BAF is using C-130 cargo aircraft, which is relatively older in this time of modern warfare. Not only for war, any air force’s cargo fleet is essential to conduct humanitarian operations. Now Bangladesh is the largest contributor in the UN peace keeping mission.
So modernization of Bangladesh Air Force is much needed. The US has been abstaining from selling military equipments to Bangladesh. This is why Bangladesh eyed to Russia and China. It seems the US government has changed its policy, they are eager to be a partner of the modernization project taken recently.
The US will sell four Lockheed MC-130Es to Bangladesh which will cost about 180 million dollar. US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has proposed this sell to the congress. They will also sell some engines, other articles and offer training. Defense Security Cooperation Agency argues that this will not have any effect on military balance in this region; this aircraft will improve Bangladesh Air Force’s capability to combat terrorism and conduct humanitarian operation during disaster.
