Bangladesh taken project to buy Helicopter carrier

[Michael Corleone]

can i smoke the same one please ?

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Buying submarines is more of a deterrence than some glorified landing pads

 

[Bilal9]

To answer trolls who are biting at our heels, if Bangladesh WANTED something like the Makassar class (which is not a full-on LHD in my opinion), that can be afforded very easily, no question. I'm going to go out on a limb and willing to bet we can even afford something like the Dokdo Class, which IS a proper mini LHD, unlike the Makassar class, as handy that platform is.

But affording something like the US WASP class LHD's (Like the USS Makin Island) which are the definition of a real LHD, along with all the Naval S-70's, LCAC's and LCU's that come with it will be out of the question.

As @DalalErMaNodi bhai noted, you need supporting armed craft like frigates or destroyers to complete an armada, LHD's don't operate on their own.

I don't see ourselves invading hostile foreign shores with LHD's, Myanmar is not a proportional threat needing an LHD.

ROKS Dokdo

WASP class LHD "USS Makin Island"

To go with a complete LHD invasionary force, you'd need all the things that go with the LHD, such as training, skills, discipline, and most of all equipment such as Large Chinook-size troop carrying Helicopters, medium sized helis like the S70 class, Landing Craft LCAC's, Hovercraft, amphibious AFV's and tanks to make a hostile shore landing.

Before pulling the LHD trigger (In the future), our Navy needs to ask, does this fit our Naval doctrine for invading foreign shores with an expeditionary task force? What are the possibilities of success and the actual outcome? Are the losses involved worth the gain?

One needs to match the tool with the task at hand, not spend Millions to have it - so it can only be paraded on victory day like the Royal Barge mini aircraft carrier of Thailand.

 

[SpaceMan18]

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Buying submarines is more of a deterrence than some glorified landing pads

True lol , but one Korean glorified landing pads won't be bad

We need subs first , and 700km range cruise missiles for sure

 

[bluesky]

Some people are fond of over dreaming and as usual are uploading glittering pictures of naval ships that even BN does not dream or want ib its stock. This guy knows it but he is doing so just to hypnotize people here. Talking big does not make a nation big. A nation buys whatever it can afford and not something that is beyond its capacity.

People who once claimed BD people drink Tk300 a cup of tea can ask others to dream too high.

 

[SpaceMan18]

Some people are fond of over dreaming and as usual are uploading glittering pictures of naval ships that even BN does not dream or want ib its stock. This guy knows it but he is doing so just to hypnotize people here. Talking big does not make a nation big. A nation buys whatever it can afford and not something that is beyond its capacity.

People who once claimed BD people drink Tk300 a cup of tea can ask others to dream too high.

Yeah , but people never thought Bangladesh will grow out of the basket case and or even buy submarines or even make the Padma Bridge on its own.

Getting LHDs in the future doesn't seem too surprising , as time goes on Bangladesh grows its economy in large amounts enough to buy frigates , subs and yes LHDs with those funds.

Again Bangaldesh Navy's idea , with time comes everything

Won't be surprised if Bangladesh even makes a space program in the future

 

[bluesky]

Yeah , but people never thought Bangladesh will grow out of the basket case and or even buy submarines or even make the Padma Bridge on its own.

Getting LHDs in the future doesn't seem too surprising , as time goes on Bangladesh grows its economy in large amounts enough to buy frigates , subs and yes LHDs with those funds.

Again Bangaldesh Navy's idea , with time comes everything

Won't be surprised if Bangladesh even makes a space program in the future

Why do you think BD is still not a basket case when it remains at the receiving end of help, assistance and donations from foreign countries? So, build own industries and produce anything you can dream of.

Importing every damn thing is no recipe for development. For now, people will have to remain happy with photographs of foreign built machines unless the govt initiates self-reliance.

How about starting from building steam locomotives, and railway passenger and freight coaches?

 

[idune]

How about starting from building steam locomotives, and railway passenger and freight coaches?

They are happy making noise ONLY, you are asking too much from them.

 

[DalalErMaNodi]

"Them", this is hilarious, under Khaleda we made space ships, one would think that, from the way certain quarters make their displeasure at the current administration known.

