France wants to sell its latest SAMP/T NG air defense systems to Bangladesh. This could pose serious security risks, especially given that these systems will be supplied to Ukraine.
According to Bdmilitary, the proposal was made after French Ambassador Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet visited the Bangladesh Air Force Command. It is reported that the system could complicate operations for modern Indian Air Force aircraft, including the Su-30MKI and Rafale.
Read more: Ukraine Is Developing an Analog of the U.S. AN/TPQ-36 Radar and Modernizing Zoopark-3
France is reportedly seeking to leverage Italy's Leonardo success, after Bangladesh signed a letter of intent to purchase Eurofighter Typhoon jets. Being a joint Franco-Italian project, SAMP/T could also have a strong chance of securing the contract.
From Defense Express we would like to note that Increased sales of the air defense system will help boost production of both the system and its missiles. It will also support Ukraine, whose Armed Forces currently face a significant shortage of anti-aircraft missiles and are scheduled to receive new SAMP/T NG.
However, security remains a key consideration. Sensitive information about weapon capabilities and operational specifics could fall into the hands of countries considered unfriendly. It is well known that Bangladesh maintains close relations with China.
The two countries actively cooperate, including on defense matters, and even conduct joint military exercises. A significant portion of Bangladesh's weapons are Chinese-made, raising the possibility of information sharing regarding new acquisitions.
First of all, this could allow China to analyze the performance of the SAMP/T system, identifying its strengths, features, and effective design solutions. In the future, this could be used to improve existing air defense systems or create new ones.
The second and much more dangerous factor is identifying the characteristics of French air defense systems and adapting combat tactics to counter them. This information could then be shared with russia, which might use it against Europe and, in particular, Ukraine, which also operates SAMP/T systems.
France has previously experienced security issues during joint exercises of its fighter jets with Chinese military in other countries, while the technology is present in facilities involving russian specialists.The latter is particularly relevant to the Su-30MKI modernization program.
In conclusion, it should be noted that the SAMP/T NG contract for Bangladesh will not automatically provide China, and subsequently russia, with access to all sensitive information. However, this still presents a potential threat, not only to France but also to operators of its weapons, including Ukraine, suggesting that a reassessment of export policies may be warranted in the current context.
Read more: Ukraine's Largest Protector UGV May Be Armed With Laser Weapons
