Here is a detailed analysis of the options available to the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) for acquiring six squadrons (96 aircraft total) of single-engine multi-role fighter aircraft. The assessment includes prospective platforms from China, South Korea, Sweden, and the USA, and covers key aspects such as acquisition costs, infrastructure, lifecycle support, technology transfer, and diplomatic implications.
1. China – Chengdu J-10CE
Aircraft Overview:
- Type: Single-engine, delta-canard, 4.5-generation multirole fighter
- Engine: WS-10B (China’s indigenous alternative to Russian AL-31FN)
- Radar: AESA radar (KLJ-7A or newer variant)
- Armament: PL-10, PL-15, LS-6, CM-400AKG, and other precision munitions
Acquisition Cost:
- ~$35–$40 million per unit
- Total programme cost (96 aircraft): ~$3.4–$4.0 billion
Infrastructure Cost:
- New hangars, hardened shelters, and maintenance bays
- China may subsidise infrastructure development through defence credits or joint infrastructure projects
Lifecycle & Support:
- China offers long-term maintenance packages, local assembly options, and high spare parts availability
- WS-10B is still maturing in reliability; BAF may seek guarantees for spares and support
- Strong potential for lifecycle cost containment via local depot-level maintenance
Technology Transfer:
- China may allow local assembly (CKD/SKD kits)
- Potential for co-production of munitions, limited avionics and maintenance technology
- Joint maintenance facilities or overhaul depots could be established
Political & Diplomatic Factors:
- Strategic alignment with China; complements existing BAF inventory (e.g., K-8W, Akinci sourced via Turkish-Chinese axis)
- Potential concern for US/Western partners
- Relatively lower political strings attached
2. South Korea – KAI FA-50 Block 20 (Future variant close to KF-21 avionics)
Aircraft Overview:
- Type: Light combat aircraft based on T-50 Golden Eagle
- Engine: GE F404
- Radar: AESA (Elta EL/M-2032 or PhantomStrike)
- Armament: JDAMs, GBU-12, AIM-120C, IRIS-T
Acquisition Cost:
- ~$30–$35 million per unit (Block 20 with upgraded avionics)
- Total programme cost: ~$3.0–$3.5 billion
Infrastructure Cost:
- Relatively lower due to similar support base as trainer platforms
- Hangars, simulators, and logistics shared with advanced trainers
Lifecycle & Support:
- Lower operational cost (estimated at ~$3,000–$5,000/hr)
- KAI provides attractive maintenance and logistics support
- Open architecture enables integration of Western/indigenous weapons
Technology Transfer:
- KAI is open to licensed assembly and maintenance facilities
- Potential for co-development of future variants
- South Korea may involve Bangladeshi industries in supply chain
Political & Diplomatic Factors:
- South Korea is a neutral and increasingly important defence partner
- May allow deeper ties with Western defence industry indirectly
- High political acceptability internationally
3. Sweden – Saab JAS 39 Gripen C/D or E (lightweight multirole fighter)
Aircraft Overview:
- Engine: GE F404 (C/D) or GE F414 (Gripen E)
- Radar: PS-05/A (C/D) or Raven ES-05 AESA (E)
- Armament: Meteor, IRIS-T, Taurus KEPD 350, GBU-series
Acquisition Cost:
- Gripen C/D: ~$40 million per unit
- Gripen E: ~$60–$65 million per unit
- Total cost (Gripen C/D): ~$3.8–$4.2 billion
- Gripen E version would raise the total cost above $6 billion
Infrastructure Cost:
- Gripen is known for high sortie rate from austere bases
- Minimal logistics footprint reduces base construction costs
Lifecycle & Support:
- Gripen is cost-effective (~$4,700/hour for C/D)
- High uptime, low maintenance complexity
- Long-term support contracts available through Saab
Technology Transfer:
- Sweden is highly open to tech transfer; allows licensed production
- BAF could co-develop certain systems or avionics locally
- High integration flexibility with NATO and non-NATO weapons
Political & Diplomatic Factors:
- No historical baggage, strong advocate of neutrality
- Gripen’s US-made engine and radar may require US export approval
- Sweden may expect alignment on human rights and transparency issues
4. USA – Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72
Aircraft Overview:
- Type: Fourth-generation, combat-proven multirole fighter
- Engine: GE F110 or Pratt & Whitney F100
- Radar: Northrop Grumman AN/APG-83 AESA
- Armament: AIM-120C/D, GBU-39/B SDB, AGM-88 HARM, AGM-154 JSOW
Acquisition Cost:
- ~$65–$70 million per unit
- Total cost for 96 aircraft: $6.2–$6.7 billion
- Likely to include spares, simulators, and initial munitions
Infrastructure Cost:
- Highest among all options
- Full integration of US-standard systems, hangars, software support, weapons storage, etc.
Lifecycle & Support:
- Costliest (~$7,000–$10,000/hr flying cost)
- Long-term depot-level MRO contracts with US firms or partners
- BAF would be heavily reliant on US for support, training, and software updates
Technology Transfer:
- Limited due to US restrictions
- Lockheed may offer local MRO capabilities but not source code or full software access
- Weapons integration tightly controlled
Political & Diplomatic Factors:
- Would bring BAF into deeper alignment with the US Indo-Pacific strategy
- Could upset strategic partners such as China and Russia
- Human rights, military transparency, and democratic standards may be scrutinised
Comparative Summary Table
| Feature | J-10CE (China) | FA-50 (South Korea) | Gripen C/D (Sweden) | F-16 Block 70 (USA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit Cost | $35–40M | $30–35M | $40M (C/D) | $65–70M |
| Total Cost (96 jets) | ~$3.4–4.0B | ~$3.0–3.5B | ~$3.8–4.2B | ~$6.2–6.7B |
| Lifecycle Cost | Moderate | Low | Low–Moderate | High |
| Tech Transfer | Moderate–High | Moderate | High | Low |
| Operational Cost/hr | ~$5,000–6,000 | ~$3,000–5,000 | ~$4,700 | ~$7,000–10,000 |
| Diplomatic Strings | Low | Low | Low–Moderate | High |
| Weapons Integration | Chinese-only | NATO-compatible | Highly flexible | Strictly US-led |
Recommendations
- Short-Term Procurement:
FA-50 and J-10CE are immediately available and financially viable. The FA-50 offers NATO compatibility and lower diplomatic risk; the J-10CE offers greater firepower and tech transfer. - Long-Term Capability:
Gripen C/D or E offers the best blend of cost, technology transfer, and operational efficiency, though political conditions may apply. F-16 Block 70 is potent but costliest and politically sensitive. - Industrial Development:
Partnering with South Korea or Sweden opens better opportunities for joint development, local assembly, and industry augmentation. China’s offers may be faster to implement but limited in high-end system transfer.