Bangladesh Air Force

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Bangladesh Air Force
বাংলাদেশ বিমান বাহিনী
Bangladesh Air Force emblem.svg
The Crest of the Bangladesh Air Force
Active 1971–present
Country Bangladesh
Allegiance People's Republic of Bangladesh
Type Air force
Role Aerial warfare
Size 14,000 active personnel[1]
4,000 reservists[verification needed]
157 aircraft[2]
Part of Bangladesh Armed Forces
Air Headquarters Dhaka Cantonment
Nickname(s) BAF
Patron The President of Bangladesh
Motto(s)

বাংলার আকাশ রাখিব মুক্ত
Transliteration:Banglar Aakash Rakhibo Mukto

(Free shall we keep the sky of Bangladesh)[3]
Colors Light Sky, Deep sky         
Mascot(s) Flying Eagle
Anniversaries 28 September (Air Force Day), Armed Forces Day (21 November)
Engagements Bangladesh Liberation War
Gulf War
Chittagong Hill Tracts operation
United Nations peacekeeping missions
Website www.baf.mil.bd
Commanders
Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Abu Esrar, BBP, ndc, acsc
Insignia
Ensign Air Force Ensign of Bangladesh.svg
Roundel Roundel of Bangladesh.svg
Aircraft flown
Attack Yak-130, Mi-171
Bomber An-32 (converted)
Fighter MiG-29
Helicopter Bell 206, Bell 212, Mi-17, AW 139
Interceptor F-7
Reconnaissance F-7
Trainer PT-6, Bell 206, L-39, K-8, YAK 130, L-410
Transport An-32, C-130, L-410

The Bangladesh Air Force (Bengali: বাংলাদেশ বিমান বাহিনী, Bangladesh Biman Bahini, reporting name: BAF), is the aerial warfare branch of the Bangladesh Armed Forces, primarily tasked with the air defence of Bangladesh territory and providing air support to the Bangladesh Army and Navy. Additionally, the service has a territorial role of providing strategic air transport and logistics capability for the country.

Since its establishment on 28 September 1971, the Air Force has been involved in various combat[verification needed] and humanitarian operations, from the Bangladesh Liberation War in which it was born, to supporting international efforts including the Coalition of the Gulf War and United Nations peacekeeping missions.

History[edit]

Foundation[edit]

MiG-29 and F-7 aircraft display during Bangladesh Air Force Victory Day Flypast and Aerobatics Show 2016

The Bangladesh Air Force was officially formed at the Sector Commanders Conference during Bangladesh's independence war from Pakistan in 1971. Its official date of formation has been established as 28 September 1971[citation needed] and it was launched formally by the government on 8 October 1971.[4] BAF's initial personnel were Bengali members of the Pakistan Air Force who were stationed in East Pakistan at the outbreak of the war and who deserted to the Bangladeshi side.[4] At that time, the embryo of Bangladesh Air Force BAF was formed with less than a hundred officers and a quite good number of airmen and warrant officers. A significant number of BAF personnel participated in the Bangladesh War of Independence. During the independence war, officers of the BAF attached to the Z-Force were then Bangladesh Gov't Representative to Chakulia Guerrilla Training Camp Squadron Leader M. Hamidullah Khan,[5] later Sub-Sector Commander and as Commander-Sector 11, Flight Lieutenant Liaqat as Battalion Adjutant, Flying Officer Rouf, Flying Officer Ashraf and Flight Sergeant Shafiqullah as company commanders. Squadron Leader Sadruddin Hossain, Squadron Leader Wahidur Rahim, Squadron Leader Nurul Qader, Squadron Leader Shamsur Rahman and Air Commodore Ataur Rahman as sub sector company commanders. Squadron Leader Khademul Bashar participated in the war as Commander-Sector 6.[6]

