After J-10C jets, Bangladesh to get this deadly missile from China that will enable it to launch powerful and precise attacks

New Delhi: In the name of modernising the Bangladesh Army, Muhammad Yunus’s government is rapidly purchasing weapons from China. After the recent J-10C fighter jet deal with China, Bangladesh has now signed an agreement to purchase the SY-400 ballistic missile system.

According to local media reports, under its defence policy, the Bangladesh government has set a goal of making the country’s military “state-of-the-art” by 2030. This missile system is being purchased from China as part of this strategy. It is believed that this deal will further strengthen the defence partnership between China and Bangladesh.

What is the SY-400 missile?

According to reports, the SY-400 missile, known as the DF-12A in China, was first displayed at the Zhuhai Airshow in 2008. China has previously sold this missile system to Myanmar and Qatar, and now Bangladesh is its new customer.

The missile has a range of 150 to 200 km and can carry a 200–300 kg warhead. The SY-400 is called a “smart missile” because it quickly identifies targets and strikes with high accuracy. It is approximately 6 meters long and travels at a speed of Mach 5 (approximately 6,000 km/h). The missile’s radar system activates very quickly at the last moment to ensure accurate targeting.

Why is Bangladesh buying weapons from China?

In recent years, approximately 70% of Bangladesh’s weapons purchases have been from China. The question is, why is Bangladesh repeatedly leaning toward Beijing?

According to experts, after Sheikh Hasina departed from power and the formation of Muhammad Yunus’s interim government, Dhaka has adopted a policy of strengthening its ties with China. The Yunus government has initiated several economic and defence deals with China. A major reason for purchasing weapons from China is its low price and easy supply terms. Chinese weapons are not only cheaper than American and European weapons but are also readily available in the Asian region.

According to data from SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute), China sells a large portion of its weapons to countries like Pakistan. Pakistan has purchased 80% of its weapons from China in the last five years. Now, Bangladesh appears to be following the same path.

Could affect military balance

Experts say Bangladesh’s policy could impact the military balance in South Asia. This could pose a strategic challenge for India(BHARAT), especially as China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh begin to engage in a defence partnership of sorts.