Artillery guns, rocket systems, tanks, anti-India Yunus to buy modern weapons from this European country, not UK, France, Germany, it is...
Just a few days ago, Bangladesh Navy Chief Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hasan visited the USA via Turkiye. Defense relations between Bangladesh and Turkey developed during Sheikh Hasina's tenure. During that time, military equipment including long-range guns, howitzers and tanks were procured. But since the interim government led by Mohammad Yunus came to power in August 2024, Bangladesh-Turkey defense ties have deepened.
Bangladeshi defense analysts worry that this growing defense relationship could have an adverse effect on China, which has traditionally been the main supplier of arms and defense equipment to Bangladesh. The cancellation of Army Chief Waqar-uz-Zaman's visit to Beijing in the middle of June is an important sign of change in this direction. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) had invited him for this visit. What was the purpose of Turkey's Defense Secretary's Dhaka visit?
Northeast News has reported that Air Chief Marshal Mahmud Khan, along with a Group Captain and a Squadron Leader, will participate in the 17th International Defense Industry Fair to be held in Istanbul from July 22 to 27.
According to the report, Admiral Hasan will be on an official visit to Turkey between July 22 and 25. That is, during this time both the Navy and Air Force Chiefs of Bangladesh will be in Istanbul. Admiral Hasan's visit to Istanbul is taking place at the invitation of the Commander of the Turkish Navy. Earlier, Turkey's Defense Industry Secretary Haluk Gorgun visited Dhaka on July 8 where he met General Waker-uz-Zaman, Air-Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan and Admiral Mahmud Khan and Admiral Nazmul Hasan. Which other military hardware is Dhaka eyeing?
Most importantly, Gorgun also met Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus, which was coordinated by the Intelligence Directorate of the Armed Forces Division. Bangladesh's purchase of military equipment from Turkey focused on Mke Boran 105 mm howitzer guns, 18 of which were purchased late last year. There is a plan to increase their number to 200 in the future. Apart from this, TRG-230/300 rocket systems are also included. Bangladesh is also considering purchasing Turkish-made Otokar Tulpar light tanks.
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