 

[Michael Corleone]

"Them", this is hilarious, under Khaleda we made space ships, one would think that, from the way certain quarters make their displeasure at the current administration known.

Navy’s doctrine of sticktly focusing on green water capability will come to bite its rear. Given the geographical map and international boundaries, Bangladesh should have limited blue water capability. Doesn’t matter which regime is on the helm

 

[mb444]

BN indicated heli-carrier is on the cards several years ago. However they have also said it is a long term intention.

In of itself i do not see any issue, however we need subs, maritime jets , frigates and SAMs first.

 

[SpaceMan18]

Why do you think BD is still not a basket case when it remains at the receiving end of help, assistance and donations from foreign countries? So, build own industries and produce anything you can dream of.

Importing every damn thing is no recipe for development. For now, people will have to remain happy with photographs of foreign built machines unless the govt initiates self-reliance.

How about starting from building steam locomotives, and railway passenger and freight coaches?

That's what I wish for man , Bangaldeshis are corrupt and not innovative and the government doesn't care about Bangladesh or its self reliance

Bangladesh can make companines like Amazon,Microsoft and cars like Toyota or even rockets like SpaceX

But we lack good education , vision , hope and suffer from brain drain and massive corruption

That's why I get happy for small things , I don't rule Bangladesh only self hating slaves do.

BN indicated heli-carrier is on the cards several years ago. However they have also said it is a long term intention.

In of itself i do not see any issue, however we need subs, maritime jets , frigates and SAMs first.

I agree , we will get frigates and subs first and then the tender for LHDs will start

 

[The Ronin]

WARNING: Just my opinion and speculation.

Like the navy officer and other PDF members said it will take time to buy LHD and we will need to get other ships like air defense frigates, subs and large logistic support ship/auxiliary vessels to support. Also the procurement of LHD heavily depends on BD's economy and development. So like others said, there's a strong possibility that it will not happen before 2030 as it seems to be part of long term plan. Lots of things still didn't materialize so even 2030 is just a wild guess.

Why do we need a LHD? IMO for two reasons mainly. First reason is to counter both of our potential adversaries aircraft carriers with a small but potent aircraft carrier suited for our economy, navy and sea territory. As we are moving forward to acquire larger air defense frigates, submarines and logistic ships, the possibility for BN to become a blue water navy with limited range power projection beyond EEZ is also increasing.

The navy officer said the aircraft carrier will not be small or large. So i guess my hope for something like 8000 tons Algerian LPD Kalaat Béni Abbès or the Qatari navy variant is gone. If i think about a medium LHD then only four examples come to my mind. First three is Dokdo, Mistral and Juan Carlos I class (including the Turkish and Australian variant). I didn't include Chinese Type 075 and Type 071 cause i considered Type 075 as large LHD and you can get better LHD at the same size of Type 071.

The fourth and last examples can be the most ideal choice for BN. The new Italian LHD Trieste. I love how Italy arms it's carrier and i would love to see BN follow Italy's example. Besides we can also take Izumo class as example.

What i was trying to say is the LHD should be able to be configured as both helicopter carrier and light aircraft carrier. BN should keep provision in it's LHD for integration of STOVL fighter jet so that we can get one in future if we can't get it now. Depends on our economy and USA.

Now there's only two options available i think. First one is Spanish AV-8B Harrier II. Though Spain will operate the fighter till 2025, it plans to replace it with F-35B. Now we know that American aircraft can operate longer than their original service life, so if we manage to buy those AV-8B and fly them from our LHD for at least 20-25 years then it will be a great low-cost solution.

Second option is......yes, you know, the F-35B. Now, thanks to China the US is suddenly getting too friendly with BD. If we can manage to use that as a chance then we can get that fighter jet for our LHD. A squadron consisting of 12 AV-8B or F-35B can be a great addition to our future LHD.

Besides a STOVL fighter jet, BN can fit it's LHD with bow mounted sonar, acoustic jammer, anti-sub decoy like the Izumo class and 76 mm naval gun and at least 8 cells VLS with SAM like the Italian LHD Trieste or Algerian LPD Kalaat Béni Abbès. Sec Ceptor can be ideal option if we choose VLS.

