Bangladesh Commissioned Second USCG High Endurance Cutter

Key Points: 

> Bangladesh Navy receives second cutter from US Coast Guard.
> Ship then departed Alameda, California in September 2015 following maintenance, equipment installation, and crew training.

The Bangladesh Navy (BN) received in early May its second high endurance cutter from the United States Coast Guard (USCG), during a handover ceremony on Coast Guard Island in Alameda, California.

Decommissioned in February 2015, the 378 ft ex-CGC Rush was transferred as the frigate BNS Somudra Avijan under a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) excess defence article (EDA) grant.

In service with the USCG, Rush conducted a variety of roles, including operations during the Vietnam War, counter-narcotics patrols in Central and South American waters, fisheries enforcement, and in various SAR missions.

BN spent around $12 million on maintenance, equipment installation, and crew training (provided by former Rush crew members) prior to the ship's departure from Alameda in September 2015.

" Somudra Avijan is the 44th vessel to be transferred to Bangladesh in the last five years under the FMS programme," said coastguard international programmes office director Tod Reinert.

Even though BNS Somudra Avijan and sister ship BNS Somudra Joy (ex- Jarvis ) are ageing and well-used platforms, the BN is adept at retaining such vessels in operational service beyond design life - something noted by USCG officials. "They have processes and procedures that work very well," said an official, with sustainment practices focusing on issues like maintenance, training, and subject matter expertise.

Speaking at the transfer ceremony, United States Ambassador to Bangladesh Marcia Bernicat remarked that the partnership between the USCG and the BN is emblematic of the bonds that exist between their parent countries. "Our maritime security co-operation is stronger than ever," said the Ambassador.

Bangladesh's naval chief Vice Admiral M Farid Habib said, "These two ships will be deployed not only for ensuring good order at sea, but will also be utilised for achieving common goals of both countries like combating maritime terrorism and various unconventional threats. Moreover, they will also be used for peace support operations around the globe." He added that the transfer of the second ship enhanced the BN's operational capability "many fold".

Russia Pushes "Project 1166.1" Frigate For Bangladesh Navy

 

Russia has completed the construction of two frigates of the Cheetah Class of the Vietnamese Navy and will also supply two ships of this class in Bangladesh, as Rafi Fatychow, spokesman for the shipyard Zelenodolsk announced.

Vietnamese Navy Frigate "Dinh Tien Hoang".

"It is by working co-operation with the Republic of Bangladesh. "Rosoboronexport" (the government of Russia for military equipment exporter - Red.) Negotiates about possible deliveries of ships 3.9 (Project 11661). For now, it comes to the delivery of two ships ", remarked Fatychow.

"The shipyard builds Selenodolsk two frigates of the project 3.9 for the Vietnamese naval forces. At the moment the order has been fulfilled, it will be installed weapons "Fatychow said on Tuesday at the forum" maritime industry ", held in Moscow from 19 to 21 May told RIA Novosti.

In addition, Russia is negotiating with Bangladesh for the supply of frigates "Cheetah 3.9" to this republic.

Frigates 3.9 of Cheetah class are an export version of the guard vessels of the project 11661, which will be built in the shipyard Zelenodolsk in the Russian republic of Tatarstan.

The project 11661, also known as Cheetah class, is a class of frigates russischen- and Vietnamese Navy.

Navy expects early arrival of submarines.

Bangladesh Navy has initiated process to buy two tugboats at a cost of Tk 130 crore to assist operation of submarines which are scheduled to join the naval base at the end of the current year.Officials said they were in a hurry to procure the tugboats ahead of the arrival of the two submarines from China.

They said tugboats were essential without which the submarines could not be operated from the harbours. Dhaka struck a deal with Beijing in November 2013 to acquire the submarines for strengthening the navy’s presence in the Bay of Bengal. It was apprehended that China would supply the country’s first submarines in 2019. But now the submarines are coming three years before the previous schedule. The two submarines would cost Tk 1,500 crore. According to a recent document of the navy, Beijing is almost ready to handover the submarines to Navy at the end of the current year. Navy has sought additional Tk 26 crore in the current budget from the ministry of finance for making the down payment for the tugboats.
Defence ministry officials said that the government had taken the initiative to add submarines to the naval fleet in the 1980s to build the Navy as a three-dimensional force in the Bay of Bengal. The Navy had communicated with China, France, Germany, Italy, Pakistan, South Korea and Turkey since 2010 for procuring the submarines. But only China came forward with its two off-the-shelf submarines — Type 035G—that are diesel-electric and wanted Bangladesh Navy to bear the refurbishment costs with equipment as required. The submarines of Ming class will have capacity of firing anti-ship missiles from its torpedo tubes. About 17 Bangladesh navy sailors are training to operate the submarines. The navy has meanwhile acquired land on Kutubdia Island in Cox’s Bazar to set up a submarine base.

