Bangladesh Air Force
- Thread starter LeonBlack08
- Start date
Sipahsalar
Registered Member
I think they are going for a hi-low mix. Typhoons will be the small hi end and jf-17s could be the larger low mix to create sorties in bulk.
ghazi52
THINK TANK: CONSULTANT
T129 ATAK set to enter Bangladesh Air Force inventory
by Yusuf Emir Işık
January 14, 2026
T129 ATAK Helicopter
Bangladesh allegedly procures T129 ATAK Helicopters from Türkiye.
According to a report by BD Military, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) Flight Test Director Arif Ateş paid a courtesy visit on 13 January 2026 to Lieutenant General S. M. Kamrul Hassan, Principal Staff Officer of the Bangladesh Armed Forces Division, at Dhaka Cantonment. During the meeting, it was emphasized that defense relations between Bangladesh and Türkiye have been steadily expanding, particularly in the fields of aviation and advanced military capabilities.
During the talks, both sides exchanged views on bilateral opportunities and ways to further enhance defense cooperation. Discussions covered broader areas of potential collaboration, including technology transfer, training, and long-term partnerships between the armed forces and defense industries of the two countries.
Mr. Ateş’s visit coincided with a significant period, as it reportedly confirmed that the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) will acquire six T129 ATAK attack helicopters from TUSAŞ under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement. According to BD Military, sources within the Bangladesh Air Force confirmed the procurement, describing it as a major step toward strengthening Bangladesh’s rotary-wing combat capabilities.
According to the BD Military, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) could deliver the attack helicopters by 2027, subject to contract finalization, production schedules, and training arrangements.
ghazi52
THINK TANK: CONSULTANT
Also the induction of the T129 ATAK is expected to significantly enhance the Bangladesh Air Force’s capabilities in close air support, armed reconnaissance, and precision strike missions.
The procurement aligns with Bangladesh’s long-term military modernization objectives under the Forces Goal 2030 framework, which emphasizes the acquisition of advanced, multi-role platforms to improve operational readiness and deterrence.
The procurement aligns with Bangladesh’s long-term military modernization objectives under the Forces Goal 2030 framework, which emphasizes the acquisition of advanced, multi-role platforms to improve operational readiness and deterrence.
ghazi52
THINK TANK: CONSULTANT
T129 ATAK
The T129 ATAK helicopter was developed using Türkiye’s indigenous capabilities to meet the Turkish Armed Forces’ requirement for an attack helicopter. Under the contract signed with the Presidency of Defence Industries on 7 September 2007, TUSAŞ assumed responsibility as the prime contractor for platform development, system integration, testing and validation, serial production, and life-cycle logistics support.
Optimized for demanding “hot-and-high” operational environments, the T129 ATAK demonstrates high maneuverability and performance in both day and night conditions and has been effectively employed in operations conducted by the Turkish Armed Forces. The T129 ATAK performed its maiden flight on 17 August 2011, and following the completion of test and qualification processes, the first delivery was made to the Turkish Land Forces Command on 22 April 2014.
Optimized for demanding “hot-and-high” operational environments, the T129 ATAK demonstrates high maneuverability and performance in both day and night conditions and has been effectively employed in operations conducted by the Turkish Armed Forces. The T129 ATAK performed its maiden flight on 17 August 2011, and following the completion of test and qualification processes, the first delivery was made to the Turkish Land Forces Command on 22 April 2014.
[th]
[td]Length (rotors turning)[/td][td]14.54 m / 47.70 ft[/td]
[td]Height[/td][td]3.40 m / 11.20 ft[/td]
[td]Main Rotor Diameter[/td][td]11.90 m / 39.00 ft[/td]
[td]Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW)[/td][td]5,065 kg / 11,166 lb[/td]
[td]Crew[/td][td]2[/td]
[td]Range[/td][td]537 km / 290 nm[/td]
[td]Endurance[/td][td]3 hours[/td]Parameter
[/th][th]Value
[/th]
ghazi52
THINK TANK: CONSULTANT
Flt Lt Ziauddin Hassan Shaheed, SJ
Ex No. 31 Bomber Wing/No. 7 Sqn.
He was a bengali officer commissioned in 1962. On the night of 6/7 September 1965, he navigated a B-57 bomber in a daring low-level strike on Jodhpur airfield, successfully evading enemy radars and ensuring accurate delivery of 8,000 lbs of bombs despite heavy anti aircraft fire. For his couragious act, he was awarded the Sitara-e-Jurat. He was the youngest officer to be awarded SJ.
He continued serving with No. 7 Sqn until he embraced Shahadat in a flying accident during a training mission on 19 March 1971.
His brother, Jamil D Ahsan BP sir, is a war hero of Bangladesh and recipient of Bir Protik (TJ equivalent) who rose to the rank of Major General.
www.facebook.com
@LeonBlack08 @AbuShalehRumi wft are they doing? BD simply cannot logistically manage three types of fighters. I guess if this purchase goes three, second type of aircraft would be either J10CE or Typhoon.
The fact is we have been dealing for almost 30 years with Mig29 and their crappy third class RD-33 engines, yet now we are choosing our next gen fighter with similar crappy engine, tells you how ফকির we are mentally and materially.
