Bangladesh operating F-7BGI interceptor fighter jets in numbers. Chinese Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group built these single engine fighter aircrafts for Bangladesh with most advanced avionics and other sub-systems. Upgraded F-7BGI can carry and fire BVR & WVR air-to-air missiles, GPS/Laser guided bombs, Anti-Ship Missiles (AShM) and two types of rocket pods to fire unguided rockets. New engine has a wet thrust of 82kN. These fighter jets can carry 3000 kgs of weapons payload.
BAF has 32 F-BGI fighter jets operational, mainly deployed as interceptor role. F-7BGIs are the “stop gap” combat jets while Bangladesh Air Force sourcing 4++ generation fighters from Russian origin. In few months past DGDP issued a tender to acquire 8 4++ generation fighter jets with Russian specific technical data and finally Su-30SME has been selected. It was included in the tender that BAF will also bought additional four jets if the procurement goes smooth.
China has made thousands of Soviet designed Mig-21s under license as “J-7” for its own Air Force, and then upgraded the design with latest avionics, armaments, engine etc. Its export version is “F-7”. These fighter planes are the most advanced upgrades of its types, even from Mig-21 made by Soviet Union. Bangladesh Air Force seeking truly capable multirole combat jets in numbers to augment Air Forces air power to defend country’s sovereignty.
Under the “Forces Goal-2030” government funding most advanced defense equipment and setting up several institutions for BAF. Bangladeshi F-7BGIs are the currently world’s most advanced and even Mig-21 can’t compete it. It has a maritime capabilities as it can carry & fire C-704/C-802 Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles (AShM). Myanmar also has these jets but not in the same configuration that BAF deployed. Bangladesh Air Force increasing her air fire power steadily with advanced fighter jets, military transport aircraft, combat helicopters and high profile training for the airmen and pilots. F-7BGIs are the lethal string to our national defense. Our pilots are dedicated to make our night chaos free and our days safe to work. They’re well mated with their machines (F-7BGIs) that hostilities can be deterred effectively.
In near future Bangladesh will buy fifth generation stealth jets if economy goes well. BAF also establishing an “aero engineering and maintenance complex” to manufacture and overhaul own jets.
Defense Update Bangladesh 