Bangladesh Navy New Type 056 Launched At Wuchang Shipyard

From the Chinese TV news this is now spectacularly confirmed that first of total three "Type 056" Corvettes are launched for Bangladesh Navy. This type would significantly enhance Bangladesh Navy's operational capabilities within the "brown & green" waters of the Bay of Bengal.

Bangladesh Navy new type 056 launched at Wuchang Shipyard.

More 5 Mi-171sh Attack Helicopter for Bangladesh Air Force

Bangladesh Ministry of Defense concluded with the company "Rosoboronexport" contract for the supply of five military transport helicopters Mi- 171SH . On this, as reported by ITAR - TASS news agency, said the director of the Special Assignments "Rosoboronexport" Nikolai Dimidyuk . Transaction amount is not specified. Supply helicopters will be on account of export credit in the amount of a billion dollars , issued by Bangladesh Russia .

 

A Mi-171Sh aircraft similar to those to be delivered to the Bangladesh Navy by 2015.

Agreement to provide export credit Bangladesh signed in January 2013. On account of the same transaction will be delivered to Bangladesh combat training aircraft Yak-130. Their transfer to the customer , according to Dimidyuk begin in the second half of 2015 . In total, the Bangladeshi military should get 15 Russian aircraft.

Early last year , when it signed an agreement on the allocation of export credit Bangladesh , Russia also agreed to provide the country $ 500 million for the first phase of construction of nuclear power plants " Ruppur ." It began last fall.

Bangladesh Navy - Modernization (Article Part-II)

Continued from previous post......

Accounts vary as to the details of the navy plan, but one source reported it included purchase of three frigates, three large patrol aircraft, 12 patrol craft, two landing craft utility (LCU), one hydrographic unit, one salvage vessel, four missile boats and installation of new missiles in some ships to strengthen its surface fleet. It proposed introducing its own aviation fleet to consolidate combat capability of the surface fleet by purchasing three maritime patrol aircraft and four helicopters in the coming 10 years.

The navy also discloses a plan for purchasing a submarine by 2019 for the flotilla. It said the government has approved in principle this proposed purchase. “Before purchasing the submarine, steps have already been taken to build infrastructure and train up personnel. When the preparatory work is completed, it will be possible to initiate steps to purchase a submarine by 2019,” the navy report added.

The navy said based on the possible allocation of funds every year, the process of purchasing and building surface and aviation platforms to achieve three-dimensional ability will continue. Off-the-shelf purchase process will also continue simultaneously that would cost less and save time, it adds. “Additional allocation of Tk 1,200 crore will be required for purchasing submarine, the hydrographic unit and the salvage ship,” the navy said, adding, “An estimated allocation of Tk 5,000 will be required for principal purchase and development in the next 10 years.”

The principal purchase excludes the submarine, hydrographic unit and the salvage ship. As per the plan, three large patrol craft and 12 patrol craft will be built at the navy’s own shipyards. Purchase of two helicopters and two maritime patrol aircraft were under process as of 2009.

In defence for replacing three frigates — Abu Bakar, Omar Faruk and Ali Haider — the navy said the ships were built in 1953, 1953 and 1957 and Tk 300 crore will be required to upgrade those. Upgrading the old vessels was not viable, the navy claimed. The navy also proposes replacing four out of the eight missile boats — Durbar, Duranto, Uttal and Durdanto. Those were commissioned in 1983, 1983, 1992 and 1988. It said Tk 200 crore would be required to upgrade the missile boats.

The report says as many as 82 ships, small and large, were in the navy’s fleet. Most of the ships were older that 25 years. Only 15 ships/craft are aged under 25 years. Combat capability of the old ships has decreased and their maintenance and operation cost is high as well as risky, the navy adds. “With the old ships and present infrastructures, it is becoming difficult to discharge [the navy's] crucial duties.”

