The Bangladesh Air Force is raising a new helicopter squadron in accordance with its Forces Goal 2030 blueprint. Italian-built AW139 will be procured to furnish the new squadron according to Bangladesh Air Force officials speaking to Defseca.com Team.
At present the Bangladesh Air Force operates four AW139 in the maritime search and rescue variant.
Moreover the Bangladesh Air Force took delivery of three new Mi-171Sh combat support helicopters from Russia last month. Another two units are due to arrive today in the country to support air force’s transport and combat missions. The new Mi-171Sh feature enhanced engines and digital avionics.
The Bangladesh Air Force will also purchase another five to six Mi-171Sh under a deal in the works with Russian Helicopters. The air force wants to maintain a fleet of at least 50 Mi-171Sh combat-support helicopters by the next decade.
Bangladesh airlines expands fleet
In other news Biman Bangladesh Airlines is purchasing two Boeing 777F cargo aircraft and additional Boeing passenger jets according to internet resources. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced the intention to purchase the aircraft to enhance the operational capacity of the national airlines. The Prime Minister also mentioned 3 Bombardier Dash-8 Q400 turboprop powered regional passenger transport aircraft are also being delivered to Biman next year.
Government officials are also being encouraged to fly the expanding national carrier.
