Today's "First Flight Anniversary" - April 17th, 1966...
Copyrighted Photo by Shadman Samee
The Chengdu J-7 (Chinese: 歼-7; third generation export version F-7; NATO reporting name: Fishcan, is a People's Republic of China fighter aircraft. It is a license-built version of the Soviet Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21, and thus shares many similarities with that aircraft. The aircraft is armed with short-range, infrared homing air-to-air missiles and is mainly designed for short range air-to-air combat. The aircraft is also used for close air support.
In 2013, production of the J-7 was terminated after the delivery of 16 F-7BGI to the Bangladesh Air Force. Newer fighter aircraft, such as the JF-17 Thunder multirole fighter, have succeeded it in the export market. To date, large numbers of J-7s remain in service with multiple export customers, with PLAAF retiring the fleet in 2023.
Three MiG-29 fighter jets from the Bangladesh Air Force were recently seen flying in a tight formation, showcasing impressive coordination and flight precision. The display highlighted the strength and operational readiness of the Bangladesh Air Force, which has maintained these Russian-made multirole fighters as a crucial component of its aerial defense capabilities. The MiG-29s, known for their agility and versatility, are frequently used for air defense missions and training exercises, underscoring Bangladesh's commitment to securing its airspace and enhancing military proficiency.
Indigenously overhauled Chengdu FT-7 fighter of Bangladesh Air Force.
Bangladesh Aeronautical Center (BAC) overhaul and upgrade these aircraft locally.