Defense Update Bangladesh

Bangladesh Army has ten examples of U.S. made M113 armored personnel carrier. Those APCs are deployed in the U.N. Peace Keeping Missions.  Although, Bangladesh is the second biggest operator of the Russian BTR-80, some of its APCs are from other countries too. Likely, Turkish Otokar Kobra, U.S. FMC M113, Serbian MTLAB etc. Among them M113 is the legendary one. After the Vietnam War, M113 was deployed in the 95% conflicts worldwide. Bangladesh’s M113s are upgraded with most advanced sub-systems.  The number is very ignorable but it is important when those are deployed in the hot zones in the war affected African states for patrol duties by the Bangladeshi contingents. Its crew safety system is better and faster in terms of movement in the battle zones.

Bangladesh Armed Forces buys their equipment from dozens of countries. Among them China is the largest, and Russia is in the second position. Some other major suppliers of Bangladesh Military equipment are from Europe and North America. Just after the independence, Bangladesh sought help from friendly countries to equip her military. Among them, most Muslim countries gifted many defense hardware.  Until 1976 when President Ziaur Rahman came to power, China wasn’t Bangladesh’s ally as it was aligned with Pakistan. Zia sorted out that Bangladesh needs Chinese help in almost all sector to become a developed, self-sufficient country. Hence, he pursued a warm relation with Beijing. After that period China became major weapons supplier for the Bangladesh Armed Forces.  On the other hand Russia also remain a key military equipment supplier to Dhaka. As time passed, Bangladesh acquired defense equipment from many other countries. Currently Italy, Germany, France, UK, USA ...

Bangladesh Army going to buy new 4x4 light armored vehicles (LAV) from overseas manufacturers. A tender has been issued by the Directorate General of Defense Purchase (DGDP), an arm of the Ministry of Defence of Bangladesh, in last 5th of this November. The DGDP asked for the Rquest for Proposal from actual manufacturers from abroad.  These light armored vehicles will 4x4 all-wheel drive. Protection measures shall meet the NATO Standard STANAG-4569 Level 2 and STANAG-4569 Level 2A for various part of the vehicle.  Some of them will be deployed in the United Nations Peace Keeping Missions in those where Bangladesh Army participating currently.  This procurement differs from the earlier one which is the biggest armored vehicle purchasing by the BA comprises almost 600 units worth $1bn in sum.  Still no vendor has been selected, but soon will be. Other specifications includes a Night Vision System for the driver and gunner. A rooftop remote weapons ...

Chinese VT5 light main battle tank has been finalized by Bangladesh Army. 2 to 3 regiments will be bought in short-term acquisition process. This tank is designed and manufactured by the NORINCO, China.  As sources confirmed, Bangladesh Army will buy more light tanks from Europe too. VT5 light MBT is a very nimble, has maximum fire power and can operate in mountainous & marshy lands, jungle, riverine areas.  Weapons are a 105mm rifled-main gun, a 12.7mm & a 7.62 mm machine gun. There are a 40mm automatic grenade launcher, too, in the remotely-controlled weapons station.  Bangladesh implementing “Forces Goal -2030” modernization program to upgrade Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Air Force. Under this upgrade process all three main armed forces will be equipped with high-tech advanced military equipment.