Bangladesh Air Force was organised in India with the initiative of Squadron Leader Sultan Mahmud (Ex-PAF Pilot), Captain Shahabuddin Ahmed (Ex-PIA Pilot), Captain Akram Ahmed (Ex-Plant protection Pilot) and Captain Sattar (ex-PIA Pilot) and Captain Sarfuddin (Ex-PIA Pilot). Later many Bangladeshi ex-PAF Officers joined in Bangladesh Air Force in India. Finally, Bangladesh Air Force was formed in late July 1971. Indian Air Force trained these Officers July 1971 through November 1971 as fighter pilots. Bangladesh Air Force first went in action on 3 December 1971 and attacked the Chittagong-based Oil tank depot and oil tank depot was totally destroyed by that air attack. The Air attack was conducted by Capt. Akram Ahmed.[7] The second Bangladesh Air Force attack was on 6 December 1971 at Moulovi Bazar Pakistani Army barracks under the command of Squadron Leader Sultan Mahmud, where Captain Shahabuddin Ahmed was co-pilot.[7]

Indian civilian authorities and the IAF donated 1 DC-3 Dakota (gifted by the Maharaja of Jodhpor), 1 Twin Otter plane, and 1 Alouette III helicopter for the newborn Bangladesh Air Force,[8] which was to take advantage of the lack of night-fighting capability of the PAF to launch hit-and-run attacks on sensitive targets inside Bangladesh from the air.[9] The Bengali rank and file fixed up the World War II vintage runway at Dimapur, then began rigging the aircraft for combat duty. The Dakota was modified to carry 500 pound bombs, but for technical reasons it was only used to ferry Bangladesh government personnel. Captain Abdul Khalek, Captain Alamgir Satter, and Captain Abdul Mukit, all destined to earn the Bir Pratik award, piloted the Dakota. The helicopter was rigged to fire 14 rockets from pylons attached to its side and had .303 Browning machine guns installed, in addition to having 1-inch (25 mm) steel plate welded to its floor for extra protection. Squadron Leader Sultan Mahmood, Flight Lieutenant Bodiul Alam, and Captain Shahabuddin, all of whom later won the Bir Uttam award, operated the helicopter. The Otter boasted 7 rockets under each of its wings and could deliver ten 25 pound bombs, which were rolled out of the aircraft by hand through a makeshift door. Flight Lt. Shamsul Alam, along with Captains Akram Ahmed and Sharfuddin Ahmad, flew the Otter - all three were later awarded Bir Uttam for their service in 1971. This tiny force was dubbed Kilo Flight, the first fighting formation of the nascent Bangladesh Air force. Squadron Leader Sultan Mahmud was appointed as the commander of the 'Kilo Flight'.[10][11]

Air Force personnel in 1971[edit]

During the Bangladesh War of Independence 1971, many career Air Force officers from eastern Pakistan and airmen participated in different sectors in Bangladesh and also at the headquarters. Below are a list of some notable participants:

Wing Commander M. Hamidullah Khan
PAF-BAF – (1940-2011); BDF Commander Sector 11[12]
Air Vice-Marshal Khademul Bashar
PAF-BAF – (1935-1976); BDF Commander Sector 6[13]
Air Vice-Marshal Sultan Mahmud
PAF-BAF – Retired[14]
Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman, Bir Shreshtho
PAF– Killed during attempt to defect to Bangladesh in 1971 during Bangladesh Liberation war.[15]

Non-combatant staff[edit]

Group Captain A K Khandker PAF-BAF – Was assigned as the Deputy Chief of Staff at the end of July 1971 under Lieutenant Colonel Abdur Rab who remained in Comilla during the war. His primary responsibility consisted of liaison with local Indian officials and defence personnel at Kalyani, West Bengal, India.[9]

Distinguished personnel[edit]

