“BAF has identified the need of UAVs for ISR to meet future challenges and to fulfill the requirement of the Forces Goal 2030,” the BAF (Bangladesh Air Force) stated, adding, “Suitable UAV was an outstanding requirement since the advancement of defense technology and its future implication in BAF.”
In its Request For Proposals (RFP), the BAF is requiring the UAV to have a minimum cruise speed of at least 140 km/h and a loiter speed capped at 140 km/h (or lower). Also, The UAV must have a maximum speed of 200 km/h or more and a flight ceiling of approximately 6.000 m, if not higher.
In terms of the communication data-link between the GCS (Ground Control Station) and UAV, the BAF is requiring that the data-link have a minimum range of 200 km. The bidder must also include available Electro-Optical and infrared (EO/IR), SAR/GMTI (Synthetic Aperture Radar with Ground-Moving Target-Indication and precision-guided air-to-surface munitions (i.e. air-to-ground missile and precision-guided bomb).
TAI (Turkish Aerospace Industries) can offer the Anka, which has a payload of 200 kg, service ceiling of 9.000 m and endurance of 24 hours. TAI can also include Aselsan and Roketsan sensors and air-to-surface munitions, respectively, providing a complete package to the BAF.
Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) can offer several options, such as the CASC (China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation) CH-4 and the CAIG (Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group) Wing Loong II. The CH-4 and Wing Loong II have a payload of 345 kg and 400 kg, respectively, and endurance of 40 hours and 32 hours, respectively. AVIC can also leverage a portfolio of precision-guided air-to-ground weapons and EO/IR and SAR/GMTI equipment. CASC has also begun marketing the CH-5, its largest MALE UAV with a payload of 1.200 kg and endurance of 60 hours.
The specified UAV will provide the BAF the ability to form a persistent ISR coverage net with time-sensitive targeting and targeted-strike capabilities. It could provide an important boost for its border control and asymmetrical operations efforts without having to commit costlier platforms, such as fighter aircraft.