During the three years 2009-2011, a total of 2 OPV, 1 survey ship, 8 high-speedboats, helicopter handling system, early warning radar system and 2 marine helicopters were added to the Bangladesh Navy. Process for purchasing C-704 missile system, QW-2 SAM, OTOMAT MK-II missiles, 2 large patrol craft, 5 patrol craft and 1 oil tanker had been completed. The survey ship newly purchased for Bangladesh Navy has been commissioned.

The Navy attained double capability through addition of 2 newly purchased marine helicopters. In February 2010 AgustaWestland announced the award of a contract by the Bangladesh Navy for two AW109 Power maritime helicopters. The helicopters will be used for a wide range of naval missions including search and rescue, economic zone protection, surface surveillance and maritime security. The two Agusta AW 109E helicopters on 14 June 2011 were delivered in 2011 and were capable of being operated from the frigate BNS Bangabandhu.

In 2010 BN signed a contract with China Shipbuilding and Offshore Company (CSOC) to built two Large Patrol Craft in Wuchang Shipyard in China. The ships will be of 600 tons and will be armed with 4 x C-704 SSM, 1 x 76.2 mm gun with FCS and RDC. In another contract with CSOC, BN will construct 5 units of 350-ton patrol craft at Khulna Shipyard under Chinese technical assistance.

On 12 April 2010 Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said soon two more frigates will be included to BangladeshNavy fleet. Sheikh Hasina said during her recent China visit, she had requested the Chinese government to provide Bangladesh Naval Force with two newly-constructed frigates including helicopters, and the Chinese government gave consent in this regard. Besides, naval ship Bangabandhu, decommissioned during the last BNP-Jamaat government on political ground, will be made fully operational again.

On 21 June 2010 it was reported that the Bangladesh Navy planned to expand cooperation with China's national defense industry in the framework of the activities of two frigates, making the Navy to a total number of frigates to seven. The relevant supply agreement was reached in March 2010. At that time it was reported that, in addition to procurement of two frigates from China, the Bangladesh Navy will receive three British warships. The UK Disposal Services Authority (DSA) successfully negotiated the sale and handover of HM Ships LEEDS CASTLE and DUMBARTON CASTLE (Castle Class Offshore Patrol Vessels) for £2.45m and HMS ROEBUCK offshore hydrographic launch for £4.4m, to the Bangladesh Navy. All 3 vessels have since sailed to Bangladesh and were delivered in June 2010. Maintenance and improvement work had been started in the UK on two patrol boats of the Bangladesh Navy.

On 29 December 2010 Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the government had plans to include submarine with base facility in Bangladesh Navy by 2019 to build it as an effective 'deterrent force'. As of 2005 the plan was to acquire 4 subs within 2012, although by 2012 Bangladesh appeared no closer to acquiring submarines than it had seven years previously. It is said that Bangladesh is prepared to spend Tk.1,200 crore [ie, Tk.12,000,000,000, or about US$150,000,000] on 4 submarines. The amount of money Bangladesh might spend on submarines would probably not be enough to buy new ones. The Scorpene submarine comes in at US$300-$400,000,000, and the Agosta-90B Submarine (from DCN) is also US$300-$400,000,000 apiece. So possibly Bangaldesh would buy used U-209s for Italy or some other European country which is replacing them with the new U-212 from Germany. Even an "old" Upholder cost around $200 million a piece.

In June 2011 Army Chief General Mohammad Abdul Mubeen inaugurated the building of a LCVP Type C landing craft vessel personnel (LCVP) at Khulna Shipyard. The 19.75-meter long and 7-meter wide craft was built for Bangladesh Army. The army will use the LCVP for transportation of soldiers and equipment when needed. The vessel was expected to be handed over to the Army within a year. Khulna Shipyard already built modern firefighting boats for the Fire Service, ferries for the BIWTC and a speedy patrol boat for Bangladesh Coast Guard. LCVP-012 was delivered on 2010-04-17.

A contract was signed on 23 June 2011 with Ruag Germany for the supply of two Dornier 228 NG MPA within 24 months. Following customers in Japan, Norway and Germany, in July 2011 the Bangladesh Navy purchased two modern Do 228NG (New Generation) turboprop aircraft. The aircraft will be used for maritime air patrol and rescue mission along the countries’ coastline. Delivery of both aircraft was scheduled for early summer 2013.

