Bangladesh Air-Force Bangladesh Air Force

[Afif]

Nope, we didn't.

 

[Isa Khan]

Bangladesh Air Force Lockheed C-130J 99-5481 (ex ZH883) towed out of a hangar on May 17, 2023. This is the last of the five former Royal Air Force C.5 aircraft refurbished for BAF by Marshall ADG at Cambridge. The fourth aircraft acquired, it was registered alphabetically S3-AGH, with the previous three, 99-5479 (ex ZH881), 99-5482 (ex ZH884) and 99-5480 (ex ZH882) being registered, respectively, S3-AGE, S3-AGF and S3-AGG, and delivered in this order. The later acquired fifth aircraft 99-5485 (ex ZH887) was registered S3-AGJ and delivered in February 2022, well ahead of S3-AGH, the work on which is still ongoing more than a year later.

 

[Isa Khan]

208 MROU (Bell-212 and Bell-206 overhaul) in BAF Bashar is getting another hanger. For new helicoter? AW-139?

BAF Bangabandhu. What's "P" squadron?

BAF Sheikh Hasina is getting K-8W simulator.

BAF Base CTG. Is BAF getting two new AW-139 or are they for BN?

BAF got new 213 MROU for missile overhaul.

 

[Bürküt]

Can't Bangladesh get a tailor made service from TAI for Air Force?A structural upgrade modernization to increase the service life of Mig29s and then Turkish-made mission computer and Turkish radar are integrated with other avionic components.Sophisticated missiles like Gökdoğan Bozdoğan SOM get purchase directly.Then State makes a licensed production agreement for guidance kits such as HGK-KGK-LGK.It can even be obtained from an aircraft-launched version of the trlg230-trg300 already in inventory.In 2030s modernized Mig29s replace by Kaans. This way you have a carrier platform that is compatible with the ammunition at the hand.It can also be a good working model for TAI.It would be a modernization package that can be offered to countries with Mig29, such as Central-Asian Turkic Republics, Poland and Ukraine.I'm even exaggerating. The avionics of Mig29s, which will be taken out of service later, can be evaluated in another way. We are such a flexible country. Our minds are working well on logistics.

 

[Afif]

Can't Bangladesh get a tailor made service from TAI for Air Force?A structural upgrade modernization to increase the service life of Mig29s and then Turkish-made mission computer and Turkish radar are integrated with other avionic components.Sophisticated missiles like Gökdoğan Bozdoğan SOM get purchase directly.

Theoretically, it is very much possible.

But than again, we have only 8 mig-29
The numbers is insufficient to go through al this hurdles and complicated process.

But more importantly, I highly doubt Russians will ever agree to this.

And Last but not the least, our mig-29 are already gone through mid-life modernization and upgrade recently.

Then State makes a licensed production agreement for guidance kits such as HGK-KGK-LGK.

BAF already bought some TEBER guidance kits from Roketsan recently.
(Don't know if delivery has began yet.)

$1 Billion Arms Deal Between Bangladesh-Turkey

According to a news report published on December 9, 2021, When the MoU was signed, Bangladesh also sealed a $1 billion arms deal with Turkey. Previously Bangladesh signed a similar contract with Russia in 2013. couldn't find the ''local newspaper'' (its not concrete) Is it concrete now...

defencehub.live

Apart from that, BAF has some succes in its own indeginous project (not completed yet) to develop PGM (GPS guided) with Chinese tech assistance.
(Maybe Turkey as an alternative would have been better politically)

Taken From-

Primary Trainer | UAV | Other Projects

Note: Since our first indigenous primary training aircraft will make maiden flight soon, perhaps it's time to open a dedicated thread for the trainer, UAV and other projects to keep all related news/information together in one place. Not much information are publicly available on these projects...

defencehub.live

In 2030s modernized Mig29s replace by Kaans.

So the thing is we have around 44 jets. Which will need to phased out throughout 2030s.

Hopefully, in next 10 years if size of our economy double and we have more competent government (that takes national security more seriously) then KAAN would be a feasible choice.

But for now, we are talking about MRCA program to buy 1x squadron (16) twin engine western origin fighters. (Eurofighter or Rafale) Which has been approved in principle and was announced officially.

However, due to funding issue (approximately $3 billions) the MRCA program got stuck for last 2 years.

And given the current economic crisis and severe forex shortage, we don't see any hope for contract to be signed in next 1/2 years.

