Bangladesh Air Force
Encyclopedia
The Bangladesh Air Force (বাংলাদেশ বিমান বাহিনী Bangladesh Biman Bahini in Bangla), is the air arm of the Bangladesh Armed Forces
. Bangladesh Air Force currently employs more than 22,000 personnel including 600+ Pilots.
was officially formed at the Sector Commanders Conference during its independence war from Pakistan
in 1971. Its official date of formation has been established as September 28, 1971 and it was launched formally by the Government on 8 October 1971. A number of BAF officers participated in the Bangladesh Liberation War
. Initially, BAF was formed with all officers and airmen of Bengali origin serving in the Pakistan Air Force prior to the war. At that time, the embryo of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) was formed with less than hundred officers and airmen. During the independence war, officers of the BAF attached to the Z-Force were Squadron Leader
M. Hamidullah Khan,
as Commander-Sector 11, Flight Lieutenant Liaqat as Battalion Adjutant, Flying Officer Rouf, Flying Officer Ashraf and Flight Sergeant Shafiqullah as company commanders. Squadron Leader
Sadruddin Hossain, Squadron Leader
Wahidur Rahim, Squadron Leader
Nurul Qader, Squadron Leader
Shamsur Rahman
and Air Commodore
Ataur Rahman as sub sector company commanders. Squadron Leader
Khademul Bashar
participated in the war as Commander-Sector 6.
Near the end of the war, a symbolic flight known as 'Kilo Flight' was flown to establish the Bangladesh Air Force
. Initially, 'Kilo Flight' consisted of three aircraft provided by the Indian authorities. Squadron Leader Sultan Mahmud was appointed as the commander of the 'Kilo Flight' with one helicopter. After being able to repair only one air craft, the Alouette
, into some operational form, 'Kilo Flight' successfully began its maiden operational flight as part of the new air force. It occurred on December the 16th at Tejgaon airport, Dhaka. During the war, Pakistan
transferred a huge amount of essential war materials and equipment to then West Pakistan that was originally assigned and appropriated for the eastern zone. After independence, BAF received a significant donation from the former USSR and later from China
. Among the aircraft delivered were Ten single-seat MiG-21MF and two twin-seat MiG-21UM.
In 1972, three sordid and outdated aircraft: 1 C-47 Dakota, 1 de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter
and a French Aérospatiale Alouette III
helicopter were left to Bangladesh
by India
. The Pakistan Air Force
prior to 1971 had a large number of Bengal
i pilots, air traffic controllers, technicians and administrative officers. Many of them distinguished themselves during the Bangladesh Liberation War
, thus despite the lack of aircraft, they provided the nascent Bangladesh Air Force
with a good number of trained personnel.
and also at the headquarters. Below are a list of some notable participants.
Wing Commander
Khademul Bashar
Squadron Leader
M.Hamidullah Khan
Squadron Leader
Sadruddin Hossain
Squadron Leader
Ataur Rahman
Squadron Leader
Wahidur Rahim
Squadron Leader
Nurul Kader
Squadron Leader
Shamsur Rahman
Squadron Leader
Sultan Mahmud
Squadron Leader
Nurul Islam
Squadron Leader
Shamsul Alam
Flight Lieutenant
Matiur Rahman
, Bir Shreshtho
Flight Lieutenant
Liaqat
Flight Lieutenant
Iqbal Rashid
Flying Officer
Rouf
Flying Officer
Ashraf
Flight Sergeant
Abu Yusuf Khan
Flight Sergeant
Shafiqullah
A K Khandker PAF-BAF – Was assigned as the Deputy Chief of Staff at the end of July 1971 under Lieutenant Colonel Abdur Rab who remained in Comilla during the war. His primary responsibility consisted of liaison with local Indian officials and defense personnel at Kalyani, Calcutta.
Accounts
Administration and Training
Air Defence Weapon Controller
Air Traffic Control
Education
Engineering
General Duty (Navigator)
General Duty (Pilot)
Legal
Logistics
Meteorology
, BAF Base Zahurul Haque Chittagong
and BAF Base Matiur Rahman Jessore are named after National as well as Air Force heroes. Other major bases are BAF Base Kurmitola Dhaka
and BAF Base Pahar Kanchanpur Tangail
. There are also several independent units and detachments in places like Moulavibazar Radar Unit (MRU), Bogra Radar Unit (BRU), No. 74 Squadron Bangladesh Air Force at Chittagong & No.71 Sqadron Bangladesh Air Force at Dhaka
& Shamshernagar (Sylhet). Recently a new Forward Operations Base (FOB) at Coxs Bazar has been established.
Bangladesh Air Force Academy
is the commissioned officer training academy for all branches of Bangladesh Air Force. It is located at BAF Base Matiur Rahman in Jessore.