  • Group Captain M. G. Tawab PAF-BAF - stayed in the Pakistan Air Force during the independence war and only return to Dhaka after Bangladesh become independent in 16 December 1971. He joined Bangladesh Forces the following day after returning to Dhaka, as Deputy C-in-C at BDF HQ at Dhaka Cantonment (Old 14 Div. HQ). Tawab remained in that post until 7 April 1972.
  • Group Captain Safiul Azam PAF-BAF. [9]

After independence[edit]

After independence, the BAF received a significant donation from the former USSR. Among the aircraft delivered were ten single-seat Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21MFs and two twin-seat Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21UMs. Later China also supplied some equipment.[8]

Apart from the aircraft of Kilo Flight which were donated to India, most Pakistan Air Force aircraft grounded in Dhaka due to runway cratering by the Indian Air Force during the liberation war, were sabotaged before surrender. Many of these were also returned to service by Bangladeshi ground technicians. The Pakistan Air Force prior to 1971 had many Bengali pilots, air traffic controllers, technicians and administrative officers. Many of them distinguished themselves during the Bangladesh Liberation War, they provided the nascent Bangladesh Air Force with a good number of trained personnel. It had grown with the repatriation of Air Force personal from Pakistan in 1973 after the Simla Agreement.[4] In 1977 some personnel of Bangladesh Air Force staged a mutiny.[16]

View of BAF Information and Selection Centre, Dhaka

Defence co-operation improved with Pakistan considerably under the military regimes of Ziaur Rahman and Hossain Mohammad Ershad in Bangladesh, which had grown more distant from its war ally, India. Common concerns over India's regional power have influenced strategic co-operation leading to a gift of several squadrons of refurbished Shenyang F-6 fighter aircraft from Pakistan to the Bangladesh Air Force in the late 1980s.[8] Bangladesh bought 8 Mig-29 from Russia in 1999 under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.[17] Bangladesh Air Force Academy (BAFA) received National colours in 2003 by the then Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The Recruits’ Training School (RTS) has been awarded with BAF Colours by ex-Chief of Air Staff (AVM Fakhrul Azam) in 2004. In 2017 Bangladesh Air Force was awarded the Independence Day Award.[18]

Forces Goal 2030[edit]

Main article: Forces Goal 2030 § Air Force

The Bangladesh Air Force has an ambitious modernisation plan to be implemented in upcoming years under Forces Goal 2030. As per the goal, air force is to be a strong deterrent force to well protect the sky of Bangladesh. Plans are made to strengthen both air power and land based air defence capabilities. Since the formulation of the forces goal 2030, the BAF has developed in many folds.

Since 2010, BAF has taken the delivery of sixteen Chengdu F-7BGI fighter aircraft, sixteen Yakovlev Yak-130 advanced jet trainers, nine K-8W jet trainer aircraft, three Let L-410 Turbolet transport trainer aircraft[19] and eleven PT-6 basic trainers. Process is going on for the procurement of eight multirole combat aircraft.[20] [21]

BAF has also taken the delivery of sixteen Mi-171Sh combat transport helicopters[22][23] and two AgustaWestland AW139 maritime SAR helicopters since 2010.[24] BAF is now awaiting to take delivery of two AW 119 training helicopters.

BAF earned the Surface to Air Missile capability by introducing FM-90 short range air defence missile in 2011.[25] Bangladesh air force will receive Italian origin long range Selex RAT-31DL air defence radar and a short range air defence radar soon. Process of procuring one battery of medium range surface to air missile system is going on.[26]

List of the Chiefs of Air Staff[27][edit]

Main Article : Chief of Air Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force

