Md. Atik Shariar Siam

The geopolitical situation in Southeast Asia is becoming increasingly complex. Myanmar's internal instability, the presence of armed groups along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, and India's aggressive posture pose significant threats to Bangladesh's sovereignty and security. In this context, ensuring the safety of the country's airspace has become imperative.

With the slogan "Keeping the Skies of Bengal Free," the Bangladesh Air Force stands as the first line of defense in safeguarding the nation's airspace. However, when it comes to addressing the challenges of modern warfare, the Air Force remains like a newborn baby. It lacks powerful multirole fighter jets and an effective air defense system. Military experts emphasize that a strong air force is vital for modern three-dimensional warfare, particularly in an era dominated by hypersonic weapons. Ukrainian President Zelensky's 2022 request for Israel's Iron Dome underscored the importance of advanced air defense systems.

South Asian nations are also enhancing their air power in step with global trends. Neighboring India has developed its indigenous fighter jet. "Tejas," along with the "Akash" air defense system. Additionally, according to the Economic Times, India operates Russia's advanced long-range air defense system, the S-400, which has a range of approximately 400 kilometers. Despite controversies, the Modi government procured 36 Rafale fighter jets, significantly bolstering India's Air Force.

Myanmar, on the other hand, has purchased advanced multirole fighter jets like the Sukhoi-30 from Russia. According to Wikipedia, Myanmar operates 38 units of MiG-29s, JF-17 Thunder, and other fighter jets. Furthermore, Military Wiki reports that Myanmar employs S-125 mid-range and S-200 long-range air defense systems, with ranges of 70+ and 150+ kilometers respectively. Defense Blog also highlights Myanmar's use of Belarus's advanced Buk-M2 medium-range air defense system, which has a range of over 30 kilometers. Thus, the idea of the Bangladesh Air Force penetrating Myanmar's territory for an attack is nothing short of wishful thinking.

In a real wartime scenario, while Myanmar may not be able to occupy Bangladeshi territory solely through airstrikes, it could cripple Bangladesh's economy by targeting critical infrastructures like the Chattogram and Mongla ports

Over the past decade and a half, the Awami League government could have easily modernized the Air Force, but no significant steps were taken to achieve this.In fact, no government in the country has taken steps to modernize and make the Air Force fit for the purpose. According to the White Paper Committee's report on irregularities and corruption in the country's economy,the Awami League has embezzled $240 billion over the last 15 years, with $16 billion laundered annually. If even one year's worth of embezzled funds had been used, Bangladesh could have purchased 106 Rafale fighter jets at $150 million per unit, far surpassing India's 36-unit fleet.

According to the Global Firepower Index 2024, Bangladesh ranks 37th in military strength, while Myanmar ranks 35th. However, this ranking reflects overall military strength; in terms of Air Force capability, Myanmar could overpower Bangladesh's Air Force in just a few hours.

Meanwhile, the sentimental Bangladeshi people dream of teaching Myanmar a lesson, biting the chicken neck, with 8 MiG-29s and a few Chengdu J-7s from the 80s, and countless training aircraft and with the harpoons of Brahmanbaria. It still relies on FM-90 short-range air defense systems with a range of 16 kilometers, along with some MANPADS, This vulnerability is evident as Myanmar frequently violates Bangladesh's airspace with its aircraft, helicopters, and drones, leaving the Air Force and military with little option but to lodge protests. This situation is a matter of shame, whether for the Air Force or the government.

For unknown reasons, the MRCA project under "Forces Goal 2030" remains unimplemented, likely due to concerns from neighboring countries. In the new year, Bangladesh must prioritize acquiring at least medium-range modern air defense systems, if not long-range ones. Additionally, the government should increase funding for aviation research and collaborate with China or Russia to produce indigenous air defense systems.

Recently, Air Chief Marshal Shaikh Abdul Hannan visited China, and according to the South China Morning Post, Bangladesh is considering procuring the Chinese J-10C, a 4.5-generation multi-role combat fighter jet. Considering budget and availability, the J-10C seems like a viable option. However, it is crucial to ensure this does not become another stalled agreement.

Moreover, the Air Force currently lacks attack helicopters, and procuring them should be expedited. To protect the nation's sovereignty, Bangladesh must enhance its Air Force based on its strategic needs rather than succumbing to external pressures. Let the new year mark the commitment to building a modern and robust Air Force for a stronger Bangladesh.

The writer is a Undergraduate student, Department of International Relations, University of Rajshahi.