Forces Goal 2030

Forces Goal 2030 is a military modernization program of the Bangladesh Armed Forces which began in 2009 and revised in 2017, designed to the capabilities of the three services of the Bangladesh armed forces: the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. The primary focus of the modernization program is the reformation of the military organization, expansion of the forces, transformation of the indigenous defense sector to support research and manufacturing, and acquisition of modern military weapons.[1] The requirement for modernization was realized in the aftermath of 2008 Bangladesh–Myanmar naval standoff and maritime dispute with India, both later resulting in Bangladesh's favor. One of the primary objective of the modernization program is to develop a three-dimensional forces (land, air and sea) capable to conducting multi-platform warfare.[2]

Emblem of Bangladesh Armed Forces

To fulfill the modernization requirements, the Bangladesh Government allocates funds exclusively for the program in addition to defense budget. The funds allocated for the program during first five years is estimated to be around forty-thousand crores taka (US$5.2 billion).[3] The program was revised in 2017, following Rohingya refugee crisis, which facilitated a larger monetary allocation towards the modernization program.


Plans and developments

Army

The modernization program aims to transform Bangladesh Army into a technologically advanced, multi-domain force by 2030, capable of coordinating both defensive and offensive operations. Keeping up with the objective of reorganizing the force, the army plans to establish three independent corps - Central, Eastern and Western.[4] To facilitate the establishment of three independent corps, steps have been taken to increase the overall size of the force. 17th infantry division was raised at Sylhet in 2013, [5]  10th infantry division was raised at newly established Ramu Cantonment at Cox's Bazar in 2015[6] and 7th infantry division was raised at newly established Sheikh Hasina cantonment Barishal-Patuakhali in 2018.[7] The establishment of three infantry divisions have raised the total number of the Army's infantry divisions to ten. In 2017, The Army began establishment of a Riverine Engineer Battalion, which will be stationed at newly-constructed Mithamoine Cantonment at Kishorganj.[8][9] Another full-fledged cantonment is being established at Ruma of Bandarban District. [10] By 2021, The army will raise 97 new units. Of them, 19 units will be formed for the Jalalabad Cantonment in Sylhet, 22 units for Ramu Cantonment in Cox's Bazar and 56 units for Sheikh Hasina cantonment in Barisal. A number of existing infantry battalions are being converted into para infantry battalions and mechanized infantry battalions for newly established and proposed cantonments.[11] To increase special operation capabilities, the 2nd Para Commando Battalion has been raised, headquartered in Maulavibazar.[12]

Under the modernization goal, several programs are being implemented to enhance the readiness of the force. Under such programs, approaches have been taken to modernize the regular infantry outfits. The new infantry outfits are equipped with Night Vision Goggles (NVG), Ballistic helmets, Eye protective gear, Bulletproof vest, person to person communicators, palmtop GPS device and BD-08 assault rifles with Collimator sight. To strengthen the mechanized infantry units, around 650 BTR-80, 50 Otokar Cobra I, 50 Otokar Cobra II Armoured personnel carrier and 20 BOV M11 armoured reconnaissance vehicles have been procured. To enhance the anti-tank capabilities, Metis-M missile systems, PF-98 rocket systems and RPG-7V2 Rocket-propelled grenades have been procured. Evaluation process of modern assault rifles and submachine guns is also going on.[13]

The firepower of artillery units was increased by procuring 36 Nora B-52 K2 self-propelled artillery systems.[14] Three regiment of WS-22 Guided Multiple Rocket Launcher System were also added so far.[14] In 2019, army signed contract to procure one regiment of T-300 Kasirga MLRS system from Turkey.[15] SLC-2 weapon locating radars were added to help the artillery firing. Procurement process of 155mm towed howitzer,[16] 122 mm field artillery howitzers[17] and 105mm towed field artillery systems is going on.[18] Procurement of long range multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) is also in the process.[19] To support accurate artillery firing, Bangladesh Army has procured 36 Bramor C4EYE battlefield reconnaissance UAV from Slovenia in 2017. These UAVs have a maximum range of 40 kilometres and endurance of 3 hours.

