Avicenna
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Bangladesh Air Force has sought a Westernised version of the Su-30 similar in configuration to the Indian Air Force's Su-30MKI.
Essentially what BAF will get in a further upgraded Su-30MKM because the RMAF Su-30 is fitted with Western avionics minus the Israeli avionics and countermeasures that are fitted on the Indian Air Force's Su-30MKI.
Bangladesh and India signed a defence MoU covering joint training. As part of that MoU the Bangladesh Air Force has started sending its pilots to India for advanced courses and high G training. BAF authorities found the training in India to be cheaper and logistically less of a challenge because if courses are lasting a long time pilots can have their families there or visit more frequently compared to if they were sent to Russia for the same training.
However the deals with Russia are of bilateral nature. Russia will supply the Su-30 with configuration based upon BAF requirements. It will provide munitions, training, spares and maintenance associated with the Su-30 program.
The BAF is purchasing fighters from multiple sources due to the ground realities today where the country is balancing between the East and the West. Similar programs are carried out by Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia.
But one thing we have been confirmed by mid and high ranking officers of the BAF is that MiG-35 will not be joining the Bangladesh Air Force. We can expect one or two squadron of Su-30 with Western avionics to join the force.
#BDMilitary.com Exclusive
View attachment 495994
This makes some sense.
East/West is the way to go.
The only thing is I would have hoped NO training be done in India.