Highlights:

- Multirole combat aircraft - coming soon

- Attack helicopters - procurement underway

- Long-range radars - capability expansion

- Medium-range surface-to-air defence systems - layered protection

- UAVs - modern warfare tech

- Indigenous aircraft production - self-reliance goal

Bangladesh Air Force is rapidly advancing its modernisation programme with procurement of multirole combat aircraft, attack helicopters and long-range defence systems currently underway, officials announced.

On Saturday morning at Shahin Hall of BAF Shaheen College, Hasan Mahmood Khan, Chief of Air Staff, confirmed this information at the “Reception Ceremony for Air Force War Heroes of the Liberation War and Their Descendants,” organized by the Bangladesh Air Force.

State-of-the-art fighter jets, transport aircraft, helicopters, air-defence radars, missile systems, UAVs and high-grade simulators are being added to strengthen operational readiness. Recent developments indicate BAF is pursuing acquisition of platforms including the Chengdu J-10CE fighters and advanced attack helicopters as part of its comprehensive capability enhancement under Forces Goal 2030.

Procurement plans include multirole combat aircraft, attack helicopters, medium-range surface-to-air defence systems and long-range radars. Once integrated, these systems will significantly reinforce overall strength and capability of Bangladesh Air Force.

Air chief marshal emphasised that alongside equipment acquisition, BAF is building stronger capabilities through development of new bases, enhanced infrastructure and internationally standardised training institutions. Force leadership stressed commitment to achieving self-reliance in defence production.

"We firmly believe that a nation capable of building its own strength with its own hands cannot be stopped by anyone," Hasan Mahmood Khan said. Goal is to produce future aircraft and defence equipment through indigenous technology, capability and innovation utilising domestic resources and expertise.

Bangladesh's interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus has approved series of major acquisitions, with officials suggesting first deliveries could begin within two years.

Beyond defence operations, Bangladesh Air Force continues playing vital role in humanitarian assistance, rescue operations and disaster response. Force personnel have demonstrated competence in battling catastrophic fires, delivering flood relief, conducting medical evacuations and sending humanitarian aid during international crises.

Successful participation in UN peacekeeping missions and rescue of citizens stranded in crises have enhanced country's international reputation, Hasan Mahmood Khan noted.