BAF to Get High-Performance Fighter Planes: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said the process is going on to purchase ultra-modern and high-performance fighter planes for the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) as part of the government's move to make the force more sophisticated and modern to implement the "Forces Goal-2030".

"The process is underway to purchase more modern and high-performance fighter aircraft and other air force equipment aimed at making it more advanced and modern to implement the 'Forces Goal-2030'," she said while addressing "President Parade (Winter)-2020" from her official Ganabhaban residence, reports media.

In addition, the BAF will soon be incorporating the air defence system, the unmanned aerial vehicle system, the mobile gap filler radar and the ultra-modern air defence radar, she said.

The Prime Minister also said that her government has signed an agreement to purchase five ultra-modern C-130J transport aircraft, three of which have already reached the country, while the PT-6 Simulator will soon be inducted into BAF.

To ensure proper and developed training for the air cadets, seven K-8W jet trainer aircraft have already been added to the fleet of the air force, she continued, saying, "The government is firmly committed to continuing the pace of advancement of the air force."

After assuming office after 21 years, the PM said, they have taken measures for the overall development of the air force following the footsteps of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

"We have purchased the most modern supersonic fighter planes MIG-29 for the air force alongside high-power planes, helicopters, radars, missiles that can be launched from land to air and modern war weapons and main equipment to make the force more modern and technology based," she continued.

The PM said that they have recently opened Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University, adding, "We will once attainability in building fighter planes, transport aircraft, and helicopters with the knowledge to be obtained from the university."

She continued: "We even can reach the aerospace one day by exercising science. We will make efforts to this end."

Noting that the air force will go one step ahead to establish a knowledge-based society in accordance with the "Vision-2041" through the university, she said that her government will always stand beside the Bangladesh Air Force in this endeavour.

She remembered Bangabandhu's commitment to building armed forces with limited resources during his three and a half years in office alongside the development of a war-torn country.

The PM said Bangabandhu had purchased the most modern Mig-21 fighter jets, modern transport aircraft, defence system, and air force helicopters.

The Bangladesh Air Force organized a magnificent parade and flew past to mark the occasion that the PM has virtually witnessed at its Ganabhaban residence.

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat later gave a vote of thanks to the Prime Minister for joining the programme.

He, on behalf of the Prime Minister, earlier distributed 'Sword of Honour' 'Chief of Air Staff Trophy' 'Commandants Trophy' and other prizes among the best cadets.