5th Generation STEALTH Fighter Jet For Bangladesh Air Force: Which One?

Bangladesh Air Force needs to plan about fifth generation stealth fighter jets right now. Many countries around the world going next-generation in aerial warfare. Although, only U.S Air Force and People’s Liberation Army Air Force currently has operational 5th generation fighter aircrafts, almost a dozen of country will have deployed stealth jets within 2025.

Bangladesh Air Force must have a long-term modernization planning, which should include fifth generation fighter aircraft. In the near future BAF can go for Chinese Shenyang developed J-31 stealth fighter jet which also known as FC-31 (export designation).

Another viable option if Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI)’s developing TF-X next generation fighter jet. Introduction of the jet will be in 2023 timeframe. Currently prototype building phase going on in collaboration with British BAE Systems.

Russian Sukhoi Su-57 (PAK FA) can also be a BAF’s choice, and it’s going to be operational within next 2019. Moscow will push it for export after fulfilling Russian Aerospace Force’s needs.

South Korean KAI KF-X may can be an option but it would unwise to say that Bangladesh will go for it. But, in case, any failure to other options (seems not) BAF can consider it.

Bangladesh needs sufficient air power to ensure security of the country’s airspace. Other two branches of Bangladesh Armed Forces, Army & Navy, was unable to give befitting reply to myanmar after its recent genocide of innocent Rohingya Muslims. Burma also violates Bangladesh’s air spaces several times. But army restrained itself from busting burmese military due to the lack of needed air power. Hence, BAF must re-think and take active steps toward fifth generation combat jets.