Forces Goal 2030 is a military modernization program which began in 2009 and was revised in 2017. It was designed to enhance the capabilities of three service branches of 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, the 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 later resulting in Bangladesh's favour. One of the primary objectives of the modernization program is to develop a three-dimensional force (land, air and sea) capable of conducting multi-platform warfare. [2]
To fulfil the modernization requirements, the Bangladesh Government allocates funds exclusively for the program in addition to the defense budget. The funds allocated for the program during the first five years is estimated to be around forty-thousand crores taka (US$5.2 billion). [3] The program was revised in 2017, following the Rohingya refugee crisis, which facilitated a larger monetary allocation towards the modernization program. The modernization program slows down after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The modernization program aims to transform the Bangladesh Army into a technologically advanced, multi-domain force by 2030, capable of coordinating both defensive and offensive operations. Keeping up to reorganize the force, the army plans to establish three independent corps – Central, Eastern, and Western. To facilitate the establishment of three independent corps, steps have been taken to increase the overall size of the force. The 17th infantry division was raised at Sylhet in 2013, [4] the 10th infantry division was raised at newly established Ramu Cantonment at Cox's Bazar in 2015 [5] and the 7th infantry division was raised at newly established Sheikh Hasina cantonment in Barishal-Patuakhali in 2018. [6] The establishment of three infantry divisions has raised the total number of the Army's infantry divisions to ten. In 2017, the Army began the establishment of a Riverine Engineer Battalion, which will be stationed at the newly constructed Mithamoine Cantonment at Kishorganj. [7] [8] Another full-fledged cantonment is being established at Ruma of Bandarban District. [9]
By 2021, the army will raise 97 new units. Of these, 19 units will be formed for the Jalalabad Cantonment in Sylhet, 22 units for Ramu Cantonment in Cox's Bazar, and 56 units for the 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. [10] To increase special operation capabilities, the 2nd Para Commando Battalion has been raised, headquartered in Maulavibazar. [11] The Army Aviation Group has set up an airbase at Lalmonirhat Airport, and built a forward airbase in Chittagong. [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 vests, person to person communicators, palmtop GPS device and BD-08 assault rifles with Collimator sight.[ citation needed ]
To enhance the anti-tank capabilities, Metis-M-1 anti-tank guided missile systems [13] and PF-98 rocket systems have been procured since 2016.
In 2022 the Bangladesh Army procured an undisclosed number of ALCOTAN-AT (M2) and ALCOTAN-BIV (M2) anti-tank guided missiles along with portable VOSEL (M2) firing control units from Spain.
The procurement process of AK15 assault rifles and submachine guns is also ongoing. [14]
The firepower of artillery units was increased by procuring 36 Nora B-52 K2 self-propelled artillery systems. [13] A total of 49 units of WS-22 Guided Multiple Rocket Launcher Systems have been added to the Bangladesh Army inventory since 2014. [15]
The Bangladesh Army ordered an undisclosed number of the TRG-300 Tiger MBRL System and TRG-230 MRLS from Turkey. In June 2021 the Army took delivery of 20 units of the TRG-300 Tiger MBRL system from Turkey. In June 2022 Turkey delivered 1 regiment of TRG-230 with armaments. All of the entire order of the TRG System and armaments were completed by 2022. In 2022 Turkey delivered a TEBER Guidance Kit that converts general-purpose bombs to guided smart bombs. [16] [17]
SLC-2 weapon-locating radars were added to help the artillery firing. The procurement process of 155mm towed howitzer, [18] 122 mm field artillery howitzers [19] and 105mm towed field artillery systems is ongoing. [20] The procurement of long-range (120 to 280 km) multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) is also in process. [21] To support accurate artillery firing, the Bangladesh Army has procured 36 Bramor C4EYE battlefield reconnaissance UAV from Slovenia in 2017. [22] These UAVs have a maximum range of 40 kilometers and endurance of 3 hours. In October 2020, the Army published an evaluation notice for a medium-range UAV. [23]
The Bangladesh Army procured 44 MBT-2000 tanks from China in 2011. Army engineers have completed the upgrade process of Type 69 tanks to Type 69IIG standard. [24] Upgrading of 174 Type 59 tanks to Type 59G Durjoy standard is ongoing. [25] The Bangladesh Army signed a contract with China for 44 VT-5 light tanks in 2019. The delivery was completed by 2021. [26] The Army also started a light amphibious tank procurement process in 2019. [27]
