Representing an important step for the modernization program of the Bangladesh Air Force, a Letter of Intent (LOI) has been signed to position the Eurofighter as the main candidate for a potential acquisition of multirole fighters, leaving China’s J-10CE in a more relegated position in the selection process. The event took place yesterday at the main headquarters of the mentioned institution, where the Italian ambassador to the country, Antonio Alessandro, and the Chief of Air Staff of the Asian nation, Air Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, met along with other authorities from both sides.
Expanding on some relevant details, it is worth noting that the presence of the Italian ambassador at the signing of the agreement is due to the fact that Leonardo is the company that has led the negotiations on behalf of the Eurofighter consortium, in which it holds a 21% share. This point is far from minor, considering that Bangladesh Air Force authorities had already visited the company’s facilities in Turin earlier this year to evaluate both the production capabilities and the aircraft itself, suggesting that the aircraft to be acquired would likely be assembled there.
On the other hand, although the number of fighters the force intends to acquire has not been specified, it is useful to recall that previous reports based on the published requirements indicated that the request would range between 10 and 16 aircraft. Among other technical aspects listed in those requirements, it was noted that a twin-engine platform with 5,500 kilograms of dry thrust was needed, with the ability to carry payloads of up to 5,000 kilograms on eight hardpoints and an advanced electronic radar with a range of about 150 kilometers; along with electronic warfare systems and infrared searchers.
If we follow these guidelines, it is clear that the Eurofighter was Bangladesh’s preferred model, with the intention of replacing the country’s already outdated fleet of Chengdu J-7 and MiG-29 aircraft. Another option under evaluation had been the French Rafale, which Dassault sought to promote in the process, while Beijing attempted to position its J-10CE as a candidate; although the previous technical list did not necessarily seem to match the characteristics of the aircraft. This does not rule out ongoing speculation about a complementary purchase alongside the Eurofighters.
If a decision is ultimately made to move forward with the acquisition of the European aircraft, it should be mentioned that Bangladesh would be on track to become the eleventh country to incorporate the Eurofighter as a platform for its Air Force, and the first to do so within the Asian continent. Analysts also point out that the request will likely involve fighters from Tranche 4, considering that the first Tranche 5 units could only be delivered starting in the next decade. Furthermore, the operation should include significant quantities of armament compatible with the aircraft, considering that, up to now, Bangladesh only has equipment produced in Russia and China, which would not be compatible.
*Images used for illustrative purposes
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