Apache down-selected for Bangladesh attack helicopter requirement

[mmr]

Interesting read, thanks for sharing. Although it wouldn't be fair to entirely blame the Indian engineers for the 737 max issue.

I have doubts regarding outsourcing work to India on sensitive military equipment though. May be I am not aware of the process.

The reason I have doubt is that Boeing in Canada does not hire anyone who is not a Canadian or a permanent resident for security reasons. And I have seen one of my Indian friend getting rejected for a job specifically because he was here on just a work permit.

Yes correct. I have level 3 clearance which is top secret and you need to stay here at least 10 years and be citizen as well. I was asked to get it as i was working for a defense contractor for Canadian navy.

 

[Old School]

Interesting read, thanks for sharing. Although it wouldn't be fair to entirely blame the Indian engineers for the 737 max issue.

I have doubts regarding outsourcing work to India on sensitive military equipment though. May be I am not well aware of the situation.

The reason I have doubt is that Boeing in Canada does not hire anyone who is not a Canadian or a permanent resident for security reasons. And I have seen one of my Indian friend getting rejected for a job specifically because he was here on just a work permit.

Indians working for Boeing India are mostly local Indian. From my experience in the US, naturalized Indians in large number are working in sensitive US national security sectors. They are not subject to similar scrutiny which applies to the naturalized Chinese or middle Eastern people. However, after the Saudis had hacked into the phone of Amazon boss Jeff, I am sure that at least Amazon will think deeply about their Indian employees.

 

[Avicenna]

F 16 does look quite likely after this deal. But I will wait and see.

One good thing to note here is, if we are spending so much on attack helicopters, that implies we have both the financial capability and willingness to procure high end fighters MaShaAllah.
This is a big step forward in the right direction for the future of our armed forces in Sha Allah.

Exactly.

This Apache purchase is epic for Bangladesh if it takes place.

For a variety of reasons.

Strong indication of a Western tilt.

And a budget to support it.

Gonna enjoy the haters' comments when Eurofighter, F-16, or F-18s are announced.

 

[UKBengali]

Exactly.

This Apache purchase is epic for Bangladesh if it takes place.

For a variety of reasons.

Strong indication of a Western tilt.

And a budget to support it.

Gonna enjoy the haters' comments when Eurofighter, F-16, or F-18s are announced.

Brand new fighters like Eurofighter and F-18 probably are not a good buy in 2020 for a few reasons:

1. Very expensive as Eurofighter will come to more than 100 million US dollars per plane and 80 million US dollars per F-18.

2. Expensive to run as they are two-engined.

3. Will become very obsolete half-way through their service life.

The more I think the better that refurbished F-16 Block 50/52 with 15 year service life left look to me.

 

[Bilal Khan (Quwa)]

Since it's AH-64E, then it means you're working with Boeing. IMHO, it might be better to level with Boeing as your main OEM and ask for the Super Hornet. I'd avoid the 'hi/lo' split and have multiple platforms, rather, focus on the one platform with all of the necessary range, payload and technology, and build that fleet instead.

In other words, avoid the J-10C, Typhoon, F-16, etc, and just get two Super Hornet squadrons (32~36 fighters) for a start. When funds allow, gradually expand that fleet.

 

[Destranator]

Hold your horses folks. It's only an alleged down-selection. Knowing BAF, nothing is confirmed until an actual order is placed.

 

[Turingsage]

Interesting read, thanks for sharing. Although it wouldn't be fair to entirely blame the Indian engineers for the 737 max issue.

I have doubts regarding outsourcing work to India on sensitive military equipment though. May be I am not well aware of the situation.

The reason I have doubt is that Boeing in Canada does not hire anyone who is not a Canadian or a permanent resident for security reasons. And I have seen one of my Indian friend getting rejected for a job specifically because he was here on just a work permit.

Interesting and totally fake. Please google the follow ups which demolished this fake story. The idea that indians wrote the software for 737's is laughable

 

[monitor]

BOEING SAYS BANGLADESH IS CONSIDERING AH-64E APACHE ATTACK HELICOPTERS
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Boeing confirmed to reports that its AH-64E Apache Guardian attack helicopter was “down-selected” for a potential acquisition program with the Bangladeshi armed forces.

Terry Jamison, the director of international vertical lift sales at Boeing, stated that Bangladesh is actively considering the Apache on both cost and capability grounds (source: Jane’s Defence Weekly).

This statement follows an earlier news report from Nikkei Asian Review of Dhaka initiating formal talks with Washington for the Apache and a range of other armaments.

To start the process, Bangladesh agreed to sign two critical agreements with the US, the Acquisitions and Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA) and the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA).

It will take up to four years to negotiate and sign both agreements, though it is possible that preliminary negotiations for major defence equipment could occur concurrently.