Two regiments of FM 90C short-range surface to air missile were added in 2016 to enhance air defence capabilities. [24] Since 2019, 4 of 8 Oerlikon Skyguard – 3 firing control radar systems with Oerlikon GDF 009 anti aircraft gun have been procured [28] and the process to procure a regiment. At the end of 2022, Thales delivered two units of Ground Master 400 long-range portable air defence radar systems to the Bangladesh Army. [29]
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 have been shortlisted. [30] The Army reportedly procured the Swedish RBS 70 NG in 2020. [2] [ failed verification ] In August 2020, the army floated a tender for the procurement of medium-range surface-to-air missiles (MRSAM). [31]
Modernization of the Army Aviation Group is in progress. Two Eurocopter AS365 Dauphins were put into service in 2012. [32] 12 Mil Mi-171Sh helicopters were procured since 2016. Two C-295 transport aircraft have been bought from Spain so far. The Army took delivery of six Diamond DA40 trainer aircraft from Austria in 2020. The first 2 Bell 407 GXI helicopters were supplied by 2022. In September 2021, the Army issued a tender notice to procure 8 heavy attack Helicopters. The Army was interested in purchasing the Boeing AH-64 Apache, Eurocopter Tiger or Leonardo's AW249. [33] [34]
The Army issued a tender notice to procure fixed-wing aircraft in the financial year 2020–2021. [35]
Enhancing the Bangladesh Army's mobility resulted in purchasing $1 billion worth of BTR-80 APCs from 2012 to November 2017. The number of BTR-80 units has not been clarified, possibly a "minimum 660 to 1030". [36] Up to, 2018 17 out of 68 units of Otokar Cobra 1/2 were delivered. In the year 2021–22, 50 units of MaxxproMRAP were delivered and 64 more are to come; the Army had planned to procure a large number of Maxxpro MRAP vehicles. [37] On 30 March 2021 Indonesia supplied 6 units of Anoa APCs. The Army purchased about 10 BOV M11 armored reconnaissance Vehicles from Serbia. [38] The Bangladesh Army has deployed a large number of APCs on its UN peacekeeping missions. The Army is still seeking a suitable light amphibious APC.
Iveco delivered 200+ Trakker in 2021. Since 2017 Iveco delivered Trakker 380 prime movers, Iveco Trakker 420 gun tractors, and Trakker 310 jet fuel browsers. The first Bach Volvo FMX and Astra military trucks were delivered in 2023. Also, Renault VAB, Mercedes-Benz, and other Japanese, Turkish, and British military vehicles have been used.
A 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. [39] Several tenders were floated to procure a total of six landing craft tank vessels for the army between 2017 and 2018. [40] The Bangladesh army issued a tender for procuring two Troops Carrier Vessel (TCV) in January 2018. The vessels will be able to carry 200 personnel. [41] The shipbuilding contract was awarded to Khulna Shipyard Limited. October 2022 Vard Maritime Inc, a group of Fincantieri and KSL signed a contract to jointly build landing craft, a long-term multi-stage program. The landing craft will be built according to a design based on the famous Vard 7 507 Landing Craft Series. [42]
In a ceremony on 27 October 2021, the Prime Minister discussed the ongoing modernization plan of the Bangladesh Army and its upcoming equipment. She stated that one regiment each of 105 mm and 155 mm artillery guns have been procured to increase artillery power. She added that the process of procuring one battery of Oerlikon GDF-009 was ongoing. The government had signed a contract to procure a Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) system and two batteries of radar0controlled air defence guns. The government also procured six MALE UAV and a tactical missile system for the Bangladesh Army. [43]
In January 2024, the Army issued a tender notice to procure DJI Mavic 3T drones. [44]
Due to the importance of Bangladesh's vast maritime area of 118,813 square kilometers, high dependence of country's economy in maritime resources, and the geopolitical importance of the Indian Ocean, the Bangladesh Navy was given significant priority in the modernization program. The program aims to transform the Bangladesh Navy into a modern, well-equipped three-dimensional force capable of conducting multi-domain operations. Under the program, the Navy has witnessed significant growth in firepower and weapon manufacturing capabilities. The expansion of the Navy's surface fleet and force size is simultaneously ongoing. As of 2020, the navy acquired two submarines, eight frigates, six corvettes, [45] eleven patrol vessel [46] and a significant number of other surface combatants. [47]
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 23 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-tonne offshore patrol vessels and six multirole guided missile frigates. [48]
Alongside the development of the Navy's water capabilities, Bangladesh Naval Aviation, the aviation wing of the Navy, was established in 2011. Naval Aviation added 4 Dornier 228 NG aircraft from Germany and two AgustaWestland AW109 helicopters from Italy.
