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The Bangladesh Army is set to upgrade its Type 59 and Type 69 tanks with a new specification that will enable them to maintain similar performance characteristics as the newly obtained VT-5 light tanks from NORINCO.

A RFI notice was published by the Directorate General of Defence Purchase (DGDP) outlining a broad requirement covering the upgradation of 40 Type 59 tanks (K/MK series) and 58 Type 69-IIG MLU tanks.

The minimum set out requirements for the tanks are:

  1. Engine: 800 HP.
  2. Robust transmission.
  3. 105 mm rifled bore main gun.
  4. Bi-axial stabilizer for main gun.
  5. Thermal-Imaging sight for gunner.
  6. Commander panoramic sight.
  7. Driver TI/Image intensification sight.
  8. Improved armour protection.

The Bangladesh Army already upgraded 174 Type 59 tanks to the Durjoy standard with transfer of technology from China. The upgrade package includes a 125mm smoothbore main gun, a new 12.7mm AAMG, smoke grenade launchers, 730 hp engine, ERA protection, thermal imaging sights, fire control system, and secure digital communications system.

It carried out upgrades to 88 of the Type 69-II tanks obtained from China, Iraq and Pakistan that included a new 105 mm rifled gun, ERA protection, new powerpack, communications equipment, and TI sights.

The Bangladesh Army operates MBT-2000, Durjoy, Type 69-IIG, Type 59K/MK and VT-5 tanks. The latter has been newly standardised with further regiments entering in service on a regular interval to beef up the armoured forces.

It may be mentioned the Bangladesh Army dropped plans to purchase three regiments of T-72B3 MBTs from Russia after the commencement of hostilities in Ukraine. Since then the Bangladesh Army continued purchasing Chinese tanks.

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