No. Name Appointment Date Left Office Decorations
1st Air Vice Marshal Abdul Karim Khandker 7 April 1972 15 October 1975 BU, psa
2nd Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Ghulam Tawab 16 October 1975 30 April 1976 SJ, SBT, psa
3rd Air Vice Marshal Khademul Bashar 1 May 1976 1 September 1976 BU, TBT
4th Air Vice Marshal Abdul Gafoor Mahmud 5 September 1976 8 December 1977 TBT, psa
5th Air Vice Marshal Sadruddin Mohammad Hossain 9 December 1977 22 July 1981 BP
6th Air Vice Marshal Sultan Mahmud 23 July 1981 22 July 1987 BU
7th Air Vice Marshal Momtaz Uddin Ahmed 23 July 1987 4 June 1991 psc
8th Air Vice Marshal Altaf Hossain Chowdhury 4 June 1991 3 June 1995 ndu, psc
9th Air Marshal Jamal Uddin Ahmed 4 June 1995 3 June 2001 ndc, bems, psc
10th Air Vice Marshal Mohammad Rafiqul Islam 4 June 2001 8 April 2002 ndu, psc
11th Air Vice Marshal Fakhrul Azam 8 April 2002 7 April 2007 ndc, psc
12th Air Marshal Shah Mohammad Ziaur Rahman 8 April 2007 12 June 2012 ndc, fawc, psc
13th Air Marshal Muhammad Enamul Bari 13 June 2012 12 June 2015 BBP, ndu, psc
14th Air Chief Marshal Abu Esrar 12 June 2015 Present BBP, ndc, acsc

Current[edit]

Operations[edit]

More than 600+ BAF personnel, including officers and airmen, 10 BAF helicopters and are currently deployed to various UN Missions. Another C-130 transport aircraft is providing support to UN Mission in Africa. With the deployment of C-130 aircraft and its personnel, Bangladesh became the largest troops contributing country in UN peacekeeping missions.

Organisation[edit]

According to the Constitution of Bangladesh, President of Bangladesh act as the civilian commander-in-chief, and Chief of Air Staff (COAS), by statute a four-star air officer (air chief marshal), commands the Air Force.[28][not in citation given] The Bangladesh Air Force is currently commanded by Air Chief Marshal Abu Esrar, BBP, ndc, acsc.[28][29]

The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has its headquarters at Dhaka Cantonment. HQ has 3 branches, Operations & Training (Ops. & Trng.), Administration and Special Duties (Admin. & SD) and Material & Maintenance (M & Mte). Each branch is headed by officers who are considered as principal staff officer (PSO) and known as assistant chief of air staff, e.g. ACAS (Ops & Trng). Under each PSO there are various directorates headed by directors of group captain/air commodore rank. Under each director there are deputy directors (DD) headed by wing commanders and staff officers (SO) with rank of squadron leader and below.

Senior commanders[edit]

Shoulder/Sleeve insignia Appointment Rank & Name Star Plate
UK-Air-OF9.svg Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Abu Esrar, BBP, ndc, acsc, GD(P)[28] Air Chief Marshal star plate.svg
UK-Air-OF7.svg Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Operations & Training) Air Vice Marshal Nayeem Hassan,

ndu, psc, GD(P)

 Air Vice-Marshal star plate.svg
UK-Air-OF7.svg Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Administration) Air Vice Marshal Mashiuzzaman Serniabad,

ndu, psc, GD(P)

 Air Vice-Marshal star plate.svg
UK-Air-OF7.svg Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Maintenance) Air Vice Marshal Mazharul Islam, psc, Engg Air Vice-Marshal star plate.svg
UK-Air-OF7.svg Air Officer Commanding, BAF Base Khademul Bashar (Dhaka) Air Vice Marshal Abul Bashar, OSP, afwc, psc, GD(P) Air Vice-Marshal star plate.svg
UK-Air-OF6.svg Air Officer Commanding, BAF Base Bangabandhu (Dhaka) Air Commodore Mofidur Rahman, ndu, afwc, psc, GD(P) Air Commodore star plate.svg
UK-Air-OF6.svg Air Officer Commanding, BAF Base Zahurul Haq (Chittagong) Air Commodore Murshed Hasan Siddiqui, psc, GD(P) Air Commodore star plate.svg
UK-Air-OF7.svg Air Officer Commanding, BAF Base Matiur Rahman (Jessore) Air Vice Marshal Sheikh Abdul Hannan, nswc, psc, GD(P) Air Vice-Marshal star plate.svg
UK-Air-OF6.svg Air Officer Commanding, BAF Base Paharkanchanpur (Tangail) Air Commodore Md Zahidur Rahman, psc, GD(P) Air Commodore star plate.svg
UK-Air-OF6.svg Air Officer Commanding, BAF Base Cox's Bazar Air Commodore M Yousuf Ali, GUP, ndc, psc, GD(P) Air Commodore star plate.svg