In October 2011 Bangladesh’s state-owned Khulna Shipyard signed a contract with China’s Shanghai-based Hudong Zhonghua Shipyard and the China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Ltd (CSOC) for licence-building five inshore patrol vessels (IPV) and seven guided-missile corvettes. While the IPVs are based on the 80-ton Huang Pu-class vessel, the guided-missile corvettes, to be built to a brand-new design, will each have a displacement of 260 tons, length of 46 meters, beamwidth of 7.4 meters, and have a top speed of 30 Knots. While the CSOC would supply the first two guided-missile corvettes off-the-shelf, the remaining five will be licence-built by Khulna Shipyard. Each such vessel will be armed with up to four CPMIEC-built C-802A anti-ship cruise missiles.

As of 2012 it was reported that the Navy was planning to purchase two corvettes and two frigates. According to unofficial information, Bangladesh Navy was seeking two "Jiang Wei II" class (Type 053H3) frigates from China. The Turkish Navy will be retiring four early MEKO 200 class frigates, which reportedly have been offered to Bangladesh. Those warship's combat systems would be upgraded to BN requirement before delivery.

The second-hand submarine that Bangladesh was seeking in order to further safeguard its offshore assets is likely to be sourced from China. Despite an interest in contributing more fully to international peace-keeping missions, the protection of offshore energy resources in the face of competition from India and Burma is Bangladesh’s prime motivation.

The first-ever warship, BNS PADMA built in Bangladesh by Khulna Shipyard Limited (KSY) was commissioned in Bangladesh Navy on 24 January 2013 by Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. It may be mentioned that the 2nd Patrol Craft has also been launched on 23 January 2013 which is expected to deliver 2 (two) months ahead of the schedule. The rest 3 (Three) will be delivered within December 2013.

On December 20, 2013 Bangladesh finalized a deal to purchase two Ming-class submarines from China. The deal for the two submarines, which was waiting for final approval from the Finance Ministry, was worth $203.3 million. The type 035G diesel-electric run submarines are scheduled to be delivered in 2019. Government officials hinted that there was a plan to purchase at least three submarines in the next few years. Besides submarines, Dhaka was also negotiating with Beijing to buy two frigates under a state-to-state purchase deal. Beijing offered two of its old 053H2 frigates at a very low rate on the condition that Dhaka would bear the refurbishment and defence equipment costs for the off-the-shelf ships. An estimated Tk 6.55 billion will be needed to add two frigates to the country's existing frigate fleet of six.

Source:www.globalsecurity.org

Bangladesh Navy - Modernization (Article Part-I)

The most formidable ships in the navy were three vintage frigates purchased from Britain in the late 1970s. These included two Leopard-class Type 41 frigates, renamed Abu Bakr and Ali Haider, and one Salisbury-class Type 61 frigate, renamed Umar Farooq. The most modern craft in the inventory were twenty-four patrol boats purchased from the Chinese between 1982 and 1984. These included four Hegu-class fast attack craft, armed with missiles; four P4-class fast-attack craft, armed with torpedoes; and eight Hainan-class and eight Shanghai II-class fast attack patrol craft. These vessels patrolled coastal waters and rivers to interdict foreign fishing vessels and assert Bangladeshi sovereignty over its territorial waters.

Other vessels in the Bangladeshi inventory included vintage patrol craft purchased from China, Yugoslavia, India, Japan, and Singapore; a recommissioned Pakistani patrol boat; a similar craft converted from a Thai fishing boat; and five indigenously built Pabna-class riverine patrol craft. Bangladesh also maintained a merchant fleet comprising 274 vessels. Since all were government owned, merchant vessels could be pressed into service during hostilities.

During the 1996-2001, the then Awami League government implemented many steps to build the Navy as a modern force. Commissioning of Naval ships Titas, Kushiara and Barkat, incorporation of modern LPC Madhumati, diversion of BNS Shoibal into modern survey ship, establishment of Bangladesh Navy's Hydrographic and Oceanographic Center and inclusion of School of Maritime Warfare and Tactics are among the development works done by the Awami League government.

In 2002 the Prime Minister announced that Bangaldesh would buy a pair of Lupo-class frigates from the Italian Navy, but the ships were sold to Peru instead. Victory day is celebrated on December 16 in Bangladesh. On this day in 1971, the Pakistani Army surrendered to the Indo-Bangladeshi High Command in Dhaka, ending the 1971 Bangladesh atrocities. Bangladesh gained independence after 9 months of a long and bloody struggle. One interesting feature of the 2003 Victory Day celebration was the military armament exhibition, organised by the three armed forces between 16 and 20 December 2003. The Bangladesh Navy displayed some future projects like submarine and helicopter carriers.