Bangladesh Air Force
aircraft for FOB at Cox's Bazar, one Squadron of MiG-29 and 2 state of the art Air Defence Radar within 2012. BAF will also include SAM to strenghthen the ground based air-defence throughout the country. The formation of an Air Regiment, which will be responsible for the defence of the airforce bases is also on progress. The BAF has also been 2nd customers for the FC-1/JF-17 Thunder & J-10 Vigorous Dragon
F-10 Vanguard Aircraft Programme.
http://www.bdmilitary.com/
http://www.defencetalk.com/peoples-liberation-airforce-29628/
http://www.defencetalk.com/bangladesh-plans-major-defence-procurement-16519/
Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Ghulam Tawab
Air Vice Marshal Khademul Bashar
Air Vice Marshal Abdul Gafoor Mahmud
Air Vice Marshal Sadruddin Mohammad Hossain
Air Vice Marshal Sultan Mahmud
Air Vice Marshal Momtaz Uddin Ahmed
Air Vice Marshal Altaf Hossain Chowdhury
Air Marshal
Jamal Uddin Ahmed
Air Vice Marshal Rafiqul Islam
Air Vice Marshal Fakhrul Azam
Air Marshal
Shah Mohammad Ziaur Rahman
Military of Bangladesh
The Bangladesh Armed Forces consists of the three uniformed military services of Bangladesh: the Bangladesh Army, the Bangladesh Navy and the Bangladesh Air Force. The para-military Border Guard Bangladesh and Bangladesh Coast Guard are under the jurisdiction of the during peacetime, but during...
. Bangladesh Air Force currently employs more than 22,000 personnel including 600+ Pilots.
History
Bangladesh Air ForceBangladesh Air Force
The Bangladesh Air Force , is the air arm of the Bangladesh Armed Forces. Bangladesh Air Force currently employs more than 22,000 personnel including 600+ Pilots.-History:...
was officially formed at the Sector Commanders Conference during its independence war from Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
in 1971. Its official date of formation has been established as September 28, 1971 and it was launched formally by the Government on 8 October 1971. A number of BAF officers participated in the Bangladesh Liberation War
Bangladesh Liberation War
The Bangladesh Liberation War was an armed conflict pitting East Pakistan and India against West Pakistan. The war resulted in the secession of East Pakistan, which became the independent nation of Bangladesh....
. Initially, BAF was formed with all officers and airmen of Bengali origin serving in the Pakistan Air Force prior to the war. At that time, the embryo of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) was formed with less than hundred officers and airmen. During the independence war, officers of the BAF attached to the Z-Force were Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader is a commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence. It is also sometimes used as the English translation of an equivalent rank in countries which have a non-English air force-specific rank structure. In these...
M. Hamidullah Khan,
as Commander-Sector 11, Flight Lieutenant Liaqat as Battalion Adjutant, Flying Officer Rouf, Flying Officer Ashraf and Flight Sergeant Shafiqullah as company commanders. Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader is a commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence. It is also sometimes used as the English translation of an equivalent rank in countries which have a non-English air force-specific rank structure. In these...
Sadruddin Hossain, Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader is a commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence. It is also sometimes used as the English translation of an equivalent rank in countries which have a non-English air force-specific rank structure. In these...
Wahidur Rahim, Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader is a commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence. It is also sometimes used as the English translation of an equivalent rank in countries which have a non-English air force-specific rank structure. In these...
Nurul Qader, Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader is a commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence. It is also sometimes used as the English translation of an equivalent rank in countries which have a non-English air force-specific rank structure. In these...
Shamsur Rahman
Shamsur Rahman
Shamsur Rahman was a Bangladeshi poet, columnist and journalist. Rahman, who emerged in the latter half of the 20th century, wrote more than sixty books of poetry and is considered a key figure in Bengali literature. He was regarded the unofficial poet laureate of Bangladesh...
and Air Commodore
Air Commodore
Air commodore is an air-officer rank which originated in and continues to be used by the Royal Air Force...
Ataur Rahman as sub sector company commanders. Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader is a commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence. It is also sometimes used as the English translation of an equivalent rank in countries which have a non-English air force-specific rank structure. In these...
Khademul Bashar
Khademul Bashar
Air Vice-Marshal M Khademul Bashar was Chief of Air Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force during 1976. He also held the office of Deputy Chief Martial Law Administrator and was in charge of the Ministry of Petroleum, the Ministry of Food and Civil Aviation and the Department of Tourism.He served as...
participated in the war as Commander-Sector 6.
Near the end of the war, a symbolic flight known as 'Kilo Flight' was flown to establish the Bangladesh Air Force
Bangladesh Air Force
The Bangladesh Air Force , is the air arm of the Bangladesh Armed Forces. Bangladesh Air Force currently employs more than 22,000 personnel including 600+ Pilots.-History:...
. Initially, 'Kilo Flight' consisted of three aircraft provided by the Indian authorities. Squadron Leader Sultan Mahmud was appointed as the commander of the 'Kilo Flight' with one helicopter. After being able to repair only one air craft, the Alouette
Alouette
Alouette is the French word for a lark.Alouette or alouettes may also refer to:In music and literature:*"Alouette" , a children's song...
, into some operational form, 'Kilo Flight' successfully began its maiden operational flight as part of the new air force. It occurred on December the 16th at Tejgaon airport, Dhaka. During the war, Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
transferred a huge amount of essential war materials and equipment to then West Pakistan that was originally assigned and appropriated for the eastern zone. After independence, BAF received a significant donation from the former USSR and later from China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
. Among the aircraft delivered were Ten single-seat MiG-21MF and two twin-seat MiG-21UM.
