Made in China, Doomed in Bangladesh: J-7 Jet Becomes a Symbol of Skyborne Disaster

International News: A Bangladesh Air Force fighter jet crashed into a college building near Dhaka on Monday morning, resulting in the tragic death of 19 individuals, including the pilot, 16 students, and 2 teachers. The incident has sparked widespread grief and renewed concerns over the continued use of outdated fighter aircraft.

According to initial reports, the aircraft was on a routine training flight when it suddenly lost control and crashed into the academic wing of a government college on the outskirts of the capital. Eyewitnesses reported a loud explosion followed by heavy smoke and fire, creating chaos in the area. Emergency responders and military rescue teams rushed to the scene, but many victims had already succumbed to injuries by the time help arrived.

China’s F-7 Jet – A Repeated Safety Concern

The crashed aircraft was a Chinese-made F-7 fighter — a jet that has long been criticized for its outdated design and safety limitations. Developed as an upgraded version of the Soviet MiG-21, the F-7 was introduced in the 1960s by China and has since been used by several countries with limited success. The aircraft is known for its basic avionics and limited flight control systems, making it prone to malfunctions. Aviation experts argue that such outdated jets are increasingly unfit for modern-day training or combat operations.

Aircraft Still Active in Many Countries

Despite its aging design, the F-7 remains in service in various air forces, including those of Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania. Bangladesh operates over 30 F-7 jets, while Pakistan uses more advanced variants like the JF-17.

Comparison with India’s MiG-21 — Another Controversial Fighter

The F-7 is often compared with India’s MiG-21, which has faced severe criticism due to frequent crashes and fatalities. Known in India as the “Flying Coffin,” the MiG-21 has a similar legacy of being a high-risk aircraft, especially in training environments. Although both jets are based on the same original Soviet design, safety experts consider neither fit for long-term use.

Government Orders High-Level Investigation

Following the tragic crash, the Bangladeshi Defence Ministry has announced a high-level probe to determine the exact cause of the accident. A joint investigation team from the Air Force and civilian aviation authorities will examine the jet’s technical logs and black box data. The government has also promised compensation to the families of the deceased and assured strict action if any negligence is found.

Time for Air Fleet Modernization?

This devastating accident has reignited the debate over modernizing South Asian air fleets. Critics argue that continuing to operate Cold War-era jets not only endangers pilots but also risks civilian lives in populated training zones.

The Dhaka jet crash has not only claimed innocent lives but also exposed the urgent need for defense modernization. As investigations unfold, pressure mounts on military leaders across the region to retire obsolete aircraft and invest in safer, next-generation fighters.