With limited resources, materialisation remained a difficult proposition.'The Draft Forces Goal 2020 for BN' in 2005/06 envisaged the Bangladesh Navy (BN) with submarines, helicopters, maritime patrol aircrafts and so forth. As of 2005 Bangladesh was thinking about purchasing Lupo class frigates from Italy. Bangladesh was interested in Type-23 Duke class friagtes but could not confront the cost. as of 2007 Bangladesh was said to be interested in a "Sapsan 2100" Ukranian frigate, but nothing came of this, and the "Sapsan 2100" is un-attested outside of Combat Fleets of the World.

In early 2009 the navy sent the Armed Forces Division (AFD) an ambitious ten-year plan to upgrade it into a three-dimensional force, in line with the proposed Forces Goal-2020. The report placed before the parliamentary standing committee on the defence ministry on 08 June 2009. Bangladesh Navy sought new frigates, a submarine, maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters and other equipment with an estimated cost of Tk 6,000 crore. The plan was prepared after considering the recent maritime situation, budgetary allocation, market prices of required equipment and other matters.

“Bangladesh Navy will obtain capability of a three-dimensional force if its aviation wing and a submarine are added to its fleet,” believes the navy, tasked with protecting the nation’s territorial waters, safeguard Bangladesh’s economic interest and exercise maritime control within the exclusive economic zone and the continental shelf. Citing the need for a three dimensional modern force, the navy said aircraft and submarines along with surface fleets are considered essential parts to increase a navy’s combat capability. “It was not possible in the past to introduce aircraft and submarines in the fleet due to various adversities despite having the plan and desire,” the navy observes.

Apart from purchasing equipment, it also proposed formation of Special Warfare and Diving Salvage (SWADS) Command for carrying out a special warfare to control militancy and smuggling in sea and rivers. “If the special force is formed, it will be able to play active role along with the two other forces in sea and rivers,” the navy said.

The navy also proposed increasing its personnel, setting up naval bases and training institutes. The proposals now await the government’s consideration. On manpower, the navy proposed increasing 4,000 personnel of various ranks in the next 10 years. The existing approved manpower of the navy as of 2009 was 17,000.

The proposals include setting up bases for naval commandos, divers, rescuers and naval aviation, and development of a naval base in Mongla. Other proposals are installation of a junior staff training institute, navy hydrographic unit, oceanographic centre and operational sea training guide, and approval of the organogram of Khulna and Narayanganj shipyards.

The navy was also preparing more proposals to this end for sending to the government for consideration. Those include setting up of a naval base at St Martine’s Island, submarine base, setting up a separate naval base in Dhaka, and restructuring the organogram of the naval headquarters and area commanders’ headquarters.

Specification & Performance data of Bangladesh Navy Ordered Two Type 056 Corvette

Armaments options the Bangladesh Navy could possibly select:

1 - 76 mm AK-176 (Main gun)
2 - OTO 40 mm (CIWS)
3 - C-802 or C-803 (SSM)
4 - No VLS? (VLS)
5 - FM-90N/Crotale (SHORAD)
6 - STOP 25/30/35 mm (Auto-cannon)
7 - STAMP 12.7 mm (RCWS-MG)
8 - Yu-7 or Mu-90 (Torpedo)
9 - Z-9EC (ASW Helicopter)

Type 056 would be extended by 10 m to accommodate a helicopter hanger.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Type 056 corvette

Class overview

Builders: Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard
Huangpu Shipyard
Operators: People’s Liberation Army Navy
Preceded by: Type 053H3 frigate

General characteristics

Type: Corvette
Displacement: 1300 tons(empty),1800 tons max
Length: 90m(waterline),95m overall
Beam: 10m
Draft: 4.4m
Speed: 28 kts

Armament:

2× 2-cell YJ-83 (C-803) anti-ship missiles, amidships (200km range)

1× FL-3000N 8-round SAM launcher, aft(9km range)

2 x 30mm remote weapon systems , amidships

1× AK-176 main gun, forward

The Type 056 corvette is a Chinese light warship that entered service with the People’s Liberation Army Navy in 2012 as a replacement for the Jianghu class frigate and the Type 037 series of patrol vessels.

