A tragic air crash involving a Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) fighter jet has reignited questions about the safety and reliability of Chinese-made military aircraft. On Monday, an F-7 BGI fighter jet on a routine training mission crashed into Milestone School and College in Dhaka’s Uttara area, killing at least 19 people and injuring over 100, including several schoolchildren. The pilot, Flight Lieutenant Mohammed Toukir Islam, was also killed in the incident.
As investigations continue, attention has turned to the aircraft itself -- the F-7 BGI -- a Chinese-built fighter used by several developing countries for basic air defence and pilot training.
What is the F-7 BGI?
The F-7 BGI is a Chinese-made fighter aircraft developed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation. It is 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, particularly to countries with limited defence budgets seeking affordable yet capable aircraft.
Bangladesh acquired 16 of these jets under a 2011 deal with China aimed at modernizing its air force. Deliveries were completed by 2013. The aircraft is largely used for pilot training and limited interceptor roles.
Design and capabilities
The F-7 BGI, though an aging platform, has been marketed as a budget-friendly multirole aircraft. It can reach speeds of up to Mach 2.2 and operate at altitudes as high as 57,420 feet. Designed with modern avionics, it features a glass cockpit, hands-on throttle-and-stick controls, and multifunction displays to enhance pilot awareness. Its KLJ-6F fire-control radar has a detection range of over 86 km, capable of tracking six targets and engaging two at once.
Armed with short-range air-to-air missiles like the PL-5 and PL-7, bombs, and unguided rockets, it also supports maritime strike missions using C-704 anti-ship missiles.
However, a major limitation is its lack of beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile capability, making it less effective in modern combat scenarios. Overall, while it offers improvements over older MiG-21 variants, the F-7 BGI is mainly used for short-range missions and pilot training rather than high-intensity warfare.
A troubled record
The F-7/J-7 fighter series has a troubled safety record, with several crashes reported in recent years. In Myanmar, a J-7 crash in June killed four people after a reported technical failure. In China, another J-7 crashed into a residential building in 2022, though the pilot survived after ejecting. Pakistan, a key user of Chinese fighter jets, has also faced criticism over the reliability of its fleet, especially after lackluster performance in past military operations. These repeated incidents have raised concerns about the safety and durability of older Chinese-made fighters still used in parts of Asia and Africa.
Why was Bangladesh using it?
For many air forces with limited budgets, aircraft like the F-7 BGI offer a balance between affordability and performance for training and low-threat scenarios. Bangladesh’s acquisition of the jets was part of a broader effort to modernize its air force, but the platform’s dated design and limited capabilities reflect the trade-offs involved in cost-effective military procurement.
What’s next?
Following Monday’s devastating crash, Bangladesh’s interim government has ordered a full investigation and declared a national day of mourning. Rescue and relief efforts are ongoing, with dozens still hospitalised, many in critical condition.
The tragedy has sparked renewed scrutiny over the continued use of outdated aircraft, even in training roles. It also underscores the human cost of air force accidents, particularly when they occur in densely populated civilian areas.
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