Now with those four particular specifications (12 fighter jet, ASW capability, 76 mm gun and 8 cells VLS for SAM) including other general characteristics, BN's LHD will become a quite formidable light aircraft carrier with both defensive and offensive capability. I believe it will be able to patrol alone or with smaller escort with those capabilities even in wartime. These will also help during a amphibious assault.

So this is what i meant when i talked about countering our potential adversaries aircraft carriers with a small but potent aircraft carrier in my second paragraph. It may not be equal to IN's aircraft carrier but it will still pack quiet a punch. That's why the LHD should be built mainly focused on IN. So that the LHD can be a huge force multiplier which can create strong deterrence against any naval blockade or threats and can cover larger area quicker than frigate. Besides the LHD will be able to supplement future Barisal airbase from where a maritime strike MRCA squadron is expected to be operated.

Second reason is Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Response. Our country often gets hit by cyclone, the southern part takes the most damage. LHD with a hospital facility can be a great help for HADR. During cyclone Sidr two USN LHDs assisted BD, we can take that as example.

To keep regular presence in BoB, BN may need at least two LHDs i think. Anyway i don't think we really have to buy LHD for attacking other country though our armed forces exercised beach landing probably last year. Also i believe we don't need to buy helicopter separately for LHD. We can use our Mi-17 for that. We can also use our BTR-80, future amphibious tank for amphibious assault. If BTR-80 does't satisfy our requirement then we can get FNSS ZAHA AAAV from Turkey. We can build the LCUs for the LHD in our local shipyards. To be honest i think it's possible to build the whole LHD in our future yards at Borguna (KSY) and CDDL to reduce the cost.

I know i asked a lot and it depends on lot of things but we are talking about a helicopter carrier which will cost a lot anyway with all the necessary things. So if GoB wills to spend a bit more BN can get a potent light aircraft carrier in disguise of a LHD. Again it's just my opinion.

P.S:- For those who still couldn't find the source about LHD, it's 6th Defence Port Turkey's 2nd Webinar.

 

[SpaceMan18]

WARNING: Just my opinion and speculation.

Like the navy officer and other PDF members said it will take time to buy LHD and we will need to get other ships like air defense frigates, subs and large logistic support ship/auxiliary vessels to support. Also the procurement of LHD heavily depends on BD's economy and development. So like others said, there's a strong possibility that it will not happen before 2030 as it seems to be part of long term plan. Lots of things still didn't materialize so even 2030 is just a wild guess.

Why do we need a LHD? IMO for two reasons mainly. First reason is to counter both of our potential adversaries aircraft carriers with a small but potent aircraft carrier suited for our economy, navy and sea territory. As we are moving forward to acquire larger air defense frigates, submarines and logistic ships, the possibility for BN to become a blue water navy with limited range power projection beyond EEZ is also increasing.

The navy officer said the aircraft carrier will not be small or large. So i guess my hope for something like 8000 tons Algerian LPD Kalaat Béni Abbès or the Qatari navy variant is gone. If i think about a medium LHD then only four examples come to my mind. First three is Dokdo, Mistral and Juan Carlos I class (including the Turkish and Australian variant). I didn't include Chinese Type 075 and Type 071 cause i considered Type 075 as large LHD and you can get better LHD at the same size of Type 071.

The fourth and last examples can be the most ideal choice for BN. The new Italian LHD Trieste. I love how Italy arms it's carrier and i would love to see BN follow Italy's example. Besides we can also take Izumo class as example.

What i was trying to say is the LHD should be able to be configured as both helicopter carrier and light aircraft carrier. BN should keep provision in it's LHD for integration of STOVL fighter jet so that we can get one in future if we can't get it now. Depends on our economy and USA.

Now there's only two options available i think. First one is Spanish AV-8B Harrier II. Though Spain will operate the fighter till 2025, it plans to replace it with F-35B. Now we know that American aircraft can operate longer than their original service life, so if we manage to buy those AV-8B and fly them from our LHD for at least 20-25 years then it will be a great low-cost solution.

