Bangladesh Coast Guard to expand helicopter fleet
The agency is to acquire new rotorcraft as part of broader plans to modernize its operations
The Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) has announced plans to acquire new helicopters to support its maritime surveillance operations.
In a statement issued by state-owned press agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS), the organization said it planned to use the new aircraft to “enhance rapid monitoring, intelligence gathering, and immediate operational response across coastal and deep-sea areas”.
In particular, the rotorcraft are expected to help it combat criminal activities such as “drug smuggling, human trafficking, illegal fishing, and piracy”.
The precise model of helicopter that the BCG plans to acquire has not been specified, although the agency reported that it would be equipping them with sensors, radar systems, real-time data transmission, and other advanced technology.
The announcement is part of plans to develop an integrated maritime surveillance system capable of continuously monitoring coastal waters, shipping routes, and ports. The BCG also intends to acquire a number of drones and ships to support its work.
The Irish Coast Guard announced its acquisition of a new Leonardo AW189 in February last year.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at AirMed&Rescue. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.