SOURCE: AFI
According to a report by Intelligence Online, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has recently again made a case in Washington for the acquisition of F-16 fighter jets. This isn’t the first time Bangladesh has sought these American aircraft; a similar plea was made back in 1999, highlighting a persistent interest in bolstering its air capabilities with U.S. technology.
In 1999, the United States declined Bangladesh’s request to purchase F-16s, a decision influenced by geopolitical considerations and concerns over regional stability. Fast forward to the current scenario, the U.S. is once again showing reluctance. Last time, the American hesitation stemmed from Bangladesh’s move to procure Russian MiG-29 jets. State Department officials back then had expressed concerns about this deal, that they have held several discussions with Bangladeshi officials to voice these worries.
A State Department official disclosed that Bangladesh’s interest in F-16s was met with the U.S. assessment that such high-performance aircraft might not be “really appropriate” for Bangladesh’s strategic needs. The discussions did not progress to formal negotiations and were kept out of the public eye back then, similar to the current situation.
The U.S. rationale includes Bangladesh’s geographical position, surrounded by India on three sides and with Myanmar to the southeast, where there is no immediate military threat justifying such advanced acquisitions. The United States seems poised to again decline Bangladesh’s request for F-16s, mirroring the decision from 1999.