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Bangladesh Modernizes All Branches of Its Military to Counter Threats from India and Myanmar.
The change in government in Bangladesh, marked by the appointment of an interim cabinet led by Muhammad Yunus, has reignited discussions about revisiting the “Forces Goal 2030.” This ambitious plan, introduced in 2009 under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership and revised in 2017, was designed to transform the Bangladeshi Armed Forces into a modern and versatile military force. The program aimed to upgrade the equipment of the army, navy, and air force while increasing personnel and establishing a defense industrial base to meet strategic needs. While the plan has yielded significant results, it now requires adaptation to address growing geopolitical tensions and internal security threats.
Chinese-made VT5 light tank of Bangladesh army at Victory Day military parade on December 16, 2022 (Picture source: Defense Technology of Bangladesh-DTB )
The current context strongly supports this revision. Tensions with Myanmar, intensified by armed incursions by the Arakan Army and frequent border violations, highlight the need for enhanced deterrence and defense capabilities. Simultaneously, relations with India have deteriorated, characterized by hostile rhetoric and provocative actions. Adding to these external challenges is the rise of internal threats, particularly from insurgent groups like the Kuki-Chin National Army operating in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. In light of these challenges, modernizing military equipment and expanding personnel have become critical priorities.
The Bangladeshi Army has already undergone significant transformations through the integration of modern equipment, though current needs demand further advancements. Notable acquisitions include the BTR-80, a Russian armored personnel carrier that provides all-terrain and amphibious mobility. Capable of carrying up to 10 soldiers, it is armed with a 14.5 mm cannon and a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, making it essential for mechanized operations and border security. The army has also adopted the Otokar Cobra, a light Turkish armored vehicle designed for reconnaissance and patrols. Its modular design allows it to be equipped with machine guns, grenade launchers, or anti-tank missiles, enhancing its versatility on the battlefield. The fleet of main battle tanks (MBT-2000) from China and the lightweight VT-5 tanks complement these capabilities. The MBT-2000 features a 125 mm gun and advanced composite armor, suitable for conventional warfare, while the VT-5 offers exceptional mobility in challenging terrains. The army’s artillery capabilities have also been strengthened with the addition of TRG-230 and TRG-300 Kasirga multiple-launch rocket systems from Turkey, along with Serbian Nora B-52 self-propelled howitzers, enhancing long-range firepower.
The navy has achieved significant advancements under the “Forces Goal 2030” initiative. The acquisition of Ming-class submarines from China has added strategic deterrence and undersea surveillance capabilities critical to securing maritime routes. These submarines are equipped with advanced detection systems and torpedoes, ensuring tactical superiority in the Bay of Bengal. The navy’s surface fleet has been enhanced with Type 053H3 frigates and Type 056 stealth corvettes, armed with guided missiles, which expand its operational capacity for defense and surveillance missions. Additionally, the navy’s air capabilities have been upgraded with Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft and Augusta Westland helicopters, crucial for detecting threats and protecting resources in Bangladesh’s maritime economic zone.
The navy’s surface fleet has been enhanced with Type 053H3 frigates and Type 056 stealth corvettes, armed with guided missiles, which expand its operational capacity for defense and surveillance missions (Picture source: Wikimedia)
The Air Force has reinforced its fleet with advanced training aircraft such as the Yak-130 and K-8, which also serve as light fighters, enabling both high-quality training and operational readiness. License-built F-7BGI interceptors ensure effective airspace protection, while the acquisition of FM-90 short-range air defense systems strengthens strategic area defense against aerial threats. Complementing these systems is the Selex RAT-31DL radar from Italy, which offers advanced surveillance capabilities to detect potential intrusions.
In addition to equipment upgrades, the “Forces Goal 2030” plan has bolstered personnel numbers and reorganized units. The army has established new divisions, including the 7th, 10th, and 17th Infantry Divisions, expanded the land-based air defense corps, and transformed the para-commando battalion into a full brigade. These efforts are supported by the development of a national defense industry, including the Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory and the Bangladesh Ordnance Factory, which produce light weapons, utility vehicles, and other equipment through technology transfer agreements.
Revisiting "Forces Goal 2030” presents a strategic opportunity for the interim government. Modernization will enable Bangladesh to better address current security challenges, strengthen national sovereignty, and maintain regional stability. By equipping its armed forces with advanced systems, enhancing deterrence capabilities, and fostering technological self-reliance, Bangladesh can position itself as a significant regional military power while ensuring robust defense against both conventional and unconventional threats.