Forces Goal 2030

Emblem of Bangladesh Armed Forces

Forces Goal 2030 is a long-term modernization program for Bangladesh Armed Forces. The main purpose of the program is expanding the size of the forces, acquisition of latest generation war-machines and providing next level training to personnel of the Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Air Force. The goal also emphasizes on developing the indigenous defence industries.

Concept

Forces Goal 2030 is the first planned attempt that has been undertaken to modernize the Bangladesh Armed Forces. This extensive plan has been made to cope with the necessity of age. Modernization of the armed forces was always neglected in Bangladesh and no extensive measures were taken previously. Forces Goal 2030 emphasizes on adding quality equipment with better training and increasing the mobility of the forces. If the goal is implemented completely, Bangladesh Armed Forces will be smart, well-trained and well equipped force with formidable power in the region. This goal also include the development of a well-established defence industry to attain self-sufficiency in defence hardware sector.

Army

The plan of Forces Goal 2030 is to make the Bangladesh Army a well-trained and well-armed force that can defend the territory of Bangladesh from any conventional and unconventional threat. As per the plan, the Bangladesh Army will be divided into two separate commands: eastern command and western command. The number of divisions will be increased from seven to ten. Already, two new divisions have been formed, 17th infantry division at Sylhet[1] and 10th infantry division at Ramu in Cox’s Bazar.[2] Required supporting units are being added. The process is going on to form another infantry division in Rajbari District, in the southern bank of Padma river.[3] Many new cantonments have been established and are being established.

According to plan, steps have been taken to increase the mobility of the force. Many new APC, IFV etc. are being procured. BTR-80, Otokar Cobra, BOV M11, Lazar BVT etc. APCs and BTR-82A IFV are in the procurement list. The army is also considering self-propelled mortar for mechanized infantry. A contract has been signed for 330 BTR-82A IFV and 10 Armoured recovery vehicle under a $1 billion arms deal with Russia whose delivery will start from the end of 2016.[4]

Steps have been taken to increase the firepower of artillery units. Nora B-52 K2 self-propelled artillery systems have been procured. More self-propelled systems are being considered like the Chinese SH-2 systems. One battery of WS-22 Guided Multiple Rocket Launcher System has been procured. Two more batteries of this system will be procured within 2015 to form a full MLRS regiment.[4] More such systems like WS-32, WS-33 etc. will come soon. WS-43 Loitering Attack Munitions will also be added.

The Bangladesh Army has procured 44 MBT-2000 tanks. now, the process of upgradation of Type-59 tank to Type 59BD is underway.[5][6] Government is actively considering the formation of two new tank regiments.[7][8]

To modernize the signal corps of the Bangladesh Army, new radio equipment and other devices has been procured. SLC-2 weapon locating radar has been added.

An independent air defence brigade has been formed at Dhaka Cantonment. Two regiments of FM 90 surface to air missile will be added by 2016 to enhance air defence capabilities of army.[5]

For anti-tank roles, Metis-M and Kornet E missile systems and PF-98 rocket system have been procured.

One of the major development of the Bangladesh Army is starting of its Future soldier system. The Bangladesh Army has started equipping all of its soldiers with ultra-modern equipment like Night Vision Goggles (NVG), Ballistic helmet, protective eye gear, kevlar bulletproof vests, hand to hand communicators, palmtop GPS devices and modern homemade BD-08 MK2 assault rifles with ACOG sight.

The Bangladesh government is also working to modernize the army aviation wing. Two Eurocopter AS365 Dauphins were put into service in 2012.[9] A new contract has been signed for six Mil Mi-171 helicopters from Russia under the $1 billion arms deal.[4] Two CN-235 transport aircraft for Army aviation has been ordered from Spain recently.

One of the epoch making decisions was the induction of Unmanned aerial vehicles in Bangladesh Army. Bangladesh Army has ordered unknown numbers of CH-3A UCAV and CH-91 UAV from China in 2015.

