France in Pursuit of a Strategic Agreement to Sell Rafale Fighters to Bangladesh
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France is actively pursuing a contract with Bangladesh for the sale of two batches of Dassault Aviation’s Rafale F3-R and F4 fighters, as reported by Avionslegendaires. These negotiations, driven by the interim government led by Prime Minister Mohammad Yunus, are part of a broader effort to modernize the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), enhancing its air defense capabilities, maritime strike power, and counter-attack operations. However, while the Bangladesh Air Force has not denied the reports, members of Parliament in Dhaka remain more guarded, with some suggesting this silence is a tactic to keep negotiations with France confidential.
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The deal includes four Rafale F3-Rs from French Air Force stock and eight new Rafale F4 single-seaters (Picture source: Dassault)
Local media recently reported that the advanced negotiations between Dhaka and Paris focus on two separate batches of Rafale jets. The first batch comprises four Rafale F3-R aircraft (three two-seaters and one single-seater) from the French Air and Space Force’s stock, while the second involves eight new Rafale F4 single-seaters. These talks involve both the Ministry of Armed Forces, which owns the used aircraft, and Dassault Aviation, responsible for manufacturing the new jets.
The Rafale F4 standard represents a substantial leap in connectivity and combat performance. It features advanced network capabilities, improving situational awareness and decision-making in contested environments. The upgraded RBE2 AESA radar and Talios pod offer enhanced detection and tracking abilities for air and ground targets. The arsenal includes long-range Meteor missiles, Scalp cruise missiles, and precision AASM bombs, boosting its strike power. Additionally, the Scorpion helmet-mounted display provides augmented situational awareness to pilots, while the SPECTRA self-protection system ensures greater operational freedom and defense against threats.
In March 2017, Bangladesh initiated a tender for eight new multi-role combat aircraft, with an option for four additional units, to strengthen national air defense. The Rafale has been competing against the Eurofighter Typhoon for this contract, valued at nearly €2.5 billion. Prime Minister Yunus’s administration appears more receptive to the French offer, potentially influenced by French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Dhaka in September 2023, the first by a French head of state in 33 years. Although no official response was given during this visit, France’s interest in this strategic market remains strong.
In this competitive context, defense suppliers are highlighting their products’ strengths while addressing perceived weaknesses in competitors’ offerings. One argument raised against the Rafale is its presence within the Indian military, raising concerns in Bangladesh about reliance on the same suppliers as its neighboring country. Some contend that using the same fighter as India could put Bangladesh at a tactical disadvantage in potential conflicts, as India has a detailed understanding of Rafale’s capabilities and limitations.
BAF’s specifications for new combat aircraft are particularly stringent. Requirements include twin engines with a minimum dry thrust of 5,500 kg and over 8,000 kg with afterburner, at least eight hardpoints, and a payload capacity of at least 5,000 kg. Avionics must feature electronically scanned array radar with a range of 150 km for air-to-air missions and 50 km for air-to-ground. An integrated electronic warfare suite, infrared search and track system with a 50 km range, helmet-mounted display, and modern glass cockpit are also mandatory. The envisioned contract would encompass maintenance, training, and a set of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, with deliveries in two phases: an initial batch of four jets, followed by another within 18-24 months.
Despite no official confirmation, Bangladesh’s interest in “Western” defense equipment is longstanding. The country previously considered acquiring helicopters from Bell Helicopter but later withdrew. Under its “Force Goal 2030” program, BAF was also approached by Airbus Defence for the Eurofighter Typhoon, although Rafale remained a favored candidate. In 2021, Russia offered a batch of Mikoyan MiG-35 fighters, which Bangladesh quickly declined, signaling a gradual move away from Russian aerospace offerings.
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France is actively pursuing a contract with Bangladesh for the sale of two batches of Dassault Aviation’s Rafale F3-R and F4 fighters, as reported by Avionslegendaires. These negotiations, driven by the interim government led by Prime Minister Mohammad Yunus, are part of a broader effort to modernize the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), enhancing its air defense capabilities, maritime strike power, and counter-attack operations. However, while the Bangladesh Air Force has not denied the reports, members of Parliament in Dhaka remain more guarded, with some suggesting this silence is a tactic to keep negotiations with France confidential.
The deal includes four Rafale F3-Rs from French Air Force stock and eight new Rafale F4 single-seaters (Picture source: Dassault)
Local media recently reported that the advanced negotiations between Dhaka and Paris focus on two separate batches of Rafale jets. The first batch comprises four Rafale F3-R aircraft (three two-seaters and one single-seater) from the French Air and Space Force’s stock, while the second involves eight new Rafale F4 single-seaters. These talks involve both the Ministry of Armed Forces, which owns the used aircraft, and Dassault Aviation, responsible for manufacturing the new jets.
The Rafale F4 standard represents a substantial leap in connectivity and combat performance. It features advanced network capabilities, improving situational awareness and decision-making in contested environments. The upgraded RBE2 AESA radar and Talios pod offer enhanced detection and tracking abilities for air and ground targets. The arsenal includes long-range Meteor missiles, Scalp cruise missiles, and precision AASM bombs, boosting its strike power. Additionally, the Scorpion helmet-mounted display provides augmented situational awareness to pilots, while the SPECTRA self-protection system ensures greater operational freedom and defense against threats.
In March 2017, Bangladesh initiated a tender for eight new multi-role combat aircraft, with an option for four additional units, to strengthen national air defense. The Rafale has been competing against the Eurofighter Typhoon for this contract, valued at nearly €2.5 billion. Prime Minister Yunus’s administration appears more receptive to the French offer, potentially influenced by French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Dhaka in September 2023, the first by a French head of state in 33 years. Although no official response was given during this visit, France’s interest in this strategic market remains strong.
In this competitive context, defense suppliers are highlighting their products’ strengths while addressing perceived weaknesses in competitors’ offerings. One argument raised against the Rafale is its presence within the Indian military, raising concerns in Bangladesh about reliance on the same suppliers as its neighboring country. Some contend that using the same fighter as India could put Bangladesh at a tactical disadvantage in potential conflicts, as India has a detailed understanding of Rafale’s capabilities and limitations.
BAF’s specifications for new combat aircraft are particularly stringent. Requirements include twin engines with a minimum dry thrust of 5,500 kg and over 8,000 kg with afterburner, at least eight hardpoints, and a payload capacity of at least 5,000 kg. Avionics must feature electronically scanned array radar with a range of 150 km for air-to-air missions and 50 km for air-to-ground. An integrated electronic warfare suite, infrared search and track system with a 50 km range, helmet-mounted display, and modern glass cockpit are also mandatory. The envisioned contract would encompass maintenance, training, and a set of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, with deliveries in two phases: an initial batch of four jets, followed by another within 18-24 months.
Despite no official confirmation, Bangladesh’s interest in “Western” defense equipment is longstanding. The country previously considered acquiring helicopters from Bell Helicopter but later withdrew. Under its “Force Goal 2030” program, BAF was also approached by Airbus Defence for the Eurofighter Typhoon, although Rafale remained a favored candidate. In 2021, Russia offered a batch of Mikoyan MiG-35 fighters, which Bangladesh quickly declined, signaling a gradual move away from Russian aerospace offerings.
