Bangladesh ditching Chinese Option? I personally believe Bangladesh Air Force's decision to acquire more Kh-31 anti-ship missiles from Russia is understandable, though not ideal from a modernization perspective. The Kh-31A, which Bangladesh is reportedly purchasing, has a maximum range of around 70 km, adequate for the country's current defensive posture but significantly below the capability of modern anti-ship or air-to-ground weapons. The missile's launch weight is quite high (around 610kg), while it carries only an 80kg warhead, which is moderate by today’s standards. Although it features an active radar seeker in the terminal phase, inertial navigation, and sea-skimming capability, the missile is clearly not in the same league as contemporary systems like Pakistan's CM-400AKG or Indian BrahMos. However, given Bangladesh's limited options (or maybe not because China is ready to provide them some new toys) at the moment, the purchase is understandable. Their Air Force continues to rely heavily on vintage MiG-29 fleet, and these Russian missiles remain the most compatible option. This is why they continue acquiring Kh-31 family air-to-surface munitions, even if their specifications are relatively underwhelming in terms of range, warhead weight, and overall modernity. From a long-term perspective, the Bangladesh Air Force would benefit more from integrating Chinese platforms, such as the JF-17 Block III or the J-10C, which could then give them access to modern anti-ship and air-to-ground weapons like the CM-400AKG, a missile Pakistan has reportedly employed effectively even against systems such as the Indian S-400. For now, however, Bangladesh is retaining its MiG-29s, and thus, its continued investment in Kh-31 missiles reflects a practical necessity rather than a strategic leap in modernization.

— Official Statement