Naval Aviation
Bangladesh Navy's Aviation is a crucial enabler for maintaining Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and securing the nation's vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Bay of Bengal.
Assets and Mission Capabilities
The current fleet composition, operating as the "eyes of the fleet," allows the navy to execute a wide spectrum of missions, from long-range reconnaissance to shipborne combat support.
Fixed-Wing Fleet: Dornier 228 NG Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA)
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Total in Service | Four aircraft |
| Primary Role | Long-range Maritime Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capability |
| Extended Endurance | Renowned efficiency allows for long-duration patrol flights necessary to cover the entire EEZ |
| Advanced Sensors | Equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance radar systems for detecting surface contacts in all weather conditions |
| ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) | Gathers crucial real-time intelligence to counter Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, Smuggling, and Maritime Pollution |
| Search and Rescue (SAR) | Rapid deployment capability to locate and coordinate rescue efforts over large sea areas |
Rotary-Wing Fleet: AgustaWestland AW109E Power Helicopters
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Total in Service | Four aircraft |
| Primary Role | Shipborne Utility, Multi-role Support, and Force Multiplier |
| Ship Deployment | Specifically configured for remotely operated deployment from major naval vessels at longer distances covering the EEZ |
| Utility & Logistics | Essential for Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP), rapidly moving personnel and supplies between ships or to isolated locations |
| SAR and MEDEVAC | Known for their speed and agility, they are vital for quick-response Search and Rescue (SAR) and Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions. |
| Surface Targeting | Provides aerial observation and over the horizon targeting information, significantly extending the effective range and combat awareness of surface vessels |
Rotary-Wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Fleet: Schiebel S-100 Camcopter
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Total in Service | Two UAV |
| Primary Role | Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Maritime Search |
| Secondary Role | Pollution and oil spill monitoring, Oil and gas rig monitoring, Anti-smuggling role, IUU fishing monitoring, Anti-piracy, Human and arms trafficking monitoring |
| Ship Deployment | Specifically configured for deployment from major naval vessels having flight deck with Ground Control Station (GCS) |
| Real Time Payload Data Share | Able to transmit payload data in real time for command visualization |
| Shore to ship and Ship to Ship Handover | Able to fly from shore based GCS and handover to Ship based GCS for mission area and land or alternative ship having GCS |
| Surface Shadowing | Provides aerial observation and over the horizon targeting information in real time, significantly extending the range up to EEZ with prolonged endurance from high altitude for combat awareness of surface vessels |