In modern warfare, combatants are able to intrude into enemy airspace to strike directly at civilian targets with little warning. This ability will only increase with time.
We can, therefore, see how it is critically important for the Bangladesh Air Guard (Force) to have the ability to anticipate, pre-empt, and respond to such threats to its people, military, and civil infrastructure.
Since the inception of air warfare, the inherent characteristics of speed, reach, and flexibility mean that air power is the first line of defense against any threat posed by a rogue nation or terrorist organisation.
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As such, we need to consider the possibility that we are flying “strategically blind,” given that we are living next to a hostile aggressor who does not respect human rights, democratic values, or regional harmony.
The current situation
As a uniformed military organisation, it is BAF’s duty to be at the front-line of our nation’s defense.
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BAF’s principal focus should be to change significantly in professionalism, technical mastery, operational capability, air defense systems, and adherence to air force values. BAF should build an infrastructure capable of operating the current and future generation fighter jets.
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Significant emphasis should be given to developing the workforce, technology, and war-fighting capabilities. BAF must place greater emphasis on ensuring their personnel can exploit the full potential of our future platforms and systems. This requirement will extend to the existing leaders of BAF becoming the practitioners of the high-tech war machine in the information age.
A history of prosecution
BAF currently does not have a formally documented and widely-accessible air warfare strategy, nor does it have many publicly identifiable strategic thinkers. Such weaknesses were dictated by the previous BNP-led government, and not enough attention is given to how BAF can offer input into the process which leads to its creation of a capable air force.
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BAF officers were retrenched and prosecuted by the BNP-led government for recommending the procurement of fighter jets in the past.
Not thinking strategically
Strategic imagination was almost entirely ignored during the recent MRCA tender floated by BAF which allows only Russia to participate with only one type of fighter jet. The Russians also used the opportunity to present a unfavourable deal to Bangladesh which led to delay or the withdrawal of the MMRA tender. For BAF to be able to fully defend the people of Bangladesh, this must change.
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The priority
Emphasis must be given to the establishment of air force bases, an air force command and communication centre, air traffic control independent of civilian air traffic control, training facilities, and, most importantly, medium and long-range air defense systems in order to protect national assets such as the Rooppur nuclear power plant, our transport infrastructure, seaports, and container terminals.
Medium multi-role combat aircraft for BAF
Initiatives such as the procurement of medium multi-role fighter jets and air defense systems are critical given the circumstances. I believe BAF should re-evaluate the MMRA tender and allow Boeing and Saab Defense to participate in the bidding to supply at least a squadron of fighter jets and associated support infrastructure.
The following sections articulate how Saab Gripen NG and Boeing F/A-18 E/F matches Bangladesh’s requirements.
Gripen next generation
Pros: Gripen NG is a network-centric, Information Age fighter jet. The Gripen provides technological advantages over any other fighter jet available in this region. The Gripen NG is packed with an advanced radar and avionics suite that outmatches any potential opponent. It is packed with features and is armed with new generation air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions.
The Gripen also brings maritime strike capabilities in its portfolio. Sweden has been neutral in any direct political conflict which makes it easy to align with Bangladesh’s strategic goal.
Cons: The Gripen is not combat-proven. Sweden was never in Bangladesh’s defense spotlight.
F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
Pros: F/A-18 is combat proven and widely used by many countries. The new generation F/A-18 is packed with advanced avionics, electronics, and software that outmatches any potential threats BAF may face in the future. The F/A-18’s unmatched capability to strike any naval assets is beyond doubt. The F/A-18 is also packed with a vast array of munitions to overwhelm the enemy with sheer firepower.
Cons: Although the current political environment in Washington, DC is favourable to Bangladesh, the F/A-18 comes with a political clause in the future acquisition of any F/A-18 armaments. As long as Bangladesh remains a democratic nation, political risks can be mitigated, and support systems can be outsourced from a third country.
BAF should deploy the systems, sensors, and networks to demonstrate efficient air and situational awareness around Bangladesh. The more technologically-advanced capabilities will characterise the future of BAF for intelligence, surveillance, war-fighting, reconnaissance systems, and long-range air defense and strike weapons employed by the air force.
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