Jump to content

Bangladesh Air Force: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Removing links to deleted file File:Senior Warrant Officer.jpg
Line 238: Line 238:
* Logistics
* Logistics
* Meteorology
* Meteorology
*ashik


== Trades (airmen) ==
== Trades (airmen) ==

Revision as of 12:18, 22 June 2014

Bangladesh Air Force
বাংলাদেশ বিমান বাহিনী
File:Bafmonogram.jpg
Active1971–present
Country Bangladesh
AllegiancePeople's Republic of Bangladesh
BranchAir force
TypeMilitary aviation
RoleAerial warfare
Size14,000+ personnel
150+ aircraft including 39 combat aircraft and 18 combat helicopters.
Part ofBangladesh Armed Forces
Air HeadquartersDhaka Cantonment
Nickname(s)BAF
PatronThe President of Bangladesh
Motto(s)বাংলার আকাশ রাখিব মুক্ত
Transliteration:Banglar Aakash Rakhibo Mukto
(The Sky of Bengal Will be Kept Secured)
EngagementsBangladesh Liberation War
Websitewww.baf.mil.bd
Commanders
Chief of Air StaffAir Marshal Muhammad Enamul Bari ndu, psc
Insignia
Ensign
Roundel
Aircraft flown
AttackA-5, L-39, Mi-171
BomberAn-32 (converted)
FighterF-7, MiG-29
HelicopterBell 206, Bell 212, Mi-8, Mi-17
InterceptorF-7
ReconnaissanceF-7
TrainerPT-6, T-37, L-39, CM-170
TransportAn-32, C-130

The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF, Bengali: বাংলাদেশ বিমান বাহিনী, Bānglādēśh Bimān Bāhinī) is the aerial warfare arm of the Bangladesh Armed Forces. Being the first line of defense of Bangladesh, the air force revealed their long-term advancement and procurement plan in Defence IQ 2011 International Fighter Aircraft Conference in London. The Bangladesh Air Force currently employs more than 14,000 personnel including 300+ pilots and navigators.

Location of Bangladesh
Location of Bangladesh.
View of BAF Information and Selection Centre, Dhaka
Bangladesh Air Force MiG-29 Taking Part in Flypast of victory day, 2012.
Mil Mi-17 Hip Helicopter of Bangladesh Air Force on UN Mission

History

Foundation

The Bangladesh Air Force was officially formed at the Sector Commanders Conference during its independence war from Pakistan in 1971. Its official date of formation has been established as 28 September 1971 and it was launched formally by the Government on 8 October 1971. Out of 11 BDF Sectors, the most tactically significant sector, the Central Sector - Sector 11, was in command of a BAF officer including Sector 6. A significant number of BAF personnel participated in the Bangladesh War of Independence. Initially, BAF was formed with all officers and airmen of Bengali origin serving in the Pakistan Air Force prior to the war. At that time, the embryo of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) was formed with less than hundred officers and a quite good number of airmen and warrant officers. During the independence war, officers of the BAF attached to the Z-Force were then BD Gov't Representative to Chakulia Guerilla Trng. Camp Squadron Leader M. Hamidullah Khan,[2] 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.[3]

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.[4] The second Bangladesh Air Force attack was on 6 December 1971 at Moulovi Bazar Pakitani Army barracks under the command of Squadron Leader Sultan Mahmud, where Captain Shahabuddin Ahmed was co-pilot.[5]

Indian civilian authorities and the IAF donated 1 DC-3 Dakota (gifted by the Maharaja of Jodhpor), 4 Twin Otter planes, and 1 Alouette III helicopter for the newborn Bangladesh Air Force,[6][7][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. 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'.

Air Force personnel in 1971

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:

Rank & Name Service Status Awards Rank & Name Service Status Awards
Wing Commander M.Hamidullah Khan PAF-BAF Deceased; BDF Commander Sector 11 Air vice-marshal Khademul Bashar PAF-BAF Deceased; BDF Commander Sector 6
Air vice-marshal Sadruddin Hossain PAF-BAF Retired; BDF Subsetor Commander Air Commodore Ataur Rahman PAF-BAF Retired
Squadron Leader Wahidur Rahim PAF-BAF Retired Squadron Leader Nurul Kader PAF-BAF Retired
Squadron Leader Shamsur Rahman PAF-BAF Retired Air vice-marshal Sultan Mahmud PAF-BAF Retired
Squadron Leader Nurul Islam PAF-BAF Retired Group Captain Shamsul Alam PAF-BAF Retired
Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman PAF-BAF Killed in action while capturing enemy aircraft Posthumously Awarded Bir Shreshtho
Flight Lieutenant Liaqat PAF-BAF Retired Flight Lieutenant Iqbal Rashid PAF-BAF Retired
Flying Officer Rouf PAF-BAF Retired Group Captain Ashraf PAF-BAF Retired
Flight Sergeant Abu Yusuf Khan PAF-BAF Retired Flight Sergeant Shafiqullah PAF-BAF Retired


After Independence

After independence, BAF received a significant donation from the former USSR, Among the aircraft delivered were Ten single-seat MiG-21MF and two twin-seat MiG-21UM. Later China also supplied some equipment.[8] Bases, Units and outposts have been established at different suitable places.

