[🇧🇩-Navy] Indigenous Frigate Program of Bangladesh Navy

[Saif]

BD has done reasonably well in Ship building. However, building an advance frigate is a different cup of tea. Hope to see a nice ship which is noticed.

We will build high performance frigates in the future. The current states of our shipyards are not suitable for modern frigate construction. More time is needed to upgrade the existing shipyards with modern technology. However, we are currently able to build patrol crafts, large patrol crafts, logistics ship, oil tanker, salvage ship and amphibious ship.

 

[Krishna with Flute]

We will build high performance frigates in the future. The current states of our shipyards are not suitable for modern frigate construction. More time is needed to upgrade the existing shipyards with modern technology. However, we are currently able to build patrol crafts, large patrol crafts, logistics ship, oil tanker, salvage ship and amphibious ship.

Everything has a learning curve. If you are theoretically very sound, you will require less trial and error. For that, you need brilliant engineers who comes from robust education system. It will be batter for Bangladesh to design naval ship in collaboration with some trusted partner and take consultancy wherever it is needed. Project management is more of an art than a science. If BD finds a good project manager and he is given freedom, ships may come in time with designed capabilities.

 

[Saif]

As of late 2025/early 2026, the Bangladesh Navy operates a fleet of five guided-missile frigates (Type 053H3, Type 053H2, Ulsan-class) and two Hamilton-class patrol frigates, primarily acquired from China and the US, strengthening their offshore patrol and surface warfare capabilities. Key assets include BNS Umar Farooq, BNS Abu Ubaidah, and BNS Bangabandhu.

Key Active Frigates in the Bangladesh Navy:
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• Type 053H3 (Jiangwei II) Class: BNS Umar Farooq (F16), BNS Abu Ubaidah (F19).​
• Type 053H2 (Jianghu-III) Class: BNS Abu Bakr (F15), BNS Ali Haider (F17).​
• Modified Ulsan-class: BNS Khalid Bin Walid (F25).​
• Hamilton-class (Patrol Frigates): BNS Somudra Joy (F28), BNS Somudra Avijan (F29).​

Future Expansion Program:​

• Bangladesh Navy Frigate Program: A project aiming to build 6 multi-role stealth guided missile frigates, initiated under the Forces Goal 2030 plan.​
• Competition: Proposals for this multi-billion dollar program have involved contenders like China (Type-054A), Italy (Bergamini-class), and Turkey (Istanbul-class).​
• Construction: The plan involves building these vessels with foreign technical collaboration at local facilities like Chittagong Dry Dock Ltd.​

The navy has been upgrading from older vessels (like the retired BNS Osman) to modern, missile-equipped frigates to boost their defense capabilities in the Bay of Bengal.​

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Good. What purpose is it going to solve? Will it help BD to capture 7 sisters or deter Indian Navy?

 

[Saif]

Good. What purpose is it going to solve? Will it help BD to capture 7 sisters or deter Indian Navy?

Bangladesh navy aims at protecting our maritime boundary from an aggressor.

 

[Bilal9]

Good. What purpose is it going to solve? Will it help BD to capture 7 sisters or deter Indian Navy?

Those are not the stated goals/mission of Bangladesh Navy.

Our Navy does not specialize in khwab-watching or building castles in the sky.

However they are more than capable of giving a fitting response to anyone attempting any aggressor moves.

The Mission of Bangladesh Navy is to "defend the country from threats emanating on, above and under the sea; promote and protect our maritime interest, assist maritime governance and contribute to the diplomatic objective of our nation."