 

[Bürküt]

Theoretically, it is very much possible.

But than again, we have only 8 mig-29
The numbers is insufficient to go through al this hurdles and complicated process.

But more importantly, I highly doubt Russians will ever agree to this.

And Last but not the least, our mig-29 are already gone through mid-life modernization and upgrade recently.

Mb I was misremembering the numbers.

 

[F-6 enthusiast]

Can't Bangladesh get a tailor made service from TAI for Air Force?A structural upgrade modernization to increase the service life of Mig29s and then Turkish-made mission computer and Turkish radar are integrated with other avionic components.Sophisticated missiles like Gökdoğan Bozdoğan SOM get purchase directly.Then State makes a licensed production agreement for guidance kits such as HGK-KGK-LGK.It can even be obtained from an aircraft-launched version of the trlg230-trg300 already in inventory.In 2030s modernized Mig29s replace by Kaans. This way you have a carrier platform that is compatible with the ammunition at the hand.It can also be a good working model for TAI.It would be a modernization package that can be offered to countries with Mig29, such as Central-Asian Turkic Republics, Poland and Ukraine.I'm even exaggerating. The avionics of Mig29s, which will be taken out of service later, can be evaluated in another way. We are such a flexible country. Our minds are working well on logistics.

We can buy KE drones , which will be able to launch the ordnance you mentioned in addition to being a low observable asset ideal for strike.

Once we get new fighters ,
If there is enough airframe life left in those mig-29s , the possibility of converting them for electronic attack missions with Turkish help should be looked into. (just my opinion)

 

[Bürküt]

We can buy KE drones , which will be able to launch the ordnance you mentioned in addition to being a low observable asset ideal for strike.

You need a military satellite to use KE with BLOS capability.Otherwise, its use against Myanmar may not be very effective.

Once we get new fighters ,
If there is enough airframe life left in those mig-29s , the possibility of converting them for electronic attack missions with Turkish help should be looked into. (just my opinion)

EHPOD -MEHPOD can be installed and something can be done I think.

 

[F-6 enthusiast]

simplified overview

 

[F-6 enthusiast]

didnt know rafale doesnt have two way datalink with meteor

 

[Afif]

didnt know rafale doesnt have two way datalink with meteor

Afaik, Rafale can have two-way data link with Meteor.

However, French Air Force thought it wasn't necessary for their requirements.

 

[Afif]

@F-6 enthusiast

Here is an idea, UK is retiring their 24 typhoon trench 1 by 2025.

UK to retire Tranche 1 Typhoons with more than half of airframe hours remaining

The UK's recently revealed plan to prematurely retire its Tranche 1 Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft will see the fleet axed with more than half of its airframe...

www.janes.com

I believe it could a lucrative chance for us.

Think about it, almost 60% percent of airframe fatigue lives is remaining. (3456 hours)

Afaik, standard non deployment yearly flight hours of USAF jets is 200.

But of course, for us if we could do 150 hours it would good enough.

150x22=3300.

We could easily keep these Typhoons in service for 22 years. (Up to 2045)

Now, these EF2000 Trench 1 could be upgraded (with hardware and software) to Trench 2/3.

For example, Spain is retrofitting them with Captor-E, new EW suit, Meteor and air to ground attack capability.

Of course, it wouldn't be on per with Trench 3A/4, however, I believe the upgrade package is good enough for us.

If we could buy all 24 jets we would be able to actually form 2x seperate squadrons. (Operating from independent airbases)

If we can negotiate, I believe we could strike a good deal for us. (After all Royal is retiring those aircraft anyway, so whatever they are getting is 100% profit for them)

I suppose, each aircraft would cost $30 millions and retrofit around $20 millions (remember, no need for extensive structural upgrades)

That's $1.2 billions

And instead of buying logistics we should do a performance-based logistics agreement. Maybe $250/300 millions.
(India signed a similar the contract with dassault worth 350 millions euro for 36 rafale)

And for weapons we will need around 100 Meteors (4x for each platform)

Brazil (non partner country) bought 100 meteor for 200 million euro in 2019.

MBDA Bags €200M Meteor Missile Deal for Brazilian Gripen NG Jets

MBDA Bags €200M Meteor Missile Deal for Brazilian Gripen NG Jets

www.defensemirror.com

I believe we should be able to procure them for $240/260 millions.

And 50 ASRAAM for $20 millions is easily possible.

