The Bangladesh Army has taken another decisive step toward strengthening its specialised combat capabilities with the release of a Request for Information (RFI) seeking brochures, technical data, and export clearances for a new generation of high-end weapon systems and specialist equipment. The Directorate General Defence Purchase (DGDP) issued the formal call on 25 November 2025, citing a directive from Army Headquarters to enhance the operational readiness of select combat units, including Special Forces and airborne elements.
According to the document, several cutting-edge systems are now under consideration for acquisition from approved Group-A countries. Most notably, the Army is evaluating the JAVELIN Anti-Tank Weapon System, the world’s premier fire-and-forget anti-armour guided missile. The move signals Bangladesh’s intent to provide its elite units with modern, NATO-standard anti-tank capabilities—significantly improving their lethality and survivability against armoured threats.
In addition to the Javelin, the Army is seeking information on a High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) / High Altitude High Opening (HAHO) parachute system, tailored for long-range infiltration and covert airborne operations. This marks a clear indication of the Army’s ambition to further develop its strategic insertion and clandestine mobility capabilities, particularly within the Special Forces community.
Also listed is a Programmable Air Burst Grenade and Fire Control Device (FCD) for 40mm semi-automatic grenade launchers such as the SAGL or AGL systems. The adoption of air-burst munitions would dramatically increase the effectiveness of infantry units against entrenched enemy positions, drones, and targets behind cover—an area where the Bangladesh Army has been seeking capability enhancements for several years.
A Closed Vertical Wind Tunnel has also been included in the RFI, intended for the training and skills development of airborne and special operations personnel. Such infrastructure would allow year-round parachute training in a controlled environment, significantly increasing safety, proficiency and reducing long-term training costs.
The DGDP has requested that enlisted Group-A suppliers compile and submit comprehensive documentation—including technical manuals, original catalogues, spare parts lists, manufacturer authorisations, export permissions, certification copies, and system videos—by 11 December 2025. Only original manufacturer-issued documents will be accepted, highlighting the Army’s insistence on authenticity and transparency throughout the evaluation process.
This RFI reflects a broader trend within the Bangladesh Army, which has steadily shifted its attention toward quality over quantity—prioritising specialised, high-technology systems capable of giving small, elite units decisive tactical advantages. The focus on anti-tank capability, advanced airborne systems, and programmable munitions mirrors global trends in modern warfare, where precision, mobility, and multi-domain survivability are paramount.
If the Bangladesh Army proceeds with procurement following successful evaluations, the integration of these systems would mark a significant milestone in the modernisation of Bangladesh’s Special Forces and airborne elements, placing them closer in capability to peer units within NATO and leading Asian militaries.
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.
