Bangladesh Fighter Jet Crash: Deadly F-7 Tragedy Sparks Safety Scrutiny of Chinese Aircraft
A Bangladesh Air Force F-7 jet crashed into a school, killing 27. The tragedy raises fresh concerns over the safety of aging Chinese-made fighter aircraft.
image for illustrative purpose
At least 27 people have been killed and over 170 injured in a horrific Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) jet crash that occurred Monday afternoon when a Chinese-made F-7 BGI fighter jet crashed into the Milestone School & College in the Uttara neighbourhood of Dhaka. Flight Lieutenant Towkir Islam Sagar, the pilot, was also killed in the event.
The disaster has rekindled discussions about the safety and dependability of China's outdated F-7 aircraft, which are based on the Soviet MiG-21 design, and was caused by an apparent mechanical problem.
A lone pilot's flight ends tragically
Shortly after takeoff, a mechanical failure occurred in the aircraft, which was the pilot's maiden solo fighter mission. Sagar tried and failed to steer the plane away from residential areas, according to Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR). A high-level investigation into the accident has been ordered.
As the school complex caught fire due to debris, witnesses reported seeing scenes of turmoil, panic, and fire. The fire department and military responded quickly to the rescue efforts.
The F-7 BGI: Antiquated Yet Still Used
A Chinese version of the Soviet MiG-21, the Chengdu F-7 BGI is frequently utilised for light combat and training missions. Even though production ceased in 2013, the Bangladesh Air Force still uses the jets extensively, with about 40 of them remaining in service.
In Bangladesh and around the world, the F-7 series is regarded as technologically outdated and has a history of crashes, despite its affordability.
History of Crash Raises Concerns
In a concerning string of aviation mishaps involving the F-7, the July 21 crash is the most recent. In the last several years:
- There were dubious circumstances behind a June 2025 crash of a Myanmar J-7.
- Concern was raised nationwide in 2022 after a Chinese J-7 struck a residential location.
- Since 1992, 27 military aircraft crashes have been documented in Bangladesh alone, with seven of the most recent eleven involving Chinese-made aircraft such the F-7, FT-7, and PT-6.
Why Do Chinese Aircraft Continue to Fly?
Aviation experts point to maintenance problems, ageing technology, and design deficiencies as the reasons for the F-7 fleet's ongoing employment, while officials point to financial limitations and the absence of good substitutes.
A retired Bangladesh Air Force officer told Dhaka Tribune that the military is “aware of the risks, but options are limited.”
Growing Global Scrutiny
The tragedy has intensified global attention on the safety record of Chinese defense exports, particularly the Chengdu J-7/F-7 series. Critics argue that repeated accidents call for a complete overhaul of Bangladesh’s air fleet and a move toward more modern and reliable aircraft.
