The Bangladesh Air Force will host an international air show along the lines of the Paris Air Show and the Changi International Air Show to exhibit international aerospace technology and equipment at Cox’s Bazar in 2021.
The Chief of Air Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Mashiuzzaman Serniabat disclosed the matter during a countdown programme to mark the 50th anniversary of the Bangladesh Air Force.
The Air Chief also indicated that the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University was already established. Its main campus in Lalmonirhat will be opened soon to commence academic and technical research & development activities.
Bangladesh Air Force will also embark on aircraft production at the site with cooperation of suitable foreign partners. Fixed wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, avionics and aerial munitions are to be manufactured in Bangladesh to ensure a certain degree of self-sufficiency in this sector.
The Bangladesh Air Force is in the process of regeneration with completely modern aircraft and equipment. Training and organisational makeup have also been updated in line with Forces Goal 2030 of the military modernisation blueprint.
The Bangladesh Air Force is currently in the process of purchasing new generation multi-role combat aircraft from Western manufacturers. Aircraft such as the Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault Rafale have been shortlisted.
High level representatives from Eurofighter, Leonardo and Dassault Aviation have visited Bangladesh to this end and Bangladesh Air Force personnel have also reciprocated visits to manufacturing plants of those concerned companies and carried out technical evaluations of the aircraft since 2016.
Defence Ministers and other key government officials from France, Italy and the United Kingdom have also visited Bangladesh to offer cooperation to the Bangladesh Air Force including advanced military training for Bangladeshi fighter pilots and ground crews.
There is an outstanding requirement of at least 32 Western multi-role combat aircraft to be procured from Eurofighter GmbH or Dassault Aviation.
