Ambitious modernization plan of the Bangladeshi Military

[T.C.P]

Cut off the Siliguri bottleneck, and try holding it while accepting massive battering on east, west and south. Hold it long enough to separate India into two at least on paper (In reality Troops will be readily maneuvering from Nepal and Bhutan) and play the diplomatic cards.

However India doesn't have much to complain from Bangladesh. Illegal immigration is on the downward spiral following erection of massive fencing (and unofficial shoot to kill policy), there is an active collaboration on terrorism and cultural bonds are strong. So no, the reasons for any kind of war are non existent.

If that inhumane and disgusting act was stopped, and the water sharing issue tackled, then the relation between the 2 populations would have been a lot better.

 

[T.C.P]

Wouldn't it serve against Bangladesh and make it easier for the Indian AF to secure the skies over Bangladesh?

Actually smaller air space is easier to defend. An expensive IADS is being set up as we speak and will be completed at around 2015, also by which time, newer generation fighters and AWACS air craft will be inducted into our air force. More modern MANPADs are also being introduced at infantry level, so Insha'Allah our air defence capability should be good enough to properly defend our air space.

 

[Twinblade]

Actually smaller air space is easier to defend. An expensive IADS is being set up as we speak and will be completed at around 2015, also by which time, newer generation fighters and AWACS air craft will be inducted into our air force. More modern MANPADs are also being introduced at infantry level, so Insha'Allah our air defence capability should be good enough to properly defend our air space.

The lack of depth and approach from all sides would place maximum of these assets under the threat of short ranged surface to surface missiles. Smaller area also makes the job of space assets easier, plus there is an added EW threat.

 

[Twinblade]

India-Bangladesh first-ever joint military exercise

India is fielding around 40 troops of its elite 21 Para (Special Forces) battalion for the exercise whereas the Bangladesh Army will deploy one of its Para Commando battalions, they said.

Around 40 to 50 troops will take part in the exercise, they said.

The officials said the two sides are aiming to further enhance their mutual understanding through increased military- to-military contacts.

Military relations between the two sides received a boost when Indian Army Chief General V K Singh had visited Dhaka last year and gifted howitzers and modern computers to the Bangladesh Army.

I wouldn't be surprised if there are joint/ coordinated campaigns against HuJI and ULFA in border areas from now on.

 

[T.C.P]

India-Bangladesh first-ever joint military exercise



I wouldn't be surprised if there are joint/ coordinated campaigns against HuJI and ULFA in border areas from now on.

This is the follow up exercise, our Para commandos went to India earlier for a similar exercise.

 

[Twinblade]

This is the follow up exercise, our Para commandos went to India earlier for a similar exercise.

I think i missed that one. Where exactly was the exercise held in India ?

 

[T.C.P]

I think i missed that one. Where exactly was the exercise held in India ?

I don't remember, read the article some time ago.

 

[T.C.P]

Here is the link to the MOD's medium term expenditure(2011-2012)

http://www.mof.gov.bd/en/budget/11_12/mtbf/en/19_Defence.pdf?phpMyAdmin=GqNisTr562C5oxdV,EruqlWwoM5&phpMyAdmin=XRGktGpDJ7v31TJLuZ5xtAQmRx9

Some of the devlopments done so far(as from the report)-

Bangladesh army-

Order of good no. of APCs from Russia.

Bangladesh Air force-

16 fighters(F-7BGS)

16 trainers(don't know which model, still digging)

6 attack choppers(probably more mi-17sh or could also be dedicated AH)

1 SHORAD system

4 radar systems

Bangladesh navy-

In details in the Bangladesh Navy thread

 

[T.C.P]

The newly procured FM-90Bs tok part ina n air defense exercise recently.

So far we are the only export customers for this new varaint of FM-90.

Also, the chief of the BAF confirmed the order of 16 new F-7s, F-7BGI and yes these are newly built air craft so F-7 production line is still open.


Edit-Apparently they reopened a closed line to accommodate BAF's order.

 

[T.C.P]

21st Nov was the national Armed Forces day, here is a great video-a part of the special Anirban TV program-

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGN9e8A11xI&feature=player_embedded"]Bangladesh Armed Forces Modernisation Highlights - 2011 - YouTube[/nomedia]

This video highlights the modernization progress in 2011.

This gives details on the EW company of the army, the aeronautic complex, new radars, SAMs, new SPH, new AGL, new Artillery locating radar etc.



Also interesting news, the F-7BGIs have a totally redisigned nose similar to the JL-9. They F-7BGIs will replace the A-5s it seems.

 

[T.C.P]

Here is what our Air forces chief presented in the International Fighter conference -

IQPC International Fighter: Defence IQ's Leading Jet Fighter Conference

 

[T.C.P]

Bangladesh army signed a contract for 18 NORA B-52K1 SPH with Serbia.

This will be used for counter bombardment purposes, and will most likely be deployed near the Burmese border. These SPH have a max range of 45 km and with new munitions being developed will soon have a range of over 70 km, perfect for tackling Burmese artillery stationed 30 km from our border.

The B-52 K1 is the latest production model, Bangladesh has been in talks with Serbia for a while over this. More battalions of this SPH will be ordered.

 

[T.C.P]

More news on the new F-7BGI-

1.They will have 3 multi function display screens
2.HOTAS
3.Newly designed nose so probably a new radar.