It should be noted that the GSOMIA and ACSA serve an essential role in supporting US security interests in the Pacific Ocean. Thus, the importance of the US’ negotiations with Bangladesh on these fronts should not be underestimated, it could amount to significant procurements through the 2020s.

In regards to Bangladesh’s interest in the Apache Guardian. The Bangladeshi military evidently has a new attack helicopter requirement under its modernization plans. The capability would enable it to provide its ground forces with close air support (CAS) against armour and infantry threats.

However, it would be interesting to see if Bangladesh tries working with one main supplier, in this scenario Boeing, to fulfill multiple requirements. So, in addition to attack helicopters, might it look to Boeing for a new multi-role combat aircraft as well? It is worth noting that the Bangladesh Air Force’s (BAF) initial new fighter requirement (set under a tender in 2017) was for up to 12 twin-engine fighters.

 

[vishwambhar]

Considering size of Bangladesh landmass and borders to protect 8+4 Apaches is a potential boost to BD firepower... Please note India in spite of having such a huge landmass bought 22 Apaches... congratulations to BD

BD is buying everything other than the fighter jets....

Burma is buying mostly fighter jets with armaments that can make a difference...

Burma can take out BD’s air and naval defenses within an hour...

What? Within an hour??? Is Bangladesh air force that weak?

 

[UKBengali]

Since it's AH-64E, then it means you're working with Boeing. IMHO, it might be better to level with Boeing as your main OEM and ask for the Super Hornet. I'd avoid the 'hi/lo' split and have multiple platforms, rather, focus on the one platform with all of the necessary range, payload and technology, and build that fleet instead.

In other words, avoid the J-10C, Typhoon, F-16, etc, and just get two Super Hornet squadrons (32~36 fighters) for a start. When funds allow, gradually expand that fleet.

You think it wise to put BD's security in the hands of USA?

USA may want BD to cut/downgrade relations with China sometime later on this decade and if BD does not obey it will ground the BAF.

It is geopolitically crazy to buy all BAF fighters from USA.
BAF must have a Western/Chinese mix. It will not be anymore expensive as Chinese weapons over their lifespan are still a little cheaper than US weapons.

F-16 Block 50/52 with AIM-120C7 and J-10CE with PL-15 is what BAF should be operating this decade.

 

[Tanveer666]

Considering size of Bangladesh landmass and borders to protect 8+4 Apaches is a potential boost to BD firepower... Please note India in spite of having such a huge landmass bought 22 Apaches... congratulations to BD



What? Within an hour??? Is Bangladesh air force that weak?

if Reichsmarschall Hakikat ve Hikmet says it, then it must be true!

 

[bluesky]

AH-64 Apache

An AH-64 Apache from the U.S. Army's 101st Aviation Regiment in Iraq
Role Attack helicopter
National origin United States
Manufacturer

• Hughes Helicopters (1975–1984)
• McDonnell Douglas (1984–1997)
• Boeing Defense, Space & Security (1997–present)

First flight 30 September 1975[1]
Introduction April 1986[2]
Status In service
Primary users United States Army

• Israeli Air Force
• Egyptian Air Force
• Royal Netherlands Air Force

Produced 1983–present
Number built 2,000 as of June 2013[3]
Unit cost

• AH-64A: US$20 million (2007)[4]
• AH-64D: US$33M (2010)[5]
• AH-64E: US$35.5M (FY2014)[6]

Variants AgustaWestland Apache

The suspicion pops up because Indians excercise more influences on US defense policies in South Asia than they do on the Russians under Putin. Let us wait and see.

You may wait forever for our Helis to be sent to India for overhauling. The USA knows very well how allergic is BD towards India. I think this matter has been discussed between Bd and the USA and finalized.

 

[vishwambhar]

What is the weapon package for BD apaches? Is it similar to India?

 

[Bilal Khan (Quwa)]

You think it wise to put BD's security in the hands of USA?

USA may want BD to cut/downgrade relations with China sometime later on this decade and if BD does not obey it will ground the BAF.

It is geopolitically crazy to buy all BAF fighters from USA.
BAF must have a Western/Chinese mix. It will not be anymore expensive as Chinese weapons over their lifespan are still a little cheaper than US weapons.

F-16 Block 50/52 with AIM-120C7 and J-10CE with PL-15 is what BAF should be operating this decade.

tbh I prefer Gripen E/F, but I don't think BD is doing anything that will harm US interests, so think economics and efficiency.

 

[UKBengali]

tbh I prefer Gripen E/F, but I don't think BD is doing anything that will harm US interests, so think economics and efficiency.

Not now but what about 10/20 years down the line?

Brand new F-18s would last for 30 years. Refurbished F-16s are ok as they would last 15 years max.

China gets as strong as USA and US wants as many countries as possible on it's side?

Muslim bloc forms(2030 onwards) to threaten USA and Chinese interests?