Airbus’s Eurofighter and Dassault’s Rafale are competing in Bangladesh. The country wants to buy eight fighter jets.
An option for four more exists. India’s Tejas LCA is also in the race. A Bangladesh official hints at favoring a European model.
French President Emmanuel Macron recently visited Dhaka. This two-day trip was the first of a French President in 33 years. The visit signals France’s interest in the jet deal.
Rafale has sold 310 units abroad. Eurofighter has sold 151. Buyers of Rafale include Qatar, Egypt, and India. Eurofighter has gone to Austria, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.
Despite fewer exports, Eurofighter has more overall sales. The UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain have bought 530 units.
This makes the total 681. Rafale, only sold by France, has 596 units.
Giancarlo Mezzanatt, CEO of Eurofighter, forecasts strong sales. He expects 150 to 200 more units sold in two years. Spain plans to buy at least 25.
The Bangladesh deal won’t shift the global lead. Yet, winning the contract would be a big achievement for either jet.
Background
Macron’s 2023 visit to Dhaka is noteworthy. His trip marks renewed French interest in Asia. It also highlights Rafale’s aggressive marketing.
The last French President to visit Bangladesh was Mitterrand in 1990. Much has changed since then.
Bangladesh’s economy is growing fast. Its military needs modernization. France sees this as a strategic opportunity.
The jet deal could strengthen France-Bangladesh relations. It may even sway the choice toward Rafale.
In contrast, Eurofighter is a joint venture. Four European nations back it. Each country might not push as hard for the deal.
Given Macron’s personal visit, France seems more committed. This could tip the scales in Rafale’s favor.