The Bangladesh Ordnance Factories (BOF) have taken up a project to manufacture sophisticated guided air defence and anti-tank missiles in Bangladesh for the first time in its history to strengthen the nation’s defence capabilities in accordance with Forces Goal 2030.
While the project to manufacture shoulder launched man-portable air defence systems began in 2016 with the assistance of a Chinese state owned defence manufacturer it did not make headway until 2021 with a clearance from the Ministry of Defence and the Bangladesh Army.
The original project required establishment of a manufacturing plant for 500 man-portable air defence missiles annually. This involved acquiring technology from China as well as a contingent of Chinese engineers and technicians who would train their Bangladeshi counterparts on manufacturing of guided missiles.
Authorities of the Bangladesh Ordnance Factories (BOF) published a requirement for establishment of the two different production lines for Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) and Anti-Tank Guided Weapon (ATGW). Interested organisations are to respond to the official communication by 30 April 2021.
Respondents are to provide documents such as the technical specifications, manuals, catalogues, brochures and enlistment certifications.
The Bangladesh Ordnance Factories (BOF) is Bangladesh’s premier arms manufacturer. It manufactures weapons, munitions, explosives and accessories for the defence forces requirements. There are also plans to export Bangladeshi defence products in accordance with international laws.
While we cannot divulge the complete technical requirements we understand the Bangladesh Ordnance Factories (BOF) is seeking a transfer of technology package for the aforementioned weapons.
These weapons will play a vital role during war time in the defence of Bangladesh. With widespread dispersion these weapons will act as a primary deterrence against external aggressors according to security experts.
Nearby countries such as Pakistan and Iran have already initiated these programs since long to strengthen their national defences against much larger enemies.
The Bangladesh Army acquired various types of air defence and anti-tank guided weapons since the 1980s. Currently it uses a mix of Chinese and Russian origin missiles.
Steps are being taken to modernise the inventory and introduce NATO-standard armaments with active cooperation of friendly countries such as Turkey.
General technical specifications
| Type | VSHORAD | ATGW |
| Target | Helicopters, UAVs, slow-moving aircraft | Fortifications, armoured vehicles, soft-skin vehicles, helicopters, personnel |
| Origin | Chinese/Western | Chinese/Western |
| Crew | 2-3 | 2-3 |
| Reloading Time | 6 seconds | 6 seconds |
| Minimum Range | 250 m | 50 m |
| Maximum Range | 10,000 m | 6,000 m |
| Altitude | 5,000 m | 3,000 m |
| Speed | Mach 2 | 300 m/s |
| Guidance Technology | Laser beam riding | IR, TV homing |
| Warhead | Ball + shaped charge | Tandem shaped charge HEAT |
| Weight | 90 kg or less | 50 kg or less |
| Mount | Manportable, Weapons carrier | Manportable, Weapons carrier |