An important feature of Forces Goal-2030 is to develop an indigenous defence industry. Currently, Bangladesh Ordnance Factories (BOF) is making BD-08 and BD-08MK2 assault rifles and LMGs. The factory has the capability to produce 14000 rifles with 600000 grenades and 400000 cartridges annually. Bangladesh is also producing artillery shells domestically. Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory (BMTF) is assembling utility trucks for the army called " Arunima Baliyan ". BMTF is going to start assembling WS-22 rocket launcher systems soon. In 2015, BOF successfully tested 60mm and 82mm mortars and mortar shells.[6] A missile assembling plant, explosives testing lab, bullet-proof jacket production plant and APC manufacturing plant are being established for further development of the defence industry.[4] Soon, the assembly of FN-16 MANPADS will start in Bangladesh under ToT from China.[10]

Navy

Bangladesh gained a large sea area in the Bay of Bengal after resolving disputes with India and Myanmar in the international forum. But, so far Bangladesh had only a coastal navy with limited capacity to patrol the deep sea area. The government of Bangladesh soon understood the necessity of a well-equipped navy with the capabilities to face any conventional or unconventional threats. As a result, in Forces Goal 2030, improving the Navy was of the highest importance.

The Navy's surface combat capability has been greatly increased. Since the introduction of Forces Goal 2030, a large number of new and refurbished vessels have been added to the fleet. Many old vessels have been decommissioned. Two Ex-Royal Navy frigates, BNS Abu Bakar and BNS Ali Haider have been replaced by two Chinese off the shelf Type 053H2 frigates. The US Coast Guard has provided two Hamilton class high endurance cutters, which are being used as frigates. These vessels, BNS Somudra Joy and BNS Somudra Avijan, will be equipped with anti-ship missiles, SAMs, CIWS and torpedos soon. Meanwhile, another Hamilton class cutter may be offered to Bangladesh soon. The US Coast Guard also offered two Island-class patrol boats whose acceptance remains pending.[11]

Two Ex-Royal Navy Castle-class patrol vessels have been equipped with anti-ship missiles and now are serving as corvettes, named BNS Dhaleshwari and BNS Bijoy. Besides, the Bangladesh Navy bought two Type 056 corvettes, BNS Shadhinota and BNS Prottoy which will be commissioned in 2015. Two more corvettes were ordered in July 2015 and they are under construction now.[12]

To enhance patrolling capacity, Bangladesh Navy acquired two Durjoy-class LPCs, BNS Durjoy and BNS Nirmul in 2013 from China. Besides, five homemade Padma-class Patrol Vessels were commissioned in 2013 and 2014. To increase surveying capacity, BN got an Ex-Royal Navy survey ship, commissioned as BNS Anushandhan.

The Bangladesh Navy inaugurated its aviation wing in 2011 with the induction of two AgustaWestland AW109 helicopters. In 2013, two Dornier 228 NGs were added. Soon three Harbin Z-9C helicopters will be added to the fleet.

To form a three-dimensional force, Bangladesh Navy had intention to induct submarine which was begun in 2003. During the Victory Day celebration parade during 16–20 December 2003, the Navy expressed its plan to add Submarine and Helicopter carrier. However, the project was scrapped later due to political tensions. The project was later renewed in 2009, the Bangladesh Navy is on the verge of adding submarines to its fleet. Two refurbished Type 035G Submarines procured by Navy will join the fleet in 2016. BN has planned to further increase its submarine feet by adding two more submarines by 2019 where The Russian Kilo-class submarine is the frontrunner.

To enhance the capacity to make equipment at home, several steps have been taken. In 2013, Bangladesh Navy has taken the delivery of its first homemade warship. It was a Padma-class Patrol Vessel, BNS Padma, built at Khulna Shipyard. Later on, four such vessels were delivered. In 2014, Khulna Shipyard signed a contract with BN to construct two Durjoy-class LPCs, expected to be delivered by 2016. Bangladesh also acquired the technology for the Type 056 corvette and plans to build some by 2019. Besides, several LCUs and LCTs were also built there. Narayanganj Dockyard constructed two LCTs for the Navy, finished in 2015. An oil tanker, made by Ananda Shipyard, was commissioned in 2015. Two tugboats for submarine are under construction at Khulna Shipyard. This Shipyard will start the construction of two hydrographic research ship soon.

