Lankan Ranger
ELITE MEMBER
Bangladesh Eyes China Arms
Dhaka is procuring 44 Chinese MBT-2000s main battle tanks, Bangladeshi media have reported, for around $162 million. This represents a significant purchase for a country with a 2011 defence budget of $1.6 billion, and its the first time that Bangladesh has obtained newly assembled MBTs. The army currently has an inventory of around 200 older Chinese tanks, which have been upgraded with Beijings assistance to keep them in service.
China isnt the sole supplier of military equipment to Dhaka, which has also sourced military technology from Russia, South Korea, the UK in recent years, while announcing the purchase of two new army helicopters from French firm Eurocopter alongside the MBT purchase.
But Beijing has established itself as Bangladeshs ally when it comes to military procurement, and stands to be the main beneficiary as Bangladesh attempts to refurbish its army, navy and air force in spite of budgetary constraints. China has supplied armoured personnel carriers, fighter aircraft and frigates to Bangladesh within the last couple of years.
Beijing is already bankrolling the construction of a deep-water port at Sonadia, near Coxs Bazar, where the Bangladeshi government is also constructing an advanced air base to help it protect its offshore interests in the Bay of Bengal.
Bangladeshs growing dependence on Chinese weapon systems could also see the country become the second export customer for the Chinese-built FC-1 and J-10 , both of which were built by China with foreign sales in mind. Beijing even offering loans to make the procurement happen.
The second-hand submarine that Bangladesh is seeking in order to further safeguard its offshore assets is also likely to be sourced from China. Despite an interest in contributing more fully to international peace-keeping missions, the protection of those offshore energy resources.
Bangladesh Eyes China Arms | Flashpoints
Dhaka is procuring 44 Chinese MBT-2000s main battle tanks, Bangladeshi media have reported, for around $162 million. This represents a significant purchase for a country with a 2011 defence budget of $1.6 billion, and its the first time that Bangladesh has obtained newly assembled MBTs. The army currently has an inventory of around 200 older Chinese tanks, which have been upgraded with Beijings assistance to keep them in service.
China isnt the sole supplier of military equipment to Dhaka, which has also sourced military technology from Russia, South Korea, the UK in recent years, while announcing the purchase of two new army helicopters from French firm Eurocopter alongside the MBT purchase.
But Beijing has established itself as Bangladeshs ally when it comes to military procurement, and stands to be the main beneficiary as Bangladesh attempts to refurbish its army, navy and air force in spite of budgetary constraints. China has supplied armoured personnel carriers, fighter aircraft and frigates to Bangladesh within the last couple of years.
Beijing is already bankrolling the construction of a deep-water port at Sonadia, near Coxs Bazar, where the Bangladeshi government is also constructing an advanced air base to help it protect its offshore interests in the Bay of Bengal.
Bangladeshs growing dependence on Chinese weapon systems could also see the country become the second export customer for the Chinese-built FC-1 and J-10 , both of which were built by China with foreign sales in mind. Beijing even offering loans to make the procurement happen.
The second-hand submarine that Bangladesh is seeking in order to further safeguard its offshore assets is also likely to be sourced from China. Despite an interest in contributing more fully to international peace-keeping missions, the protection of those offshore energy resources.
Bangladesh Eyes China Arms | Flashpoints