The Navy attained three-dimensional capabilities with the establishment of a submarine fleet, with two Ming-class submarines acquired from the People's Republic of China.
The Bangladesh Navy has operated a submarine base named BNS Sheikh Hasina, at Pekua in Cox's Bazar. [49] Commissioned in 2023, the submarine base has been one of the Bangladesh Navy's largest projects. The largest naval base in the country was constructed at Rabanabad in Patuakhali, named BNS Sher-e-Bangla. The base has submarine berthing and aviation facilities. [50] Another operational base, named BNS Sheikh Mujib, has been constructed in Khilkhet in Dhaka. [51] The construction works of a fleet headquarters at the Sandwip channel of Chattogram, with ship berthing facilities, is also ongoing. [52] The Navy has taken initiative to produce missiles and IFF systems in Bangladesh. [53]
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 Bangladeshi airspace. To efficiently perform increasingly challenging duties and responsibilities, the Air Force is being divided into two separate commands, Southern and Northern. [54] Two airbases has already been set up: BAF base Sheikh Hasina at Cox's Bazar [55] and BAF base Bangabandhu at Dhaka. [56] [57] Two new air bases are under construction now, one at Barishal [54] and another at Sylhet. [58] A maritime air support operation center (MASOC) will be set up under southern command. [54] BAF also operates the Bangabandhu Aeronautical Centre and the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University.
The Air Force is in the process of setting up an advanced fighter pilot training unit, the 105 Advance Jet Training Unit, which will consist of three training squadrons that will provide advanced training to fighter pilot trainees. [59]
In 2013, the Bangladesh Air Force procured 16 Chengdu F-7BGI 3.5 generation fighter aircraft from China. [56] [57]
Bangladesh signed a government-to-government contract with the United Kingdom for the supply of five off-the-shelf C-130J aircraft that formerly served with the Royal Air Force. [60] All five aircraft have been delivered. [61] [62]
The Bangladesh Air Force procured 21 Mil Mi-171Sh helicopters from Russia between 2010 and 2019, that can be used for both transport and attack roles. [63] BAF also procured four AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters from Italy for maritime SAR operations. [64] One Mil Mi-171E helicopter was purchased for a VIP transport role.
BAF procured nine K-8 intermediate jet trainers to complement the fleet of seven L-39s. [65] In 2015, BAF added three Let L-410 Turbolets to a newly formed squadron of transport trainers. [66] The Air Force also procured 16 Yakovlev Yak-130 lead-in fighter trainer aircraft from Russia. Two AgustaWestland AW119 Koala helicopters were procured to enhance helicopter training capabilities.
The Air Force bought JH-16, YLC-2 [ citation needed ], YLC-6 and JY-11B radar systems from China. A Selex RAT-31DL L band AESA radar was procured from Italy. [13] A contract was signed for procuring an undisclosed number of Kronos Land AESA 3D MGFR radar systems from Leonardo S.p.A., [67] [13] to be capable of providing security to the entire country. With the deal, Leonardo will also supply communications equipment, technical support, spare parts and a comprehensive training programme for Bangladeshi Air Force personnel with modules in Italy. In 2011, the BAF inducted its first surface-to-air missile system, the FM 90, from China. [68] To date, two regiments of this system have been procured.
In February 2017, the BAF floated a tender for the procurement of a medium-range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM) system.
