Bangladesh Air Force To Purchase T129 ATAK and ANKA UAVs: Turkish Sources

Reading Time: 3 minutes Turkish defence industry officials have indicated that Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) are engaged in advanced discussions regarding the procurement of eight T129 ATAK attack helicopters alongside ANKA MALE unmanned aerial vehicles. The development was referenced by Turkish defence official Oğuzhan Uygun, who stated on social media that the Bangladesh Air Force has reported an acceleration of the procurement process for both platforms. His comments suggest a revision in quantity from earlier Bangladeshi media reports that indicated an intention to acquire six T129 helicopters, implying that operational requirements may have evolved during negotiations. The inclusion of ANKA MALE UAVs represents a new and significant element of the talks. Capability Implications for the Bangladesh Air Force The T129 ATAK is a dedicated twin-engine attack helicopter designed for close air support, armed reconnaissance, and anti-armor missions. Its integration would mark a qualitative leap