I found a pretty reliable article from AMI International, talking about our ships and potential purchases. It made a lot of sense to it. Have a read people :-
Bangladesh - Fleet Renewal in Full Swing
As of mid-March 2013, AMI continues to receive information in regards to the Bangladeshi Navy (BN) modernization efforts. These developments fulfill the requirements for a three dimensional naval force consisting of air, surface and subsurface units that was announced by the Minister of Defense in 2009.
Continuing and new projects are as follows:
A. Type 056 Corvette: Source indicates that Wuchan Shipyard in China began construction on the first two units on 08 January 2013. Additional units (at least two) will be built a Bangladesh's Khulna Shipyard (KSY).
B. South Korean Corvette: Source indicates that that the BN ordered two South Korean corvettes with delivery scheduled for 2013.
These corvettes could be additional Ulsan I class frigates of which one was built for the BN in 2000 or it could be a scaled down version of the Incheon (FFX) class being built for the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN). A third possibility is that these vessels could be used Ulsan class frigates or Pohang class corvettes that will be retiring from the ROKN over the next several years as the Incheon class begin entering service. AMI is attempting to verify this information and will update this article as appropriate.
C. 64-Meter Fast Attack Craft (FAC): The first two 64-Meter FAC built at Wuchang Shipyard in China were commissioned into the BN as the BNS Durjoy (P811) and BNS Nirmul (P812). Source indicates that six additional units will be built in country at KSY. Information received on 17 September 2012 indicated that the BN increased 64-Meter FAC program from four hulls to eight. The first unit of the additional four hulls is expected to be ordered by the end of 2013.
D. 50-Meter Patrol Boat: On 22 January 2013, the first 50-Meter patrol boat built at KSY, BNS Padma (P312), was commissioned.
AMI estimates that 24 additional units of the Chinese designed patrol vessel will be built at KSY through the end of the decade.
E. Used Vessel Transactions:
The BN is expected to take delivery of two used Chinese Type 053H2 frigates that were offered in late 2012. These will supplement the BN's aging surface force until Type 056 corvettes are delivered. The BN may also order the larger F22P frigates in the next decade following completion of the Type 056 program and the 62-Meter FAC program.
Sources continue to state that the BN will procure diesel-electric attack submarines (SSK) from China. The latest information suggests that up to US$1B has been provided for the program. AMI believes that two used Chinese Song class SSKs could be the candidates for this program. Bangladesh is reportedly training submarine crews in Turkey.
Assuming that the US$1B funding figure is correct, this could entail the purchase of two used Song class followed by two new construction submarines after 2020, possibly the Yuan class.
In mid-December 2012, the US announced that it would be transferring the USCG Hamilton Class Heavy Endurance Cutter (WHEC) Jarvis (WHEC-725) to the BN by late 2013. Additionally, 16 Defender class patrol craft will also be transferred to the Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG).
There is no doubt that the BN's fleet renewal is in full swing and when complete will be as advertised, three dimensional. With the new force being primarily South Korean and Chinese, the BN has been able to stretch its very limited funding resources in order to maximize this effort. The renewal effort is more than likely as a result of the continuing naval modernization efforts in the region, which includes Pakistan, India, Thailand and Myanmar.
Additional information on this article can be obtained by contacting Pat Bright at AMI International (Tel: + 1 757 963 7719 or E-mail:
pbright@amiinter.com). Additional information on Bangladesh can be found by visiting the Bangladesh Country report at:
http://www.amiinter.com/wnpr/bangladesh/index.html.
http://www.imdexasia.com/pdfs/AMI-Naval-Mkt-HN-March2013.pdf