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Pic Courtesy Net<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n My Article published on The EurasianTimes Website on 22 Dec 24.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Introduction<\/u>. Bangladesh has been actively pursuing modernising its armed forces. The Chinese J-10C, a fourth-generation-plus multi-role fighter jet boasting advanced avionics, weapon systems, and cost efficiency, has featured on its wish list. This news about the possible acquisition of 16 J-10C aircraft follows Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan\u2019s visit to China last month, during which he expressed Bangladesh\u2019s commitment to acquiring multirole combat aircraft and attack helicopters. The announcement has come at a time of high geopolitical tensions in South Asia, when military acquisitions are closely watched. The move has sparked an exciting debate, with proponents lauding it as a transformative step for Bangladesh\u2019s air force, while critics warn of strategic, financial, and operational pitfalls.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The J-10C: Features and Capabilities<\/u>. The J-10C, known as the \u2018Vigorous Dragon\u2019, is claimed to be a fourth-generation multirole combat aircraft equipped with the Chinese-manufactured WS-10B engine.\u00a0It has been developed by China\u2019s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation. J-10C represents an evolutionary version of the J-10 series. \u00a0The J-10C was first unveiled to the Chinese public in July 2017 and has been operational since 2018. It features significant advancements over earlier variants. Reportedly, its key features include:-<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Bangladesh\u2019s Defence Modernisation Goals<\/u>. Bangladesh\u2019s military modernisation plan emphasises upgrading its ageing fleet and enhancing its defence capabilities. The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) currently operates ageing platforms such as the MiG-29 and F-7, which are increasingly difficult to maintain and operate in modern combat scenarios. Acquiring J-10C fighter jets could boost the BAF\u2019s operational readiness and deterrence capabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Challenges and Risks<\/u>. Bangladesh is China\u2019s second-largest arms buyer after Pakistan, the first country to procure J-10C fighters from China. Despite its apparent advantages, acquiring J-10C jets poses several challenges and risks for Bangladesh. Critics argue that the aircraft relies heavily on older technologies and reverse-engineered components. The aircraft’s performance in simulated combat scenarios, especially against more advanced jets, has not consistently proven superior. Seemingly, the J-10C struggles with issues related to its radar and avionics compared to modern, Western-made jets. The J-10C\u2019s WS-10 engine has faced reliability issues in high-stress environments, raising concerns about its long-term performance, reliability and maintenance. Inconsistency in after-sales service and spare parts availability would be another challenge. These risks underscore the need for a comprehensive analysis before making a decision.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Cost Considerations<\/u>. The J-10C is often marketed as a cost-effective alternative, but this can be misleading. While cheaper than Western alternatives, it still represents a significant investment for Bangladesh, whose defence budget is relatively limited. Higher maintenance and potentially lower service life could negate initial savings. Chinese loans often accompany these deals, which can lead to long-term economic dependencies. Financing through Chinese loans might deepen Bangladesh\u2019s economic reliance on Beijing, potentially leading to broader strategic vulnerabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n India-Bangladesh relations<\/u>. India-Bangladesh relations have taken a nosedive after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster and an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad’s coming to the helm in Dhaka. Bangladesh has witnessed widespread communal violence against minorities, especially Hindus, which has soured Dhaka\u2019s ties with New Delhi, with the latter accusing the Yunus-led interim government of not doing enough and disregarding the atrocities perpetrated by radical Islamist elements against the minority Hindu community in the country. Furthermore, the emergence of Mohammad Yunus\u2019s government in Bangladesh, with its increasing alignment with China and\u00a0Pakistan, has added another layer of complexity to India\u2019s diplomatic strategy. Bangladesh\u2019s growing ties with China and Pakistan are potentially destabilising, particularly as China seeks to expand its influence in South Asia. India is now carefully monitoring the situation, wary of Bangladesh becoming a vassal state of Chinese influence.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Indian Concern.<\/u> China\u2019s growing influence in South Asia is evident in its economic and military partnerships. Amid deteriorating ties with India, Bangladesh increasingly turns to China for military modernisation. Bangladesh\u2019s acquisition of J-10C jets would deepen its defence ties with Beijing, aligning with China\u2019s broader strategy of counterbalancing India\u2019s regional influence. This could shift the balance of power in South Asia, with India\u2019s proximity and strategic interests making it sensitive to military developments in Bangladesh. The strategic location of Bangladesh, sharing borders with India\u2019s sensitive north-eastern states, makes the issue even more pressing. Acquiring Chinese jets and aligning with China complicate Dhaka\u2019s relationship with New Delhi.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Balancing Foreign Policy<\/u>. The U.S. and Western nations might view Bangladesh\u2019s deepening defence ties with China as a shift away from a balanced foreign policy. This alignment might affect Bangladesh\u2019s ability to balance relationships with other major powers, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. The response of these powers to Bangladesh’s alignment with China could impact Bangladesh\u2019s access to Western defence technology and economic support. Closer defence ties with China could affect Bangladesh\u2019s relations with Western nations, limiting future cooperation and technology transfer opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n West or East: A Tight Rope Walk<\/u>. The likelihood of Bangladesh acquiring Chinese J-10C aircraft, despite having a U.S.-backed government, depends on several factors involving its domestic policies, regional security considerations, and geopolitical strategy. A U.S.-backed government in Bangladesh might face pressure to align its defence purchases with Western allies to strengthen strategic ties. The U.S. could leverage tools like defence cooperation agreements, sanctions under CAATSA or military aid to dissuade purchases from China. On the other hand, Bangladesh has a defence relationship with China and is a major supplier of military hardware. The purchase of the J-10C would align with Bangladesh’s historical reliance on Chinese equipment. Bangladesh has sought to balance its foreign relations by engaging with Western and Eastern powers. While Bangladesh’s defence ties with China make the J-10C a plausible acquisition, a U.S.-backed government might weigh the risks of straining relations with Washington. The decision will hinge on Bangladesh’s ability to navigate the competing pressures from the U.S. and China while prioritising its defence modernisation needs and regional strategic interests.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Conclusion<\/u>. Bangladesh’s potential acquisition of Chinese J-10C fighter jets represents both an opportunity and a risk. On one hand, the J-10C would significantly enhance the Bangladesh Air Force\u2019s capabilities, improving its deterrence and operational flexibility. On the other hand, the move comes with substantial financial, operational, and geopolitical challenges that could outweigh the benefits if not carefully managed. The decision also carries significant implications for Bangladesh’s strategic autonomy. Before finalising the deal, Bangladesh must rigorously evaluate whether the J-10C’s benefits outweigh its risks, particularly regarding long-term reliability and strategic autonomy. This careful evaluation is crucial to ensure that the J-10C acquisition is a transformative step forward rather than a strategic misstep for Bangladesh.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Your valuable comments are most welcome.<\/u><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Link to the article on the website:-<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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