Bangladesh to Become the Newest Member of the Rafale Fighter Jet Club?

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – France is reportedly in negotiations with Bangladesh to sell Rafale fighter jets to the South Asian nation, according to European media reports.

The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus, aims to modernize the Bangladesh Air Force, enhancing its air defense, maritime strike, and counterstrike capabilities.

Bangladeshi media report that talks between the two countries are at an advanced stage, with the discussions focusing on the acquisition of two batches of Rafale fighter variants.

For the first batch, Bangladesh, which shares borders with Myanmar and India, plans to procure four Rafale F3-R variants, consisting of three two-seat fighters and one single-seat aircraft currently operated by the French Air Force.

For the second batch, Bangladesh intends to acquire eight single-seat Rafale F-4 variants from Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of the fighter jets.

Negotiations involve the Bangladeshi government, the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, and Dassault Aviation, which is responsible for developing the latest Rafale jets.

The Rafale F4 variant represents the latest upgrade, featuring enhanced capabilities and performance, with improvements in situational awareness and decision-making in intense combat scenarios.

It is equipped with an upgraded RBE2 radar, a Talios targeting pod, long-range Meteor air-to-air missiles, SCALP cruise missiles, AASM, SCORPION helmet-mounted display, and the SPECTRA self-protection system.

The Bangladeshi government has issued a tender for eight multirole combat aircraft, with an option for an additional eight aircraft, as part of its air force modernization efforts.

In addition to the Rafale, the Eurofighter Typhoon is also competing for the €2.5 billion (RM11.9 billion) tender.

Russia offered the MiG-35 fighter jet, but Bangladesh reportedly declined the offer due to ongoing issues with parts and maintenance, despite currently operating the MiG-29.

Under its “Force Goal 2030” military modernization program, Bangladesh is reportedly shifting to Western-made systems and weaponry, moving away from previous Russian suppliers.

The interim government led by Mohammad Yunus is said to be considering France’s offer, particularly after the September 2023 visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Dhaka—the first by a French leader to the South Asian country in 33 years.

However, some opposition voices in Bangladesh caution against acquiring the Rafale, as they are also operated by neighboring India.

Critics argue that sharing the same fighter platform could disadvantage the Bangladesh Air Force if a conflict arises, as India would already be well-acquainted with the Rafale’s capabilities and limitations.

If the deal proceeds, Bangladesh would join the growing “Rafale Club” of users.

Beyond India, Indonesia has also selected the Rafale for its air force, along with Middle Eastern countries such as Egypt, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and most recently Iraq, all of whom have bolstered their air power with the Rafale fighter. – DSA