[🇧🇩-Airforce] Bangladesh Air Force

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Bangladesh Air Force Passing out Parade. A Nepali cadet also completed his training.

 

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Bangladesh air forces' pilot training.

 

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Bangladesh air force's joint training with Bangladesh army and navy.

 

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Highly agile MIG-29 of Bangladesh Air Force.

 

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https://baf.mil.bd/website/baf-history.php

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History of BAF​

The origin of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) dates back to 1920 in British India when the Indian politicians demanded for inclusion of local people in the Royal Air Force because some members of Indian Royal Flying Core had earned name and fame in the 1st World War. The demand eventually got its shape in 1932 when Indian Air Force came into being on 08 October of that year. But until 1939 the Royal Air force hardly made any progress. Even during the 2nd World War period there was hardly any scope for training in the Bangladesh portion of the then sub-continent. However, airports were constructed in Comilla, Feni, Patenga, Cox’s Bazar and in few other places hastily. The only recruiting centre for this area was in Narayangonj.

During 1951-52 the first fighter squadron of Pakistan was organized anew. It was commanded by Abdur Rahim Khan who became the Chief of Air Staff of Pakistan Air Force during 1969-71. Bengali PAF/AF officer Flight Lieutenant Towab was the Flight Commander of that squadron who later became Chief of Air Staff of independent Bangladesh in 1975. Of the Bengali pilots Flying Officer Alam died in plane crash in 1956. He Left behind his contemporary Flying Officer A K Khandker who later played a glorious role in our historic Liberation War. He was not only the Deputy Commander of the Bangladesh side in the Liberation War; he also represented Bangladesh side during the surrender of the occupation Force at Race Course Maidan (Now Suhrawardy Udyan) on 16 December 1971. It is worth mentioning that A K Khandker became the first Chief of Air Staff of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF).

From 1947 to 1971 the Bengali nation had to struggle through the lives of myriad of people. The Bengali officers of the then Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had their name and sacrifice as well. Even during the Indo-Pak War in 1965, there were many glories of victory achieved by Shaheed (martyr) Squadron Leader Alam, Wing Commander Towab, Flight Lieutenant Saiful Azam and many others of them Flight lieutenant ( later on Group Captain) Saiful Azam became an ace fighter pilot. He showed success in three different countries in dog fight during real war. He became the only fighter pilot in the world who was awarded with state title by three different countries viz, Pakistan (Sitara-e-Jurat), Jordan (Hossam-e-Istiqlal) and Iraq (North S Suja). He proved his worthwhileness to such an extent that he was allowed to command a fighter squadron of Pakistan Air Force as a Flight Lieutenant which was supposed to be commanded by a Wing Commander. These officers had some praiseworthy airmen. One of them was Shaheed (martyr) Sergeant Zahurul Haque. He was a Ground Combat Instructor (GCI), a trade well known for conducting drill. Even such an airman had concern for his motherland. He was an accused in historic ‘Agartala Conspiracy Case’, obviously a historic plot to liberate the country. He succumbed to his injuries following constant torture on 15 February 1969. Bangladesh Air Force has recognized the contribution of this great airman since an important base of BAF (BAF Base Zahurul Haque) has been named in his name. Even the recognition has crossed the purview of BAF since a dormitory of Dhaka University has also been named after him.

The glorious Liberation War took place in 1971. From the motivated drive of patristic zeal, a good number of Bengali officers and airmen including technicians renounced their previous services and joined the Liberation War to expedite victory. It was largely possible due to the sincerity of those members who established the Air Wing of the Liberation War on 28 September 1971 at Dimapur of Nagaland, India. The air wing possessed a scanty inventory of one DC-3 airplane, one Otter airplane and one Alouette helicopter. The patriotic pilots and technicians of the nascent Bangladesh Air Force formed a flying unit named, ‘Kilo Flight’ , under the able guidance of the then Squadron Leader Sultan Mahmud who later became Air Vice Marshal and Chief of Air Staff. However, the pilots of the historic ‘Kilo Flight’ made successful sorties to launch successful air attacks on a number of targets in Chittagong and Narayangonj. It was during the Liberation War that another great son of the soil, Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman sacrificed his life for his motherland. His sacrifice was not an ordinary one since it is difficult for a family man to endanger his life. It was not a fluke either. He not only sacrificed his life, but the happiness of his family life as well. While fleeing Pakistan with a T-33 aircraft to join the glorious Liberation War, he died at Thatta, a few kilometers away from the Indian border where his aircraft crashed. The heroic attempt has been rewarded by both BAF and the nation as well. The most important officers’ training base of BAF in Jessore has been named after him (BAF Base Matiur Rahman) and the nation has awarded him the highest state title, ‘Beer Shrestha’ Besides these great personalities, out of many, two more officers of BAF are worth mentioning, the two sector commanders. They are the then Squadron Leader Khademul Bashar who later became Air Vice Marshal and Chief of Air Staff and another officer is the then Squadron Leader Hamidullah who later became Wing Commander.