Apart from the aircraft of Kilo Flight which were donated by India, most PAF aircraft grounded in Dhaka due to runway cratering by the IAF during the liberation war, were sabotaged before surrender. Many of these were also returned to service due to the ingenuity of the Bangladeshi ground technicians. The Pakistan Air Force prior to 1971 had a large number of 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.

Defense cooperation improved with Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Pakistan and considerably with China under the administration of President Ziaur Rahman. Bangladesh Air Force received National Colours in 1980 by the then honorable President of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. This strategic relation continued under military dictator Hossain Mohammad Ershad in Bangladesh, which had grown more distant from its war ally, India. Strategic cooperation leading to the purchase of several squadrons of refurbished Chinese made Shenyang F-6 fighter aircraft from Pakistan have taken place in the late 1980s.[8]

During the cyclone of 1991, Bangladesh Air Force faced a huge loss in which it lost around 100 aircraft of which most were Shenyang F-6s. Still now BAF has not recovered that loss. Later BAF adopted F-7 aircraft. In 1999, Bangladesh Air Force bought six Mig-29s with two two-seated trainers. Bangladesh Air Force Academy (BAFA) received National colours in 2003 by the then honorable Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. Even the Recruits’ Training School (RTS) has been awarded with BAF Colors by an ex Chief of Air Staff in 2004.

In 2009, Government of Bangladesh make a long term plan for modernizing its armed forces called Forces Goal 2030. Under this plan, BAF is to be one of the strongest air force in the region in both air power and air defense. BAF acquired FM-90 Surface to Air Missile (SAM) system in 2011. Besides many fighter and trainer procurement programs are underway.

BAF always responded in the best possible way in the need of the nation. Bangladesh Air Force performed tremendously during deluge like flood in 1988 and after a devastating cyclonic storm in Chittagong in 1991. It also performed a lot after the Cyclone Sidr in 2007.

BAF responded well in international requirements like after earthquake in Gujrat, India in 2001; after Tsunami in Sri Lanka and the Maldives in 2004 and after earthquake in Mujaffarabad, Pakistan in 2005. It has responded to the call of United Nations by serving under its umbrella in 17 different war-torn countries of the world.

Non-combatant staff

  • 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, Calcutta.

Distinguished personnel

  • Group Captain M. G. Tawab PAF-BAF was not allowed to report to Colonel M. A. G. Osmani and remained in Thailand until 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 along with General Osmani. Tawab was again victim to jealous perpetrators and was forced to quit. He returned to Bangladesh in 1975 after AVM A. K. Khandker was sacked in 16 August 1975 (due to inaction on Khandkers part regarding Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's assassination). Tawab was brought back t
  • Group Captain Safiul Azam PAF-BAF

Organizational structure

The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has its HQ 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 Rank. Under each Director there are Deputy Directors (DD) headed by Wing Commanders and Staff Officers(SO)with rank of Squadron Leader and below.

Command structure

Shoulder/Sleeve insignia Appointment Rank & Name Star Plate
Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Muhammad Enamul Bari, ndu, psc
Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Operations & Training) Air Vice Marshal Abu Esrar, ndu, acsc
Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Administration) Air Vice Marshal Mashiuzzaman Serniabad,

ndu, psc

Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Maintenance) Air Vice Marshal Mazharul Islam, psc
Air Officer Commanding, BAF Base Khademul Bashar Air Vice Marshal Nayeem Hassan
Air Officer Commanding, BAF Base Bangabandhu Air Commodore M Qamrul Ehsan
Air Officer Commanding, BAF Base Zahurul Haq Air Commodore Humayun Kabir
Air Officer Commanding, BAF Base Matiur Rahman Air Commodore M Anwarul Haque Sardar
Air Officer Commanding, BAF Base Paharkanchanpur Air Commodore Anisur Rahman
Air Officer Commanding, BAF Base Cox's Bazar Air Commodore Sheikh Abdul Hannan

Branches (officer)

Bell 206 Long Ranger of Bangladesh Air Force.

