According to a report from the South Asian Subcontinent Defense Website, following the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, a high-level military delegation from Bangladesh met with a Chinese team and specifically requested to purchase four types of air defense weapons. However, the popular J-10CE fighter jet was not on the list.
Major General Bakar, the Commander of the Bangladesh Army Ordnance Corps, stated that Bangladesh is interested in acquiring the HQ-17AE short-range air defense missile, the JSG-400 radar, the FK-3 medium-range air defense missile, and the QW-18A man-portable air defense missile.
Bangladesh emphasized that these air defense systems were instrumental in Pakistan’s recent victory over the Indian military. The JSG-400 radar has a maximum detection range of 500 kilometers, which can fully cover the Siliguri Corridor adjacent to India. Its S-band long-range early warning capabilities are particularly well-suited to Bangladesh’s geographical environment.
Bangladeshi media highlighted that the Indian Air Force has deployed 18 Rafale fighter jets at the Hasimara Air Force Base near Bangladesh, putting significant pressure on Bangladesh’s air defense.
The FK-3 medium-range air defense missile, the HQ-17AE short-range air defense missile, and the QW-18A man-portable air defense missile can together form a complete three-tier air defense system covering multiple distance nodes within 100 kilometers. However, it should be noted that the Pakistani military is actually equipped with the HQ-9P and HQ-16FE air defense missiles, which have greater range and multi-target engagement capabilities than the FK-3 and HQ-17AE.
Some analysts believe that Bangladesh’s choice may be due to financial constraints, as the HQ-9P and HQ-16FE are more expensive than the other two types of missiles. Additionally, Bangladesh’s military strength is weaker than Pakistan’s, and it needs to prioritize establishing a complete ground-based air defense system before considering building an air superiority fleet like the J-10CE fighter jets.
From Pakistan’s recent performance, although the J-10C shot down several Indian aircraft in the first round of combat, the overwhelming drones and missiles from the Indian side in the second round did cause damage to the Pakistani military. During this period, the HQ series air defense missiles and the JSG-400 early warning radar played a more significant defensive role.
Indian media, however, has been left feeling vulnerable by Bangladesh’s move. An article from the Indian Defense Observer stated that if this deal goes through, India will be “completely surrounded” by Chinese weapons from neighboring countries. The HQ series air defense missiles and Chinese early warning radars on two fronts will effectively restrain the Indian Air Force’s every move.
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