Personnel[edit]

Ranks[30][edit]

Main article: Bangladesh Air Force rank insignia
Commissioned officer ranks of the Bangladesh Air Force (in descending order)[31]
UK-Air-OF9.svg    UK-Air-OF8.svg    UK-Air-OF7.svg    UK-Air-OF6.svg    UK-Air-OF5.svg    UK-Air-OF4.svg    UK-Air-OF3.svg    UK-Air-OF2.svg    UK-Air-OF1A.svg   
Air Chief Marshal    Air Marshal    Air Vice-Marshal    Air Commodore    Group Captain    Wing Commander    Squadron Leader    Flight Lieutenant    Flying Officer   
Air Chief Marshal star plate.svg Air Marshal star plate.svg Air Vice-Marshal star plate.svg Air Commodore star plate.svg
Junior commissioned officer (JCO)(Class-1 Gazetted Officer-Non Cadre) ranks in descending order[31]
Master warrant officer (MWO).jpg    Senior warrant officer (SWO).jpg    Warrant officer (WO).jpg   
Master Warrant Officer    Senior Warrant Officer    Warrant Officer   
other ranks (in descending order)[31]
Sergeant-baf.jpg    Corporal baf.jpeg    Leading Aircraftman.jpeg    Aircraftman.jpeg   
Sergeant    Corporal    Leading Aircraftman    Aircraftman 1    Aircraftman 2   
Non-Commissioned officer    Non-Commissioned Officer    Ordinary Airman    Ordinary Airman    Ordinary Airman   

Branches (officer)[32][edit]

Bell 206 Long Ranger of Bangladesh Air Force.

Branches of Bangladesh Air Force are:

  • General Duties (Pilot), abbreviation: GD(P)
  • General Duties (Navigator), abbreviation: GD(N)
  • Air Defense Weapons Controlling
  • Air Traffic Controlling
  • Meteorology
  • Engineering
  • Logistics
  • Administration
  • Finance/Accounts
  • Education
  • Legal
  • Medical (officers are seconded from army)

Trades (Airmen)[edit]

Bangladesh Air Force Antonov An-32 Batuzak-1(converted)
Bangladesh Air Force and US Marines in Air Exercise

Trades of Bangladesh Air Force are:

  • Aircraft Engineering
  • Electrical and Instrument Engineering
  • Communications and Electronics
  • General Engineering
  • Mechanical Transport Fitting
  • Mechanical Transport Operating
  • Armament Engineering
  • Radio Engineering
  • Ground Signalling
  • Radar Operating
  • Life Saving Equipment
  • Photography
  • Air Traffic Control
  • Education
  • Cypher
  • Meteorological
  • Medical
  • Secretarial
  • Supply
  • General Service
  • Provost
  • Catering
  • Musician
  • Aircrew
  • Ground C

Installations[edit]

BAF Headquarters is located in Dhaka Cantonment. There are numerous bases set up all over the country. BAF Base Khademul Bashar Dhaka, BAF Base Bangabandhu Dhaka, BAF Base Zahurul Haque Chittagong and BAF Base Matiur Rahman Jessore are named after National as well as Air Force heroes. Other major bases are BAF Base Pahar Kanchanpur Tangail and Forward Operations Base at Cox's Bazar. There are also several independent units and detachments in places like Moulavibazar Radar Unit (MRU), Bogra Radar Unit (BRU), Lalmonirhat Unit, No. 74 Squadron Bangladesh Air Force at Chittagong and No.71 Squadron Bangladesh Air Force at Dhaka and Shamshernagar.

