Bangladesh Modernises Air Defence with Strategic Multibranch Acquisitions

Reading Time: 4 minutes In line with its long-term military development blueprint “Forces Goal 2030,” Bangladesh is accelerating efforts to modernise its air defence capabilities. The country is making substantial acquisitions across all branches of the armed forces — the Army, Navy, and Air Force — including the procurement of Chinese-made surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS), advanced radar systems, and multirole combat aircraft. This report outlines the systems involved, their strategic significance, and the broader positive implications for Bangladesh’s national security. 1. Army’s Acquisition of Chinese SAM Systems On 13 May 2025, a senior delegation from the Bangladesh Army’s Master General of Ordnance Branch, led by Major General Abu Bakar Siddique Khan, met with representatives of China Vanguard Co Ltd in Dhaka to finalise the procurement of several Chinese air defence systems. 1.1 HQ-17AE Short-Range SAM The HQ-17AE short-range air defence (SHORAD) system shares many design and