[🇧🇩-Airforce] MRCA Program of Bangladesh Air Force

@Lulldapull @Guru Dutt

Saif said:

I cannot vouch for the authenticity of the video. Posting it to generate constructive discussion.

Bangladesh wants Rafale fighters as broader effort to modernize Bangladesh Air Force

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Rafale shall be too costly. Acquisition of Rafale shall have its toll on other defense acquisition. This seems more of an enthusiasm than something considered seriously.

Krishna with Flute said:

Rafale shall be too costly. Acquisition of Rafale shall have its toll on other defense acquisition. This seems more of an enthusiasm than something considered seriously.

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I prefer J-10C from China. It's cheap and easy to maintain. Supply of spare parts is guaranteed.

Saif said:

I prefer J-10C from China. It's cheap and easy to maintain. Supply of spare parts is guaranteed.

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It has low reliability, substandard weapons and poor electronics.

I think Mig 35 or Su 35 or Su 75 shall be the best deal for BD. I exclude best bat Tejas as current situation in BDay not be conducive for that.

Saif said:

Bangladesh’s air chief attends Zhuhai airshow, signaling interest in Chinese military tech

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I think the narration went a bit over-dramatic, saying Bangladesh buying aerial platforms of any kind from China will affect regional stability.

It won't.

Bangladesh military posture has always been defensive - with much larger neighbors who pose a larger military threat. Bangladesh needs to play its cards right diplomatically.

Focus in Bangladesh - as it exists and will remain for the near future, is to improve the economy. End of story.

Saif said:

I cannot vouch for the authenticity of the video. Posting it to generate constructive discussion.

Bangladesh wants Rafale fighters as broader effort to modernize Bangladesh Air Force

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The news is not entirely without basis, but the sources have credibility issues,

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New leadership in Dhaka may pave way for Rafale deal​

Posted on October 27, 2024 by alert5

France is making a big push to sell its Rafale fighter jets to Bangladesh, hoping to capitalise on a change in leadership in Dhaka, the Sunday Guardian reports. Discussions are progressing with the new caretaker Prime Minister, Mohammad Yunus, who is seen as more receptive to France’s offer than his predecessor, Sheikh Hasina. This comes as Bangladesh seeks to modernise its air force, officially known as the Bangladesh Air Force or BAF



Back in March 2017, the Directorate General of Defence Purchases (DGDP) in Bangladesh issued a tender for eight multi-role combat aircraft, with an option for four more in the second phase. The deal, valued at approximately €2.5 billion, is seen as critical to bolstering Bangladesh’s aerial defences and enabling a range of operations, including anti-surface, maritime, and offensive counter-air missions.

While the French Rafale is a strong contender, it faces competition from the European-built Eurofighter Typhoon. However, the Rafale faces some headwinds. Some argue that Bangladesh should avoid purchasing the same fighter jet as its neighbour India. They suggest that doing so could limit Bangladesh’s tactical advantage, as India would have intimate knowledge of the Rafale’s capabilities and potential weaknesses. Furthermore, critics argue that acquiring the Rafale could signal Bangladesh is aligning too closely with India’s defence strategy, and they urge Dhaka to diversify its defence equipment sources.

French President Emmanuel Macron visited Dhaka in September 2023, following his attendance at the G-20 Summit in New Delhi. This visit, the first by a French President in 33 years, aimed to persuade Bangladesh to choose the Rafale. However, Macron left without a firm commitment from Bangladesh.

The BAF has laid out detailed specifications for the new fighter jets. They require twin-engine aircraft with a minimum thrust of 5,500 kg dry and over 8,000 kg with afterburner. The aircraft must also have at least eight hardpoints and a payload capacity of no less than 5,000 kg. The BAF’s requirements extend beyond the aircraft itself, encompassing maintenance, training, and a comprehensive set of air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions. Deliveries are expected to occur in two phases, with the first batch of four aircraft arriving first, followed by the remaining aircraft 18-24 months later.

The outcome of this competition remains uncertain. The decision Bangladesh makes will have significant implications for both France and the balance of power in the region.

For more information, hit the Source below

Source
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France seeks Rafale deal with Bangladesh​

French Air Force fighter jet Rafale


ByAbhinandan Mishra
October 27, 2024

France aims to finalise Rafale deal with Bangladesh as discussions gain momentum under Caretaker PM Mohammad Yunus.

New Delhi: France is hoping that the new dispensation in Bangladesh will finalise a long-awaited deal to purchase Rafale fighter jets as part of a broader effort to modernise the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), according to sources familiar with the matter. The discussions have gained momentum as the caretaker Prime Minister Mohammad Yunus has been described as more receptive to France’s offer compared to his predecessor Sheikh Hasina.

In March 2017, Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Defence Purchases (DGDP) issued a tender for eight new multi-role combat aircraft, with an option for four more in the second phase, to bolster the BAF’s capabilities. The objective was to enhance the country’s aerial defence and enable anti-surface, maritime, and offensive counter-air operations. The Bangladeshi government had previously committed in December 2016 to finalising this purchase during the 2016-2017 fiscal year. Apart from the French Rafale, the European-built Eurofighter Typhoon has also been in the running for this almost €2.5 billion contract.