In December 2017, the Bangladesh Air Force floated a tender for the procurement of an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) system. The system will consist of 3-4 unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAV) and a 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 a minimum payload requirement of 120 kg. [69] In June 2020, Bangladesh purchased an undisclosed number of Salex Evo. Bangladesh deployed the Salex Evo on UN peacekeeping missions. [70]
In October 2019, the Bangladesh Air Force was offered two types of attack helicopters, and selected the Boeing AH-64 Apache, pending government approval. [71] In January 2020, Boeing confirmed that its AH-64E had been down-selected for a potential program in Bangladesh. [72] However the purchase of AH-64 Apache helicopters is still on hold because Bangladesh has not yet signed the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) and General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) agreements with the United States. [73] In October 2020, the Air Force received 7 more K-8W jet trainers. [74] In January 2021, the Air Force floated a tender for the procurement of Kh-31A medium-range air-to-surface missile for its MiG-29B aircraft. [75]
In 2021, the Bangladesh Air Force requested the Bangladesh government to earmark around 25,200 crores taka (2.6 billion euro) for 16 Western-origin multirole fighter jets. [76] To sign the agreement and for the first installment council, the Bangladesh government set aside an allocation of 6,300 crores taka (620m euro) in the 2021-22 financial year. [76] In 2021, Eurofighter World Magazine reported that Bangladesh was a potential customer for the Eurofighter Typhoon. [77]
The Bangladesh Air Force will reportedly procure Eurofighter Typhoon MRCAs from Leonardo Italy with MRO and other facilities, except for the armaments packages. All armaments will be provided by a third undisclosed country in a separate deal. As of 2023, Bangladesh had not yet signed the agreement. [78]
Germany had previously ordered 38 Tranche 4 Eurofighters as a launch customer at a cost of 5.4 billion euro in late 2020. [79] According to Dirk Hoke, CEO of Airbus Defense and Space, "The new Tranche 4 Eurofighter is currently the most modern European-built combat aircraft with a service life well beyond 2060." [80] In 2019, during the Bangladesh-UK 3rd Strategic Dialogue, the UK offered the Eurofighter Typhoon to Bangladesh. In March 2020, French Defence Minister Florence Parly visited Bangladesh and proposed the Dassault Rafale with other weapons for Bangladesh's defence needs. The Eurofighter Typhoon has been a strong consideration for Bangladesh, with another possible candidate in the Dassault Rafale. [81] Plans and procedures for the procurement of 16 Western-origin multirole fighter jets were established after the cancellation of the orders of 8 to 12 Russian MRCA and 16 Yak-130s. [82]
Masihuzzaman Serniabat, former chief of the BAF, implemented much of the Western fighter jet procurement process in Bangladesh, and the agreement with Germany for the purchase of Grob trainer aircraft, including full technology transfer and construction of three workshops under his supervision. According to the contract, Germany completed delivery of 24 Grob G 120TP, with 2 additional Grob G 115BD and 2 Grob G 115 trainer aircraft, seven different types of simulators, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment, which were added to the BAF inventory by 2022. Germany has already set up 3 workshops, also in Bangladesh. [83]
On 29 June 2021, a government-to-government (G2G) defense memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Bangladesh and Turkey. According to Dr. İsmail Demir, president of Presidency of Defense Industries, the export agreement for various Roketsan products was signed with Bangladesh. [84] Roketsan already delivered TRG-300 Tiger MLRS to the Bangladesh Army in June 2021 in a separate deal. [85] Bangladesh is set to become one of Turkey's top defense equipment clients in the coming years.
Tanks | Armored Vehicle | Artillery | Aircraft, Ships and UAVs |
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Submarine & Aircraft | Frigate | Corvette | Patrol Vessel | Auxiliaries |
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Submarine & Aircraft | Frigate | Patrol Vessel | Amphibious Warfare | Auxiliaries |
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Submarines: Aircraft: |
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Fighter | Trainer | Transport | Helicopter | Air Defence |
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Fighter | Transport | Helicopter | UAVs |
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Army | Navy | Air Force |
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Bangladesh military budget increased with expansion of total budget.
FY 2021-22 | 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 |
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$4.5 billion [116] | $4.06 billion [117] | $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 |
The Bangladesh Armed Forces are the military forces of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. They consist of the three uniformed military services: the Bangladesh Army, the Bangladesh Navy and the Bangladesh Air Force. The Armed Forces are under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Defence of the Government of Bangladesh, and are directly administered by the Armed Forces Division of the Prime Minister's Office. The President of Bangladesh serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Bangladesh Armed Forces. Bangladesh has the third-largest defence budget in South Asia, The Bangladeshi military is the 37th strongest in the world and the third most powerful military force in South Asia. Border Guard Bangladesh and Bangladesh Coast Guard are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs. during peacetime, but during wartime they fall under the command of Bangladesh Army and Bangladesh Navy respectively.
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a European multinational twin-engine, supersonic, canard delta wing, multirole fighter. The Typhoon was designed originally as an air-superiority fighter and is manufactured by a consortium of Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo that conducts the majority of the project through a joint holding company, Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH. The NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency, representing the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain, manages the project and is the prime customer.