And Some 200/300 paveway IV for $15/20 millions.

I think we don't need scalpe.

So, that is $1.8 billion in total (or maybe $1.9 billion) and I am gonna say it is totally worth it. $1 billions less than than what we were planning to pay for 16 new jets.


By 2045/47, we could easily replace these 24 typhoon with 24 KAAN.

Because beyond 2050 4.5 gets would become almost obsolete anyway.

And even now we buy 16 new Trench 4, we are not gonna be able to squeeze ever penny out of it because beyond 2050 these 4.5 gen jets on their own would become almost obsolete anyway. yet with 8000 lifespan Trench 4 should be kept in service up to 2065/70. (200 flight hours per year)

Last but not the least, given we are gonna buy the jet themselve from uk government (not commercially from BAE) we could get a very favourable arrangement for payment. (For jets only)

Now considering everything (deepening strategic ties with UK, cost effective deal as well as 8x more platforms) i would say, these second hand 24 EF (upgraded) would be the best deal we can get.



Edit- @Madokafc Here is a realistic (politically) and practical (financially) idea I came up with.

 

[Isa Khan]

@Nilgiri explained to me about buying and upgrading Tranche 1 1/2 years ago somewhere in the forum. Couldn't find the post but if i remember correctly it didn't seem much feasible and BAF already made up it's mind for new fighters.

 

[Afif]

Yeah, he wrote something like that in Turkish air force disscusions too.

But I disagree, as I said,we don't need it to be complete trench 3 equivalent.

In my opinion, Spanish upgrade model would have been good enough for us.

However, as you said, BAF already made up its mind for new fighters .

 

[Nilgiri]

@Nilgiri explained to me about buying and upgrading Tranche 1 1/2 years ago somewhere in the forum. Couldn't find the post but if i remember correctly it didn't seem much feasible and BAF already made up it's mind for new fighters.

Yeah, he wrote something like that in Turkish air force disscusions too.

But I disagree, as I said,we don't need it to be complete trench 3 equivalent.

In my opinion, Spanish upgrade model would have been good enough for us.

However, as you said, BAF already made up its mind for new fighters .

It is here:

UK army, navy and RAF all to be cut back, defence review confirms

Britain’s army, navy and air force will all be cut back over this parliament, despite promises made by Boris Johnson during the election campaign “not to be cutting the armed services in any form”. A five-year defence review, published on Monday afternoon, confirms that the army target size...

defencehub.live

Turkish convo:

F-16 Özgür | Hürkuş - Fighter Trainer Aircraft Projects

On the Hürkus II prototype there is the drawing of the daughter of Zahide Güçlü Ekici. One of the martyrs of the recent terrorist attack on TUSAS complex. RIP. May Allah accept the martyrdom of those who were martyred, their children will grow up without a mother or father for us.:(

defencehub.live

My contention in the Turkish thread was that tranche 1s are unlikely to be upgradeable to AESA capability....not that the acquisition itself is a bad deal or something (given weapons they can handle already and lifetime left).

But even the AESA thing could potentially be addressed, just the cost might be excessive as this would be pioneer project to do it with tranche 1 (probably why Spanish didnt go for it)....or it just might be impossible. Its something BAF would need to bring up.

But Meteor capability can be done (i.e BAF would have to elect to upgrade them to at least tranche 2 level), it will be some cost involved again (like whatever the spanish spent to get that done)....but BAF will get a good deal on the airframes to compensate for that anyway.

I'd snap them up if I were BAF rather than dawdle this long. Bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush.

EF is a potent western platform in the end and with meteor it would give a full complete tier edge over Burmese airforce.

 

[Nilgiri]

It is here:

UK army, navy and RAF all to be cut back, defence review confirms

Britain’s army, navy and air force will all be cut back over this parliament, despite promises made by Boris Johnson during the election campaign “not to be cutting the armed services in any form”. A five-year defence review, published on Monday afternoon, confirms that the army target size...

defencehub.live

Turkish convo:

F-16 Özgür | Hürkuş - Fighter Trainer Aircraft Projects

On the Hürkus II prototype there is the drawing of the daughter of Zahide Güçlü Ekici. One of the martyrs of the recent terrorist attack on TUSAS complex. RIP. May Allah accept the martyrdom of those who were martyred, their children will grow up without a mother or father for us.:(

defencehub.live

My contention in the Turkish thread was that tranche 1s are unlikely to be upgradeable to AESA capability....not that the acquisition itself is a bad deal or something (given weapons they can handle already and lifetime left).