You cannot cheap out on essential warfighting capabilities. We need to get out of this mentality. It is imperative to spend a sizable amount (even if it is not easy) if you want something actually deterrent worthy. I am not sure JF17 changes anything significantly w.r.t to Myanmar. They already have the aircraft and can procure block 3 in the future.
AbuShalehRumi
Trusted Member
@LeonBlack08 @AbuShalehRumi wft are they doing? BD simply cannot logistically manage three types of fighters. I guess if this purchase goes three, second type of aircraft would be either J10CE or Typhoon.
The fact is we have been dealing for almost 30 years with Mig29 and their crappy third class RD-33 engines, yet now we are choosing our next gen fighter with similar crappy engine, tells you how ফকির we are mentally and materially.
You cannot cheap out on essential warfighting capabilities. We need to get out of this mentality. It is imperative to spend a sizable amount (even if it is not easy) if you want something actually deterrent worthy. I am not sure JF17 changes anything significantly w.r.t to Myanmar. They already have the aircraft and can procure block 3 in the future.
Im thinking, with 800 millions USD, we could have bought 4-5 SAMP/T NG air defense systems. But NOPE, our super duper air martials want fighter jets for airshow...
.
Seems like only NCP has a vision for Bangladesh military. Unfortunately they're still in their infancy...
SABRE
Registered Member
T129 ATAK set to enter Bangladesh Air Force inventory
by Yusuf Emir Işık
January 14, 2026
T129 ATAK Helicopter
Bangladesh allegedly procures T129 ATAK Helicopters from Türkiye.
According to a report by BD Military, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) Flight Test Director Arif Ateş paid a courtesy visit on 13 January 2026 to Lieutenant General S. M. Kamrul Hassan, Principal Staff Officer of the Bangladesh Armed Forces Division, at Dhaka Cantonment. During the meeting, it was emphasized that defense relations between Bangladesh and Türkiye have been steadily expanding, particularly in the fields of aviation and advanced military capabilities.
During the talks, both sides exchanged views on bilateral opportunities and ways to further enhance defense cooperation. Discussions covered broader areas of potential collaboration, including technology transfer, training, and long-term partnerships between the armed forces and defense industries of the two countries.
T129 ATAK Helicopter
Mr. Ateş’s visit coincided with a significant period, as it reportedly confirmed that the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) will acquire six T129 ATAK attack helicopters from TUSAŞ under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement. According to BD Military, sources within the Bangladesh Air Force confirmed the procurement, describing it as a major step toward strengthening Bangladesh’s rotary-wing combat capabilities.
According to the BD Military, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) could deliver the attack helicopters by 2027, subject to contract finalization, production schedules, and training arrangements.
Have the Americans given approval for the re-export of their engines on T-129 to BD? Without that, this deal is not going to float - as it was in Pakistan's case.
Michael Corleone
Elite Member
@LeonBlack08 @AbuShalehRumi wft are they doing? BD simply cannot logistically manage three types of fighters. I guess if this purchase goes three, second type of aircraft would be either J10CE or Typhoon.
The fact is we have been dealing for almost 30 years with Mig29 and their crappy third class RD-33 engines, yet now we are choosing our next gen fighter with similar crappy engine, tells you how ফকির we are mentally and materially.
You cannot cheap out on essential warfighting capabilities. We need to get out of this mentality. It is imperative to spend a sizable amount (even if it is not easy) if you want something actually deterrent worthy. I am not sure JF17 changes anything significantly w.r.t to Myanmar. They already have the aircraft and can procure block 3 in the future.
Bro you cant just have 10 engines in total and expect them to run the fleet of 8 aircraft regularly. Math doesnt add up.
Al-Zakir
INT'L MOD
@LeonBlack08 @AbuShalehRumi wft are they doing? BD simply cannot logistically manage three types of fighters. I guess if this purchase goes three, second type of aircraft would be either J10CE or Typhoon.
The fact is we have been dealing for almost 30 years with Mig29 and their crappy third class RD-33 engines, yet now we are choosing our next gen fighter with similar crappy engine, tells you how ফকির we are mentally and materially.
You cannot cheap out on essential warfighting capabilities. We need to get out of this mentality. It is imperative to spend a sizable amount (even if it is not easy) if you want something actually deterrent worthy. I am not sure JF17 changes anything significantly w.r.t to Myanmar. They already have the aircraft and can procure block 3 in the future.
Confirmed or another news?
Arthur
Trusted Member
@LeonBlack08 @AbuShalehRumi wft are they doing? BD simply cannot logistically manage three types of fighters. I guess if this purchase goes three, second type of aircraft would be either J10CE or Typhoon.
The fact is we have been dealing for almost 30 years with Mig29 and their crappy third class RD-33 engines, yet now we are choosing our next gen fighter with similar crappy engine, tells you how ফকির we are mentally and materially.
You cannot cheap out on essential warfighting capabilities. We need to get out of this mentality. It is imperative to spend a sizable amount (even if it is not easy) if you want something actually deterrent worthy. I am not sure JF17 changes anything significantly w.r.t to Myanmar. They already have the aircraft and can procure block 3 in the future
Maintaining 3 different platforms is a no joke.
What are they thinking?
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