Only 6 of Bangladesh's 20 MiG-29 engines now work – Tk380cr repair deal on table
Sources said operating the eight MiG-29 fighter jets requires a minimum of 16 engines
With only six of the 20 engines currently operational for Bangladesh's eight MiG-29 fighter jets, the government is set to spend around Tk380 crore on a deal with Russian firm JSC NASC to repair, overhaul, and extend the lifespan of the non-functional engines.
According to sources, Bangladesh Air Force Headquarters recently sought approval from the finance ministry to proceed with the deal to repair 12 engines. The payment to the Russian company will be made over four fiscal years—from the current fiscal year through FY28.
Sources said operating the eight MiG-29 fighter jets requires a minimum of 16 engines.
For the current fiscal year, the government invited tenders through the Directorate General of Defence Procurement (DGDP) to repair aircraft engines. Four companies participated, with two technical proposals accepted.
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Russia's JSC NASC was selected by the Air Force Headquarters as the most qualified and cost-effective. The company initially quoted $34.1 million for repairing, overhauling, and extending the life of 12 engines, which was later negotiated down to $30.6 million.
Including VAT, commissions, and SWIFT charges, the total cost stands at around Tk379.68 crore. The Air Force confirmed the payment will remain within the allocated budget.
The defence ministry has granted preliminary approval for the contract in FY25 and FY26. Due to budget constraints, payments will be made in phases over four years, from the current fiscal year to FY28. The contract will be signed once it receives the finance ministry's approval.
Sources said four of the eight MiG-29 jets in the Bangladesh Air Force were overhauled, modernised, and had their service life extended in FY19, with a Time Between Overhaul (TBO) lifespan valid until June 2030.
A new contract signed in FY24 covers similar upgrades for the remaining four, now undergoing servicing at JSC 558 Aircraft Repair Plant in Belarus. These jets are expected to return to service by October 2025. The aircraft were originally procured from Russia during the Awami League's tenure.
Bangladesh has spent nearly three years trying to repair its non-functional MiG-29 engines, but efforts have been hampered by the Russia-Ukraine war.
According to warpowerbangladesh.com, the Bangladesh Air Force operates 212 aircraft, including 44 fighter jets, of which 36 are Chinese-made F-7s.