In 1972, three sordid and outdated aircraft: 1 C-47 Dakota, 1 de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter
De Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter
The de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter is a single-engined, high-wing, propeller-driven, STOL aircraft developed by de Havilland Canada. It was conceived to be capable of performing the same roles as the earlier and highly successful Beaver, but was overall a larger aircraft.-Design and...
and a French Aérospatiale Alouette III
Aérospatiale Alouette III
The Aérospatiale Alouette III is a single-engine, light utility helicopter developed by Sud Aviation. It was manufactured by Aérospatiale of France, and under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in India as Hal Chetak and Industria Aeronautică Română in Romania.The Alouette III is the...
helicopter were left to Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Bangladesh , officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh is a sovereign state located in South Asia. It is bordered by India on all sides except for a small border with Burma to the far southeast and by the Bay of Bengal to the south...
by India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. The Pakistan Air Force
Pakistan Air Force
The Pakistan Air Force is the leading air arm of the Pakistan Armed Forces and is primarily tasked with the aerial defence of Pakistan with a secondary role of providing air support to the Pakistan Army and the Pakistan Navy. The PAF also has a tertiary role of providing strategic air transport...
prior to 1971 had a large number of Bengal
Bengal
Bengal is a historical and geographical region in the northeast region of the Indian Subcontinent at the apex of the Bay of Bengal. Today, it is mainly divided between the sovereign land of People's Republic of Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal, although some regions of the previous...
i pilots, air traffic controllers, technicians and administrative officers. Many of them distinguished themselves during the Bangladesh Liberation War
Bangladesh Liberation War
The Bangladesh Liberation War was an armed conflict pitting East Pakistan and India against West Pakistan. The war resulted in the secession of East Pakistan, which became the independent nation of Bangladesh....
, thus despite the lack of aircraft, they provided the nascent Bangladesh Air Force
Bangladesh Air Force
The Bangladesh Air Force , is the air arm of the Bangladesh Armed Forces. Bangladesh Air Force currently employs more than 22,000 personnel including 600+ Pilots.-History:...
with a good number of trained personnel.
Disaster in 1991
In 1991, devastating cyclone struck the Bangladeshi coast and around 80 operational BAF aircraft were lost or damaged beyond repair. That did limit the operational capability of BAF significantly at that time. But slowly BAF recovered from the setback and now maintains a high standard of maintenance and operational readiness.Air Force personnel in 1971
During the independence war of 1971, many career air force officers and men participated in different sectors in BangladeshBangladesh
Bangladesh , officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh is a sovereign state located in South Asia. It is bordered by India on all sides except for a small border with Burma to the far southeast and by the Bay of Bengal to the south...
and also at the headquarters. Below are a list of some notable participants.
Wing Commander
Wing Commander (rank)
Wing commander is a commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many other Commonwealth countries...
Khademul Bashar
Khademul Bashar
Air Vice-Marshal M Khademul Bashar was Chief of Air Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force during 1976. He also held the office of Deputy Chief Martial Law Administrator and was in charge of the Ministry of Petroleum, the Ministry of Food and Civil Aviation and the Department of Tourism.He served as...
- PAF-BAF - Deceased
Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader is a commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence. It is also sometimes used as the English translation of an equivalent rank in countries which have a non-English air force-specific rank structure. In these...
M.Hamidullah Khan
- PAF-BAF - Retired
Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader is a commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence. It is also sometimes used as the English translation of an equivalent rank in countries which have a non-English air force-specific rank structure. In these...
Sadruddin Hossain
- PAF-BAF – Retired
Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader is a commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence. It is also sometimes used as the English translation of an equivalent rank in countries which have a non-English air force-specific rank structure. In these...
Ataur Rahman
- PAF-BAF
Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader is a commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence. It is also sometimes used as the English translation of an equivalent rank in countries which have a non-English air force-specific rank structure. In these...
Wahidur Rahim
- PAF-BAF – Retired
Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader is a commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence. It is also sometimes used as the English translation of an equivalent rank in countries which have a non-English air force-specific rank structure. In these...
Nurul Kader
- PAF-BAF
Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader is a commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence. It is also sometimes used as the English translation of an equivalent rank in countries which have a non-English air force-specific rank structure. In these...
Shamsur Rahman
- PAF-BAF
Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader is a commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence. It is also sometimes used as the English translation of an equivalent rank in countries which have a non-English air force-specific rank structure. In these...
Sultan Mahmud
- PAF-BAF
Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader is a commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence. It is also sometimes used as the English translation of an equivalent rank in countries which have a non-English air force-specific rank structure. In these...
Nurul Islam
Nurul Islam
Nurul Islam was successively Professor of Economics, Dhaka University, Director of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics , Deputy Chairman of the first Planning Commission of Bangladesh. From 1975 onwards he was a Fellow at St...
- PAF-BAF
Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader
Squadron Leader is a commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence. It is also sometimes used as the English translation of an equivalent rank in countries which have a non-English air force-specific rank structure. In these...
