Bangladesh outlines military equipment procurement plans

[fatman17]

ASIA PACIFIC
Date Posted: 24-Nov-2010


Jane's Defence Weekly


Bangladesh outlines military equipment procurement plans.

Jon Grevatt Jane's Asia-Pacific Industry Reporter - Bangkok

Key Points
Bangladesh has outlined its military modernisation plans

The acquisition of Chinese-made equipment is likely to follow

The government of Bangladesh has outlined a plan to procure a wide range of military equipment as it looks to secure its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and reinforce UN peacekeeping efforts.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said in a speech to mark Bangladesh Armed Forces Day on 21 November that "processes are under way" to procure "sophisticated tanks", self-propelled artillery, air defence missile systems, fighter aircraft and helicopters.

Hasina added that such acquisitions - the details of which were not revealed - will follow the purchase of 140 armoured personnel carriers (APCs), which was completed, she said, after the government assumed office for a second term in 2009.

In addition, Hasina indicated that the government is investing in enhancing the armed forces capabilities through training and the installation of improved facilities.

In a statement, Hasina said: "The government will take measures - including imparting sophisticated training to the armed forces along with providing them modern equipment - so that Bangladesh [can] send more peacekeepers to UN-sponsored peacekeeping missions ... and make [an] immense contribution to protect the country." She added: "Work has already been started to set up an advanced airbase in Cox's Bazar to keep constant watch on the Bay of Bengal."

Although Bangladesh continues to face a range of security threats - including non-traditional threats, such as piracy - and natural disasters, the country is increasingly in competition for energy resources in the Bay of Bengal. Bangladesh has identified substantial unexploited offshore oil and gas reserves inside this area and has often accused neighbours Myanmar and India of infringement. In 2008, for instance, Bangladesh accused Myanmar of sending six vessels (two of them naval) into the EEZ, prompting a stand-off.

Given these energy reserves, it is no coincidence that China has emerged as Bangladesh's most important supplier of materiel and it is likely that the items outlined by Hasina in her speech will be sourced from Beijing, probably under soft financial terms or through military aid. The access to such funds will be vital to the acquisitions as Bangladesh's defence budget totals just USD1.5 billion.

For example, over the past few years China's Shaanxi Baoji Special Vehicles Manufacturing has supplied the 4x4 ZFB05 light APC to Bangladesh with money on loan from Beijing, while in late 2009 the company told Jane's that it was in discussions with Dhaka over the sale of additional platforms.

In 2007 China's Chengdu Aircraft Industry supplied 12 F-7BG fighters and four FT-7BG two-seaters to the Bangladesh Air Force and is thought to be in discussion over the potential sale of the Chinese-Pakistani JF-17 (FC-1) fighter and the more advanced Chinese J-10 (FC-20).

The Bangladesh Navy is believed to have purchased two Jiangwei II (Type 053H3)-class frigates in recent years, although in 2009 and 2010 it indicated a willingness to look elsewhere for platforms by ordering three former UK Royal Navy platforms: the ex-RN survey ship HMS Roebuck and two ex-RN Castle-class offshore patrol vessels. Two AgustaWestland AW109 twin-turbine light multipurpose helicopters were also ordered.

 

[bd_4_ever]

ASIA PACIFIC
Date Posted: 24-Nov-2010


Jane's Defence Weekly


Bangladesh outlines military equipment procurement plans.


For example, over the past few years China's Shaanxi Baoji Special Vehicles Manufacturing has supplied the 4x4 ZFB05 light APC to Bangladesh with money on loan from Beijing, while in late 2009 the company told Jane's that it was in discussions with Dhaka over the sale of additional platforms.

Wow...this is new to me....didnt know about it before....! Thanks for the info sir....


Cheers!!!

 

[mil-avia]

For example, over the past few years China's Shaanxi Baoji Special Vehicles Manufacturing has supplied the 4x4 ZFB05 light APC to Bangladesh with money on loan from Beijing, while in late 2009 the company told that it was in discussions with Dhaka over the sale of additional platforms.

Shaanxi Baoji Special Vehicles Manufacturing :

 

[BATMAN]

With whom exactly, Hasina expect to have war?

 

[TopCat]

YOu never know. OUr soldiers in Ivory Coast had been facing odds. If we had capacity we would had sent backups but instead had to secure help from France. As we grow we will have adversary even far away from home.

 

[Gonjo]

With whom exactly, Hasina expect to have war?

From the ancient period Bengal is one of major target of foreign invaders. As much there is growth, the more risk rises from internal and external.

 

[deltacamelately]

From a purely military point of view, it is a bit surprising that the GoBD hasn't thought about investing in any substantial reconnaissance platform. Having two neighbors with clear military edge, it would be the most prudent decision to have eyes and ears on any major buildup near its borders.

 

[eastwatch]

With whom exactly, Hasina expect to have war?

Our two neighbours, India and Myammar, are potentially our enemies. In fact, military strategists see all their neighbours as enemy countries. These two countries are trying to dig out wealth from our part of Bay of Bengal. Moreover, India claims south Talpatti as its own. The purpose is certainly to expand its own territories in the Bay at the expense of ours.

Comparing to our military capability as east Pakistan, today's capability is at least 25 times larger. But, we are treading very cautiously and slowly without touching the sensitivity of India. Our military is still weak comparing to many of our neighbours. But, with our increasing economy the govt is taking decisions to purchase new weapons.

Only last month our navy Chief visited Chinese shipyards where two of our war ships are being built. Under Chinese technology assistance, BD is building 5 units of Khulna class patrol crafts. There are purchases of missile system, frigattes, tanks, jets, submarines and many others.