Bangladesh Air Force Academy is the commissioned officer training academy for all branches of Bangladesh Air Force. It is located at BAF Base Matiur Rahman in Jessore. Recruits Training School is the airman training centre for all trades of Bangladesh Air Force. It is located at BAF C&M Unit Shamshernagar in Moulvibazar.[33]

Aircraft[edit]

See also: List of active aircraft of the Bangladesh Air Force and List of historic aircraft of the Bangladesh Air Force

Current inventory[edit]

Bangladesh Air Force MIG-29 running for take off
An Air Force Mil Hip helicopter fly over
A Bangladesh Air Force F-7 landing
Aircraft Origin Type Variant In service Notes
Combat Aircraft
Chengdu F-7 China fighter 37[2]
MiG-29 Russia multirole 8[2]
Transport
Antonov An-32 Ukraine transport 3[2]
C-130 Hercules United States transport C-130B/E 4[2]
L-410 Turbolet Czech Republic transport 3[2]
Helicopters
Bell 212 United States utility 14[2]
Mil Mi-17 Russia utility / transport Mi-17/171 33 4 on order[2]
AgustaWestland AW139 Italy SAR 2[2]
Trainer Aircraft
Shenyang J-6 People's Republic of China fighter FT-6 9[2] license-built MiG-19
Chengdu F-7 People's Republic of China jet trainer FT-7 11[2] licensed built MiG-21
Hongdu JL-8 China / Pakistan jet trainer K-8 4 5 on order[2]
Aero L-39 Czech Republic primary trainer 7[2]
Yak-130 Russia advanced trainer 15[2] [34] One crashed on chittagong 11 July 2017 [35]
Bell 206 United States trainer 206L 4[36]

Guided weapons[edit]

Type Country Class Role Date Status Notes
FM-90 China Surface-to-air short range Ground-based Export version of the HQ-7
LS PGB China Guided bomb F-7 Satellite-guided
LT PGB China Guided bomb F-7 Laser-guided
OFAB-100-120 Russia Unguided Bomb MiG-29, Yak-130 Ordered from Russia
PL-2 China Air-to-air F-7 older dogfighting weapon for F-7s
PL-5E China Air-to-air F-7 dog-fighting missile
PL-7 China Air-to-air F-7 R.550 Magic-based
PL-9C China Air-to-air F-7
R-27 Russia Air-to-air MiG-29 Beyond visual range
R-73 Russia Air-to-air MiG-29 Infrared-guided

Future modernisation programme[edit]

The BAF has an ongoing modernisation programme under Forces Goal 2030 to become a strong force to defend the sky of Bangladesh. It has plans to acquire modern aircraft and land based air defence capabilities.

Bangladesh Air Force ordered a Selex RAT-31DL L Band AESA radar from Leonardo-Finmeccanica of Italy worth approximately US$19 million. This radar will be set up in Barisal to bolster the security of the southern Bangladesh.[37]

Minister of Law Anisul Huq informed the Bangladesh Parliament about current and future procurement plans for the Bangladesh Air Force on 8 December 2016. He said that the plans have been taken to procure eight multirole combat aircraft, six Mi-171Sh helicopters, two maritime search and rescue helicopters, one medium range surface-to-air missile system and one unmanned aerial vehicle system in the fiscal year 2016-17. He added that more multirole combat aircraft (MRCA), medium lift helicopter and Mobile pulse Doppler Radar (MPDR) will be procured in the future.[38][39]

In February 2017, BAF has floated a tender for the procurement of one battery of medium range surface to air missile (MRSAM) system consisting of one command vehicle, one search/target designation radar vehicle, one guidance radar vehicle and four missile firing vehicle. Each firing vehicle will have minimum four missiles.[26]