Bangladesh Navy has sought Tk.4000 crore (40 billion) from the government to buy two new frigates, Tk.1000 crore (10B) for two old frigates, Tk.1,600 crore (16B) for two corvettes, Tk.800 crore (8B) for two large patrol craft, Tk.200 crore (2B) for two patrol ships, Tk.200 crore (2B) for a training ship, Tk.200 crore (2B) for a logistic ship, Tk.100 crore (1B) for a fleet tanker, Tk.400 crore (4B) for four mine counter measure vessels, Tk.240 crore (2.4B) for a floating dockyard, Tk.250 crore (2.5B) for two maritime patrol aircraft (MPA), Tk. 160 crore (1.6B) for two helicopters, Tk. 1,000 crore (10B) for an oceanographic research vessel, and Tk. 400 crore (4B) to procure a rescue and salvage ship by 2020.[13] Sources stated that, within 2016 Bangladesh Navy will get 11 naval vessels.

Bangladesh is also negotiating with China for a loan of $1 billion to set up different infrastructures and to buy naval equipment.

The Navy is looking forward to set up a shore based coastal defence system. Several offers have been received from Russia, India and China but BN has yet to decide. Russia offered a combination of BAL E and Klub M systems, India offered BrahMos coastal defence system and China offered a combination of C-602 and CX-1 systems and other sensors.

A submarine base is under construction at Pekua in Cox's Bazar. The Bangladesh Navy plans to set up a new base at Rabanabad in Patuakhali, which will be the largest naval base in the country. The base will have submarine berthing and aviation facilities. A full-fledged naval fleet in Khulna Naval Region is under formation to be completed by 2016.

Air Force

Forces Goal 2030 contains plans to make the Bangladesh Air Force a technologically advanced, well-trained and well-equipped force which can deter any threat and defend the sky of Bangladesh. These plans emphasize strengthening both air power and air defense capabilities.

For continuous surveillance of air space, the Air Force has bought a large number of modern radar systems in last few years.JH-16 and YLC-2 radar systems have been procured from China in 2013 while JY-11B system will be delivered soon. Gamma DE and Kasta 2E radar systems purchased from Russia under the $1 billion defense deal will be delivered by 2015.

In 2011, BAF inducted its first SAM system, the FM 90, from China. In 2014, BAF procured one regiment of LY-80E medium range SAM systems which will be delivered in 2015.

BAF is currently modernizing its old fleet of trainers. Within 2016, 12 new PT-6 Basic trainers will be procured which will replace the fleet of old PT-6s. BAF procured nine K-8 Advance jet trainers to compliment the fleet of seven L-39s. In 2015, BAF inducted three Let L-410 Turbolets into a newly formed squadron of Transport trainers. The Air Force also procured 16 Yakovlev Yak-130 Lead-in fighter trainer aircraft under the defence deal with Russia. First six aircraft has been already delivered while other ten will be delivered within 2016.

The Bangladesh Air Force procured eleven Mil Mi-171Sh helicopters from Russia from 2010 to 2015 which can be used for both transport and attack roles. BAF also procured two AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters from Italy which will be used for maritime SAR operations. One Mil Mi-171E helicopter and five Mil Mi-171Sh helicopters are on order now.

Four Lockheed C-130 Hercules are currently in the process of being procured from the US Air Force, along with 20 Rolls-Royce T56 engines, training and other equipment and services associated with the upgrade.

