Bangladesh army demonstrates Chinese-made PG99 CS/AA3 35mm twin barrel antiaircraft guns.

On 11 March 2024, Bangladesh marked a significant milestone in its defense capabilities with the first demonstration of the 35 mm twin barrel anti-aircraft gun system CS/AA3, also known in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) service as PG99. This event, overseen by the Chief of Army Staff, General SM Shafiuddin Ahmed, took place at the AD Firing Range in Inani, Cox’s Bazar, and was reported by Iftekhar Alam on defseca.com.
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Chinese army PG99 35mm Towed Anti-Aircraft Gun (Picture source: Odin.tradoc.army.mil)

The CS/AA3 system is a complex assembly consisting of the twin anti-aircraft gun, a generator trailer for power, and a fire control unit (FCU) with an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU). Organized into batteries and companies, the system is designed for dense air defense with a regiment typically comprising two companies. This setup involves at least 18 vehicles per company, including guns, generators, fire control vehicles, and trucks for logistics support, creating a formidable air defense network.

Operational efficiency is achieved with a three-member crew per gun, enabling automatic operation with target tracking and firing managed by the FCU. A failsafe gunner is always present, with additional crew for ammunition replenishment.

The CS/AA3, a licensed variant of the Oerlikon GDF-006, represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor, capable of using NORINCO’s AHEAD ammunition variant. It boasts enhancements such as a Ka-band tracking radar for improved anti-ECM capabilities, an upgraded phased array search radar, and an integrated electro-optic sensor set. Designed to engage targets up to 4,000 m away, it ensures a critical defense against aerial threats with a versatile ammunition system, including the effective Norinco 35 mm Programmable Time Fuze Pre-fragmented (PTFP) round.

This system plays a pivotal role in Bangladesh's air defense strategy alongside QW-18A VSHORAD and FM-90 SHORAD systems, acting as a last line of defense against aircraft, missiles, and loitering munitions. The 57 Air Defence Regiment Artillery of the 10 Infantry Division, located at Ramu, has been enhanced with the CS/AA3 SHORAD gun to fortify air defense capabilities along the southern border with Myanmar.

This induction not only demonstrates the Bangladesh Army's ongoing efforts to strengthen its defensive capabilities but also highlights the strategic importance of maintaining a robust and modern air defense system to safeguard national security interests.

Defense News March 2024