Amid tension with India, Bangladesh is keen to modernise its army. The nation is eying warships, artillery systems and fighter jets from other countries. Bangladesh’s Yunus government has explored options of coalitions for its defence needs.  Apart from China and Pakistan, the nation has reached out to the United States and European countries for armed weapons. The European Union appointed a defense attache in December 2023. 

Bangladesh said that it will implement the security agreement which was done with Japan last year. For its defense needs, Bangladesh is in touch with NATO countries- Italy, Turkey, France and Sweden. 

The Tribune shared the information after receiving inputs from Indian security agencies about military-related changes by Bangladesh’s interim government in the defense sector. 

The Yunus government is mulling to buy US Black Hawk helicopters along with counter UV systems. For its Air Force needs, Bangladesh is planning to join the ‘European Union Security Framework.’ The country is also considering purchasing Chinese J-10 C. 

Interestingly, the military-related changes began after Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to leave the country over strong protest by the students. In another major development, Bangladesh Navy will hold a joint exercise with Pakistan’s Navy in February. The Pakistani Army will attend a training programme in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh. Pakistan Army will make its entry into Bangladesh after 53 years. 

Bangladesh’s Army is also pondering to get 12 warships for its Navy. It is expected that China may be involved in the deal which is already developing four submarines in Pakistan.