US-origin C-130J transport aircraft arrives in Dhaka
The aircraft was received in the traditional way of the Air Force at the Bangabandhu Air Base
With the direction and relentless effort of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, the present government has taken various steps to modernise the Bangladesh Air Force.
Under this development process, the government has taken steps to induct 05 US origin C-130J aircraft from the United Kingdom through Government to Government agreement, reads a press release.
Following this, the process of inducting the C-130J is being continued to the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) through the procurement and maintenance agreement with the Royal Air Force and Marshal Aerospace and Defence Group of the UK respectively.
On Thursday, the 3rd C-130J arrived at the Bangladesh Air Force Base Bangabandhu after a successful ferry flight from the UK by BAF aircrew, it adds.
The mission was led by Group Captain Md Ahsanur Rahman, afwc, psc, GD(P) of Bangladesh Air Force. On the way to Bangladesh the aircraft landed at Cairo (Egypt), Muscat (Oman).
The aircraft was received in the traditional way of the Air Force at the Bangabandhu Air Base.
Chief of Air Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat, BBP, OSP, ndu, psc and High Commissioner of the British High Commission in Bangladesh Robert Chatterton Dickson were present on the occasion.
Later, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations) Air Vice Marshal M Abul Bashar briefed the media.
It is mentionable that the C-130J aircraft is equipped with modern avionics and sophisticated technology which would be utilised for transportation of material, personnel, humanitarian assistance both at home and abroad and to support United Nations peacekeeping operations, reads the statement.
The BAF has planned to induct all remaining aircraft in phases from the UK. The inclusion of this modern C-130J aircraft in the BAF inventory will certainly enhance the transport capability and operational capability of BAF as a whole, according to the statement.
It may also be mentioned that principal staff officers of Air Headquarters, Air Officer Commanding of BAF Base Bangabandhu and BAF Base Bashar as well as senior officers were present on the occasion.