As part of the competition for this tender, defence companies are not only highlighting the strengths of their own products, but also pointing out perceived shortcomings in their competitors’ offerings. In this context, a narrative has emerged suggesting that since India operates Rafale fighter jets, Dhaka should consider not opting for Rafale. Those supporting this narrative say that Dhaka should diversify its defence equipment sources to avoid dependency on the same suppliers as neighbouring countries. Secondly, opting for the same aircraft could be seen as aligning too closely with India’s defence strategy. Thirdly, since India already operates Rafale jets, Bangladesh might lose any tactical advantage as India would have in-depth knowledge of the capabilities and potential weaknesses of the Rafale, which could put Bangladesh at a disadvantage in any future conflict or diplomatic standoff.

The Sunday Guardian reached out to Dassault Aviation for a response on these developments. None was received till the story went to press. Similar email sent to the Bangladesh Cabinet Secretariat headed by Yunus too did not generate any response.

As per the BAF’s specifications, the fighters must be newly built, with production beginning no earlier than the signing year of the contract. The aircraft should have twin engines, each delivering a minimum of 5,500 kg in dry thrust and over 8,000 kg with afterburner. They must feature at least eight hardpoints and a payload capacity of no less than 5,000 kg. In terms of avionics, the BAF wants the fighters to be equipped with an electronically-scanned array radar capable of a range of 150 km for air-to-air missions and 50 km for air-to-surface operations. The package must also include an integrated electronic warfare and electronic countermeasures suite, an infrared search and track (IRST) system with a 50 km tracking range, a helmet-mounted display and sight system, a head-up display, and a modern glass cockpit. The BAF has sought a comprehensive package deal that includes not just the aircraft but also maintenance, a training package, and a set of air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions. The delivery is expected in two phases, with the first batch of four aircraft to be followed by the second batch 18-24 months later.

In September 2023, French President Emmanuel Macron visited Dhaka at the invitation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The visit, which followed Macron’s attendance at the G-20 Summit in New Delhi, was the first official visit by a French president to Bangladesh in 33 years. One primary reason for the visit of Marcon was to push for the induction of Rafale into BAF. However, he received no concrete answer.

Krishna with Flute said:

It has low reliability, substandard weapons and poor electronics.

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BAF has always customized Chinese aircraft before purchasing. The avionics, ejection seat and targeting pod can be changed to make J-10 a potent aerial platform.

Bilal9 said:

Focus in Bangladesh - as it exists and will remain for the near future, is to improve the economy. End of story.

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Sovereignty comes first not the economy.

Saif said:

BAF has always customized Chinese aircraft before purchasing. The avionics, ejection seat and targeting pod can be changed to make J-10 a potent aerial platform.

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But what about the platform? If they provide Russian engine, it can be still workable but if they install Chinese engine, its reliability shall be very low. Its weapons are not very reliable, so as radar. It will always be batter to go for Russian weapons when there is a choice between Russian and Chinese weapon. Even China has purchased Su 35 and Su30 inspite of claim of so called 5th generation plane called J 20. China itself has not inducted JF17 though they use Mig 21.

Krishna with Flute said:

But what about the platform? If they provide Russian engine, it can be still workable but if they install Chinese engine, its reliability shall be very low. Its weapons are not very reliable, so as radar. It will always be batter to go for Russian weapons when there is a choice between Russian and Chinese weapon. Even China has purchased Su 35 and Su30 inspite of claim of so called 5th generation plane called J 20. China itself has not inducted JF17 though they use Mig 21.

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China has reverse engineered Russian engine which works just fine.

Saif said:

China has reverse engineered Russian engine which works just fine.

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China had offered JF 17 with Chinese engine which Pakistan had refused to accept. If BD thinks that it works fine, so be it. Afterall, you are going to purchase it by your own money.

So far as India is concern, India will always want country with possibility of potential conflict to have substandard weapons. IAF will always prefer to counter JF 17 and J10 than Mig 35 ot Su35.

Krishna with Flute said:

China had offered JF 17 with Chinese engine which Pakistan had refused to accept. If BD thinks that it works fine, so be it. Afterall, you are going to purchase it by your own money.

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WS-15 is a powerful engine which powers J-20--a fifth generation aircraft of China.

Krishna with Flute said:

So far as India is concern, India will always want country with possibility of potential conflict to have substandard weapons. IAF will always prefer to counter JF 17 and J10 than Mig 35 ot Su35.

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We should not buy big ticket items from Russia because of its close relation with India.

Saif said:

We should not buy big ticket items from Russia because of its close relation with India.

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That is a point. What about SAAB Gripen? Or F16?

Krishna with Flute said:

That is a point. What about SAAB Gripen? Or F16?

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We cannot buy F-16 because of ACSA and GSOMIA. Gripen is also not an option because it has US engine.