The Armed Forces of Bangladesh (AFB) have increasingly faced challenges due to the poor quality of Chinese-imported arms and weapons. This growing concern threatens military readiness and poses a significant risk to national security. The situation underscores the need for Dhaka to reconsider its reliance on Chinese military hardware, particularly as it strives to fulfill its “Forces Goal 2030” aimed at modernizing the AFB. The recent political changes in Bangladesh, with the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian regime and the rise of Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus as a leader, further highlight the urgency of diversifying defense imports.
China has long been a major supplier of arms to Bangladesh, but recent reports have cast doubt on the reliability of Chinese military hardware. The issues range from poor manufacturing quality to malfunctioning equipment, which could have dire consequences for the AFB’s operational capabilities. This unreliability poses a serious obstacle to Dhaka’s military modernization efforts, jeopardizing the nation’s defense strategy and overall security.
Bangladesh’s dependence on Chinese weapons is particularly troubling given the geopolitical landscape of South Asia. Chinese arms account for over two-thirds of the AFB’s inventory, including critical systems like Ming-class submarines and MBT-2000 tanks. This heavy reliance on a single source leaves Bangladesh vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and political pressure from Beijing, which could compromise the country’s military readiness in times of crisis.
The political shift in Dhaka with Dr. Muhammad Yunus at the helm offers a fresh opportunity to rethink the nation’s defense strategy. Diversifying arms imports should be a top priority for the new government to reduce the risks associated with overreliance on Chinese military hardware. Strengthening ties with other international arms suppliers can help Bangladesh secure more reliable and advanced military equipment, crucial for achieving its Forces Goal 2030.
Dhaka has already begun taking steps to diversify its arms imports. Efforts to increase weapons procurement from allies like India and Turkey have gained momentum. These countries offer a range of military equipment that could complement or even replace Chinese hardware. However, these efforts are still in their infancy and need to be expanded significantly to meet the AFB’s modernization goals.
To further diversify its defense imports, Bangladesh should strategically focus on Western arms suppliers such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. These countries are established arms exporters with a proven track record of providing high-quality military hardware. Building stronger defense ties with these nations can also enhance Bangladesh’s geopolitical standing and reduce its dependency on China.
In addition to traditional Western suppliers, Bangladesh should explore partnerships with emerging arms manufacturers in countries like South Korea and Japan. Both nations have advanced defense industries and share warm economic and political ties with Bangladesh. Strengthening these relationships could provide Dhaka with access to cutting-edge military technology while fostering greater regional cooperation.
Bangladesh’s domestic defense industrial base remains underdeveloped, producing only small arms, explosives, and utility vehicles. Most of this equipment is manufactured under Chinese licenses, further entrenching the country’s reliance on Chinese technology. Without significant investment in developing its defense industry, Bangladesh will continue to depend on foreign arms imports for the foreseeable future.
The geopolitical realities surrounding Bangladesh amplify the risks associated with its dependency on Chinese arms. India, a close ally of Bangladesh, and Myanmar, a potential adversary, both have complex relationships with China. Myanmar, in particular, receives substantial military support from Beijing, which could limit China’s willingness to supply Bangladesh with advanced weaponry that might alter the regional balance of power.
As Bangladesh seeks to develop a blue economy in the Bay of Bengal, the need for a capable and modern navy becomes increasingly apparent. Securing the maritime boundary requires larger and more advanced ships, such as frigates, which Bangladesh currently lacks. Naval modernization is essential to protecting the nation’s interests in the Bay of Bengal, particularly in light of recent tensions with Myanmar.
The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) also faces significant challenges, relying on outdated aircraft like the Mig-29s and Chinese F-7BGI interceptors. In contrast, Myanmar has recently acquired modern Su-30 fighter jets from Russia, creating an imbalance in air power that could threaten Bangladesh’s security. Modernizing the BAF is crucial to maintaining air superiority and deterring potential aggressors.
In the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), insurgent groups like the Kuki Chin National Front (KNF) pose ongoing security threats. The treacherous terrain of the CHT complicates counterinsurgency operations, underscoring the need for modern reconnaissance vehicles and scout helicopters. Upgrading the army’s capabilities in this area is essential to maintaining internal security and preventing further destabilization.
Given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the strain it has placed on Western arms supplies, Bangladesh may face challenges in securing timely deliveries from traditional suppliers like the US and UK. Nonetheless, continuing to pursue defense cooperation with these nations remains vital for reducing China’s influence over Dhaka. Strengthening ties with France, another major arms exporter, should also be a priority for Bangladesh’s defense strategy.
In addition to Western suppliers, Bangladesh should deepen its defense relationships with countries in the Global South, such as India, Turkey, South Korea, and Japan. These nations offer valuable alternatives to Chinese military hardware and have already shown a willingness to engage in defense cooperation with Dhaka. Expanding these partnerships could help Bangladesh develop a more self-sufficient defense industry.
Bangladesh’s overreliance on Chinese-imported arms poses significant risks to its national security and military readiness. The recent political changes in Dhaka provide an opportunity to reevaluate and diversify the nation’s defense imports. By strengthening ties with Western arms suppliers and emerging manufacturers in the Global South, Bangladesh can achieve its Forces Goal 2030 and build a more capable and resilient military. The path forward requires a strategic shift away from dependence on China and toward a more diversified and balanced defense procurement strategy.
