The arms race is intensifying among India’s neighboring countries. On one hand, America is preparing to give advanced air-to-air missiles named AIM-120 to Pakistan. On the other hand, China is going to sell 20 new fighter jets to Bangladesh. Both these news have become a matter of great concern for India. These may pose new challenges to India’s security.
America-Pakistan’s new deal: Missiles will increase Pakistani air power
Relations between Pakistan and America are improving these days. There was a four-day military confrontation between India and Pakistan in May. After that talks between the two countries have increased. America has planned to supply AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles to Pakistan. These missiles are very advanced. Can shoot down enemy aircraft in the air from a distance.
The US Defense Department recently issued a major contract. In this, an additional order worth 41.6 million dollars was given to Raytheon Company. This is for C8 and D3 versions of missiles. The total deal value has now reached $2.51 billion. Apart from Pakistan, more than 30 countries like Britain, Poland, Germany, Australia are included in this. The work will be completed by May 2030.
It is not yet clear how many missiles Pakistan will get. But experts believe that these are to upgrade the F-16 aircraft of Pakistani Air Force. Pakistan already has 500 missiles of the older C5 version, which came with the F-16 in 2010. The new C8 version is the export model of AIM-120D, which is used in the US Air Force.
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This news came when Pakistani Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar visited the US State Department in July. Pakistan had given credit for the ceasefire to US President Donald Trump in the May conflict. There was even talk of nominating his name for the Nobel Peace Prize. India says that the ceasefire was reached through direct talks between the military chiefs of both the countries.
China-Bangladesh deal: Bangladesh Air Force will become modern with 20 fighter jets
Bangladesh is going to buy 20 J-10CE fighter jets from China. This deal is worth 2.2 billion dollars. This also includes training, maintenance and other expenses. The jets will be delivered in 2026-2027. Payment will be made in 10 years, i.e. till 2036.
J-10CE is the export version of China’s J-10C, which is already in use in the Chinese Air Force. The base price of each jet is 60 million dollars, i.e. 1.2 billion for 20. The remaining Rs 820 million will go on training, equipment and shipping. Overall, insurance, taxes and other expenses amount to Rs 2.2 billion.
Bangladesh has not yet made an official announcement. Finance advisor Salehuddin Ahmed said that I will not say anything. It is not necessary to tell everything. Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus had talked about this during his visit to China in March. China had given a positive response.
Bangladesh’s security expert Major General (retired) ANM Muniruzzaman says that the Air Force was in need of new jets for a long time. But right now it is in the evaluation stage. Today there is a new geopolitical divide in the world. Before buying a jet from any country, its effects should be seen.
At present, Bangladesh Air Force has 212 aircraft, of which 44 are fighter jets. Of these, 36 are old Chinese F-7. 8 MiG-29B are modern. Some Russian Yak-130 for light attack. These new jets will greatly strengthen the air power of Bangladesh. Pakistan also used J-10C jets in the May conflict.
What is the threat to India? Pressure may increase on two fronts
Both these deals are a direct challenge for India. Come, let us understand what could be the risk to India…
Air threat from Pakistan will increase: AIM-120 missiles will be installed on F-16. These can target Indian aircraft from a distance of 100 kilometers. In the 2019 Balakot air strike, Pakistan shot down an Indian MiG-21 with a similar missile, in which Wing Commander Abhinandan was captured. New missiles will make Pakistani Air Force more powerful. The risk of aerial conflict on India’s western border will increase. F-16 are already a problem for India, now with the upgrade they will become more dangerous.
Eastern Front weak from Bangladesh: Bangladesh’s new J-10CE jets are of Chinese technology. These are fast, modern and multirole. Will replace Bangladesh’s old F-7 jets. India’s eastern border is long. If Bangladesh’s Air Force becomes stronger, then India may have to face a third front apart from the two-front war (Pakistan and China). China is trying to encircle India by giving arms to Bangladesh.
Geopolitical Risk: America is trying to balance India by supporting Pakistan. China is bringing Bangladesh into its camp. This will increase tension in South Asia. India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ policy will be affected. If these weapons are ever used, India’s Air defense Will get the challenge.
Experts say that India will have to further strengthen its air force. Weapons like Rafale jets, S-400 system are already there, but more investment is necessary. Neighbors will also have to be handled through diplomacy.
These deals show that the arms game is intensifying in South Asia. India will now have to make a new strategy. Upgrade your defence, maintain good relations with neighbors and seek help from international friends (like the Quad). These are challenges, but they can be handled with India’s strength.
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