Defense Update Bangladesh

Bangladesh Army (BA) converted 22 Type 62 light tanks into light howitzer cannon with an Italian Oto Merla Mod56 105mm howitzer gun. All conversion processes has been done in Bangladesh by the BA engineers and technicians. Bangladesh bought a total of 320 Type 62 light tanks from China most of which are now out of service. Among them 14 are in service with upgrades, 14 were converted to APC and other 22 has been converted to Type 62 light self-propelled howitzer gun.

Bangladesh Navy (BN), the naval arm of the country’s armed forces, observing most vigorous odernization processing ever. Government of Bangladesh sought to secure its 118513 sq kilometers of the maritime boundary which thought to be full of maritime resources. In addition, through the Bay of Bengal, country’s main & only maritime trade corridors goes. Bangladesh Navy is subjected to protect the Sea-Lines-Of-Communication (SLOC), hydrocarbon exploration projects, marine fisheries and to stop illegal migration, drug smuggling, piracy and so on.  Bay of Bengal secured its great importance in the growing geopolitical position in the global influential matters. It has also possess a great position of domination in the region. Bangladesh has dwindling small economy with vast population in the world. Though all short comings Govt. wants to establish a full fledged three-dimensional naval force to ensure all required security of its SLOCs and the ultimate security of the country its

According to Directorate General Defense Purchase (DGDP) Bangladesh Army going to buy a large number of 105mm self-propelled howitzer cannon from any country who are manufacturing advanced high-tech SPH. Those SPH guns must be capable of firing any NATO standard rounds and should be equipped with ballistic protected crew cabin. DGDP is the purchasing authority of the Bangladesh Armed Forces. Bangladesh Army will evaluate tracked, wheeled and truck-mounted systems to standardize the gun on country’s terrain and weather condition. How many SPH cannons will be procured it is not still clear, though the number would be large.  Under the “Forces Goal – 2030” Bangladesh Army emphasizes on mobility and fire power. Field artillery is the main firing potential of any army. Hence BA wants to build a handsome regiments of modern advanced self-propelled howitzer guns of various caliber.

As the 21st century goes on with all its technological advancement, military equipment’s also getting changed with the prospects of newer one. Bangladesh Army, as other ones, also moving forward with the “Future Soldier” concept to modernize its infantrymen across divisions. Future Infantrymen Program is nothing but needs huge research and hence demands large budget. Bangladesh hasn’t big military budget, and trying to cope up with already commercially available high-tech equipment that can be part of the program. These includes high-tech, high performance and robust communication instrument, enhanced weapons like assault rifles, pistols, LMGs, SMGs etc., advanced technology uniforms and some other gears.

Recently Bangladesh shopping some high-tech military equipment for its armed forces from across the globe.  Directorate General Defense Purchase (DGDP) overlooks the purchasing processes. Bangladesh Air Force has making a deal with United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force for two of its Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules tactical medium airlifter. Currently BAF operating four Lockheed Martin C-130B/E Hercules and wants some few more. C-130J Super Hercules is the latest advanced version with an upgraded engine and other advanced systems and sensors. This aircraft has sought huge success in the military transport aircraft market while almost 300 unit has been built various customers.  Bangladesh Air Force acquiring C-130J Super Hercules planes to enhance military air operations under “Forces Goal – 2030”. And, these aircrafts can also be used during any natural disaster management operation as Bangladesh is a highly natural calamities prone country.

A Turkish defense contractor Delta Defence has been awarded Bangladesh Army’s armored vehicles contract. According to a latest news Directorate General Defense Purchase (DGDP) published a contract that revealed that 680 Light Armored Vehicles (LAV) will be procured for the Bangladesh Army. Among those armored vehicles 600 are Tur-K2 and 80 are Tur-K3, which are based on the Ukrainian Practika designed Kozak-2M 4x4 and Otaman 8x8 armored vehicles respectively.  Bangladesh Army (BA) enhancing troop mobility capabilities to a new level by purchasing various types (air, land and riverine) tactical military transport platforms. BA already operating a large number of Russian & Ukrainian built BTR-80, BTR-82s along with some other APCs. This new APC acquisition is a largest one in BA history which worth $1 billion.  Delta Defence is subjected to delivery first 100 vehicles in 2018, 150 in 2019 and fulfill the whole total 680 within 2021. Within next nine months from the contrac

To fulfill the needs of an advanced jet trainer requirement of BAF Government of Bangladesh bought 16 Russian Yakovlev built Yak-130 for the country’s air force. This year BAF also ordered 14 more Yak trainer jets. Yak-130 trainers can mimic all 4++ & 5th generation fighter jets’ cockpit. These jets can also be used as light fighter for low-intensity warfare. Besides training purposes yak advanced jet trainer can carry various types’ weapons loads for light fighter role. Bangladesh Air Force undergoing modernization program through “Forces Goal — 2030”. Due this modernization plan BAF wants at least 6 x 16 fighter jet squadrons for protection of the country’s skies. As the program started, it needs pilots shall be highly trained and skilled by extensive aerial warfare knowledge. Hence, BAF plans and acquiring more efficient fighter-trainers which can mimic both 4++ & 5th generation stealth fighter jets avionics and cockpit. In this context Yak-130 is the only aircraft,