Surface Fleet

Having embarked on its journey with a humble beginning, Bangladesh Navy now boasts a reckonable fleet. In 1971, the newly formed Navy was equipped with only two gunboats at the dawn of Bangladesh's independence. After independence, five patrol crafts were commissioned in Bangladesh Navy on 10 December 1974. Navy acquired her first capital platform, a Salisbury Class Air Direction Frigate of Royal Navy, in 1976 to be commissioned as BNS UMAR FAROOQ on 10 December 1976. Royal Navy played a significant role in helping Bangladesh Navy form into a professionally capable force in those early days. Frigates BNS ALI HAIDER and BNS ABU BAKR were inducted in BN Flotilla in 1978 and 1982, respectively. These three Ex-Royal Navy frigates provided BN Flotilla with the much-awaited capability to venture into our coastal and offshore areas for sovereignty, maintaining naval presence, law enforcement, training of officers and men in all aspects of maritime operations, and visiting foreign ports regularly as a part of naval diplomacy. After 1982, platforms ranging from gun, torpedo, and missile boats, submarine chasers, and missile frigates from China made their way into BN Fleet in large numbers to tune its striking capability with that of Bangladesh's national requirements.

Over the past decades, Bangladesh Navy has transformed, expanding its fleet and enhancing its capabilities to address the growing demands of modern maritime security. Navy's surface fleet today has a diverse and sophisticated inventory. The fleet comprises of corvettes, frigates, patrol craft, amphibious craft, survey ships, and auxiliary vessels designed to fulfil specific operational roles. While the mere presence of a Navy ship on patrol makes the men and women ashore feel secure and safe, BN ships remain busy working afloat.

BNS ABU UBAIDAH is a Type 053H3 frigate that has been a key asset of Bangladesh Navy since its commissioning on 05 November 2020. She and her sister ship BNS UMAR FAROOQ represent a significant enhancement to the Navy's fleet, embodying both historical reverence and modern maritime prowess.

BNS DURGOM and BNS NISHAN are two Durjoy-class semi-stealth Large Patrol Craft. Constructed in Bangladesh at Khulna Shipyard Limited, these vessels have been integral to the Navy's operations since their induction in 2017. Designed with semi-stealth features, they offer enhanced maritime surveillance and patrol capabilities, reflecting the advancements in local shipbuilding and the Navy's commitment to modernising its fleet.

BNS SAMUDRA JOY, the first ship with CODOG propulsion, entered the BN Fleet in 2013, followed by BNS SAMUDRA AVIJAN in 2015. Designed initially as a high endurance Cutter, these ships were reclassified to patrol frigates by Bangladesh Navy to fit its operational needs better. Acquired from the United States under the Excess Defense Articles programme, BNS SOMUDRA JOY now performs a crucial role in naval training. As a training ship, it provides invaluable hands-on experience to naval cadets, preparing them for the complexities of maritime operations. On the other hand, BNS SAMUDRA AVIJAN plays a vital role in performing various peacetime roles in the BN Fleet. The transition from an American Cutter to a critical asset in Bangladesh's naval fleet underscores the dynamic adaptability of maritime resources and the importance of international defense cooperation.

Bangladesh Navy's acquisition of SHADHINOTA Class Type 056 Corvettes represents a significant leap in maritime capability and strategic prowess. This fleet, comprising the BNS SHADHINOTA, BNS PROTTOY, BNS SANGRAM and BNS PROTTASHA, is transforming nation's maritime defence capabilities and redefining Navy's presence in regional waters.

Bangladesh Navy rigorously conducts various exercises to refine and enhance its professional skills, with naval boarding exercises being a regular one. As shown below, Naval Commandos with air support are carrying out a boarding exercise.

Officers of Bangladesh Navy demonstrate firm dedication to their naval air arm responsibilities, undergoing rigorous training both domestically and internationally. This comprehensive training ensures they are well prepared to handle the complex demands of modern naval aviation. Committed to the defence of both the Navy and the nation, these skilled naval pilots play a crucial role in maintaining maritime security.

Bangladesh Navy operates Dornier 228NG Maritime Patrol Aircraft for surveillance, search, and rescue operations, enhancing Navy's capabilities to monitor and secure the nation's maritime borders.