Branches of Bangladesh Air Force are:

  • Administration and Special Duties
  • Air Traffic Control
  • Air Defence Weapons Control
  • Education and Training
  • Engineering
  • Finance
  • General Duty (Navigator)
  • General Duty (Pilot)
  • Legal
  • Logistics
  • Meteorology
  • ashik

Trades (airmen)

F-7BG and A-5 with two U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornets in Air Exercise
Bangladesh Air Force Antonov An-32 Batuzak-1(converted)

Trades of Bangladesh Air Force are:

  • Aircraft Engineering
  • Electrical and Instrument Engineering
  • General Engineering
  • Mechanical Transport Fitter & Operator
  • 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

Installations

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), No. 74 Squadron Bangladesh Air Force at Chittagong & No.71 Squadron Bangladesh Air Force at Dhaka & 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[9] is the non-commissioned officer training center for all trades of Bangladesh Air Force. It is located at BAF C&M Unit Shamshernagar in Sylhet.

Ranks

Officer ranks

(in descending order) Bangladesh Bangladesh Air Force

                                       
Air Chief Marshal    Air Marshal    Air Vice-Marshal    Air Commodore    Group Captain    Wing Commander    Squadron Leader    Flight Lieutenant    Flying Officer    Pilot Officer   

Junior Commissioned Officer, Non Commissioned Officer and Ordinary Airman ranks[10]

(in descending order) Bangladesh Bangladesh Air Force

                           
Master Warrant Officer Senior Warrant Officer Warrant Officer Sergeant Corporal Leading Aircraftman Aircraftman

Aircraft

Further information: List of aircraft of the Bangladesh Air Force

Aircraft inventory

Type of Aircraft Number of Aircraft Unit Assignment Notes
Air Superiority 8 Squadrons: 8
Fighter / Interceptor 32[11] Squadrons: 5,25 & 35
Ground Attack Aircraft 10 Squadrons: 21 To be retired in 2014
Jet Fighter Conversion 7 Squadrons: 15 Also perform the role of Transport Trainer
Transport Aircraft 7 Squadrons: 3 & 101st Special Flying Unit C-130 and An-32 has dual transport/bomber role.
Attack helicopter 18[12] Squadrons:1 & 31
Helicopter 23 Squadrons:1, 9 & 31
Intermediate Jet Trainer 12 Squadrons: 15
Primary Fixed Wing Trainer 40 Squadrons: 11,12 Also stationed in Bogra for Flying Instructor's School
Primary Rotary Wing Trainer 4 Squadrons: 18

Air defence and strike aircraft

File:BAF - Mig-29SE.png
Two MiG-29SE of Bangladesh Air Force

The MiG-29SE is the only air defence fighter aircraft of Bangladesh Air Force with a total of eight aircraft. Initially 16 aircraft was ordered, however, the procurement was cancelled after 8 aircraft were delivered. These aircraft forms the eighth squadron based in Dhaka with task of defending Bangladesh airspace. Bangladesh air force has plans to upgrade the 8 MiG-29SE to MiG-29SMT standard.

File:BAF - F-7BGI.png
Chengdu F-7BGI of Bangladesh Air Force

The mainstay of the multirole fighter fleet are the two squadrons of Chengdu F-7s. These supersonic aircraft can carry a wide range of weaponry, including PL-9C, PL-8, PL-7, PL-5 air-to-air, laser-guided bombs, 50 kg to 500 kg unguided bombs and rockets.

The multirole fighter squadrons are complemented by a squadron of Nanchang A-5 in the strike and close air support roles, and to counter enemy air defences. The Nanchang A-5 fleet is scheduled to be withdrawn from service after the introduction of the 3-4 squadrons of 4.5 generation fighter aircraft.

Support helicopters

Bangladesh air force helicopter squadrons serves a variety of duties from fire support to ground units to search and rescue operations during natural calamities. Their duties may include, support of the ground troops, ferrying troops and equipment of Bangladesh Army at the battlefield, heavy-lift support etc.

Future modernization program

The BAF has an ongoing modernization program that includes plans to introduce 7 squadrons of 4.5 generation fighter aircraft. In Defence IQ 2011 International Fighter Aircraft Conference in London, Chief of air staff of the Bangladesh Air Force (2007-2012), Air Marshal Shah Mohammad Ziaur Rahman revealed Bangladesh Air Force's long-term procurement and modernization plan. According to his statement, the aircraft that are being evaluated are for the procurement is sukhoi su-30 MKB, a variant of su-30 mk3 with AESA radar.It's top speed is 2500kmph. The order should materialize within 7–9 months according to him. In the mean time, one squadron of stop-gap light fighter Chengdu F-7BGI have been delivered in 2013. These aircraft are based on the Chengdu J-7G in service with PLAAl and are equipped with advanced avionics that includes HOTAS Control, three MFD displays and a HUD. The aircraft is also equipped with both air-to-air and GPS guided munitions.Three Mi-171SH attack helicopters were also received in 2013.Meanwhile, the existing MiG-29 fleet will also be upgraded to Mig-29SMT standard for operational use for another 15–20 years.Bangladesh Govt. has ordered 24 Yakovlev Yak-130 Lead-in fighter trainer and 5 Mi-171SH attack helicopters from Russia.[13] Bangladesh is also negotiating with US government for the regeneration, overhaul, modifications and logistics support for 4 off-the-shelf Lockheed Martin C-130E, 20 engines and associated parts, equipment, and training for an estimated cost of $180 million.[14]

UN mission deployment

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 Peace Keeping Missions.