Since independence, BAF underwent massive modification and expansion. Concentration has been given on both air power and air defense. Bases, Units and outposts have been established at different suitable places. As a mark of improvement, many foreign trainees both at officers and airmen levels underwent training in BAF. As a mark of recognition, Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) received ‘National Colours’ in 1980 by the then honorable President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. Later Bangladesh Air Force Academy (BAFA) received ‘National colours’ in 2003 by the then honorable Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. Even the Recruits’ Training School (RTS) has been awarded with ‘BAF Colours’ by an ex Chief of Air Staff in 2004.

In aid to civil power, BAF always responded in the best possible way. Bangladesh Air Force performed tremendously during deluge like flood in 1988 and after a devastating cyclonic storm in Chittagong in 1991. It performed election duties quite successfully in 2001 Parliamentary Election. The organization also responded well in international requirements like after earthquake in Gujrat, India in 2001; after Tsunami in Sri Lanka and the Maldives in 2004 and after earthquake in Mujaffarabad, Pakistan in 2005. It has responded to the call of United Nations by serving under its umbrella in 17 different war-torn countries of the world.

 

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BAF Flypast.

 

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https://ati.baf.mil.bd/historviy

HISTORY​

AIRMEN TRAINING INSTITUTE​

Airmen Training Institute is located at BAF Base Zahurul Haque, on the confluence of Karnafuli River and the Bay of Bengal, is a vital training institute of Bangladesh Air Force. This institute was established on the 4th of August, 1975 named as Training Wing for Military and Technical Training for airmen of Bangladesh Air Force of various trades. On 25th October 2018, Honorable Prime Minister of the Government of People’s Republic of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the institute’s infrastructure as Airmen Training Institute. The Airmen Training Institute has made a significant contribution to the development of competent manpower for the Bangladesh Air Force since its establishment. Apart from the trainees of Bangladesh Air Force, the trainees from Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy and friendly countries have completed training successfully from this unique training institute. This institution plays a central role in the growth of professional human resources for Bangladesh Air Force and the country in general and technical subjects.

Airmen Training Institute has been successful in providing basic and advanced training to all technical trades except for Medical Assistant, Music, MTOF, ATCA and Radar Operators. This institute offers a seven-week Pre Trade Allocation training (PTAT) course, Trade Training Basic (TTB) course of 39 weeks and Trade Training Advance (TTA) course of 36 weeks. Trainees from technical trades are taught mathematics, physics, chemistry, general knowledge, engineering drawing, English and related disciplines. This institution imparts knowledge on English, General Service Knowledge, Mathematics and related subjects to non-technical trainees. There are well-equipped physics, chemistry and modern computer laboratories for the trainees. Moreover, for the convenience of the earners, using modern multimedia projectors to provide up-to-date information and technical involvement in the learning. It also conducts Management Course, Basic Instructor Course (BIC) Junior Commissioned Officers (JCO’s) Course, Computer Familiarization Course and Education Instructor and Cypher Assistant Course

The activities of the Airmen Training Institute are conducted under the direction and supervision of the Commandant. He is headed by the Head of Gen Studies and Management Training Department, Head of Aero Engineering Training Department, Head of IT, Communication & Electronic Training Department, Head of General Admin Training Department, Head of Training Plan & Evaluation Department, Head of Air Ops Training Department, Head of Support Department and the Head of PF&DI Training Sqn. The training activities are supervised by qualified education and trade instructors, while general service training is directed by skilled physical fitness and drill instructors. Here the trainees take part in various sports including volleyball, football, basketball etc as well as various exhibitions such as PT display, Arms display etc and extra curriculum activities such as debate, annual magazine and wallpaper writing.