Shamsul Alam
- PAF-BAF
Flight Lieutenant
Flight Lieutenant
Flight lieutenant is a junior commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many Commonwealth countries. It ranks above flying officer and immediately below squadron leader. The name of the rank is the complete phrase; it is never shortened to "lieutenant"...
Matiur Rahman
Matiur Rahman
Matiur Rahman or Motiur Rahman is a male Muslim given name composed of the elements Muti' , al- and Rahman meaning obedient to the Most Gracious...
, Bir Shreshtho
- PAF-BAF – Killed during attempt to defect to Bangladesh.
Flight Lieutenant
Flight Lieutenant
Flight lieutenant is a junior commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many Commonwealth countries. It ranks above flying officer and immediately below squadron leader. The name of the rank is the complete phrase; it is never shortened to "lieutenant"...
Liaqat
- PAF-BAF
Flight Lieutenant
Flight Lieutenant
Flight lieutenant is a junior commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many Commonwealth countries. It ranks above flying officer and immediately below squadron leader. The name of the rank is the complete phrase; it is never shortened to "lieutenant"...
Iqbal Rashid
- PAF-BAF
Flying Officer
Flying Officer
Flying officer is a junior commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence...
Rouf
Flying Officer
Flying Officer
Flying officer is a junior commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence...
Ashraf
Flight Sergeant
Flight Sergeant
Flight sergeant is a senior non-commissioned rank in the British Royal Air Force and several other air forces which have adopted all or part of the RAF rank structure...
Abu Yusuf Khan
Flight Sergeant
Flight Sergeant
Flight sergeant is a senior non-commissioned rank in the British Royal Air Force and several other air forces which have adopted all or part of the RAF rank structure...
Shafiqullah
Non Combatant Staff
Group CaptainGroup Captain
Group captain is a senior commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many other Commonwealth countries. It ranks above wing commander and immediately below air commodore...
A K Khandker PAF-BAF – Was assigned as the Deputy Chief of Staff at the end of July 1971 under Lieutenant Colonel Abdur Rab who remained in Comilla during the war. His primary responsibility consisted of liaison with local Indian officials and defense personnel at Kalyani, Calcutta.
Distinguished personnel
- Group CaptainGroup CaptainGroup captain is a senior commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many other Commonwealth countries. It ranks above wing commander and immediately below air commodore...
M. G. TawabM. G. TawabAir Vice Marshal Muhammad Ghulam Tawab was the second chief of the air staff of Bangladesh Air Force who also served as deputy chief martial law administrator of Bangladesh with Ziaur Rahman and M. H. Khan from 1975 to 1977...
PAF-BAF Deputy C-in-C Bangladesh Forces Dec 18th 1971 to April 7, 1971 - BDF HQ (Old 14 Div. HQ of Pakistan Army, Dhaka Cantonment) - Group CaptainGroup CaptainGroup captain is a senior commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many other Commonwealth countries. It ranks above wing commander and immediately below air commodore...
Safiul Azam PAF-BAF( Legendary Eagle Of The Sky )
Organizational structure
The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has its HQ at Dhaka Cantonment. HQ has 3 branches, Operations & Training (Ops. & Trng.), Administration and Special Duties (Admin. & SD) and Material & Maintenance (M & Mte). Each branch is headed by officers who are considered as Principal Staff Officer (PSO)and known as Assistant Chief of Air Staff, e.g. ACAS (Ops & Trng). Under each PSO there are various Directorates headed by Directors of Group Captain Rank. Under each Director there are Deputy Directors (DD) and Staff Officers (SO).- Office of the Chief of Air Staff (COAS)
- Air Secretary's Branch
- Chief Inspectorate
- Directorate of Air Intelligence
- Judge Advocate General
- Operations & Training Branch
- Directorate of Air Defence
- Directorate of Air Operations
- Directorate of Air Traffic Services
- Directorate of Air Training
- Directorate of Education
- Directorate of Flight Safety
- Directorate of IT
- Directorate of Meteorology
- Directorate of Plan
- Directorate of Recruitment
- Administrative and Special Duties Branch
- Directorate of Provost Marshal
- Directorate of Administrative Co-ordination
- Directorate of Finance
- Directorate of Medical Services
- Directorate of Personnel
- Office of the Chief Engineer
- Directorate of Works
- Directorate of Welfare and Ceremony
- Material and Maintenance Branch
- Directorate of Armament and Weapons
- Directorate of Communication & Electronics
- Directorate of Engineering
- Directorate of Project
- Directorate of Supply