2 new corvettes from South Korea for Bangladesh Navy

Interview: Vice-Admiral Zahir Uddin Ahmed, Chief of the Bangladesh Navy

................................................................................................
Author:Guy Toremans, Brussels
INTERVIEWCountry:Bangladesh
Last posted:2012-Dec-12

Vice-Admiral Zahir Uddin Ahmed, Chief of Staff of the Bangladesh Navy. (G Toremans) With the growing complexity of maritime scenarios calling for flexibility, the Bangladesh Navy (BN) is modernising its fleet and at the same time developing a sustainable local shipbuilding capability.

"To effectively meet the growing challenges we need a three-dimensional naval force capable to support fleet, area, combined and joint operations," Vice Admiral Zahir Uddin Ahmed, Chief of Staff of the Bangladesh Navy, stated.

"Consequently we are engaged in purchasing a variety of both new and off-the-shelf vessels from friendly navies - mainly frigate- and corvette-type platforms, helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft - and plan the establishment of a submarine branch.

"When I took the helm of the Bangladesh Navy [in January 2009] my highest priority was the upgrade of our ageing assets," said the admiral, pointing out that over the past three-and-a-half years some degree of progress has already been made.

"The first phase of our recapitalisation efforts was the acquisition of the two ex-Royal Navy [RN] Castle-class offshore patrol vessels," he said. Transferred on 24 September 2011, both ships were re-commissioned into the BN at the end of November 2011

"We also purchased the ex-RN survey ship HMS Roebuck ," the admiral added. "This ship arrived in Bangladesh on 25 July 2010, while in April 2010 the United States donated 16 Defender-class boats, which bolster our counter-terrorism and maritime interdiction capabilities."

Looking to the most recent additions to the fleet, Adm Ahmed said: "The first of two large patrol craft from China under construction at Wuchang Shipyard, launched on 26 August 2012, is scheduled for delivery in late 2012; the second unit will be launched at the end of 2012 as well. The first of five new 50.4 m patrol craft - the first ever indigenously built warship - was launched at the Khulna Shipyard (KSY) on 8 October 2012. We already decommissioned one of our two ex-Royal Navy Type 41 (Leopard-class) frigates and the second will be phased out shortly. Both will be replaced by off-the-shelf units.

"In September 2012 we signed a contract with the Chinese Navy for the transfer of two Jianghu-class frigates, which are expected to be delivered in mid-2013," he continued. "The Type 61 (Salisbury-class) frigate BNS Umar Farooq will be transformed into a training ship. She will be re-engined and her accommodation upgraded in order to keep her in service for another 15 years."

Detailing further planned acquisitions over the medium term, Adm Ahmed said that a contract for the construction of two corvettes has already been signed with South Korea. "These platforms are scheduled to join the fleet in the first quarter of 2016," he confirmed.

Reports also suggest that Bangladesh may receive two modern F-22B frigates from China, which would be based on the Type 053H3 (Jiangwei) class.

The BN's most ambitious project is undoubtedly the establishment of a submarine branch. Adm Ahmed said that he hopes to have this up and running by 2020, but added: "I am well aware of the challenges inherent in commissioning and supporting infrastructure of an entirely new capability. Back in 2010 we started negotiations with the German Navy and government to acquire the Type 206 boats, but this didn't materialise. We've had talks with the Italian Navy about the possible acquisition of their Improved Sauro-class boats, which the Italian Navy plans to decommission by 2016."

Recent years have also seen a push to develop Bangladesh's indigenous shipbuilding sector. "We took over management of the country's two major shipyards, the Khulna and Narayangonj shipyards, and our naval engineers and technicians have gained the expertise to upgrade our units and weapon systems in-country," said Adm Ahmed. "The technical expertise they've gained has helped us start building our first ever modern naval patrol craft and soon they will gain the capacity and expertise to build larger vessels."

The admiral expects that the BN will be capable of building corvette- and frigate-type warships indigenously by 2020, but was keen to point out that the service is also looking to improve the welfare and training of its personnel. "The infrastructure - training establishments, simulators, and other buildings - is being modernised as well," he said, adding that the navy has no problems with recruitment. "The military is a good employer and young people are quite interested in joining the armed forces," he said. "Serving in the navy is a very viable option for our youngsters. Over the past three-and-a-half years the recruitment of officers, petty officers and ratings has almost doubled."

One of the admiral's other goals when he took command was to help improve relations with Bangladesh's neighbours over access to seabed minerals. "You may recall the dispute about oil exploration rights in 2008 with Myanmar," he said. "Consequently we support our Ministry of Foreign Affairs by assigning naval officers as naval attachés to the embassies involved."

