Bangladesh Air Force To Acquire Turkish T129 Attack Helicopters

Reading Time: 3 minutes Package to include Hisar‑O+ medium-range air-defence system and related support equipment Bangladesh is set to acquire six Turkish T129 attack helicopters under a $600 million defence package that also includes a Hisar‑O+ medium-range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM) battery and associated training, logistics, and support systems. The procurement is currently in the finalisation stage, with a dedicated procurement committee overseeing the process. Last week, Dhaka sent a draft Bangladesh-Türkiye Defence Cooperation Framework Agreement, known as the Defence Framework for Cooperation, to Ankara for review and approval. Officials have indicated that the six helicopters represent an initial tranche, with further acquisitions expected depending on operational and sustainment outcomes. Strategic context The acquisition aligns with two priority objectives under Forces Goal 2030: modernising the Bangladesh Air Force’s tactical aviation and introducing a mobile, medium-range air-defence capability. For Türkiye, the deal represents an opportunity to expand its defence exports in South