Western and Eastern suppliers invited to bid as country aims to refresh armed forces, but budget favours local firms
Bangladesh has opened a competition to transform its air force through the acquisition of up to 16 new fighter and 12 jet trainer aircraft. A number of Western and Eastern manufacturers have been invited to submit information on their fighter and trainer products, but local sources suggest that the country's budgetary constraints will restrict it to acquiring aircraft from a local supplier.
The Chengdu FC-1/JF-17 fighter and Hongdu K-8 Karakorum trainer are considered leading candidates to meet the requirement, with the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex offering these designs. The company plans to begin assembling JF-17s and K-8s for the Pakistan air force and export customers at its Kamra manufacturing plant next year (Flight International, 23-29 March).
Russian manufacturers, including RSK MiG and Sukhoi, may also bid for the fighter requirement, and Korea Aerospace Industries is considering offering its T-50 trainer. Manufacturers expect a contract to be awarded before year-end.
The new fighter and trainer aircraft deals form part of a Bangladeshi military modernisation plan that also calls for the acquisition of additional Mil Mi-17 transport helicopters for the air force, plus maritime patrol aircraft and submarines for the navy.
Bangladesh's current fighter inventory includes Chengdu F-7s, Nanchang A-5s and eight MiG-29s, the latter of which are being sold in an attempt to reduce maintenance costs. Its future trainer will replace Aero Vodochody L-39s and Cessna T-37s, while secondhand aircraft will also be acquired to replace four ageing Cessna 152 ab initio trainers.
BRENDAN SOBIE / SINGAPORE
Source: Flight International
