Bangladesh Army to upgrade existing Type 59 and Type 69 tanks

The Bangladesh Army is set to upgrade its Type 59 and Type 69 tanks with a new specification that will enable them to maintain similar performance characteristics as the newly obtained VT-5 light tanks from NORINCO. A RFI notice was published by the Directorate General of Defence Purchase (DGDP) outlining a broad requirement covering the upgradation of 40 Type 59 tanks (K/MK series) and 58 Type 69-IIG MLU tanks. The minimum set out requirements for the tanks are: Engine: 800 HP. Robust transmission. 105 mm rifled bore main gun. Bi-axial stabilizer for main gun. Thermal-Imaging sight for gunner. Commander panoramic sight. Driver TI/Image intensification sight. Improved armour protection. The Bangladesh Army already upgraded 174 Type 59 tanks to the Durjoy standard with transfer of technology from China. The upgrade package includes a 125mm smoothbore main gun, a new 12.7mm AAMG, smoke grenade launchers, 730 hp engine, ERA protection, thermal imaging