Bangladesh's new government, which was elected at the end of 2008, is very supportive towards the modernisation of the navy's fleet to maintain its capability to comply with its national commitments and facilitate interoperability with friendly navies.

Adm Ahmed is conscious of this fact. "Initially it was not that [easy] to start this modernisation programme and quite difficult to convince the people of Bangladesh that their money is being well spent on the much-needed modernising of their navy, [but] the government approved a 10-year plan and recently has approved the budget for the next five-year plan through to 2017. I can say that we are ahead of the 10-year plan because our government is so supportive."

Looking ahead, Adm Ahmed said that, when handing over the helm of the BN in January 2013, he will be a happy man. "I know the navy is well on course to become a truly three-dimensional force," he said. "Flexibility will remain a driving factor for our ongoing innovation process, yet we must take into consideration the global financial crisis, which will certainly influence decisions regarding the further projects. But I am sure the Bangladesh Navy will remain available, adaptive, and affordable."

SWADS: The fearing name in the vast Bay of Bengal (Navy seals (SEALs) from Bangladesh – SWADS )

The Silent Hunters are on the sea, crowding invisibly the shores, saves the country for ours........ Bangladesh Navy SWADS (with their US Navy Counterparts)

Special unit for military diving and rescue (SWADS) is an elite special force unit of Bangladesh Navy. Special unit for military and rescue diving is specially organized an elite team of top professionals that are trained and equipped by the model of the U.S. Navy SEALs and UDT SEALs from Republic of Korea. At the beginning of the core consisted of members who were trained UDT SEALs Republic of Korea. This included officers and other ranks trained in the Republic of Korea (South Korea). The team is composed of finest members from the military who are serving in Bangladesh but also all over the world in UN peacekeeping missions.

SWADS Facts

 The Special Warfare Diving and Salvage team is the elite security force of the Bangladesh Navy. Formed in the 1970s, SWADS adapts the techniques used by the US Navy Seals and those of the South Koreans. Those deemed effective enough, who served in the Navy, are selected to enlist in SWADS. Recruits are trained in sea-to-land incursions and to scuba dive under extreme conditions. The team specializes in anti-piracy, counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, underwater demolition, and reconnaissance. SWADS participates in any peace-keeping missions Bangladesh embarks on.

History 

The brigade was formed in the 1970s and has not only adopted the technique Navy SEALs U.S. but also Korean. SWADS, as they are called, is considered to offer one of the most advanced and best training programs in the world with weapons.

The selection process for SWADS

 SWADS operatives are recruited from the Navy and allied services. Those who are great in the Navy, and who are considered capable of this special branch of service being proposed by their leaders to try in the selection process for SWADS. 

SWADS specialization

SWADS teams are well trained to perform a variety of missions including hostage rescue, anti piracy, counterintelligence missions, anti narcotics, fight terrorism, covert insertion and extraction behind enemy lines, to collection of intelligence and underwater actions. SWADS-and the divisions in the Bangladesh Navy. 

Bangladeshi Special Operation Forces Train with Their American counterparts Special Warfare Diving and Salvage (SWADS) is an elite Special Operations Force of the Bangladesh Navy

The SWADS teams are well equipped to take on several different types of challenging missions including hostage rescue, anti piracy, Counterinsurgency, counter narcotics, counterterrorism, covert Insertions and extractions, intelligence gathering raids and underwater demolition. SWADS are a division of the Navy in Bangladesh.

Famous Missions

SWADS missions are the local regional and global in nature. In addition to the name of the Bangladesh Navy Special Forces is that they have to be good in the operations on the ground, it’s also SWADS can. 

During national crisis, they are called to preserve peace, and to rescue the state of natural disaster. Currently, their mission is a domestic nature.However, during the global konfliakta or terrorist threats, they become sought special unit because of its good adaptation terrestrial and maritime operations.

SWADS organization’s

SWADS’s are professional soldiers are recruited from the Bangladesh Navy. Special unit for military diving and rescue (SWADS) is a well-organized, trained and trained units. They are comprised of one group in the unit. Other information about the individual units are secret, the size of the entire unit some data around 1000 members of their command center is located in the city of Chittagong as well.

