Bangladesh Is Becoming a Mid-Tier Air Forces in South Asia

After the July Revolution, Bangladesh seeks to strengthen its border security and reassess its diplomatic relations with neighboring countries. This shift signals a change in Dhaka’s defense-diplomacy priorities amid the rapidly evolving security environment in the Indo-Pacific region, escalating tensions along the Myanmar border, and accelerating air-force modernization across South and Southeast Asia. Under the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) “Goal 2030” modernization plan, special emphasis has been placed on multirole fighter aircraft, network-centric warfare, data-link integration, and long-range precision-strike capabilities.

At the Dubai Airshow 2025, Bangladesh signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) related to the export of Pakistan’s JF-17 Block III. Bangladesh’s tilt toward Pakistan indicates that Dhaka’s strategic objective in the shifting Indo-Pacific security architecture is to build multidimensional defense partnerships rather than relying on a single source. This initiative has been strengthened as part of a more mature diplomatic posture at a time when competition among major powers is intensifying around strategic chokepoints such as the Bay of Bengal and the Malacca Strait.

J-10C

Cooperation with Pakistan also suggests that Bangladesh aims to shape its future air force in alignment with the China–Pakistan technological ecosystem—something that can ensure strategic autonomy while sustaining cost-effective fighter modernization.

The first group of Bangladeshi pilots is undergoing training at Mushaf Airbase and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra, which includes:

• Beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat tactics
• Supersonic interception
• Multirole strike coordination
• Electronic warfare (EW) survivability modules
• JF-17 Block III simulator training
• Avionics, radar, and engine maintenance
• Advanced weapons employment in maritime environments

This provides strategic benefits for Pakistan as well—first, by creating influence over Bangladesh’s next generation of airmen; and second, by strengthening its defense industry through JF-17 exports. For Bangladesh, the advantages include: (1) a far less complicated, less expensive, and quicker option compared to Western or Indian training alternatives; and (2) the possibility of producing certain JF-17 components domestically.

Bangladesh has shown strong interest in the JF-17 Block III after analyzing its avionics, weapons options, and per-hour flight cost. Its features include:

JF-17-Thunder III

• KLJ-7A AESA radar
• Highly secure Chinese data-link
• Advanced DRFM-based electronic warfare suite
• PL-15E BVR missile with a range of over 145 km
• PL-10E air-to-air missile
• 1,200 km combat radius (ideal for the Bay of Bengal)
• 1,200 mph speed and 3,600 kg payload
• Unit price of $40 million—cheaper than Western alternatives
• Russian RD-93 engine, related to the MiG-29’s RD-33, making maintenance easier

For Bangladesh, acquiring fighters such as the Rafale ($120 million) or Gripen E ($70 million) is extremely costly. In contrast, the JF-17 Block III can deliver around 70% of Rafale/Gripen capability at just one-third of the price. Rising tensions with Myanmar led Bangladesh to urgently procure 16 J-10CEs for roughly $720 million. In this situation, acquiring an additional 16–32 JF-17s would help build an integrated fleet based on Chinese avionics, in alignment with the J-10CE.

Eurofiter Typhoon

India naturally views this cooperation as a challenge to its long-standing strategic influence, as Bangladesh moves away from traditional Indian sway over policy and military purchases and instead approaches a new axis. India is particularly concerned about the PL-15E missile on the JF-17 Block III, which in many cases may exceed the range of India’s Su-30MKI. Myanmar is also directly impacted by Bangladesh’s rapid military expansion, as Myanmar has intensified its drone and artillery activity along the border since late 2024.

China, too, benefits from this cooperation because it further embeds Chinese technology in South Asia. The main obstacle could be potential U.S. sanctions on Chinese defense technology. However, Bangladesh’s non-aligned foreign policy provides hope, as it allows Dhaka to use alternative trade arrangements to manage payments.

T129-attack helicopter 

If this project is implemented over the next few years, the combination of the J-10CE squadron’s airpower with the cost-effective multirole capability of the JF-17 will make Bangladesh one of the most balanced mid-tier air forces in South Asia. The message is clear— the strategic map of the Indo-Pacific is changing, and Bangladesh is emerging as a capable and increasingly influential air power.