Bangladesh air force inducts Chinese missile system

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday inaugurated the induction of first ever China-made surface-to-air missile system into the Bangladesh Air force (BAF) saying her government would continue its efforts for modernisation of the country’s armed forces.

The Bangladesh armed forces have witnessed a significant improvement during the tenure of the Awami League government and the process would continue in future, she said while addressing a function on the occasion at Kurmitola Base of the BAF in Dhaka city.
The prime minister said: “Today is a historic day for the BAF as induction of this short range air defense system is a big step forward towards modernisation of the air force.”

She referred to her government’s steps taken for modernisation of the air force during the period of 1996-2001, and said: “In this tenure we have already completed a full-fledged air base and maintenance unit in Cox’s Bazar while many other development projects are
going on.”

She said: “Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman soon after the independence initiated for building a modern and well-equipped armed forces. In his initiative, sophisticated Mig- 21 fighter plane and cargo aircraft, helicopter and radar were inducted in the air force.”

In continuation of that process, the Awami League government during its previous tenure introduced various equipment and fighter planes including Mig-29 and F-7, new jet training aircraft and helicopter for the BAF.

The prime minister urged the members of the BAF to acquire professional skills and build them as efficient pilots, engineers and air force personnel. “Hard labour, acquisition of new technologies, and correct application of the acquired knowledge are essential for a modern air force,” she noted.

The surface to air missile system, introduced with the support of China, has an advanced all-weather surface to air missile system. This ground based air defence weapon system is capable of engaging targets flying at low or very low altitude.

As the prime minister arrived at the Kurmitola Air Base, Chief of the BAF Air Marshal Shah M Ziaur Rahman received her.
On this occasion a colourful march past of the air force was held. The prime minister inspected the march past and took salute.
The inauguration ceremony was followed by an attractive fly past by jet fighters of the
air force.


Source: Dhaka - By Mizan Rahman - 5 December 2011  (www.gulf-times.com)

Photo: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inspecting Chinese-made missiles for the Bangladesh Air Force at Kurmitola in Dhaka (http://bdnews24.com)

Photo Story: Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has been armed with first ever surface-to-air missiles.

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday inaugurated the low-range FM-90 anti-aircraft missile system at a function at the Kurmitola Air Base.

Air Force chief air marshal Shah M Ziaur Rahman received her.

She said that introduction of this Short Range Air Defence System (SRADS) is a big step forward towards modernisation of the air force.

"The government will continue with its efforts to modernise the armed forces," Hasina said.

She said this advanced all-weather surface to air missile system has been introduced with the assistance of China. This ground-based air defence weapon system is capable of hitting targets flying at a low or very high altitude.

While addressing the function, the prime minister mentioned steps her 1996-2001 government had taken to modernise the air force.

"We have already completed a fully fledged air base and maintenance unit in Cox's Bazar during this tenure while many other development projects are going on."

Hasina urged the members of the BAF to acquire professional skills to become efficient pilots, engineers and air force personnel.

Later, the prime minister inaugurated the Bangabandhu Aeronautical Centre built with help of China at the Kurmitola base in the city.

Air Force officials said the Centre would be able to repair damaged aircraft and helicopters while light tools and parts of aircraft would be manufactured there.

Several ministers of the cabinet, advisors to the prime minister, chiefs of the army and navy, Armed Forces Division principal staff officer and high military and government officials were also present at the programme.

(5.12.2011)