1. Strategic Vision
The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) 2040 modernisation plan envisions transforming the BAF into a regionally potent, technologically advanced, and fully networked force capable of securing national airspace, projecting power over land and sea, and integrating effectively with joint force operations. With a total manpower of 60,000 and a budget of $8 billion, the BAF will operate from 8 full air bases and 8 forward operating bases (FOBs), deploying a total of 96 multirole fighters, UAVs, AEW&C assets, integrated air defence systems, and modern transport and rotary platforms.
2. Threat Perception
The primary external threats to Bangladesh’s airspace and national sovereignty are driven by strategic dynamics along its eastern and western frontiers:
- India: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is one of the largest and most advanced in the region, with over 600 combat aircraft, AEW&C platforms, and a layered SAM network including S-400 systems. With forward bases such as Kalaikunda, Hasimara, and Panagarh within quick striking distance of Bangladesh, any hostile air campaign could include deep strike operations and suppression of BAF infrastructure. The presence of Indian BrahMos cruise missiles and potential offensive posturing near the Siliguri Corridor also intensifies Bangladesh’s need for strategic depth, rapid mobilisation, and early warning.
- Myanmar: Ongoing instability and militarisation by the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw) pose a persistent tactical threat. Myanmar operates MiG-29s, Su-30s, and Yak-130s alongside a growing UAV arsenal and Chinese-supplied radar and SAM systems. Cross-border tensions, refugee flows, and border skirmishes necessitate a quick-response air power capability, particularly in the Chittagong and Cox’s Bazar sectors.
BAF’s 2040 doctrine must therefore ensure aerial deterrence, denial, and domain awareness across multiple threat vectors. The force posture reflects the need to counter high-intensity threats from a larger conventional force and low-intensity hybrid challenges in asymmetric border environments.
3. Force Structure Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Manpower | 60,000 active personnel |
| Air Bases | 8 full air bases + 8 FOBs strategically distributed |
| Fighter Aircraft | 96 (J-10CE and FC-31, 48 each) |
Combat Aircraft
- J-10CE x 48 (4 squadrons)
- FC-31 x 48 (4 squadrons)
UCAV Fleet
- Bayraktar TB2 x 48
- Bayraktar Akinci x 18
Trainer Fleet
- Grob G120TP x 48 (Basic Training)
- K-8W x 36 (Jet Trainer)
- L-15 Falcon x 18 (Advanced Jet Trainer / LIFT)
Rotary-Wing Fleet
- Mi-171Sh x 128 (Medium Utility/Assault)
- AW139M x 18 (SAR/Maritime Patrol/SOF)
- AW119Kx x 12 (Rotary Training)
- AW249 x 18 (Attack Helicopter)
Transport Fleet
- Airbus A400M x 6
- C-130J x 12
- C295W x 12
- L-410NG x 6
Airborne Early Warning & EW
- KJ-500 AEW&C x 4
- Electronic warfare systems integrated into J-10CE, FC-31, and Akinci
Radar & Surveillance
- RAT-31DL x 2 (Strategic EWR)
- YLC-8E x 6 (Long Range AESA)
- JY-27A x 4 (VHF Stealth Detector)
- YLC-2V x 12 (Medium 3D Radar)
- Kronos Land AESA x 16 (Mobile Fire Control)
- SLC-18 x 1 (Space Surveillance)
Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD)
- QW-18G MANPADS x 800+
- FM-90 SHORAD x 24
- LY-80 MR-SAM x 12
- FD-2000B LR-SAM x 4
4. Basing Structure & Squadron-Level Deployment
Full Air Bases
| Base | Assigned Assets |
|---|---|
| BAF Dhaka | J-10CE Sqn, C-130J Sqn, G120TP Sqn, FD-2000B Battery, Kronos Radar, AEW&C Ops HQ |
| BAF Chattogram | J-10CE Sqn, Mi-171Sh Sqn, AW139M Detachment, TB2 UCAV Sqn, LY-80 Battery, Kronos + YLC-8E Radar |
| BAF Jessore | FC-31 Sqn, AW249 Sqn, C295W Sqn, LY-80 Battery, RAT-31DL Radar |
| BAF Sylhet | FC-31 Sqn, TB2 UCAV Sqn, Kronos Radar, QW-18G Forward Detachment |
| BAF Rajshahi | AW139M Sqn, Mi-171Sh Sqn, L-410NG Sqn, FM-90 Battery, Kronos Radar |
| BAF Cox’s Bazar | J-10CE Sqn, Akinci UCAV Sqn, Mi-171Sh Sqn, FD-2000B Battery, YLC-2V + Kronos Radar |
| BAF Barisal | AW249 Sqn, C295W/L-410NG Sqn, FM-90 Battery |
| BAF Bogura | L-15 Sqn, K-8W Sqn, QW-18G Training Centre |
Forward Operating Bases (FOBs)
- Teknaf – Akinci UCAV
- Rangpur – FC-31 / QRF
- Khulna / Mymensingh / Bhola / Cumilla / Tangail / Hatia – Light UCAVs, QW-18G, SAM dispersal
5. Force Employment Doctrine
| Capability | Doctrine & Application |
|---|---|
| Air Superiority | FC-31 for stealth penetration, J-10CE with AESA/BVR for conventional dominance |
| Precision Strike | Akinci & TB2 UCAVs, J-10CEs for strike on enemy logistics and SAMs, AW249s in tactical CAS |
| Maritime Projection | J-10CEs, UCAVs, and AW139Ms operate from Chattogram & Cox’s Bazar to dominate Bay of Bengal |
| Layered Air Defence | FD-2000B + LY-80 for strategic cover, FM-90 and QW-18G for tactical zones and airbases |
| AEW&C / ISR | KJ-500 AEW&Cs with RAT-31DL and YLC-8E for real-time battle awareness and air picture integration |
| Strategic Mobility | A400Ms/C-130Js for troop lift and disaster aid, C295Ws and L-410NGs for tactical and special operations |
| Pilot Training | Grob G120TP for ab initio, K-8W for intermediate, L-15 Falcon for advanced fast jet training (AJT/LIFT) |
6. Conclusion
By 2040, the Bangladesh Air Force will be a high-tempo, multi-role force capable of defending airspace, projecting power, and operating jointly across multiple domains. The architecture ensures deterrence, rapid response, and resilience against modern threats while aligning with Bangladesh’s strategic autonomy and regional stability goals.