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First Post
13 hours ago
- Business
- First Post
Bangladesh explores advanced air defence options at London summit
Bangladesh has dispatched a high-level military delegation to London to assess potential air defence system acquisitions amid rising regional tensions. read more British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he would increase annual defence spending to 2.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2027. File image/AFP Bangladesh is broadening its defence partnerships as part of an ambitious effort to modernise its air defence capabilities, shifting focus from traditional allies like China to Western nations such as the United Kingdom. Military intelligence sources in Dhaka confirmed that a senior Bangladeshi military delegation arrived in London on Monday to participate in a prominent international defence summit. The delegation is being led by Major General Mohammad Kamrul Hassan, who serves as the Area Commander of Rangpur and General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 66 Infantry Division. He is joined by six senior officers from both the Bangladesh Army and Air Force. The team is attending the 19th edition of the Full Spectrum Air Defence Summit, being held in London from June 23 to 26. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The summit focuses on enhancing international collaboration in integrated air and missile defence, with an emphasis on interoperability and rapid threat elimination through advanced, cost-effective technologies. Bangladesh's presence at the event underscores its strategic shift toward acquiring more sophisticated defence systems and diversifying its sources of military procurement. This evolving approach comes amid growing regional instability, particularly in Myanmar's Rakhine State, which continues to experience conflict and could potentially lead to cross-border security concerns for Bangladesh. The government is therefore aiming to future-proof its military and reduce dependency on any single foreign supplier. One of the advanced air defence platforms that has reportedly caught Bangladesh's interest is the UK's Sky Sabre system. Commissioned in 2021, Sky Sabre is a mobile, medium-range air defence solution valued at approximately USD 900 million. It is designed to neutralise threats from enemy aircraft, drones, attack helicopters, and precision-guided weapons. The system has already been deployed in locations such as the Falkland Islands and Poland to support NATO operations. Bangladesh's engagement with the UK and participation in the summit mark a significant step toward greater technological self-reliance, reflecting its commitment to adapting to a rapidly changing regional security landscape. With the inputs from agencies


Time of India
16 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Operation Sindoor effect? Bangladesh sends military team to UK to explore air defence systems
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads High-level delegation attends UK defence summit Dhaka looks to diversify military cooperation UK's Sky Sabre system attracts interest Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads RAF maintains aerial response capability Royal Navy provides additional air defence Amid rising tensions with India, Bangladesh has sent a senior military delegation to London to explore new air defence systems . The move comes in the backdrop of India's recent Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, where Pakistan's air defence was found deeply incompetent in intercepting Indian missile overflights. The visit signals Dhaka's intent to strengthen its own air defence capabilities by seeking international partnerships beyond traditional allies. A senior military delegation from Bangladesh is in London to attend the 19th Full Spectrum Air Defence Summit from June 23 to by Major General Mohammad Kamrul Hassan, Area Commander of Rangpur and General Officer Commanding of the 66 Infantry Division, the delegation includes six senior officers from the Bangladesh Army and Air Force. Their presence at the summit underlines Bangladesh's plan to diversify its military London summit is focused on advancing integrated air and missile defence capabilities, with an emphasis on interoperability among participating per reports, Bangladesh military's engagement with the UK is part of a larger strategy to reduce reliance on a single supplier. Bangladesh is now exploring military cooperation with Western countries, including the UK, for technology transfer and of the systems likely to be of interest is the Sky Sabre, the UK's medium-range, ground-based mobile air defence system. Commissioned in 2021, the Sky Sabre is valued at around USD 900 million. It is designed to counter threats from fighter jets, attack helicopters, drones, and precision-guided munitions. The system has already been deployed in the Falkland Islands and Poland to support NATO's eastern Royal Air Force operates a Quick Reaction Alert force to secure the UK's airspace. RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft are on standby at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland and RAF Coningsby in England to respond to any threat. The UK also contributes to NATO's air policing operations in Eastern Royal Navy supports air defence with its fleet of six Type 45 destroyers. These warships are fitted with Sea Viper and Sea Ceptor missile systems. While the Type 45 fleet has limited ballistic missile defence capacity, an upgraded Sea Viper system is expected by 2028. The vessels can also support homeland air defence when required.