France seeks Rafale deal with Bangladesh

France is hoping that the new dispensation in Bangladesh will finalise a longawaited deal to purchase Rafale fighter jets as part of a broader effort to modernise the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), according to sources familiar with the matter.

- ABHINANDAN MISHRA

The discussions have gained momentum as the caretaker Prime Minister Mohammad Yunus has been described as more receptive to France's offer compared to his predecessor Sheikh Hasina.

In March 2017, Bangladesh's Directorate General of Defence Purchases (DGDP) issued a tender for eight new multi-role combat aircraft, with an option for four more in the second phase, to bolster the BAF's capabilities. The objective was to enhance the country's aerial defence and enable anti-surface, maritime, and offensive counter-air operations. The Bangladeshi government had previously committed in December 2016 to finalising this purchase during the 2016-2017 fiscal year. Apart from the French Rafale, the European-built Eurofighter Typhoon has also been in the running for this almost €2.5 billion contract.