Command Structure
| Shoulder/Sleeve insignia | Appointment | Rank & Name | Star Plate |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Chief of the Air Staff |
Air Marshal Shah Mohammad Ziaur Rahman Air Marshal Shah Mohammad Ziaur Rahman Air Marshal Shah Mohammad Ziaur Rahman ndc, fawc, psc is the present Chief of Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force. He was preceded by Air Vice Marshal Fakhrul Azam ndc, psc.-Early life:... ndc, afwc, psc |
 |
 |
Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Operations & Training) | Air Vice Marshal Abu Esrar ndu, acsc |  |
| |
Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Administration) | Air Vice Marshal Muhammad Enamul Bari ndu, psc | |
 |
Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Maintenance) | Air Commodore Air Commodore Air commodore is an air-officer rank which originated in and continues to be used by the Royal Air Force... Mazhar, psc |
 |
|
Air Officer Commanding, BAF Base Khademul Bashar | Air Commodore Air Commodore Air commodore is an air-officer rank which originated in and continues to be used by the Royal Air Force... Naeem Hasan |
|
|
Air Officer Commanding, BAF Base Kurmitola | Air Commodore Air Commodore Air commodore is an air-officer rank which originated in and continues to be used by the Royal Air Force... Mashihuzzaman Serniabat |
|
|
Air Officer Commanding, BAF Base Zahurul Haq | Air Commodore Air Commodore Air commodore is an air-officer rank which originated in and continues to be used by the Royal Air Force... Sanaul Huq |
|
|
Air Officer Commanding, BAF Base Matiur Rahman | Air Commodore Air Commodore Air commodore is an air-officer rank which originated in and continues to be used by the Royal Air Force... M Anwarul Haque Sardar |
|
|
Air Officer Commanding, BAF Base Paharkanchanpur | Air Commodore Air Commodore Air commodore is an air-officer rank which originated in and continues to be used by the Royal Air Force... Sakeb Iqbal Khan Majlis |
|
Branches
Branches of Bangladesh Air Force are:Accounts
Administration and Training
Air Defence Weapon Controller
Air Traffic Control
Education
Engineering
General Duty (Navigator)
General Duty (Pilot)
Legal
Logistics
Meteorology
Installations
BAF Headquarters is located in Dhaka Cantonment. There are numerous bases set up all over the country. BAF Base Khademul Bashar DhakaDhaka
Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh and the principal city of Dhaka Division. Dhaka is a megacity and one of the major cities of South Asia. Located on the banks of the Buriganga River, Dhaka, along with its metropolitan area, had a population of over 15 million in 2010, making it the largest city...
, BAF Base Zahurul Haque Chittagong
Chittagong
Chittagong ) is a city in southeastern Bangladesh and the capital of an eponymous district and division. Built on the banks of the Karnaphuli River, the city is home to Bangladesh's busiest seaport and has a population of over 4.5 million, making it the second largest city in the country.A trading...
and BAF Base Matiur Rahman Jessore are named after National as well as Air Force heroes. Other major bases are BAF Base Kurmitola Dhaka
Dhaka
Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh and the principal city of Dhaka Division. Dhaka is a megacity and one of the major cities of South Asia. Located on the banks of the Buriganga River, Dhaka, along with its metropolitan area, had a population of over 15 million in 2010, making it the largest city...
and BAF Base Pahar Kanchanpur Tangail
Tangail
Tangail is a town in Tangail District located in central region of Bangladesh. It consists of 5 corporations, 8 municipalities, 72 wards, 211 mahallas. It is located on the banks of Louhajang River, and is part of the Dhaka Division.-Education:...
. There are also several independent units and detachments in places like Moulavibazar Radar Unit (MRU), Bogra Radar Unit (BRU), No. 74 Squadron Bangladesh Air Force at Chittagong & No.71 Sqadron Bangladesh Air Force at Dhaka
Dhaka
Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh and the principal city of Dhaka Division. Dhaka is a megacity and one of the major cities of South Asia. Located on the banks of the Buriganga River, Dhaka, along with its metropolitan area, had a population of over 15 million in 2010, making it the largest city...
& Shamshernagar (Sylhet). Recently a new Forward Operations Base (FOB) at Coxs Bazar has been established.
Bangladesh Air Force Academy
Bangladesh Air Force Academy
Bangladesh Air Force Academy is a training and education academy which provides initial training to all BAFA personnel who are preparing to be officers in the Bangladesh Air Force...
is the commissioned officer training academy for all branches of Bangladesh Air Force. It is located at BAF Base Matiur Rahman in Jessore.
