Regional Air Forces: Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka
India’s neighborhood also merits context. Three adjacent countries have limited but modernizing air forces:
Bangladesh Air Force (BAF): Bangladesh maintains a modest fleet (50–60 fighters). It has about 8 MiG-29B/UBs (some upgraded) and 35 Shenyang F-7 (Chinese copy of MiG-21) aircraft. In 2024–25 Bangladesh finalized an upgrade for half its MiG-29s, extending their life to 2030. Under its “Forces Goal 2030” plans, Dhaka aims to replace all obsolete F-7s by 2034. Reportedly, Bangladesh has expressed interest in acquiring 20–32 new 4+ generation jets (e.g. the JF-17) to modernize cost-effectively. However, these upgrades are incremental; Bangladesh’s total fighter count will remain well below India’s.
Myanmar Air Force (MAF): The Myanmar junta has a small, aging air fleet. As of 2024, the MAF has inducted 6 Russian Su-30SME heavy fighters (delivered Dec 2024) and operates roughly 31 MiG-29 jets. It also bought 7 Pakistani JF-17 Block-2 fighters, but all of these have reportedly been grounded due to structural cracks. Most of Myanmar’s other jets (Chinese FTC-2000G “Q-5” fighter-bombers, J-7 trainers) are relics well beyond front-line capability. In short, Myanmar’s airpower is limited to tens of fighters and is not a peer threat to India.
Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF): Sri Lanka has the smallest air arm in the region. It fields a couple of squadrons (6–10 jets each) of IAI Kfir multi-role fighters (upgraded Israeli jets) and older Chinese Chengdu F-7 interceptors. The SLAF has no 4th generation jets. Its primary roles are maritime patrol and limited counter insurgency. Sri Lanka’s air force is not considered a strategic factor compared to India or even Bangladesh.
In summary, none of India’s smaller neighbors have air forces that challenge India. However, arbitrating influence in South Asia and the Bay of Bengal means India must remain mindful. Bangladesh’s modest upgrade and Myanmar’s limited Su-30 acquisition signify they aim for minimum deterrence. Yet India’s lead over them is far greater than that over China or Pakistan. A regional overview underscores that the primary threats remain Pakistan and China, not these smaller neighbors.
