Bangladesh Air Force inducts new Chinese fighters

Bangladesh Air Force has inducted to its fleet four K-8W fighter trainer aircrafts bought from China.

The Inter Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) says those were bought as part of the government’s effort to modernise the force.

It says the force’s pilots will now receive better and modern flying training with the K-8W aircrafts, which can also be utilised in any conflict.

According to the IHS Janes, the K-8W is an upgraded version of the JL-8 trainer, with a digital fly-by-wire aircraft flight control system and improved heads-up display capability.

The aircrafts are currently in service with the Bolivian and Venezuelan air forces, according to the defence magazine.

Bangladesh has decided to buy nine such fighters from China. The rest would be brought to the country at a later stage, ISPR says.

The Air Force pilots have brought the four to Bangladesh Air Force Base Bir Sreshto Matiur Rahman at Jessore from China on Saturday.

Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Muhammad Enamul Bari and senior BAF officers from Air Headquarters and local base were present to receive the aircrafts.

Two transport aircrafts (AN-32) of Bangladesh Air Force have given support for transporting equipment and associated accessories.