Guided weapons

Name Version Type Used by Notes
PL-2 Infrared Guided Air-to-air missile F-7MB, A-5C
PL-5 E Active Infrared Guided Air-to-air missile F-7MB, A-5C
PL-7 Infrared Guided Air-to-air missile F-7MB, A-5C PRC version of the French Matra Magic R.550 missile.
PL-9 C Infrared Guided Air-to-air missile F-7BG
Vympel R-27 Infrared Guided (R-27T), Semi Active Radar Guided (R-27R), and Active Radar Guided (R-27AE) MiG-29
Vympel R-73 Infrared Guided Air-to-air missile MiG-29
Vympel R-77 Beyond-visual-range missile Air-to-air missile MiG-29
LT-2 Laser Guided Bomb F-7BG, F-7MB, A-5C
LS-6 Satellite Guided Bomb F-7BG, F-7MB, A-5C
FM-90 Surface-to-air missile Ground Based Air Defence [15]

Markings

The basic dimensions of the Bangladesh Air Force badge, motto, ensign, and roundel are similar to that of the Commonwealth nations. Their basic colours are blue, green and red.

List of the Chiefs of Air Staff, Bangladesh Air Force

Rank Name Duration Note
Air Vice Marshal Abdul Karim Khandker 10 April 1972 – 17 August 1975
Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Ghulam Tawab August 18, 1975 – 1977
Air Vice Marshal Khademul Bashar 1977–1977
Air Vice Marshal Abdul Gafoor Mahmud 1977–1978
Air Vice Marshal Sadruddin Mohammad Hossain 1978–1982
Air Vice Marshal Sultan Mahmud 1982–1987
Air Vice Marshal Momtaz Uddin Ahmed 1987–1991
Air Vice Marshal Altaf Hossain Chowdhury 4 June 1991 – 3 June 1995
Air Marshal Jamal Uddin Ahmed 3 June 1995 – 4 June 2001
Air Vice Marshal Rafiqul Islam 4 June 2001 – 7 April 2002
Air Vice Marshal Fakhrul Azam 8 April 2002 – 7 April 2007
Air Marshal Shah Mohammad Ziaur Rahman 8 April 2007 – 12 June 2012 NDC, FAWC, PSC
Air Marshal Muhammad Enamul Bari 13 June 2012 – present NDU, PSC

See also

References

  1. ^ "[ Bangladesh Air Force ]". Baf.mil.bd. 17 December 2012. Retrieved 21 May 2013.
  2. ^ http://www.banglachic.com/ekattore-uttar-ronangon-p7217.html
  3. ^ Ministry of Defense Gazette Notification No.8/25/D-1/72-1378, Dated 15 December 1973
  4. ^ Ahmed, Capt.Akram. "YOUTUBE INTERVIEW WITH CAPTAIN AKRAM". {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  5. ^ Ahmed, Capt.Shahabuddin. "YOUTUBE INTERVIEW WITH CAPTAIN Shahab". {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  6. ^ http://www.virtualbangladesh.com/defense/airforce.html
  7. ^ http://www.warbirdsofindia.com/bangladesh.html
  8. ^ a b c http://www.scramblemagazine.nl/orbats/bangladesh/overview
  9. ^ Wikipedia talk:Articles for creation/Recruits Training School#cite note-1
  10. ^ http://www.joinbangladeshairforce.mil.bd/index.php/main_controll/ranks_structure_baf?1=1&pagemenu=ranks_structure_baf&submenu=2&leafsub=0
  11. ^ "AMR AIR FORCE DIRECTORY 2013". Asian Military Review. 1 February 2013. Retrieved 6 July 2013.
  12. ^ http://www.sipri.org/research/armaments/transfers/measuring/register-suppliers-2012.pdf
  13. ^ "Bangladesh Plans to Buy 24 Russian Jet Trainers | World | RIA Novosti". En.rian.ru. 27 March 2013. Retrieved 21 May 2013.
  14. ^ "Air Force to buy 4 US aircraft". The Daily Star (Bangladesh). Retrieved 28 May 2013.
  15. ^ BAF introduce Ground Based Air Defence
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bangladesh_Air_Force&oldid=613939412"