The Bangladesh Army inducted two newly purchased Bell 407GXi from the US and opened an Army aviation base at Chattogram to extend its operational capabilities today.
The fourth-generation Bell 407GXi helicopters will be used for training army aviation pilots and support general operations including post-disaster management.
The forward airbase at Chattogram’s Shah Amanat International Airport will reduce dependence on the air force for transportation and air support, which will in turn help improve operational performance.
The base will house a mix of Mi-171Sh, Bell 407GXi and Eurocopter AS365N+ helicopters. It is also capable of hosting unmanned aerial vehicles and larger fixed-wing aircraft.
Army sources indicated the hangers can accommodate a fleet of 9 Mi-171Sh combat-support helicopters, 4 C295W tactical transport aircraft as well as necessary training aircraft.
The Bangladesh Army already established another aviation forward base in Lalmonhirhat.
Currently, the Bangladesh Army operates a mix of rotary and fixed-wing aircraft from Europe, US, and Russia. They will induct attack helicopters and unmanned combat aerial vehicles in accordance with Forces Goal 2030.
