them to stop attacking Hindus. If they don’t then we should threaten them.