Comparative Analysis of Guided Missile Frigate Options for the Bangladesh Navy

Reading Time: 5 minutes 1. Introduction The Bangladesh Navy (BN) is undertaking a multi-phase programme to procure six modern guided missile frigates to enhance its maritime defence capabilities. This acquisition is to be carried out in three distinct phases: the first two ships are to be constructed in the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) country to ensure baseline quality and system integration; the next two are to be constructed in Bangladesh under OEM supervision to promote domestic shipbuilding capacity and technology absorption; and the final two are to be constructed independently at Chattogram Dry Dock Limited (CDDL), signifying a transfer of capability and confidence in local manufacturing. The acquisition strategy requires frigate platforms that are technologically advanced, logistically sustainable, and amenable to full technology transfer. The selected platform must accommodate progressive localisation while offering potent multi-role capabilities suited to regional maritime threats. This report therefore presents a comparative evaluation of guided