The Bangladesh Army procured 44 MBT-2000 tanks from China in 2011. Army engineers have completed the upgradation process of Type 69 tanks to Type 69IIG standard.[20] Upgradation of 174 Type 59 tanks to Type 59G Durjoy standard is going on.[21] Bangladesh Army has signed contract with China for 44 VT-5 light tanks in 2019.[22] Army also started light amphibious tank procurement process in 2019.[23]

Two regiments of FM 90C short range surface to air missile were added in 2016 to enhance air defence capabilities.[20] In 2017, two Oerlikon GDF 009 anti aircraft gun systems have been procured with Skyguard fire control radar.[24] In March 2018, a tender was floated for two local warning radars. The models shortlisted for the tender are Ground Master 400 of Thales, TRML 3D/32 of Hensoldt and KRONOS Land of Leonardo.[25] In the same month, another tender was issued for procuring 181 Man-portable air-defense systems. Here, Chinese FN-16, Russian Igla-S and Swedish RBS 70 systems has been shortlisted.[26]

Modernizing the army aviation wing is in full swing. Two Eurocopter AS365 Dauphins were put into service in 2012.[27] Six Mil Mi-171Sh helicopters were procured from Russia in 2016. One C-295 transport aircraft was bought from Spain. Army Aviation has plan to add one more EADS CASA C-295 transport aircraft and six more Mil Mi-171Sh helicopters to its fleet soon. They also have a plan to add attack helicopters to the fleet in the near future.[28]

Tender was floated for procurement of a command ship in 2017. The vessel will be used as a floating command centre for different waterborne operations.[29] Several tenders were floated to procure a total of six Landing craft tank for the army between 2017 and 2018.[30][31][32] Bangladesh army issued tender for procuring two Troops Carrier Vessel (TCV) in January 2018. The vessels will be able to carry 200 personnel.[33]

Due to the importance Bangladesh's vast maritime area of 118,813 square kilometres, high dependence of country's economy in maritime resources, and the geopolitical importance of Indian ocean, Bangladesh Navy was given a significant importance in the modernization program. The programs aims to transform Bangladesh Navy into a modern, well-equipped three-dimensional force capable of conducting multi-domain operations. Under the program, the Navy have witnessed significant growth in firepower and weapon manufacturing capabilities. The expansion of Navy's surface fleet and force size is going on simultaneously. As of 2020, the navy acquired two submarines, eight frigates, four corvettes,[34] eleven patrol vessel[35] and a significant number of other surface combatants.[36]

Under the modernization, indigenous shipyards have made significant strides in enhancing naval shipbuilding capabilities. There are three indigenous shipyards capable of developing large surface combatants for the navy: Khulna Shipyard Limited, Dockyard and Engineering Works Limited and Chittagong Dry Dock Limited, all fully-owned by the Bangladesh Navy. Khulna Shipyard has successfully launched the program of building eight Durjoy-class and twenty three Padma-class patrol craft. Chittagong Dry Dock Limited, ownership of which was transferred to the Navy in 2015, has been tasked with constructing six 2,000-tonnes Offshore patrol vessel and six 4,000-tonnes Guided Missile Frigate.

Alongside the development of Navy's water capabilities, Bangladesh Naval Aviation; the aviation wing of the Navy, have been established in 2011. Naval aviation added two Dornier Do 228NG aircraft from Germany and two AgustaWestland AW109 helicopter from Italy and awaiting delivery of two additional Do-228NG aircraft.

Dornier Do-228 MPA of Bangladesh Navy.

The Navy attained three-dimensional capabilities with the establishment of submarine fleet, with two Ming-class submarine acquired from Peoples Republic of China.

Bangladesh Navy is setting up a submarine base named BNS Sheikh Hasina, at Pekua in Cox's Bazar.[37] The largest naval base of the country is under construction at Rabanabad in Patuakhali named BNS Sher-e-Bangla. The base will have submarine berthing and aviation facilities.[38] A full-fledged operational base, named BNS Sheikh Mujib, has been constructed in Khilkhet of Dhaka.[39] The construction works of a fleet headquarters at the Sandwip channel of Chattogram with ship berthing facilities is also going on.[40] Navy has taken initiative to make missiles and IFF system in Bangladesh.[41]

Air Force

Forces Goal 2030 plans to make the Bangladesh Air Force a technologically advanced, well-trained and well-equipped force that can deter any threat to the Bangladesh airspace. To efficiently perform the increasingly challenging duties and responsibilities, the air force is being divided into two separate commands: Southern air command and Northern air command.[42] Two airbases has already been set up - BAF base Sheikh Hasina at Cox's Bazar[43] and BAF base Bangabandhu at Dhaka.[44][45] Two new air bases are under construction now, one at Barishal[42] and another at Sylhet.[46] A maritime air support operation centre (MASOC) will be set up under southern command.[42] The Air Force is on the process of setting up an advanced fighter pilot training unit named 105 Advance Jet Training Unit which will be consist of three training squadrons that will provide advanced trainings to the fighter pilots trainees.[47]

In 2013, Bangladesh Air Force procured 16 Chengdu F-7BGI 3.5 generation fighter aircraft from China.[44][45] Process of procuring 4.5 generation multirole combat aircraft is going on. Bangladesh has signed a government to government contract with the United Kingdom for the supply of five off-the-shelf C-130J aircraft served with the Royal Air Force.[48] Already first aircraft has been delivered in August 2019.[49]

The Bangladesh Air Force procured twenty one Mil Mi-171Sh helicopters from Russia from 2010 to 2019 that can be used for both transport and attack roles.,[50][51] BAF also procured four AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters from Italy for maritime SAR operations.[52] One Mil Mi-171E helicopter was purchased for VIP transport role.