But even the AESA thing could potentially be addressed, just the cost might be excessive as this would be pioneer project to do it with tranche 1 (probably why Spanish didnt go for it)....or it just might be impossible. Its something BAF would need to bring up.

But Meteor capability can be done (i.e BAF would have to elect to upgrade them to at least tranche 2 level), it will be some cost involved again (like whatever the spanish spent to get that done)....but BAF will get a good deal on the airframes to compensate for that anyway.

I'd snap them up if I were BAF rather than dawdle this long. Bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush.

EF is a potent western platform in the end and with meteor it would give a full complete tier edge over Burmese airforce.

@Yasar et al.

Apparently Austrians are looking at getting their tranche 1s to be able to fire meteor (along with other upgrades), just to give an idea of the cost involved (though this apparently includes money set for 18 trainer a/c as well)....but still no mention of AESA here. So AESA does seem to be something that cannot be done on tranche 1.

Austria will spend €1.6 billion to upgrade Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 1 fighters

The Austrian Armed Forces will receive funds to upgrade its fleet of fourth-generation Eurofighter Typhoon fighters. The Austrian Armed Forces will receive funding to upgrade their fleet of fourth-generation Eurofighter Typhoons.

gagadget.com

 

[Yasar_TR]

but still no mention of AESA here. So AESA does seem to be something that cannot be done on tranche 1.

From my intensive investigation, my understanding was such that the Aesa radar and tranche 3 upgrades are all possible on tranche 1 planes. But it is the cost factor that makes it not feasible. The amount of equipment and parts that need upgrading and changing is too many and too costly for the benefits it will bring. That is why RAF and other consortium members are not considering such an extensive and costly upgrade package. In short; it is more beneficial for them to buy a new plane; or go for a more down to earth, affordable, upgrade package.
That hybrid (GaN/GaAs) Aesa radar developed by BAE Systems and Leonardo UK is not cheap. UK is planning to upgrade all current upgradable tranche 3 typhoons to latest specs including ECRS Mk 2 radar, at a cost of circa 2.3 billion pounds. I guess it is not feasible to put these expensive radars and their related electronics on older tranche 1 planes; especially if it means spending even more money on them to bring them to a condition to accept the new upgrades.

EDIT
2.35 billion pound upgrading cost for 40 tranche 3 aircrafts.
That is 58.75million pounds for each plane. (75million dollars)
I dare not to think how much it would be if it were to be applied to tranche 1 aircrafts!!

RAF Typhoon fleet to receive world’s most advanced AESA radar

As part of a £2.35 billion modernization program, RAF Typhoon fighters will be equipped with the advanced AESA ECRS Mk2 radar. According to information released by the UK Ministry of Defense, the state-of-the-art ECRS Mk2 (for European Common Radar System Mk2) radar is vital to the Typhoon’s battlef

www.aviacionline.com

 

[Isa Khan]

Not the latest but updated google satellite imagery at least shows a clear picture of the BAF base Cox's Bazar. Note that the right bellman hanger in the southern side is complete and judging by the latest satellite imagery the tarmac's work is also complete. The building under construction near is probably the new Command and Stuff Training Institute shifted from Tejgaon base.

Fresh satellite image of BAF base Cox's Bazar. Two hangers are complete and two others are still under construction. Is this a ramp?

 

[Isa Khan]

23 June, 2023: Passing out Parade of Aero Apprentices was held at PAF Airmen Academy, Korangi Creek, Karachi, today. A total of 1567 Aero Apprentices including trainees from Pakistan Navy and allied countries have successfully completed their technical training. Trophy for Best Performance in foreign trainees was lifted by Corporal MD Salim Ahmed from Bangladesh.

 

[Isa Khan]

BAF is probably building a second airstrip in Bashar airbase. Currently the length of this airstrip is at least 1.90 km and 20 meters width. There's no info about it in available document so how long it will be or what purpose it'll actually serve is still unclear.

Old image

New image

208 MROU (Bell-212 and Bell-206 overhaul) in BAF Bashar is getting another hanger. For new helicoter? AW-139?

The video is old, looks like the construction of the hanger is complete. (shown in the images). Looks like C-130J hanger. Forgot to mention that BAF is also building a C-130J hanger here, so two hangers.