Bangladesh Air Force has issued a tender for the procurement of eight multirole combat aircraft (MRCA) in February 2017. The MRCA will be twin engine jets with electrically scanned array radar, minimum eight hardpoints and a minimum ferry range of 2500km. They will have to be capable of performing air defence, counter air operations, anti surface and maritime strike missions.[20]

In March 2017, BAF has floated tender for the overhauling and upgradation of its MiG-29 fleet. The six MiG-29Bs will have their Radar and fire control system upgraded while two MiG-29UBs will have their opto lase locating station (OLLS) upgraded.[40] Four MiG-29B aircraft will have electrically scanned array radar system preferably the Zhuk ME radar system.[41]

In June 2017, Air Force signed a contract for five Mi-171Sh helicopters.[42] Bangladesh air force already uses 35+ Mi-17 series helicopters and the number is expected to be increase in future as BAF has the plan for procuring at least 10 Mi-171Sh in the near future.

Bangladesh has signed a government to government contract with the United Kingdom for the supply of two off-the-shelf C-130J aircraft currently in service with the Royal Air Force. Bangladesh Air Force will be the ninth operator of the aircraft in Asia after the delivery.[43][44]

The Air Force is on the process of setting up an advanced training unit named 105 Advance Jet Training Unit. This unit will be a dedicated fighter pilot training unit of BAF. For setting up the training unit, 275 posts, including those of a commandant, three squadron commanders and two flight commanders is being created. The unit will consist of three training squadrons which will provide advanced trainings to the pilots selected for operating the fighter jets.[45]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "সশস্ত্র বাহিনীর সদস্য ২ লাখ ৪ হাজার ৫৯৬ জন". banglanews24.com. Retrieved 9 June 2017. 
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "World Air Forces 2017". Flightglobal Insight. 2017. Retrieved 27 February 2017. 
  3. ^ "Bangladesh Air Force motto in English". 
  4. ^ a b c Uddin, Syed Mohd. Saleh (2012). "Bangladesh Air Force". In Islam, Sirajul; Jamal, Ahmed A. Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh (Second ed.). Asiatic Society of Bangladesh. 
  5. ^ http://www.banglachic.com/ekattore-uttar-ronangon-p7217.html[dead link]
  6. ^ Ministry of Defense Gazette Notification No.8/25/D-1/72-1378, Dated 15 December 1973
  7. ^ a b Habib, Haroon. "1971 wartime Dakota handed over to Bangladesh". The Hindu. Retrieved 2017-04-03. 
  8. ^ a b c "Scramble". Retrieved 12 March 2015. 
  9. ^ a b c "BAF History – Bangladesh Air Force". www.baf.mil.bd. Retrieved 2017-04-03. 
  10. ^ Parveen, Jahanara (December 15, 2016). "The birth of Bangladesh Air Force". theindependentbd.com. The Independent. Retrieved 2017-04-03. 
  11. ^ "Freedom Fighters – Bangladesh Air Force". www.baf.mil.bd. Retrieved 2017-04-03. 
  12. ^ "Khan, Wing Commander M Hamidullah - Banglapedia". en.banglapedia.org. Retrieved 2017-04-03. 
  13. ^ "Bashar, Air Vice Marshal M Khademul - Banglapedia". en.banglapedia.org. Retrieved 2017-04-03. 
  14. ^ "Ershad wanted to grab power after Zia killing". The Daily Star. 2014-05-03. Retrieved 2017-04-03. 
  15. ^ "Rahman, Birsrestha Matiur - Banglapedia". en.banglapedia.org. Retrieved 2017-04-03. 