Officer ranks
(in descending order) Bangladesh Air Force| |
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| Air Marshal Air Marshal Air marshal is a three-star air-officer rank which originated in and continues to be used by the Royal Air Force... |
Air Vice-Marshal Air Vice-Marshal Air vice-marshal is a two-star air-officer rank which originated in and continues to be used by the Royal Air Force. The rank is also used by the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence and it is sometimes used as the English translation of an equivalent rank in... |
Air Commodore Air Commodore Air commodore is an air-officer rank which originated in and continues to be used by the Royal Air Force... |
Group Captain Group Captain Group captain is a senior commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many other Commonwealth countries. It ranks above wing commander and immediately below air commodore... |
Wing Commander Wing Commander (rank) Wing commander is a commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many other Commonwealth countries... |
Squadron Leader Squadron Leader Squadron Leader is a commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence. It is also sometimes used as the English translation of an equivalent rank in countries which have a non-English air force-specific rank structure. In these... |
Flight Lieutenant Flight Lieutenant Flight lieutenant is a junior commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many Commonwealth countries. It ranks above flying officer and immediately below squadron leader. The name of the rank is the complete phrase; it is never shortened to "lieutenant"... |
Flying Officer Flying Officer Flying officer is a junior commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many countries which have historical British influence... |
Pilot Officer Pilot Officer Pilot officer is the lowest commissioned rank in the Royal Air Force and the air forces of many other Commonwealth countries. It ranks immediately below flying officer... |
Aircraft Inventory
| Type of Aircraft | Number of Aircraft | Unit Assignment | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi Role Combat Aircraft Fighter aircraft A fighter aircraft is a military aircraft designed primarily for air-to-air combat with other aircraft, as opposed to a bomber, which is designed primarily to attack ground targets... |
64 | Squadrons Squadron (aviation) A squadron in air force, army aviation or naval aviation is mainly a unit comprising a number of military aircraft, usually of the same type, typically with 12 to 24 aircraft, sometimes divided into three or four flights, depending on aircraft type and air force... : 5, 8, 21 & 35 |
|
| Operational Conversion Unit Operational Conversion Unit An Operational Conversion Unit is a unit within an air force whose role is to support preparation for the operational missions of a specific aircraft type by providing trained personnel. OCUs teach pilots how to fly an aircraft and which tactics best exploit the performance of their aircraft and... |
14 | Squadrons Squadron (aviation) A squadron in air force, army aviation or naval aviation is mainly a unit comprising a number of military aircraft, usually of the same type, typically with 12 to 24 aircraft, sometimes divided into three or four flights, depending on aircraft type and air force... : 5, 8, 21 & 35 |
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| Counter Insurgency Counter-insurgency aircraft Counter-insurgency aircraft are a specialised variety of military light attack aircraft, designed for ground support against small, usually irregular groups of insurgents... |
8 | Squadrons Squadron (aviation) A squadron in air force, army aviation or naval aviation is mainly a unit comprising a number of military aircraft, usually of the same type, typically with 12 to 24 aircraft, sometimes divided into three or four flights, depending on aircraft type and air force... : 15 |
Also used in advanced jet conversion role. |
| Transport Aircraft Transport aircraft Transport aircraft is a broad category of aircraft that includes:* Airliners* Cargo aircraft* Mail planes* Military transport aircraft... |
7 | Squadrons Squadron (aviation) A squadron in air force, army aviation or naval aviation is mainly a unit comprising a number of military aircraft, usually of the same type, typically with 12 to 24 aircraft, sometimes divided into three or four flights, depending on aircraft type and air force... : 3 & 101st Special Flying Unit |
An-32 has dual transport/bomber role. |
| Helicopter Helicopter A helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by one or more engine-driven rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forwards, backwards, and laterally... |
41 | Squadrons Squadron (aviation) A squadron in air force, army aviation or naval aviation is mainly a unit comprising a number of military aircraft, usually of the same type, typically with 12 to 24 aircraft, sometimes divided into three or four flights, depending on aircraft type and air force... : 1, 9, 31 & 101st Special Flying Unit |
All armed. |
| Intermediate Jet Trainer Jet trainer A Jet trainer is typically a turbofan or turbojet powered training aircraft, intended either for general aviation flying training or for more advanced jet aircraft. Jet trainers are typically divided into civilian and military, and custom designs versus versions of existing aircraft... |
11 | Squadrons Squadron (aviation) A squadron in air force, army aviation or naval aviation is mainly a unit comprising a number of military aircraft, usually of the same type, typically with 12 to 24 aircraft, sometimes divided into three or four flights, depending on aircraft type and air force... : 15 |
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| Rotary Wing Trainer Helicopter A helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by one or more engine-driven rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forwards, backwards, and laterally... |
4 | Squadrons Squadron (aviation) A squadron in air force, army aviation or naval aviation is mainly a unit comprising a number of military aircraft, usually of the same type, typically with 12 to 24 aircraft, sometimes divided into three or four flights, depending on aircraft type and air force... : 4 |
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| Primary Fixed Wing Trainer Trainer (aircraft) A trainer is a class of aircraft designed specifically to facilitate in-flight training of pilots and aircrews. The use of a dedicated trainer aircraft with additional safety features—such as tandem flight controls, forgiving flight characteristics and a simplified cockpit arrangement—allows... |
25 | Squadrons Squadron (aviation) A squadron in air force, army aviation or naval aviation is mainly a unit comprising a number of military aircraft, usually of the same type, typically with 12 to 24 aircraft, sometimes divided into three or four flights, depending on aircraft type and air force... : 11 |
Future Modernization Program
BAF has an ongoing modernization program that includes plan to introduce 16 x F-7BG Air GuardChengdu J-7
The Chengdu Jian-7 is a People's Republic of China-built version of the Soviet Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21. Though production ceased in 2008 it continues to serve, mostly as an interceptor, in several air forces, including China's.-Design and development:...
aircraft for FOB at Cox's Bazar, one Squadron of MiG-29 and 2 state of the art Air Defence Radar within 2012. BAF will also include SAM to strenghthen the ground based air-defence throughout the country. The formation of an Air Regiment, which will be responsible for the defence of the airforce bases is also on progress. The BAF has also been 2nd customers for the FC-1/JF-17 Thunder & J-10 Vigorous Dragon
F-10 Vanguard Aircraft Programme.
