From Hills to the Sea: The T129 Attack Helicopter’s Role in Bangladesh’s Modern Battlefield

Reading Time: 4 minutes The acquisition of TAI T129 ATAK attack helicopters would provide the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) with a versatile and highly capable platform that could significantly strengthen its ground-support, anti-armour, and coastal-defence roles. If integrated thoughtfully into existing doctrine, basing, and sustainment frameworks, the T129 ATAK could become a major force multiplier across multiple theatres of operation. Derived from the proven Agusta A129 Mangusta design and jointly developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and Leonardo, the T129 ATAK is a twin-engine, tandem-seat, multirole attack helicopter optimised for both hot and high conditions. It combines powerful engines, modern avionics, and modular weapon systems — including a 20 mm three-barrel cannon, rocket pods, and long-range anti-tank guided missiles — making it suitable for Bangladesh’s varied operational environments, from the rugged Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) to the country’s vulnerable coastal regions along the Bay of Bengal. Effectiveness in the Chittagong