Bangladesh Naval Aviation

Bangladesh Naval Aviation is the Aviation wing of Bangladesh Navy. At present Bangladesh Naval Aviation is operating two Augasta Westland Helicopters from Italy and two Dornier class Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) from Germany. ^[1] Bangladesh Naval Aviation joined in the search operation of missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 with a Dornier Do-228NG MPA in March 2014. The search was renewed in May 2014 when an Australian exploration company claimed to have traced aircraft debris in the Bay of Bengal.^[2]

History

The Bangladesh Navy first came into being during the Bangladesh liberation war, when East Pakistan broke away from West Pakistan control. Two former Pakistan Navy ships and many personnel from Bengal defected to the Bangladesh side. Several combat operations were carried out before the end of the war.

After independence the Navy was expanded with a number of former Royal Navy Frigates and became a blue water navy. An aviation wing was not formally established until 2011, when two AgustaWestland AW109 helicopters were accepted into service. Two Dornier Do 228NG maritime patrol aircraft joined the service in 2013 ^[1]

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Markings

Bangladesh Navy fixed-wing aircraft operate in an overall white and blue colour scheme with green and red roundels, outlined in white on the blue areas, located in the normal six positions – above and below each wing and on the fuselage sides. A naval ensign, in the form of the Bangladesh flag in the corner of a white rectangle, appears on the fin. The service titles BANGLADESH NAVY appear on the port side in English and starboard side in Bengali script.

The helicopters operate in an overall light grey colour scheme, with the Bangladesh roundel (with no outline) located on the front face of the main rotor fairing and the naval ensign on the tail rotor pylon. The service titles BANGLADESH NAVY appear on the port side in English and starboard side in Bengali script. ^[3]

Current Air Bases

BN fixed-wing patrol aircraft are based at Naval Hangar in Shah Amanat International Airport. The helicopters are based at Chittagong Air Station within the Chittagong naval base. ^[3]

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Future Plans

BN has issued a tender for the procurement of two helicopters with anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface vessel warfare (ASuW), over-the-horizon targeting (OTHT), maritime search and rescue (MSAR), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) and special mission capabilities. The helicopters will be inducted in 2017.^[6]

Up to 20 Maritime Patrol aircraft are required, a combination of additional Do 228 aircraft and a longer range type is likely. Up to 50 UAVs are required for surveillance of the Bay of Bengal. The indigenous BAC Baaz has been selected. A squadron of jet combat aircraft is planned to be acquired. Additional helicopters will be required to operate from the helicopter decks of the expanded surface fleet. ^[3]

Equipment

References