"Knowledge Discipline Patriotism" is the principle of Airmen Training Institute of Bangladesh Air Force which is the firm commitment to provide a high standard of training. Through education and professional knowledge, an airman achieved the opportunity to earn a diploma degree in a related trade after completing advance training. Management training helps to acquire the qualities of a skilled manager.

 

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https://ati.baf.mil.bd/missionVision

Vision​

To be a center of excellence for providing quality education in the field of Aviation Maintenance and human skill development to meet the national and global challenges.

Mission​

• Provide comprehensive education and aviation maintenance training to airmen with a perspective to build operational, maintenance and administrative capabilities to respond to shared challenges.
• Produce technologically advanced aviation maintenance technicians, intellectual trainers and professionals with high moral and ethical values to meet Bangladesh Air Force goal, socio-economic development of Bangladesh and global needs.
• Provide distinctive and relevant education in an environment of scientific, technological, and professional knowledge creation and innovation.
• Conduct collaborative training and education activities with national and international communities for continuous interaction with academia and industry.
• Committed to providing a working and learning environment in which all members of our community are able to realize their full potential.

 

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Govt mulls procuring advanced fighter jets

Law, Justice and Parliament Affairs Minister Anisul Huq today said the government has a plan to purchase advanced technology fighter jets, frigates and other modern vessels for the Air Force and Navy. The minister said this while responding to a star-marked question raised by treasury bench...

www.tbsnews.net

Govt mulls procuring advanced fighter jets​

Photo: Reuters

Law, Justice and Parliament Affairs Minister Anisul Huq today said the government has a plan to purchase advanced technology fighter jets, frigates and other modern vessels for the Air Force and Navy.

The minister said this while responding to a star-marked question raised by treasury bench lawmaker Anwar Hossen Khan of Lakhipur-1 at the question-answer session which was tabled at the Jatiya Sangsad here with Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury in the chair.

"The government has a plan to procure more modern technology-based warplanes in light of the Forces Goal-2030 aiming to make the Bangladesh Air Force most modern and up to date in future," he told the parliament.

At present, Bangladesh Air Force has a total of eight squadron fighter jets for protecting the sovereignty as per the Forces Goal-2030.

Even the government also has the plan to procure frigates, corvette, Offshore Petrol Vessel (OPV), Mine Counter Measure Vessel (MCMV), Large Petrol Craft (LPC), Ocean Tug, Harbour Tag, Oil Tanker, Logistic Ship, Floating Crane, Hydro Graphic Survey Vessel and Hover Craft in phases considering the budget allocation for the Navy.

Currently, the Navy has 65 more war ships including two submarines, two helicopters and four maritime aircrafts.​

 

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Govt wants to build air force like developed countries: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (Thursday) expressed her government's keen interest to make the air force like developed countries, saying the ultra-modern fighter planes, air defence radar and missile were already inducted to the force to turn the desire into reality.

www.rtvonline.com

Govt wants to build air force like developed countries: PM​

Rtv news
30 Dec 2021, 20:47

Photo: Collected

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (Thursday) expressed her government's keen interest to make the air force like developed countries, saying the ultra-modern fighter planes, air defence radar and missile were already inducted to the force to turn the desire into reality.

"We have already incorporated ultra-modern fighter planes, air defence radar, missile and necessary equipment to Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) alongside setting up new ghatis (wings), units and training institute ---we want to build the air force like developed countries," she said.

The Prime Minister said this while addressing as the chief guest the "President Parade (Winter)-2021" of the Bangladesh Air Force Academy, joining virtually from her official Ganabhaban residence in the capital.

The BAF is going to get soon various modern planes, high-performance air defence radar, simulator, ATS simulator, laser guided bomb and anti-ship missile which will multiply its capacity, she said.

The Prime Minister called upon the fresh cadets to be prepared in such a way keeping in mind the Father of the Nation's ideals as they can play an active role in fulfilling the country's expectations by serving the nation.

She hoped that the fresher would march the force ahead by using their talent, professionalism and patriotism from the current position that was achieved by your predecessors' far-sightedness, professionalism and hard work.

The Prime Minister greeted the new cadets as they are going to join the air force upon completion of their three years training.

She asked the cadets to always love the country and its people and perform the responsibilities bestowed on them with sincerity and honesty.

"Protect the independence and sovereignty of the country that were shouldered upon you after taking the oath," she added.

