Bangladesh Army Aviation Group
| Bangladesh Army Aviation Group | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Active | 26 March 1978 - Present |
| Country |
 Bangladesh |
| Branch |
Bangladesh Army |
| Type | Military aviation |
| Headquarters/Garrison | Dhaka Cantonment |
| Nickname(s) | Army Aviation Group |
| Engagements | Chittagong Hill Tracts conflict |
| Decorations | See Medals of the Bangladesh Armed Forces |
| Commanders | |
| Army Air Commander | BGen Abdullah Al Azhar |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Attack helicopter | Mil Mi-171Sh |
| Utility helicopter | Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin |
| Trainer | Cessna 152, Bell 206 |
| Transport | Mil Mi-171Sh, CASA CN-235, Cessna 208 Caravan |
The Army Aviation Group is the army aviation unit of the Bangladesh Army. The AAG conducts military air operations and is responsible for doctrine, manning and configuration for all aviation units in the Army.
History
Origin
The Army Aviation Group was formed in 1978 in the form of a squadron and named Army Aviation Squadron. Later in 1982, it was expanded to a wing strength and named Army Aviation Wing. In 1990, it was finally brought to a group strength and named Army Aviation Group. Aircraft such as Cessna 152 and Cessna 208 Caravan were procured to modernize the Aviation Group.
Present
At present, Army Aviation Group operates two Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin utility helicopters and one Cessna 208 Caravan utility aircraft. Three Bell 206 training helicopters and four Cessna 152 training aircraft are also there.
Aircraft
Current Inventory
Main article:List of aircraft of the Bangladesh Army
| Aircraft | Origin | Type | In service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed-wing Aircraft | ||||
| Cessna 208B Grand Caravan |  USA |
Utility aircraft | 1[1] | |
| CASA CN 235-300 |  Spain |
Transport aircraft | 2 | On order. |
| Cessna 152 | USA |
Trainer Aircraft | 5 | Military Balance 2011 |
| Helicopters | ||||
| Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin |  France |
Utility helicopter | 2[1] | |
| Mi-171Sh |  Russia |
Combat helicopter | 6 | Six helicopters on order.[2] |
| Bell 206 | USA |
Trainer Helicopter | 3[3][4] | |
Retired
| Aircraft | Origin | Type | In service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed-wing Aircraft | ||||
| Piper PA-31T Cheyenne | USA |
Utility aircraft | 1 | |
Future Modernization
Under Forces Goal 2030, the Army Aviation Group continues to develop. During 2015, six Mi-17 helicopters and two CASA/IPTN CN-235 transport aircraft were ordered for the Aviation Group. Bangladesh's Government is also looking to introduce more attack helicopters, transport aircraft and attack aircraft to the Army Aviation Group.[2]
References
- 1 2 World Air Forces 2015. Flightglobal Insight. 2015. p. 10. (registration required (help)).
- 1 2 "Modernisation of army to continue:PM.". UNB. Retrieved 29 May 2015.
- ↑ "Bangladesh Army Arms Histories". Global Security.
- ↑ "Army helicopter crashes". bdnews24.com. 3 July 2013.
