The march of military technology continues to leave behind echoes of the past, and the relevance of old warplanes in today’s battlefield is increasingly questioned. China’s aging fighter jet, the F-7, once a dominant presence in its skies, now seems more like a relic of a bygone era. Its history, usage, and future prospects all warrant careful analysis.
China ceased manufacturing the F-7 in 2013, and its global usage has steadily declined. Although not officially banned worldwide, repeated incidents and accidents have cast doubt on its operational viability. Military experts argue that the F-7 is no longer effective for modern combat.
Recent events serve as a stark warning. On Monday, a Chinese-made F-7 BGI fighter aircraft operated by the Bangladesh Air Force crashed into a building at a school and college in the northern part of Dhaka. The crash resulted in at least 31 fatalities and over 150 injuries. The aircraft lost control just minutes after takeoff and was reduced to debris.
The Chinese technology behind this aircraft was not exclusive to Bangladesh; several other countries’ militaries also operated the F-7. Manufactured primarily by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, the aircraft was designed for multi-role operations. Built from 1965 until 2013, the F-7 was finally discontinued in China after the last export to Bangladesh in 2013, when 16 units were supplied.
In today’s global context, Western nations, including NATO and its allies, have imposed restrictions on the use of Chinese military equipment. Countries like India, Vietnam, and Taiwan have also avoided deploying Chinese-origin aircraft for strategic reasons. Although the F-7 is not officially banned, its operational use has dwindled to near zero.
Experts question whether these aging aircraft are still fit for modern combat. The clear answer seems to be no. Given the security risks, history of accidents, and technological obsolescence, the F-7 is increasingly unable to compete on today’s battlefield.
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