Would China be comfortable giving AESA technology to Bangladesh when they've only very recently started equipping AESA J-10Cs themselves? Additionally, the FC-20 model displayed in Singapore a year ago was only a J-10A, not even PESA. To suggest that China went from "we'll allow J-10A exports" to "we'll allow J-10C exports" in less than a year seems very unusual to me.
J-10 Thread IV
- Thread starter Jeff Head
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Would China be comfortable giving AESA technology to Bangladesh when they've only very recently started equipping AESA J-10Cs themselves? Additionally, the FC-20 model displayed in Singapore a year ago was only a J-10A, not even PESA. To suggest that China went from "we'll allow J-10A exports" to "we'll allow J-10C exports" in less than a year seems very unusual to me.
SinoSoldier
Colonel
If the Chinese are willing to export the KLJ-7A (and another AESA to bid for the JF-17 program), why would the J-10C's AESA be a problem? The J-20/FC-31 uses different AESA models (no secrets lost).
But the quantity can be important in the decision process.
Pakistan is a big costumer. The potential market is big enough to compensate the technology transfer.
SinoSoldier
Colonel
I'm not sure how this ties in with the supposed sensitivity of Chinese AESA technology, but the J-10C's radar is not the PLAAF's front-line or most advanced system of the type. The Chinese have marketed AESA radars before, and thus this deal (if true) should be no different.
vesicles
Colonel
The J-10B/C will still be China's backbone fighter for the foreseeable future. I don't see how China would export them to any other nation.
And I also don't see how Bangladesh can afford just a small batch of the J-10's. They need to train up all new technicians and develop all new support facilities for only 14 planes. It would make sense if the J-10 is cheap. But they are not. They may be cheaper than modern blocks of the F-16's, but still super expensive toys to have. it would make more sense if they want many more because of all the support stuff associated with the planes.
Bangladesh currently released tenders to buy 8xsu-30SM or Su-35. Once this 8 fighters are delivered Bangladesh will procure J-10C or later version. This is not rumors at all. Bangladesh will replace Mig-29 and F-7 gradually. As far as money concern, Bangladesh current defense budget $2.2B plus $5B forces goal 2030 Capital spend. Sino-Bangla defense pact is a special one. China already supplied Bangladesh with sophisticated armaments. I am a Bangladeshi national. I doubt BAF chief travel to China back and forth for photoshoot only. Besides Bangladeshi armed forces personnel are regularly trained by China.
How will this play in New Delhi? They will take this much worse than JF-17's going to Sri Lanka.
Blackstone
Brigadier
Sorry, but the numbers don't add up. A nation with annual defense expenditure of $2.2 billion isn't going to buy Su-35s or J-10Cs, because it makes more sense for it to buy affordable 4th Gens multi-role fighters like the JF-17.
If Bangladesh couldn't get favourable loans, sure, JF-17 or secondhand F-16/Mirages are the way to go. But they were able to get favourable loans from Xi, so J-10s are on the table.
To answer all the financial questions here:
Bangladesh is in better financial position these days than long time ago. Bangladesh has elevated defense tie with China and Russia. Bangladesh will get line of credits from China and Russia. This is how Bangladesh is procuring military hardware from China and Russia.
BAF wants to buy technology oriented fighter jet rather than JF-17 or F-16 C/D. Besides all tenders are publicly available on director general of defence procurement website. It's public knowledge and discussed among senior official that BAF will buy Su-30SM or Su-35 then focus on replacing F-7 with J-10C.
As far as India concerned, Bangladesh is no Sri Lanka. Bangladesh refused to sign defense pact with India. Bangladesh successfully managed submarine procurement from China.
Bangladesh is in better financial position these days than long time ago. Bangladesh has elevated defense tie with China and Russia. Bangladesh will get line of credits from China and Russia. This is how Bangladesh is procuring military hardware from China and Russia.
BAF wants to buy technology oriented fighter jet rather than JF-17 or F-16 C/D. Besides all tenders are publicly available on director general of defence procurement website. It's public knowledge and discussed among senior official that BAF will buy Su-30SM or Su-35 then focus on replacing F-7 with J-10C.
As far as India concerned, Bangladesh is no Sri Lanka. Bangladesh refused to sign defense pact with India. Bangladesh successfully managed submarine procurement from China.