The Bangladesh Air Force has secured financial support from the government to purchase multitudes of combat aircraft and helicopters for expanding its air combat capabilities.
Masihuzzaman Serniabat BBP, OSP, ndu, psc, a nephew of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to leave a very good legacy before he retires from service.
Under his stewardship the Bangladesh Air Force has purchased numerous advanced transport aircraft, air defence missile systems, air surveillance radar and helicopters. Now he aims to take that up a notch by purchasing 16 new twin engine multi-role combat aircraft (Eurofighter or Rafale), 24 Hurkus training aircraft, 8 AH-64E attack helicopters and 3 AW101 VVIP transport helicopters.
The air force is increasingly acquiring Western built or at least Western standard aircraft with the latest examples being C-130J transport aircraft acquired via the Royal Air Force.
There are also plans to acquire medium range SAM systems and strengthen the air force’s Special Forces capabilities.
The Bangladesh Air Force has been at the forefront of supporting the Army and other services during COVID-19 deployment and Cycline Amphan. In its latest mission it has deployed 22 helicopters and 6 transport helicopters suggesting a high operational availability in its small but capable air transport and support fleet.
Countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Italy and United States have come forward to support the Bangladesh Air Force’s modernisation drive. The air force has garnered plenty of interest from companies such as Boeing, Leonardo and Turkish Aerospace Industries.
The Bangladesh Air Force will start signing contracts before the end of the year according to officials familiar with the acquisitions program.
