Defense Update Bangladesh

Bangladesh Air Force apparently finalized the candidate for the dedicated attack helicopter program. And, it will be the Russian Helicopters Mi-35M. This helicopter is a combat proven rotary wing platform and can carry 8 troops too. Initially eight examples will be delivered to the BAF. Acquiring Mi-35M helicopters will reduce maintenance burdens of the BD Air Force because there are a fleet of 35 Mi-171Sh which also has some same components as the Mi-35M. Bangladesh will use these helicopters to provide close-air-support to the ground troops.  Mi-35M can carry 8 troops or 4 stretchers on its external sling. Total payload is about 2400kgs. On its external hardpoints Mi-35M can carry various bombs, anti-tank guided missiles, multiple-ejector racks, guided-unguided rockets and submunitions/mines.  This helicopter will surely boost Bangladesh Air Force’s anti-armor warfare capability to a new height. Especially Myanmar military must reconsider hundred times befor...

A technical team of Bangladesh Air Force has visited Russia to evaluate the Mi-35M and Mi-28NE attack helicopter platforms. After final decision made order will be placed for 8-12 helicopter.

How powerful Bangladesh Air Force’s Mi35M is will be! Earlier BAF planned to buy six Russian Helicopters Mi-35M multipurpose attack helicopters. Currently there’s no dedicated attack choppers not in the Bangladesh Air Force or Bangladesh Army. This will be the first. Here we analyzed about the Mi-35M’s combat payloads and other operational capabilities. This helicopter can carry 2400 kg external weight with under-fuselage sling. It can also carry 8 fully geared troops as well as can operate medical evacuation missions.

Bangladesh Air Force decided to buy Russian Mi-35M multipurpose attack helicopter. Mi-35M is the export version of the Mil Mi-24, is a twin engine attack chopper. It can carry 2400kg of various armaments payload. This variant is equipped with all the latest avionics package. This is a night attack version, featuring night vision systems, electro-optical range finder/targeting system, GLONASS/GPS navigation system, onboard computer, electronic multifunction displays and jam-proof communications equipment for better operational capabilities. Neither Bangladesh Air Force nor Bangladesh Army currently operate any dedicated attack helicopter. Mi-35M can carry 8 fully geared troops and can conduct medical evacuation missions too. This is a truly multipurpose helicopter. Initially six Mi-35 will be bought for the BAF. The deal yet to be signed. Bangladesh Army and Bangladesh Air Force needs a dedicated attack helicopter platform as soon as possible. Attack choppers are the main fighting to...

Bangladesh wants TAI Hurkus basic trainer aircraft, TAI T129 ATAK helicopter and Anka or Bayraktar TB2 UAVs.  Government of Bangladesh interest to buy Turkish manufactured defense hardware. Hurkus is a basic trainer aircraft intended for primary pilot training. Bangladesh Army searching for a suitable attack helicopter option whereas turkey’s T129 ATAK attack helicopter is a contender too. And, Bangladesh wants build a handsome fleet of unmanned aerial systems fleet to better monitor adverse weather conditions as it is a disaster prone country. Drones are effective tool to monitor advance flood situation, SAR missions after cyclone, flood and other natural calamities. Bangladesh Armed Forces sometimes opts for Turkish defense products as those are cheaper than same western ones. Recently turkey developed some decent military equipment like T129 attack helicopter, TAI Anka unmanned aerial vehicle and many armored combat vehicles. Ministry of Defence wants to increase Bangla...

Bangladesh Army attack helicopter procurement, Leonardo A129 is an option. Italian defense equipment manufacturer Leonardo Company offered it A129 International attack helicopter to Bangladesh Army. Attack helicopters are modern army’s aerial warfare backbone and Leonardo’s A129 combat helicopter is one of the most sophisticated chopper in its class.  It is a combat proven platform. A129 also dubbed as AW129, sometimes. Italian Army operating 59 of them and deployed worldwide operations. This attack helo can operate in hot desert conditions, cold weather, and tropical humid weather. If Bangladesh Army go for A129 then they can get logistics, training, maintenance and spare supports easily.

Bangladesh Army going to buy Russian Mi-28NM or Mi-35M attack helicopter soon. Recently Russian Helicopters supplied 6 Mi-171Sh combat transport helicopters to Bangladesh ordered previously. Attack helicopters are the dedicated combat platforms used in the battlefield to provide fire support to the forward forces. Bangladesh Army Aviation Group (AAG) building an independent air arm to execute its own air operations across the country and to reduce pressure on Bangladesh Air Force for fire support. Already BA has inducted various types of aircrafts including fixed-wing and rotary-wing. Previously they ordered Spanish made EADS CASA C295W medium lift military transport aircraft. Took delivery of 6 Mi-171Sh helicopters. Now ordering brand new dedicated attack choppers from Russia. Before narrowing down the list Bangladesh Army ( BA ) has studied American AH-1Z Viper, Turkish TAI T129 ATAK and Chinese Z-10 attack helicopters. Bangladesh has to protect herself from evil e...