  16. ^ "United Red Army: 1977 Forever". The Daily Star. 2012-05-30. Retrieved 2017-04-04. 
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  18. ^ "Air Force, 15 personalities get Independence Award | Dhaka Tribune". Dhaka Tribune. 2017-03-23. Retrieved 2017-04-04. 
  19. ^ "BD to build fighter planes one day, hopes PM". UNB. 2015. Retrieved 27 May 2015. 
  20. ^ a b "Bangladesh releases tender for new multi-role fighter". QUWA. Retrieved 2 March 2017. 
  21. ^ "BD issues tender for eight multirole combat aircraft". The Financial Express Online Version. Retrieved 2017-04-04. 
  22. ^ "New Base for Bangladesh Air Force (BAF)". Security-risks.com. Retrieved 27 May 2015. 
  23. ^ "Russia to deliver 5 transport combat helicopters to Bangladesh". TASS. Retrieved 24 December 2014. 
  24. ^ "Self-confidence to take nation forward: PM". Newagebd.com. 7 December 2015. Retrieved 7 December 2015. 
  25. ^ "BAF inducts FM-90 missile system". airforce-technology.com. [unreliable source?]
  26. ^ a b "Tender specification for the procurement of medium range surface to air missile (MSAM) system for BAF" (PDF). dgdp. Retrieved 19 February 2017. 
  27. ^ "Former COAS – Bangladesh Air Force". www.baf.mil.bd. Retrieved 2017-04-03. 
  28. ^ a b c "BN, BAF chiefs rank upgraded". Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha. Retrieved 17 January 2016. 
  29. ^ "New Air Force chief Abu Esrar gets rank of Air Marshal". bdnews24.net. Retrieved 6 July 2015. 
  30. ^ "BAF Ranks – Bangladesh Air Force". www.baf.mil.bd. Retrieved 2017-04-03. 
  31. ^ a b c "Join Bangladesh Air Force". Retrieved 12 March 2015. 
  32. ^ "Command Structure – Bangladesh Air Force". www.baf.mil.bd. Retrieved 2017-04-04. 
  33. ^ "Recruits Training School (RTS)". Bangladesh Air Force. 
  34. ^ http://www.defenseworld.net/news/19835#.WcFxqPMjHIU
  35. ^ http://www.defenseworld.net/news/19835#.WcFxqPMjHIU
  36. ^ "Bangladesh Air Force". AirForces Monthly. Key Publishing. April 2017. p. 75. 
  37. ^ "Air force to buy long-range radar by Tk 147cr". newagebd.com. 26 August 2016. Retrieved 8 September 2016. 
  38. ^ "Bangladesh To Procure Eight MRCA, Six Mi-171, Two SAR Helicopters This Fiscal Year". defenseworld.net. 8 December 2016. Retrieved 12 December 2016. 
  39. ^ "Bangladesh is planning to procure eight new multi-role fighters". quwa.org. 8 December 2016. Retrieved 12 December 2016. 
  40. ^ "Specification for repair overhaul and upgradation of 6 x Radar and Fire Control System for MiG29B aircraft and 2 x opto laser locating stations of MiG-29UB aircraft." (PDF). dgdp. Retrieved 22 March 2017. 
  41. ^ "Specification for procurement of 4 x Radar and Fire Control System / Multi functional Radar with all accessories for MiG29B aircraft." (PDF). dgdp. Retrieved 22 March 2017. 
  42. ^ "CONTRACT SIGNING CEREMONY OF MI-171SH HELICOPTER BETWEEN BANGLADESH AIR FORCE AND RUSSIA HELD". ISPR. 12 June 2017. Retrieved 16 June 2017. 
  43. ^ "Bangladesh To Buy Two RAF C130J Transport Planes". Defenseworld.net. 8 July 2017. Retrieved 12 August 2017. 
  44. ^ "Bangladesh reportedly interested in ex-RAF Hercules C5 airlifters procurement". Air Recognition. 10 July 2017. Retrieved 12 August 2017. 
  45. ^ "Special training unit for BAF jet fighter pilots on the cards". The Independent. 7 May 2017. Retrieved 12 August 2017. 

External links[edit]

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