Bangladesh Air Force has an ambitious plan of acquiring ten squadrons of 4++ generations fighters by 2030. These ten squadrons will consist of four multirole and six air superiority squadrons. BAF is planning to have at least four squadrons of 4++ generation fighters by 2021. The Mig-35 and Su-30 are the frontrunners among other aircraft being evaluated by Air Force officials.

The Bangladesh government is also constructing different infrastructures for the development of Air Force. Two new bases have been set up. One is Bangabandhu air base at Dhaka and another is a forward operation base at Cox’s Bazar.

The government has set up Bangabandhu Aeronautical Centre in Dhaka to attain self-sufficiency in building and maintaining aircraft. An overhauling plant for F-7 aircraft has been set up there for maintenance of BAFs F-7 fleet. With Russian assistance, another overhauling plant for Mi-17 helicopters is being established there. BAC is working on building indigenous surveillance UAVs by 2017.

On 25 January 2015, Minister for Public Administration Syed Ashraful Islam said that the government has planned to buy some war planes according to forces goal 2030 to modernize the air force. He said, the government will buy multirole combat aircraft, medium range fixed wing transport aircraft and helicopter trainer.[14]

Approved Procurement and Programs

Army

Acquired under Forces Goal 2030 Program:

Bangladesh army uses Nora B-52K2 SPH
Bangladesh Army ordered Lazar BVT

Program Under Development:

Navy

Acquired under Forces Goal 2030 Program:

BNS Nirmul, The First Durjoy-class LPC was commissioned in 2013

Ships Under Development:

Khulna Shipyard and Bangladesh Navy is carrying out a program to build six Durjoy Class Large Patrol Craft for the Bangladesh Navy by 2019, with two units already in service.

Program Under Development:

Two Type 056 stealth corvettes have been made inside China and two more Type 056 corvette will be made inside government owned Khulna Shipyard

Air Force

Acquired under Forces Goal 2030 Program:

16 Yak-130 was ordered for Bangladesh Air Force, Expected to be delivered in Q3 2015.
BAF currently operates 8 MiG-29

Aircraft under development:

Program Under Development:

Defense Deals

See also

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Military of Bangladesh.

References

  1. ↑ "PM launches 17 Infantry Division". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
  2. ↑ "PM Urges Army To Remain Prepared Against Any Threat To Democracy". Bangladesh Awami League.
  3. ↑ "PM for maintaining mutual trust, fraternity in army". BSSNews. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "Modernisation of army to continue:PM.". UNB. Retrieved 29 May 2015.
  5. 1 2 "Modernisation of army to continue". The Daily Star (Dhaka). Retrieved 23 December 2015.
  6. 1 2 "Prime Minister Hasina expects greater involvement of army in development efforts". Dhaka: bdnews24.com. Retrieved 23 December 2015.
  7. ↑ "PM reaffirms to do everything for modernisation of army". BSSNews. Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  8. ↑ "Uphold dignity of national flag, PM to Army". The Independent (Dhaka). Retrieved 23 November 2015.
  9. ↑ "Eurocopter AS365 N3+ Dauphin helicopters enter service with the Bangladesh Army for use in humanitarian missions and VIP airlift.". infodefensa.com. Retrieved 29 May 2015.
  10. ↑ "PM for maintaining mutual trust, fraternity in army.". Newagebd.net. Retrieved 29 May 2015.
  11. ↑ "Bangladesh's new C13B corvettes start sea trials ahead of more orders.". IHS Janes. 2015. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  12. ↑ "Navy's annual exercise ends". The Daily Star. Retrieved 2015-12-04.
  13. ↑ "Navy seeks Tk 14,000cr to strengthen force". Dhaka Informer. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
  14. ↑ "Govt. to buy war planes: Syed Ashraf | Last News BD". www.lastnewsbd.com. Retrieved 2016-01-26.
  15. ↑ "President inducts Air Defence Radar". The Independent (Dhaka). Retrieved 2015-12-09.
  16. ↑ "Belarus, Bangladesh to sign 9 cooperation documents". Belarusian News. Retrieved 21 September 2015.


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