Chinese Jets, Encroachment: Experts Probe Reasons Behind Dhaka Crash Amid BAF’s 27 Crashes in 30 Years

Chinese Jets, Encroachment: At least 27 people were killed and 171 others injured when a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft crashed into a school building in Dhaka on Monday. The China-made F-7 jet crashed into the Milestone School and College building in Dhaka’s Uttara area.

The crash happened when classes were on. TV footage showed fire and black smoke billowing from the site as rescue personnel rushed to carry the injured to six hospitals.

The crash is one of the deadliest aviation disasters in the country’s recent history. It happened just after the jet took off from Air Force Base AK Khandaker.

The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam Sagar, who was on his first solo fighter flight, was taken to the hospital and later declared dead.

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According to ISPR, the fighter jet suffered a “technical malfunction” midair.

The F-7 BGI is a Chinese-made fighter aircraft developed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation. It’s one of the most advanced variants of the J-7 series -- China’s license-built version of the Soviet MiG-21.

While the original J-7 line was discontinued by China in 2013, upgraded variants like the F-7 BGI were still being exported to countries with limited defence budgets seeking affordable yet capable aircraft.

Bangladesh acquired 16 of these jets under a 2011 deal with China to modernize its air force. Deliveries were completed by 2013. The aircraft is used for pilot training and limited interceptor roles.

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• May 9, 2024: A Russian Yak-130 crashed in Patenga, Chattogram during a training session, likely due to pilot error. Squadron Leader Asim Jawad died; the co-pilot survived.
• November 23, 2018: A Chinese F-7BG fell down in Madhupur, Tangail. Wing Commander Arif Ahmed Dipu died after ejecting.
• July 1, 2018: A Chinese-Pakistani K-8W trainer crashed near Jessore during night training. Two Squadron Leaders were killed.
• December 27, 2017: Two Russian Yak-130 jets collided mid-air over Maheshkhali Island, Cox’s Bazar. All four pilots ejected safely.
• July 11, 2017: A Yak-130 crashed during a training flight in Lohagara, Chattogram. Both pilots survived.June 29, 2015: A Chinese F-7MB went missing in the Bay of Bengal off Chattogram. Flight Lieutenant Tahmid went missing, presumed dead.
• April 8, 2012: A Czechoslovakian Aero L-39 trainer crashed in Madhupur, Tangail. Pilot Officer Shariful Haque died; Squadron Leader Rashid was injured.
• December 20, 2010: Two Chinese PT-6 training aircraft crashed near Barisal Airport. Both squadron leaders died.
• April 8, 2008: A Chinese F-7 crashed in Ghatail, Tangail. Squadron Leader Morshed Hasan died after ejecting.

The F-7 BGI is an old bird but marketed as a budget multirole aircraft. It can go up to Mach 2.2 and 57,420 feet. Modern avionics, glass cockpit, hands on throttle and stick, multifunction displays to enhance pilot awareness. KLJ-6F fire control radar with detection range over 86 km, can track 6 targets and engage 2 at a time.

Armed with short range air to air missiles like PL-5 and PL-7, bombs and unguided rockets, it also supports maritime strike with C-704 anti ship missiles.

But it lacks BVR capability, so it’s not effective in modern combat. Overall it’s better than older MiG-21 but used for short range missions and pilot training rather than high intensity warfare.

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