Eurofighter Numbers and Speed May Not Matter: How a Single Agni‑5 Keeps India Far Ahead in South Asia

Amid shifting strategic equations in South Asia, a renewed debate has emerged around India’s Agni‑5 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and its overwhelming deterrence value, particularly in the context of Bangladesh’s reported interest in acquiring Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft.

Bangladesh Eyes Eurofighter Typhoon Deal

According to reports from Dhaka, the Bangladesh Air Force is considering the purchase of 12 to 16 Eurofighter Typhoon jets. Earlier, Bangladesh was in talks with China for the J‑10C fighter aircraft. However, defence analysts say Dhaka reassessed its options after realizing that Chinese claims comparing the J‑10C with India’s Rafale fighters did not hold up operationally.

Seeking a platform comparable to Rafale, Bangladesh has now turned towards the Eurofighter Typhoon — a 4.5‑generation multirole fighter jointly developed by the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain. If finalized, Bangladesh would become the first South Asian country and the 11th globally to operate the Eurofighter, and the first outside Europe and the Middle East to do so.

Strategic Reality Beyond Fighter Jets

Despite the potential induction of modern fighter aircraft, defence experts stress that conventional air power alone does not alter the strategic balance with India. The discussion increasingly centres on India’s Agni‑5 missile, which fundamentally changes the deterrence equation.

Agni‑5, with a range exceeding 5,000 kilometres, is capable of reaching strategic military infrastructure, including airbases, command centres, and logistical hubs across the region. Analysts argue that even a limited fleet of advanced fighters cannot offset the deterrent impact of such a long‑range ballistic missile system.

Different Roles, Different Realities

Military experts underline that comparing Eurofighter Typhoon with Agni‑5 is misleading, as both serve entirely different purposes.

• Eurofighter Typhoon is a tactical combat aircraft designed for air superiority, interception, and ground attack missions.
• Agni‑5, on the other hand, is a strategic weapon system designed primarily for deterrence, with nuclear capability and second‑strike potential.

The purpose of Agni‑5 is not battlefield engagement but to prevent escalation by ensuring overwhelming retaliatory capability.

Why Fighter Jets Cannot Counter Agni‑5

According to defence specialists, no modern fighter aircraft — including the Eurofighter — is capable of intercepting an intercontinental ballistic missile like Agni‑5. During re‑entry, ballistic missiles travel at hypersonic speeds ranging from Mach 20 to Mach 25, leaving virtually no reaction window for conventional air defence fighters.

Additionally, Agni‑5’s road‑mobile launch platforms make detection and pre‑emptive targeting extremely difficult, further enhancing its survivability and deterrence value.

A Clear Message in the Strategic Landscape

The broader assessment is clear: while Bangladesh’s potential acquisition of Eurofighter Typhoons may enhance its tactical air capabilities, it does not exert strategic pressure on India. India’s missile‑based deterrence ensures a decisive upper hand in the regional security architecture.

In South Asia’s evolving defence landscape, numbers and speed of fighter jets matter far less than strategic reach and deterrence capability — a reality underscored by the presence of systems like Agni‑5.