Aviation News Desk:
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Sunday said process is on to purchase ultra-modern and high-performance fighter planes for Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) as part of the government’s move to implement the “Forces Goal-2030”. report BSS.
“The process is underway to purchase more modern and high-performance fighter planes and other equipment for the air force aimed at making it further developed and modern to implement the ‘Forces Goal-2030’,” she said while addressing virtually as the chief guest at “President Parade (Winter)-2020” from her official Gono Bhaban residence.
Besides, the BAF is going to get the air defence system integration, unmanned aerial vehicle system, mobile gap filler radar and ultra-modern air defence radar soon, she said.
The premier further said that her government has signed an agreement to purchase five ultra-modern C-130J transport aircrafts and three of those have already reached the country while PT-6 Simulator is set to be inducted soon in the BAF.
To ensure proper and developed training for the air cadets, seven K-8W jet trainer aircraft have already been added to the fleet of the air force, she continued, saying, “The government is firmly committed to continue the pace of advancement of the air force.”
The PM said, they have taken measures for overall development of the air force following the footsteps of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The PM said that they have recently opened Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University, adding, “We will attain ability in building fighter planes, transport aircrafts, and helicopters with the knowledge to be obtained from the university.”
She recalled the contribution of Bangabandhu in building the armed forces with limited resources during his three and a half years of tenure alongside rebuilding a war-ravaged country.
The PM said that Bangabandhu had purchased the most modern fighter jets Mig-21, modern transport aircraft, air defence system and helicopters for the air force.
Bangladesh Air Force arranged a spectacular parade and fly past at its Jashore Academy marking the occasion which the PM virtually witnessed.
Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat later gave a vote of thanks to the Prime Minister for joining the programme.