Bangladesh Crash Puts China’s F-7 Under Scrutiny.
Bangladesh Jet Crash Triggers National Mourning and Global Scrutiny Over Chinese-Made F-7 Fighters
Dhaka, July 22, 2025 — In a devastating tragedy that has plunged the nation into mourning, a Bangladesh Air Force fighter jet crashed into a school building in Dhaka on Monday, killing at least 27 people and injuring more than 170. The aircraft, identified as a Chinese-made Chengdu F-7, went down during what was reported to be a routine solo flight by a young pilot. The crash has reignited serious questions about the safety and reliability of the aging fleet of F-7 jets in service across several countries, including Bangladesh.
Eyewitnesses describe a terrifying scene. Children had just returned to their classrooms after morning assembly when a deafening roar shattered the calm, followed by a huge explosion. The jet slammed into the school premises with such force that part of the structure collapsed, trapping dozens of students and staff under debris.
Rescue workers, military personnel, and volunteers worked through the wreckage for hours, pulling out injured students, teachers, and school staff. The injured were rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and nearby facilities, many of them in critical condition.
A Pilot’s Final MomentsThe pilot of the ill-fated jet, Flight Lieutenant Arif Hossain, was reportedly on a solo training sortie when the aircraft developed a technical fault. According to initial reports, Hossain issued a distress signal moments before the crash, indicating a loss of control. Tragically, he was unable to eject in time and died on impact.
“He was a brave young man, and we believe he did everything possible to steer the aircraft away from densely populated areas,” said Air Force spokesperson Group Captain Iqbal Ahmed.
Officials have launched a full-scale investigation into the incident, including a technical review of the F-7 aircraft model. Preliminary indications point toward a systems malfunction, but the exact cause remains to be confirmed.
Bangladesh acquired its first batch of F-7s in the late 1980s and has used them extensively for pilot training and defensive roles. Though upgraded over time, the aircraft are widely regarded as outdated compared to modern combat jets.
In recent years, concerns have grown over the safety and reliability of the F-7 platform. Several crashes have been reported across countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and even China, often attributed to mechanical failure or aging components. Aviation experts argue that continuing to rely on these jets is risky, especially as many are nearing the end of their operational lifespan.
“This tragic accident underscores the urgent need for fleet modernization,” said retired Air Marshal Humayun Rashid. “It’s not just about keeping up with military technology — it’s about protecting lives, both military and civilian.”
National Grief and International AttentionFlags will fly at half-mast, and special prayers are being held across the country.
In a televised address, she stated, “This is a dark day for our nation. We have lost innocent lives, bright futures, and a brave pilot.
International responses have also poured in, with neighbouring countries and allies offering condolences. China, the manufacturer of the F-7, issued a statement expressing sorrow over the incident and offering technical assistance in the investigation.
Calls for ChangePublic outcry is growing, especially from grieving families and education advocates who question how a training flight could end in such disaster.
“I sent my daughter to school thinking she would be safe,” said one grieving mother outside the hospital. “How can something like this happen in the heart of our capital?”
The Ministry of Defence has pledged to review its procurement strategies and accelerate plans to phase out older aircraft. While such overhauls take time, many believe the tragedy has created a moment of reckoning — a painful reminder that national security must include the safety of civilians.
As the nation grieves, the wreckage at the crash site remains a grim symbol of systemic challenges — aging equipment, delayed modernization, and the high cost of oversight. The story of this crash will echo far beyond Bangladesh’s borders, prompting others to reconsider how much longer the sky can safely hold jets from another era.
The tragic incident, among the worst in Bangladesh’s aviation history, has reignited concerns over the safety of ageing China-made Chengdu F-7 jets used by several air forces.
The F-7 BGI, a modernised variant of China’s Chengdu F-7, has its roots in the Soviet-era MiG-21. However, the recent tragic crash has reignited concerns about its long-term viability and safety, especially as the aircraft ages.