http://www.bdmilitary.com/
http://www.defencetalk.com/peoples-liberation-airforce-29628/
http://www.defencetalk.com/bangladesh-plans-major-defence-procurement-16519/
UN Mission Deployment
More than 600+ BAF personnel, including officers & airmen, 10 BAF helicopters and are currently deployed to various UN Missions. Another C-130 transport aircraft is providing support to UN Mission in Africa. With the deployment of C-130 aircraft and its personnel, Bangladesh became the largest troops contributing country in UN Peace Keeping Missions.Guided Weapons
| Name | Version | Type | Used by | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PL-2 PL-2 PL-2 and its derivatives are members of a series of Chinese air-to-air missiles originated from the former-Soviet Vympel K-13 AAM, with PL short for Pili , meaning thunderbolt... |
Infrared Guided Infrared homing Infrared homing refers to a passive missile guidance system which uses the emission from a target of electromagnetic radiation in the infrared part of the spectrum to track and follow it. Missiles which use infrared seeking are often referred to as "heat-seekers", since infrared is just below the... Air-to-air missile Air-to-air missile An air-to-air missile is a missile fired from an aircraft for the purpose of destroying another aircraft. AAMs are typically powered by one or more rocket motors, usually solid fuelled but sometimes liquid fuelled... |
F-7MB, A-5C | ||
| PL-5 PL-5 The PL-5 air-to-air missile is a short-range, infra-red guided missile use by Chinese fighters... |
E | Active Infrared Guided Infrared homing Infrared homing refers to a passive missile guidance system which uses the emission from a target of electromagnetic radiation in the infrared part of the spectrum to track and follow it. Missiles which use infrared seeking are often referred to as "heat-seekers", since infrared is just below the... Air-to-air missile Air-to-air missile An air-to-air missile is a missile fired from an aircraft for the purpose of destroying another aircraft. AAMs are typically powered by one or more rocket motors, usually solid fuelled but sometimes liquid fuelled... |
F-7MB, A-5C | |
| PL-7 PL-7 The PL-7 air-to-air missile is the PRC version of the French Magic R.550 missile. It is a short-range, infra-red guided missile use by Chinese fighters... |
Infrared Guided Infrared homing Infrared homing refers to a passive missile guidance system which uses the emission from a target of electromagnetic radiation in the infrared part of the spectrum to track and follow it. Missiles which use infrared seeking are often referred to as "heat-seekers", since infrared is just below the... Air-to-air missile Air-to-air missile An air-to-air missile is a missile fired from an aircraft for the purpose of destroying another aircraft. AAMs are typically powered by one or more rocket motors, usually solid fuelled but sometimes liquid fuelled... |
F-7MB, A-5C | PRC version of the French Matra Magic R.550 R550 Magic The R.550 Magic is a short-range missile designed in 1968 by French company Matra to compete with the American AIM-9 Sidewinder. On 11 January 1972, a Gloster Meteor of the centre for in-flight trials fired the R550 Magic and shot down a Nord CT20 target drone .Mass-produced from 1976, the Magic... missile. |
|
| PL-9 | C | Infrared Guided Infrared homing Infrared homing refers to a passive missile guidance system which uses the emission from a target of electromagnetic radiation in the infrared part of the spectrum to track and follow it. Missiles which use infrared seeking are often referred to as "heat-seekers", since infrared is just below the... Air-to-air missile Air-to-air missile An air-to-air missile is a missile fired from an aircraft for the purpose of destroying another aircraft. AAMs are typically powered by one or more rocket motors, usually solid fuelled but sometimes liquid fuelled... |
F-7BG | |
| Vympel R-27 | Infrared Guided Infrared homing Infrared homing refers to a passive missile guidance system which uses the emission from a target of electromagnetic radiation in the infrared part of the spectrum to track and follow it. Missiles which use infrared seeking are often referred to as "heat-seekers", since infrared is just below the... (R-27T), Semi Active Radar Guided Semi-active radar homing Semi-active radar homing, or SARH, is a common type of missile guidance system, perhaps the most common type for longer-range air-to-air and surface-to-air missile systems. The name refers to the fact that the missile itself is only a passive detector of a radar signal – provided by an external ... (R-27R), and Active Radar Guided Active radar homing Active radar homing is a missile guidance method in which a guided missile contains a radar transceiver and the electronics necessary for it to find and track its target autonomously... (R-27AE) |
MiG-29 Mikoyan MiG-29 The Mikoyan MiG-29 is a fourth-generation jet fighter aircraft designed in the Soviet Union for an air superiority role. Developed in the 1970s by the Mikoyan design bureau, it entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1983, and remains in use by the Russian Air Force as well as in many other... |
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| Vympel R-73 Vympel R-73 The Vympel R-73 developed by Vympel machine-building design bureau, is the most modern Russian short-range air-to-air missile.-Development:... |
