Dhaka, February 20:- The present Government has taken various steps to modernize Bangladesh Air Force with the direction and relentless effort of Honourable Prime Minister of the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina. In this accordingly process, Government has taken steps to induct five US origin C-130J aircraft from United Kingdom through Government to Government agreement.
Following this, the process of inducting C-130J is being continued to BAF through the direct procurement and maintenance agreement with Royal Air Force, Marshal Aerospace and Defence Group of UK respectively. The 4th C-130J aircraft has arrived at Bangladesh Air Force Base Bangabandhu in Kurmitola, Dhaka after a successful ferry flight from UK by BAF aircrew today, Sunday (20-02-2022). The mission was led by Group Captain G M Shamim Reza, psc, GD(P) of Bangladesh Air Force. During the ferry flight the aircraft made refueling stop in Cairo (Egypt) and Muscat (Oman).
The aircraft has been received in the traditional way of Bangladesh Air Force at BAF Base Bangabandhu. Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations), Air Vice Marshal M Shafiqul Alam, BBP, OSP, BSP, ndc, fawc, psc and High Commissioner of British High Commission in Bangladesh H. E. Robert Chatterton Dickson were present on the occasion. Directorate of Overseas Air Operations of Bangladesh Air Force has managed entire operation of the said ferry flight.
Mentionable that C-130J aircraft is equipped with modern avionics and sophisticated technology which would be utilized for transportation of materials, personnel for humanitarian assistance both at home and abroad and also to support United Nations Peacekeeping Operations. BAF has planned to induct remaining aircraft within this year from UK. The inclusion of this modern C-130J aircraft in BAF inventory will certainly enhance global reach and operational capability of BAF.
Air Officer Commanding of BAF Base Bangabandhu, BAF Base Bashar and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.