The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) is the aerial warfare branch of the Bangladesh Armed Forces. The air force is primarily responsible for air defence of Bangladesh's sovereign territory as well as providing air support to the Bangladesh Army and Bangladesh Navy. Furthermore, the BAF has a territorial role in providing tactical and strategic air transport and logistics capability for the country.
The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was a British policy document produced in July 1998 by the Labour Government that had gained power a year previously. Then Secretary of State for Defence, George Robertson, set out the initial defence policy of the new government, with a series of key decisions designed to enhance the United Kingdom's armed forces.
The Royal Malaysian Air Force was formed on 2 June 1958 as the Royal Federation of Malaya Air Force. However, its roots can be traced back to the Malayan Auxiliary Air Force formations of the British Royal Air Force in then-colonial British Malaya. The Royal Malaysian Air Force operates a mix of modern American, European and Russian-made aircraft.
The Bangladesh Navy is the naval warfare branch of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, responsible for the defence of Bangladesh's 118,813 square kilometres (45,874 sq mi) of maritime territorial area from any external threat, and the security of sea ports and exclusive economic zones of Bangladesh. Bangladesh Navy is a front line disaster management force in Bangladesh. The navy takes part in United Nations peacekeeping.
The Mil Mi-17 is a Soviet-designed Russian military helicopter family introduced in 1975 (Mi-8M), continuing in production as of 2024 at two factories, in Kazan and Ulan-Ude. It is known as the Mi-8M series in Russian service. The helicopter is mostly used as a medium twin-turbine transport helicopter, as well as an armed gunship version.
The Bangladesh Army is the land warfare branch and the largest component of the Bangladesh Armed Forces. The primary mission of the Army is to defend the land of Bangladesh from any external attack. Control of personnel and operations is administered by the Army Headquarters, Dhaka Cantonment. The Bangladesh Army is also constitutionally obligated to assist the government, during times of domestic national emergency e.g. the army helps people during any natural calamity. This additional role is commonly referred to as "aid to civil administration" or, using the Latin form, "Protectio, Transparentia, Reintegratio", in others words, "Protect and Serve".
Armed Forces Day is observed in Bangladesh on 21 November. This signifies the day in 1971, when the members of the Bangladesh army, navy and air force were officially united and launched joint operations against the Pakistan occupation forces. On 16 December 1971, the Pakistani Army of 93,000 surrendered to the allied force of Bangladesh army, ending the Liberation War of Bangladesh.
The Royal Australian Navy, although a significant force in the Asia-Pacific region, is nonetheless classed as a medium-sized navy. Its fleet is based around two main types of surface combatant, with limited global deployment and air power capability. However, in 2009, a white paper, Defending Australia in the Asia Pacific Century: Force 2030, was produced by the Australian government which set out a programme of defence spending that will see significant improvements to the RAN's fleet and capabilities. In recent times, Australia released its Surface Fleet Review in 2024, which analyses the future of the RAN and shows what the Government will procure.
Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) is a trading entity and joint-defence organisation within the UK Ministry of Defence. It began operating on 2 April 2007, following the merger of the MoD's Defence Procurement Agency and the Defence Logistics Organisation, under the Chief Executive Officer of Defence Equipment and Support.
The Bangabandhu Aeronautical Center, or BAC is a Bangladeshi state-owned major defense contractor and aerospace, arms, defense and advanced technology company headquartered in Kurmitola, Dhaka. It was formed by the Ministry of Defence in 2011, and is managed by the Bangladesh Air Force.
Bangladesh Naval Aviation is the aviation wing of the Bangladesh Navy. The unit started its journey on 14 July 2011, making the Bangladesh Navy a two-dimensional force.
The Directorate General of Defence Purchase or DGDP is a government agency responsible for purchases related to Bangladesh Armed Forces and is located in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Eurofighter Typhoon procurement is the planned selection and purchase of the Eurofighter Typhoon jet fighter by various countries.
The Military budget of Bangladesh is the proportion of the overall national budget of Bangladesh that is allocated for the purpose of funding the Bangladesh Armed Forces. This military budget finances employee salaries and training costs, the maintenance of equipment and facilities, support of new or ongoing operations, and development and procurement of new weapons, equipment, and vehicles. The budget funds three branches of the Bangladesh Armed Forces: the Army, Navy and Air Force.
The defence industry of Bangladesh is a strategically important sector and a large employer in Bangladesh.The Government of Bangladesh is actively seeking to upgrade its military and security capabilities and has allocated increasing amounts to its defense and security-related budget.