Infrared Guided Infrared homing Infrared homing refers to a passive missile guidance system which uses the emission from a target of electromagnetic radiation in the infrared part of the spectrum to track and follow it. Missiles which use infrared seeking are often referred to as "heat-seekers", since infrared is just below the... Air-to-air missile Air-to-air missile An air-to-air missile is a missile fired from an aircraft for the purpose of destroying another aircraft. AAMs are typically powered by one or more rocket motors, usually solid fuelled but sometimes liquid fuelled... |
MiG-29 Mikoyan MiG-29 The Mikoyan MiG-29 is a fourth-generation jet fighter aircraft designed in the Soviet Union for an air superiority role. Developed in the 1970s by the Mikoyan design bureau, it entered service with the Soviet Air Force in 1983, and remains in use by the Russian Air Force as well as in many other... |
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| LT-2 | Laser Guided Bomb Laser-guided bomb A laser-guided bomb is a guided bomb that uses semi-active laser homing to strike a designated target with greater accuracy than an unguided bomb. LGBs are one of the most common and widespread guided bombs, used by a large number of the world's air forces.- Overview :Laser-guided munitions use a... |
F-7BG, F-7MB, A-5C | ||
| LS-6 | Satellite Guided Bomb | F-7BG, F-7MB, A-5C |
Small Arms
| Name | Type | Caliber | Origin | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type 92 QSZ-92 The QSZ-92 Services Pistol is a semi-automatic pistol designed by Norinco and it is in limited service in the People's Liberation Army since the late 1990s.-Development:... |
Semi-automatic pistol | 9mm | Standard issue sidearm. | |
| Sarsilmaz Cobra Special Tactical | Semi-automatic shotgun Semi-automatic shotgun A semi-automatic shotgun is a form of shotgun that is able to fire a cartridge after every trigger squeeze, without any manual chambering of another round being required... |
12 gauge | Standard BAF issue shotgun. | |
| BD-08 Type 81 Assault Rifle The Type 81 assault rifle was the principal automatic rifle used by the Chinese People's Liberation Army from the mid-1980s until 1995. It incorporates elements of the Dragunov Sniper Rifle, SKS, and AK series rifles in general looks... |
Assault rifle Assault rifle An assault rifle is a selective fire rifle that uses an intermediate cartridge and a detachable magazine. Assault rifles are the standard infantry weapons in most modern armies... |
7.62mm | Produced under license by BOF Bangladesh Ordnance Factories Bangladesh Ordnance Factories is the largest military industrial complex of Bangladesh Army which produces arms, ammunition, and equipment for the Bangladesh Military.-History:It was inaugurated in 1970... . |
|
| BD-08 | Light machine gun Light machine gun A light machine gun is a machine gun designed to be employed by an individual soldier, with or without an assistant, as an infantry support weapon. Light machine guns are often used as squad automatic weapons.-Characteristics:... |
7.62mm | Produced under license by BOF Bangladesh Ordnance Factories Bangladesh Ordnance Factories is the largest military industrial complex of Bangladesh Army which produces arms, ammunition, and equipment for the Bangladesh Military.-History:It was inaugurated in 1970... . |
|
| RPD RPD The RPD is a 7.62mm light machine gun developed in the Soviet Union by Vasily Degtyaryov for the intermediate 7.62x39mm M43 cartridge. It was created as a replacement for the DP machine gun chambered for the 7.62x54mmR Mosin rifle round... |
Light machine gun Light machine gun A light machine gun is a machine gun designed to be employed by an individual soldier, with or without an assistant, as an infantry support weapon. Light machine guns are often used as squad automatic weapons.-Characteristics:... |
7.62mm | ||
| MGL Mk1 Milkor MGL The MGL is a lightweight 40 mm semi-automatic, 6-shot grenade launcher developed and manufactured in South Africa by Milkor Ltd. The MGL was demonstrated as a concept to the South African Defence Force in 1981. The operating principle was immediately accepted and subjected to a stringent... |
Grenade launcher Grenade launcher A grenade launcher or grenade discharger is a weapon that launches a grenade with more accuracy, higher velocity, and to greater distances than a soldier could throw it by hand.... |
46mm | In service with BAF Ground Security Unit. |
Markings
The basic dimensions of the Bangladesh Air Force badge, motto, ensign, and roundel are similar to that of the Commonwealth nations. Their basic colours are blue, green and red.List of the Chiefs of Air Staff, Bangladesh Air Force
Air Vice Marshal Abdul Karim KhondokerAir Vice Marshal Muhammad Ghulam Tawab
Air Vice Marshal Khademul Bashar
Khademul Bashar
Air Vice-Marshal M Khademul Bashar was Chief of Air Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force during 1976. He also held the office of Deputy Chief Martial Law Administrator and was in charge of the Ministry of Petroleum, the Ministry of Food and Civil Aviation and the Department of Tourism.He served as...
Air Vice Marshal Abdul Gafoor Mahmud
Air Vice Marshal Sadruddin Mohammad Hossain
Air Vice Marshal Sultan Mahmud
Air Vice Marshal Momtaz Uddin Ahmed
Air Vice Marshal Altaf Hossain Chowdhury
Air Marshal
Air Marshal
Air marshal is a three-star air-officer rank which originated in and continues to be used by the Royal Air Force...
Jamal Uddin Ahmed
Air Vice Marshal Rafiqul Islam
Air Vice Marshal Fakhrul Azam
Air Marshal
Air Marshal
Air marshal is a three-star air-officer rank which originated in and continues to be used by the Royal Air Force...
Shah Mohammad Ziaur Rahman
Shah Mohammad Ziaur Rahman
Air Marshal Shah Mohammad Ziaur Rahman ndc, fawc, psc is the present Chief of Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force. He was preceded by Air Vice Marshal Fakhrul Azam ndc, psc.-Early life:...