 

[T.C.P]

PM inducting the FM-90B into the BAF-

Remain ever ready to protect sovereignty, PM asks air force

Also she adressed the setting up of the Bangabandhu Aeronautical Centre at Kurmitola Air Force Base. This complex is being built with the help of the Chinese.

This complex will-

Repair damaged air craft
Overhaul existing air craft
Make spare parts for air craft
Hopefully by 2020 will build light planes.

 

[T.C.P]

Here is another F-7BGI report-

Bangladesh Air Force next year China will receive 16 new aircraft Jianqi

Bangladesh Air Force next year China will receive 16 new aircraft Jianqi « Military of China, force comment.


The chief mentioned that the F-16, Mig-29, Gripen and Su-30 are being looked at.

For starters, I am extremely pessimistic about the F-7BGIs and think they are a complete waste of resources, its like the BAF has given up on our fighter wing, the army and the NAvy have very little faith in the air force and are purchasing sophisticated anti air defence systems of their own.

The F-7BGIs will be nothing more than target practices in war, I get it that they are going to replace the A-5 as our main ground attack air force but whats the point of dedicated ground attack air craft when you do not have any fighters to give them cover.

I do not know how long this so called "stop Gap" is going to be, but I hope it will be short.

We need at least 2-3 sq(36-48) new fighters immediately.

 

[T.C.P]

Bangladesh considers a purchase of 10 Russian Yak-130 planes

ITAR-TASS : Bangladesh considers a purchase of 10 Russian Yak-130 planes


My sources say that this pretty much confirmed, so Insha'Allah we will be seeing Yak-130s in BAf colour soon!

 

[T.C.P]

Great buying the YAk-130 would mean we will be going for an all Russian(or perhaps Chinese) fighter force in the near future.

Hopefully Purchases of newer Fulcrums and/or Flankers will follow.

 

[T.C.P]

The Bangladeshi Air force is back on track.

The yak-130s are almost confirmed.

Also the yak-152 has been chosen to replace the old PT-6s.

There are contrasting reports on this one, but at least 10-16 Mig-29(SMTs or Ms) will be bought to add strength to existing Mig fleet. Or only Flankers will be bought, OR only 8 Mig-29s(to complete the sq) and flankers will be procured.

Additionally, 5 Mi-17SH will be bought as well as an unspecified no. of second hand Mi-35s.

The F-7BGIs will replace the A-5s.

And newer radar systems and SAMs are being searched for.



The massive Russian air craft orders will be financed by the 850 million dollar credit given to Bangladesh by Russia.

 

[T.C.P]

Also around 200 new BTR-80MS or BTR-82s will be procured. So far in the last 3 years around 200 BTR-82s have already been bought.

Bangladesh Army is also looking to standardize its 155mm artillery systems. Most of them will be bought from a Certain Eastern European Country/countries, who is quickly becoming one of our largest defense suppliers.

 

[VoiceofBD]

In recent years Bangladesh has embarked on a large scale defense upgrading process.
For the first time in the Country's history record high amounts have been allocated for Procurement of weaponry, especially in the new budget for 2010-2011 which was declared a few weeks ago.
The military is in the middle of large scale purchases and forming of new elite units.
In 2010 2 F-22B class missile Frigates were ordered by the PM on her recent visit to China, 2 Castle class OPVs were commissioned, a new hydro-graphic survey ship was bought and other frigates and FACMs were upgraded with new Chinese anti shipping and anti aircraft missiles. The Khulna Shipping Yard operated by the Navy started producing patrol boats and getting upgraded to build Missile guided corvettes, New helicopters were ordered and the Navy crew are getting trained on how to operate submarines. The target is to get the Navy o be a three dimensional force by 2021.
Also the Air force is going to induct more Mig-29s and is getting ready to purchase 3 squadrons of new air defense fighters(rumour has it Mig-35s, or Su-30/27/35) . new attack and utility helicopters are getting purchased as well as new transport air craft. Third generation SAMs are being ordered as well as new radar stations( the Govt is in the middleof talks for purchasing BUK-M1)
The army has bought 7 tanks(Yatagans and Type-96Gs) for field testing, 300-500 units of the chosen tank will be purchased. This year another 200 APCs were ordered(mainly BTR-80s) we already operate over a thousand BTR-80s. the new BD-08 assault rifle(Upgraded copy of Chinese TYpe-81 ) is rolling out of the prouction lines. the army's ordance factories have started producing artillery and mortar shells and and they can also produce 2000 QW-2 anti air craft missiles annually. The BOF is getting upgraded to be able to produce rockets for our existing and future multi barrel roccket launchers. Large numbers of type 88(PLZ-45) self propelled howitzers have been ordered.
And finally a long cherished dream of the navy was fulfilled when the SWADS(special war fare and diving and salvaging) came into being. for the first time our navy has an elite unit which is considered the best of its type in south asia.

All my claims can be checked out at BD military.com

Can you please give me a reliable source that says that we have over a 1000 BTR-80 APCs?? Because on wikipedia it says we have 1025+, but in other places it says only 200 :S so i'm not sure which one is true. And speaking of buying 300-500 tanks, they have purchased 44 MBT-2000s, but they havn't mentioned anything about buying another 300-500 tanks, can you please tell me where you got this information please?? I would really appreciate it