WATCHOUT Inida-Myanmar: Bangladesh Air Force Gaining TRUE BVR Capability

BD Air Force started to modernize their existing eight Mig-29 fighter jets to the latest “SMT” variant. This modernization includes new multi-mode multifunctional fire control radar, better performance engine, other advanced avionics and latest weaponry with BVR air-to-air missiles. 

Bangladesh Air Force has six single-seat & two twin-seat Mig-29s which were bought from Russia in 2000. Already these fighter jets of BAF has been overhauled two times. These are the most advanced fighter jets Bangladesh has in its advanced combat jet inventory. 

On the other side, myanmar air force also proceeding to upgrade their 31 Mig-29s. Currently the relations between Bangladesh and myanmar disrupted severely over Rohingya genocide issues. Myanmar air force helicopters also violated Bangladesh’s airspace several times, though, Dhaka restrained from shooting them down. 

As experts saying, if Bangladesh Air Force doesn’t briefly increase their advanced fighter jet number then the country’s airspace could face severe threats from regional hegemonic entity like india and myanmar. Recent news suggests that BAF has ordered 16 Chengdu J-10C fighter jets from China. Those advanced Chinese fighter jets will join BAF within years. 

The price of the whole upgradation program hasn’t published but can be assumed it is not tiny. But it is for sure that true BVR capability will boost BAF’s air warfare power. Those fighter jets are currently assigned with the No. 8 Squadron which is based on the Kurmitola Air Base in Dhaka.