From 2016, 23 new PT-6 Basic trainers with glass cockpit were procured to replace the fleet of old PT-6.[42] BAF procured nine K-8 Advance jet trainers to complement the fleet of seven L-39s.[53] In 2015, BAF added three Let L-410 Turbolets into a newly formed squadron of Transport trainers.[54] The Air Force also procured 16 Yakovlev Yak-130 Lead-in fighter trainer aircraft from Russia. Two AgustaWestland AW119 Koala helicopters have been procured to enhance helicopter training capabilities.

FM90 Crotale SAM of Bangladesh Air Force.

The Air Force bought JH-16, YLC-2, YLC-6 and JY-11B radar systems from China. A Selex RAT-31DL L Band AESA radar was procured from Italy.[14] Besides, contract has been signed for procuring unknown number of Kronos Land radars.[14] In 2011, BAF inducted its first surface-to-air missile system, the FM 90, from China.[55] Till date, two regiments of this system have been procured. In February 2017, BAF has floated a tender for the procurement of one battery of medium range surface to air missile (MRSAM) system consisting of one command vehicle, one search/target designation radar vehicle, one guidance radar vehicle and four missile firing vehicle. Each firing vehicle will have minimum four missiles.[56][57]

In December 2017, Bangladesh Air Force floated a tender for the procurement of one Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). The system will consist of 3/4 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and ground control station (GCS). The UAVs will have a range of 1000 km and an endurance of 15 hours without weapon load and nine hours with weapon load. They will have 2/4 hardpoints with minimum payload requirement of 120 kg.[58]

Procurement list

Army
Bangladesh army uses Nora B-52K2 SPH
Bangladesh Army Aviation Group EADS CASA C-295
  • Two Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin utility helicopters
  • Six Mil Mi-171Sh combat helicopters
  • Four Diamond DA40 training aircraft
  • One C-295W transport aircraft
  • 36 Bramor C4EYE battlefield reconnaissance UAV.
  • 100 Tri-Shark speed boats.
BNS Nirmul, the second Durjoy-class LPC was commissioned in 2013.

Air Force
16 Yakovlev Yak-130 already procured from Russia
BAF currently operates 8 MiG-29

Structural and organizational developments

Army
  • Establishing submarine base, BNS Sheikh Hasina at pekua of Cox's Bazar
  • Establishing BNS Sher-e-Bangla the largest naval base of the country at Patuakhali
  • Establishment of naval base BNS Sheikh Mujib at Dhaka
  • Construction of BN fleet headquarters at the Sandwip channel of Chattogram
  • Formation of Naval Aviation Branch
  • Formation of Submarine Branch
  • Formation of naval special force SWADS

Air Force
  • Establishment of ADIZ over Bangladesh airspace.
  • Establishment of BAF base Bangabanhu at Dhaka
  • Establishment of BAF base Sheikh Hasina at Cox's Bazar
  • Formation of 105 Advance Jet Training Unit

Military Budget
FY 2020–21 FY 2019–20 FY 2018–19 FY 2017–18 FY 2016–17 FY 2015–16 FY 2014–15 FY 2013–14 FY 2012–13 FY 2011–12 FY 2010–11
$4.06 billion [61] $3.87 billion 3.59 billion $3.45 billion $3.24 billion $2.82 billion $2.36 billion $2.05 billion $1.82 billion $1.80 billion $1.62 billion

Indigenous defence industry

BMTF
Type 59G Durjoy of Bangladesh Army
  • Upgradation of 174 Type 59 tanks to Type 59G Durjoy standard
  • Assembling Arunima Baliyaan trucks

BOF

Khulna Shipyard

Chattogram Dry Dock Limited
  • Construction of six 2000 ton Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV).[67]
  • Construction of six frigates in collaboration with a foreign partner[41]

Dockyard and Engineering Works Limited
  • Making X12High speed patrol boat

Bangabandhu Aeronautical Centre
  • Indigenous UAV development program.
  • Training aircraft development program.

See also

References
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