ISLAMABAD: Bangladesh and Türkiye are reportedly in advanced stages ofnegotiations to finalize a comprehensive defence agreement encompassing sixT129 ATAK attack helicopters and Hisar-O medium-range air defence systems,potentially valued at around USD 600 million. This development, alignedwith Dhaka’s Forces Goal 2030 modernization programme, follows high-levelengagements including the Bangladesh Air Force chief’s visit to Turkishdefence facilities in October 2025. Initial deliveries of the Hisar-Obatteries are anticipated as early as late 2026, with T129 helicoptersexpected by 2027, marking a significant enhancement in Bangladesh’s aerialstrike and defensive capabilities.
The proposed acquisition builds upon existing cooperation, as Bangladeshalready operates Turkish-origin systems such as Bayraktar TB2 armed dronesand Roketsan TRG-300 multiple-launch rocket systems. These platforms havedemonstrated reliability in diverse operational environments, contributingto Dhaka’s strategy of diversifying defence suppliers away from predominantreliance on Chinese and Russian equipment. The T129 ATAK, a twin-engineattack helicopter derived from the Italian Agusta A129 Mangusta, offersprecision close-air support, armed reconnaissance, and counter-insurgencyfeatures suited to Bangladesh’s eastern border regions and internalsecurity challenges.
The Hisar-O+ system, developed by Aselsan and Roketsan, providesmedium-range interception against aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles,forming part of Türkiye’s indigenous “Steel Dome” layered air defencearchitecture. Negotiations include comprehensive packages encompassingradars, command infrastructure, training, and maintenance support, ensuringoperational sustainability. This integration would enable Bangladesh toestablish a multi-layered defensive network, addressing vulnerabilitiesexposed by regional instability, including border incidents with Myanmar.
The deal carries notable implications for regional power balances,particularly concerning India’s eastern frontier. Bangladesh’s enhanced airdefence and attack capabilities could complicate Indian military planningalong the shared border, necessitating adjustments in force deployment andaerial operations. Analysts observe that the introduction of advancedTurkish platforms may elevate the threshold for potential coercive actions,thereby introducing greater deterrence in bilateral contingencies.
For Pakistan, the transaction presents strategic advantages amid persistenttensions with India. The strengthening of Bangladesh’s military posturediverts Indian resources toward its eastern sector, potentially alleviatingpressure on Pakistan’s western front. This redistribution of India’sdefence focus could allow Pakistan greater operational flexibility inaddressing threats along its primary border, while fostering indirectdeterrence through a multi-front challenge for New Delhi.
Furthermore, the deepening Bangladesh-Türkiye partnership aligns withbroader geopolitical trends, including improved Bangladesh-Pakistanrelations post-2024 political transitions. Türkiye’s role as a reliablesupplier without stringent political conditions enhances Dhaka’s autonomy,while reinforcing Ankara’s influence in South Asia. This convergence mayencourage future trilateral cooperation in training, intelligence sharing,and joint exercises, benefiting Pakistan through shared defence ecosystems.
The negotiations also reflect Bangladesh’s pragmatic approach to militarymodernization, prioritizing interoperability and cost-effectiveness. Byincorporating NATO-standard technologies from Türkiye, Dhaka mitigatesrisks associated with single-supplier dependency, ensuring sustainedcapability development. Deliveries synchronized with other procurements,such as Eurofighter Typhoon fighters, promise a holistic uplift in airpower by the late 2020s.
In summary, the impending Bangladesh-Türkiye defence accord not onlyadvances Dhaka’s Forces Goal 2030 objectives but also introduces subtleshifts in South Asia’s strategic calculus. While enhancing Bangladesh’ssecurity, it indirectly supports Pakistan’s position by influencing India’sresource allocation across multiple fronts, underscoring the interconnectednature of regional military developments.
Source:https://defencesecurityasia.com/en/bangladesh-turkey-t129-atak-helicopter-deal-forces-goal-2030/
Tags: Bangladesh, Türkiye, T129 ATAK, Hisar-O, India, Pakistan
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