Mr Arif Ates, Director (Flight Test) of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), paid a courtesy call on Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hassan, Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Bangladesh Armed Forces Division (AFD), at Dhaka Cantonment on 13 January 2026. The meeting highlighted the steady expansion of defence relations between Bangladesh and Türkiye, particularly in the field of aerospace and advanced military capabilities.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on bilateral opportunities and avenues for enhanced defence cooperation. Discussions covered broader prospects for collaboration, including technology sharing, training and long-term partnership between the armed forces and defence industries of the two countries.
Mr Ates’s visit comes at a significant time, as the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has confirmed the purchase of six T129 ATAK attack helicopters from TAI under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement. Sources within the Air Force have confirmed the acquisition, which represents a major step forward in strengthening Bangladesh’s rotary-wing combat capability.
Boost to Air Force Combat Capability
The induction of the T129 ATAK is expected to considerably enhance the BAF’s ability to conduct close air support, armed reconnaissance and precision strike missions. The acquisition aligns with Bangladesh’s long-term military modernisation objectives under Forces Goal 2030, which emphasise the introduction of advanced, multi-role platforms to improve operational readiness and deterrence.
According to defence sources familiar with the programme, Turkish Aerospace Industries could potentially deliver the attack helicopters by 2027, subject to contract finalisation, production schedules and training arrangements.
The T129 ATAK is a twin-engine, tandem-seat attack helicopter developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries in cooperation with Leonardo, based on the A129 Mangusta design but significantly upgraded with modern avionics and mission systems. The helicopter has been optimised for operations in hot-and-high and challenging environments, making it well suited to a wide range of operational scenarios.
Advanced Systems and Armament
The platform is equipped with a fully integrated digital cockpit, advanced mission computers and a modern electro-optical targeting and sensor suite, enabling effective day-and-night and all-weather operations. Its survivability features include electronic warfare systems, missile warning receivers and countermeasure dispensers.
In terms of armament, the T129 ATAK can be fitted with a chin-mounted 20 mm three-barrel cannon, laser-guided rockets, anti-tank guided missiles and air-to-air missiles for self-defence. This flexible weapons configuration allows the helicopter to undertake a variety of combat roles, including anti-armour warfare, close support for ground forces and counter-insurgency operations.
Export Success and Operational Experience
The T129 ATAK has attracted international interest and has entered service with several overseas operators, particularly in Africa and Southeast Asia. Its export success reflects Türkiye’s growing capability as a defence manufacturer and exporter, as well as the platform’s balance of performance, cost-effectiveness and combat capability.
Operational feedback from users has highlighted the helicopter’s agility, advanced sensors and precision strike capabilities, reinforcing its reputation as a capable light attack helicopter for modern battlefields. The programme also symbolises Türkiye’s broader ambition to develop indigenous defence technologies with global export potential.
Strengthening Bangladesh–Türkiye Defence Cooperation
The confirmed acquisition of the T129 ATAK further underscores Bangladesh’s strategy of diversifying its defence partnerships while focusing on capability-driven procurement. Defence observers note that cooperation with Türkiye has expanded steadily in recent years, encompassing training, equipment acquisition and technical exchanges.
Mr Ates’s courtesy call on the PSO AFD is therefore seen as more than a ceremonial engagement, reflecting a maturing defence relationship and opening the door for deeper cooperation in aerospace, maintenance support and future defence projects.
Amit Bhattacharya is a leading defence procurement expert with deep expertise in modern weapon systems and military hardware acquisition. Over more than a decade, he has collaborated with top defence contractors and strategic research institutions, delivering incisive analysis on procurement frameworks, capability development, and technology integration for armed forces worldwide. Amit bridges the gap between operational requirements and industrial capacity, providing authoritative evaluations of modernisation programmes, defence budgets, and acquisition reforms in both established and emerging defence markets. He leads the Defence Procurement and Defence Industry sections at BDMilitary, shaping strategic discourse on defence innovation. Amit earned his Master of Policy and Governance (MPAG) from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, complementing his practical expertise with advanced policy and governance insight.