Highlighting her government's various measures taken for the overall development of the air force, the premier said they have purchased the fourth generation MIG-29 and C-130 and high performance air protection radar alongside infrastructure development coming to power in 1996 after 21 years.

Describing the armed forces as the symbol of country's independence and sovereignty, Sheikh Hasina said her government has been implementing the "Forces Goal-2030" to build a developed and professional force.

The "Forces Goal-2030" was formulated in line with the Defence Policy of 1974 adopted by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, she said.

The Prime Minister said that they have established Bangabandhu Aeronautical Centre to ensure safe and affordable management and overhauling of the planes, radars and military equipment.

She said that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University was established to ensure overall development of the air force and make time-worthy the civil aviation sector.

The Prime Minister said, "InshaAllah, we will once attain ability in building planes, helicopters and fighter planes with the knowledge to be obtained through research from the university."

Her government has always attached priority on conducting research regarding space, she said.

She also said her government has added ultra-modern fly-by-wire, digital cockpit based YAK-130 combat trainer, K-8W Z trainer, L-410 transport trainer, AW-119KX helicopter trainer and various simulators to the air force to ensure a developed and time-befitting flying training for its future generation cadets.

Bangladesh Air Force arranged a spectacular parade and colourful fly past at its Jashore Academy on the occasion which the premier virtually witnessed from her Ganabhaban residence.

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Shaikh Abdul Hannan later gave a vote of thanks to the Prime Minister for joining the programme.

He, on behalf of the premier, earlier handed over the 'Sword of Honour' 'Chief of Air Staff Trophy' 'Commandants Trophy' and other prizes among the
best cadets.

Sheikh Hasina said her government has bought the certified tier-111 data centre and is setting up it to make the air force activities digital as part of the government's move to transform Bangladesh into a digital country.

The Prime Minister said v-set hub and terminal station for the air force was recently purchased which will help build satellite based communication among its ghatis and units using the Bangabandhu Satellite-1.

She also said that her government is set to launch the Bangabandhu Satellite-2 as well.

Sheikh Hasina said her government has first taken measures to appoint female in the armed forces to empower women.

She also expressed her satisfaction over participation of female cadets took part in today's march past alongside the men.

The Prime Minister said that the Father of the Nation had dreamt of building a modern, professional and developed air force.

So, Bangabandhu purchased the ultra-modern fighter plane MIG-21 from neighbouring countries alongside procuring helicopter, radar and other military equipment for the air force, she said, adding the Mig-21 was used in the Liberation War in 1971.

She recalled the contribution of Bangabandhu in shaping the armed forces with limited resources during his three and a half years tenure alongside building a war-ravaged country.

The Prime Minister said the Father of the Nation had built a military academy while her government had established the air force academy from which
cadets of Palestine, Nepal, Zambia and Sri Lanka alongside Bangladesh took the training course.

She said, "We have always given priority on training."

Sheikh Hasina thanked the air force personnel as they stood beside the distressed people during the Covid-19 pandemic alongside carrying huge quantities of medical equipment from China and South Korea and bringing back Bangladeshi expatriates stranded at the different countries.

The premier said: "The air force personnel always stand beside the people in every disaster."

Source: BSS​

 

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Though I don't trust Indian media, I posted the news item below just because it talks about BAF's intention to purchase EF-2000 from Italy.

Dhaka junks Sino-Russian aircraft, Chinese Navy to get improved combat aircraft

Extremely peeved by China’s and Russia’s support to Myanmar’sstand on the Rohingya refugee issue, Bangladesh’s Awami League-led government has decided to get rid of the Bangladesh Air Force’s (BAF)

forceindia.net

The Eastern Front​

Dhaka junks Sino-Russian aircraft, Chinese Navy to get improved combat aircraft​

Prasun K. Sengupta

Extremely peeved by China’s and Russia’s support to Myanmar’s stand on the Rohingya refugee issue, Bangladesh’s Awami League-led government has decided to get rid of the Bangladesh Air Force’s (BAF) existing fleet of China-/Russia-origin combat aircraft and go for an initial 16 Eurofighter EF-2000 medium multi-role combat aircraft (M-MRCA) from Italy’s Leonardo Group. The BAF presently operates Chengdu F-7MBs and MiG-29B-12s that were procured two decades ago.