Duties SWADS’s

SWADS teams are employed within Bangladesh and abroad. Their missions include, but are not limited to: teams are employed both inside Bangladesh as well as overseas. Their missions are including but not limited to:

• Anti-piracy operations 
• Kontraobavještjane action 
• Counter narcotics operations 
• Of terror operations 
• Insertion and leaving behind enemy lines 
• Rescuing Hostages 
• Various scouting 
• Collection INTEL and that intelligence 
• Raids 
• Underwater action

Training

Instructors SWADS’s addition to the home include instructors from the Republic of Korea, Turkey and the United States with their similar units.

Weaponry and Equipment

Range weapons for use by members SWADS’s is huge. SWADS members are not only trained to handle all types of combat weapons, but also used ballistic helmets with night optics, and underwater video equipment. One fact that makes SWADS’s unique is that they can operate in water, under water and in the air.

Some of the weapons that are used SWADS include COLT M4 Carbine SOPMOD, Daewoo K2 5.56mm assault rifle, HK MP5 9mm machine guns , sniper rifles, pistols poluatutomatski, HK M-416. A4 M16, MK19. SWADS-handling and generally speaking with more weapons than any other unit in the world. Their weapons are listed below:

Specialized weapons, night-vision devices , bulletproof vests , diving equipment and vehicles that allow SWADS-have to complete your mission. Typical SWADS operative can be armed with:

• 9mm semiautomatic pistol 
• Daewoo Precision Industries K5 semiautomatic pistol 
• Daewoo Precision Industries K7 machine 
• HK MP5 9mm guns 
• BD-08 assault rifle 
• Daewoo K2 assault rifle 5:56 
• M-16 A4 
• Colt M4 Carbine SOPMOD 
• HK M-416 
• M24 sniper rifle 
• Accuracy International AS50 
• MK 19

Burma (Myanmar) collects Two Jianghu II class boat

In addition to the pending transfer of two Jianghus to the Bangladeshi navy, the China navy is also selling two of its "younger" Jianghu FFG to the Burma navy.   Since FFG 554 "Anshan" and FFG557 "Jishou" were build in 1986 and 1988, there should be a few years of service life left in them. 

Now both navies are Jianghu equipped, it will be interesting to see if they ever face each other in battle.

FFG 554 "Anshan"

FFG 554 "Anshan" & FFG557 "Jishou" 

Burma, Bangladesh in Warship Standoff

By LAWI WENG Monday, October 12, 2009

http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=16979

Burmese and Bangladeshi warships faced off across the Bay of Bengal on Monday as both nations built up naval and military forces along the border, according to a report in the Dhaka-based The Daily Star on Monday.

Quoting sources within the Bangladeshi armed forces, The Daily Star reported that Burma had on Sunday brought in heavy tanks, artillery guns, 12 warships and a frigate “as part of its preparation for a large-scale conflict with Bangladesh.”

The Bangladeshi daily said that according to a Bangladeshi naval official, Dhaka had reinforced its maritime border “in a bid to repulse a Myanmarese incursion by preparing 30 warships in Chittagong and Khulna.”

Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Dipu Moni reportedly rejected reports about the heavy military build-up on the border at a press conference on Sunday, saying it is a routine movement of security personnel.

However, the Bangladeshi daily cited several sources within the country’s defense services who suggested the Burmese regime was provoking a conflict.

The Irrawaddy was unable to independently confirm the reports with the Bangladeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.

Meanwhile, news of the standoff has to date gone unreported in Burma’s state-run press.

Tensions between Burma and Bangladesh mounted last week after Burmese armed forces began erecting barbed wire fencing along its Bangladeshi border.

According to The Daily Star, the Burmese government had deployed nine light infantry battalions to the border region. However, Khaing Mrat Kyaw, an editor at the Dhaka-based Narinjara news agency, told The Irrawaddy on Monday that only five battalions had been moved into position by Oct 7.

Bangladesh and Burma share a 320-kilometer border, partly demarcated by the Naf River, a regular route for smuggling and illegal crossings.

Tin Soe, an editor for the Kaladan Press Network, based in Bangladesh, said that a border-based military officer told Bangladeshi journalists in Dhaka on Sunday: “We will solve this conflict through diplomatic channels. If we can’t solve it, we have to go to war, because we don’t want to lose an inch of land.”

Tin Soe said that the people living near the border are worried about the potential conflict because they fear the Burmese junta’s troops will bury a lot of landmines along the border.

Most of the Burma navy are mounted with C-801/2 SSM,  I am sure the existing C-201 SSM will be removed in due course.