The BAF zeroed in on the EF-2000 back in 2015, following the appointment of the then Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Abu Esrar, who had conducted an evaluation of the EF-2000 during the 2016 Farnborough International Air show. Esrar’s successor, ACM Masihuzzaman Serniabat, was equally enthusiastic, but a detailed evaluation of the M-MRCA with Leonardo’s assistance had to be aborted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Now Serniabat’s successor, ACM Shaikh Abdul Hannan, has been tasked with the completion of the EF-2000 procurement process.

Bangladesh’s Directorate General Defence Purchase (DGDP) had floated a global tender in 2017 for the procurement of eight M-MRCAs, plus options for an additional four, under the Forces Goal 2030 modernisation programme. Later increased to 16 M-MRCAs, the tender had specified the requirement for a new-build, twin-engined M-MRCA, with each of its turbofans producing at least 12,125 pounds of dry thrust and more than 17,635 pounds with afterburner. The minimum weapons payload was to be five tonnes carried on at least eight weapons hard-points. Additional specifications had called for the M-MRCAs to be equipped with active electronically scanned array multi-mode radar (AESA-MMR) with an air-to-air range of 93 miles and an air-to-surface range of 31 miles, an infra-red search and track (IRST) system, and an integrated electronic warfare (EW) suite.

The BAF’s combat aircraft fleet comprises around 44 units, comprising eight MiG-29B-12s and MiG-29UBs assigned to No.8 Squadron located at Dhaka’s Kurmitola (Bangabandhu air base), 28 Chengdu F-7BGs and four FT-7BGs assigned to Nos.5 and 35 Squadrons at the same location. The older 16 F-7MBs and eight FT-7MBs have been decommissioned. Four of the MiG-29s were upgraded to MiG-29BM/UBM standards in Belarus between 2019 and 2020 and the remaining four are expected to be upgraded as well.

To date, under the 2009-vintage Bangladesh Armed Forces Forces Goal 2030 modernisation programme, the BAF received 16 Yak-130 advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft that were ordered in 2013, and it had planned to procure eight Sukhoi Su-30SME heavy-MRCAs in 2017. However, relations with Moscow deteriorated after it supported Myanmar over the Rohingya refugee issue and worsened after Russia agreed to sell the Yak-130 and Su-30SME to Myanmar while offering the MiG-35 to the BAF.

A miffed Dhaka consequently began drawing up plans for earmarking around 25,200 Crore Taka (USD3 billion) for 16 EF-2000s, starting with an advance sum of 6,300 Crore Taka for the financial year 2021-22, which would have enabled the BAF to seek a complete package with aircraft, support, training, a variety of guided-weapons, and the creation of localised maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities. Apart from the difficulties experienced by Dhaka in procuring Su-30SMEs, the BAF wanted to ensure that it enjoyed technological superiority over its Myanmarese counterpart, which was the reason why the BAF chose to reject the single-engined Chengdu J-10CE, Saab JAS-39 Gripen NG and Lockheed Martin’s F-16 Block-52. Although Italy-based Leonardo Group is the designated Eurofighter consortium’s industrial partner to market the EF-2000 in Bangladesh, it is now certain that the UK-based BAE System would also support the procurement process. The report following the third Bangladesh-UK strategic dialogue in 2019 had stated: ‘The UK further expressed its readiness to support Bangladesh with the procurement of high-calibre multi-role combat aircraft alongside other modernisation programmes.’

Bangladesh’s procurement of Italy-origin military hardware has been increasing since the previous decade. In July 2014 the BAF had ordered two AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopters from Leonardo for maritime search and rescue (SAR) and other utility missions. In June 2017, the BAF ordered a RAT-31 DL/M long-range airspace surveillance radar worth 147 crore Taka for installation in Barisal to bolster air-defences in the country’s southern region. In September that same year, the Bangladesh Navy ordered Leonardo’s Seaspray-5000E AESA-MMR for its two RUAG Do-228NG multi mission surveillance aircraft. And in October 2019 the BAF ordered Leonardo’s KRONOS LAND C-band AESA air-defence radars for its current and emerging gap filler radar requirements. The KRONOS LAND has an air surveillance range of 250km.

It now remains to be seen if the BAF will eventually buy two EMB-145I ‘Netra’ AEW & C platforms from India, which are on offer along with a related line-of-credit. The BAF had evinced interest in procuring this platform four years ago.​

 

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