Second option is......yes, you know, the F-35B. Now, thanks to China the US is suddenly getting too friendly with BD. If we can manage to use that as a chance then we can get that fighter jet for our LHD. A squadron consisting of 12 AV-8B or F-35B can be a great addition to our future LHD.

Besides a STOVL fighter jet, BN can fit it's LHD with bow mounted sonar, acoustic jammer, anti-sub decoy like the Izumo class and 76 mm naval gun and at least 8 cells VLS with SAM like the Italian LHD Trieste or Algerian LPD Kalaat Béni Abbès. Sec Ceptor can be ideal option if we choose VLS.

Now with those four particular specifications (12 fighter jet, ASW capability, 76 mm gun and 8 cells VLS for SAM) including other general characteristics, BN's LHD will become a quite formidable light aircraft carrier with both defensive and offensive capability. I believe it will be able to patrol alone or with smaller escort with those capabilities even in wartime. These will also help during a amphibious assault.

So this is what i meant when i talked about countering our potential adversaries aircraft carriers with a small but potent aircraft carrier in my second paragraph. It may not be equal to IN's aircraft carrier but it will still pack quiet a punch. That's why the LHD should be built mainly focused on IN. So that the LHD can be a huge force multiplier which can create strong deterrence against any naval blockade or threats and can cover larger area quicker than frigate. Besides the LHD will be able to supplement future Barisal airbase from where a maritime strike MRCA squadron is expected to be operated.

Second reason is Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Response. Our country often gets hit by cyclone, the southern part takes the most damage. LHD with a hospital facility can be a great help for HADR. During cyclone Sidr two USN LHDs assisted BD, we can take that as example.

To keep regular presence in BoB, BN may need at least two LHDs i think. Anyway i don't think we really have to buy LHD for attacking other country though our armed forces exercised beach landing probably last year. Also i believe we don't need to buy helicopter separately for LHD. We can use our Mi-17 for that. We can also use our BTR-80, future amphibious tank for amphibious assault. If BTR-80 does't satisfy our requirement then we can get FNSS ZAHA AAAV from Turkey. We can build the LCUs for the LHD in our local shipyards. To be honest i think it's possible to build the whole LHD in our future yards at Borguna (KSY) and CDDL to reduce the cost.

I know i asked a lot and it depends on lot of things but we are talking about a helicopter carrier which will cost a lot anyway with all the necessary things. So if GoB wills to spend a bit more BN can get a potent light aircraft carrier in disguise of a LHD. Again it's just my opinion.

P.S:- For those who still couldn't find the source about LHD, it's 6th Defence Port Turkey's 2nd Webinar.

Ok I agree Ronin , but I wanna add some things

1: We have to become a MAJOR and I mean MAJOR U.S ally to get F-35s cause look no Muslim majority nations operate stealth fighters like the F-35 cause America doesn't want us with it so the options for F-35s are quite slim and our relations with China will end if we become U.S major ally plus they would wann build a naval base in Bangaldesh which isn't good.

2: 2030 is realistic time frame cause our economy can support LHDs like the Korean Dokdo or Mistreal class

3: I agree that we should get a carrier disguised as a LHD since it will stand definitely against poor Myanmar and naval power India.

We will definitely get these LHDs , Naval fleet commander didn't want to give info cause you know secret but we will for sure be getting frigates and subs first logically and eventually the carrier and make a carrier strike group.

BN said they will use this as a command ship or mother ship I guess, this will be great for UN missions and or humanitarian crisis.

We should be happy to see a powerful Bangladesh navy , most of all our economy depends on water and the future of the Bay of Bengal looks competitive so we must upgrade our Navy fully.

Again getting a LHD is BN idea , they planned it out and they know for sure they can economically support it

 

[The Ronin]

We have to become a MAJOR and I mean MAJOR U.S ally to get F-35s cause look no Muslim majority nations operate stealth fighters like the F-35 cause America doesn't want us with it so the options for F-35s are quite slim and our relations with China will end if we become U.S major ally plus they would wann build a naval base in Bangaldesh which isn't good.

Like i said it depends on USA and our economy i mean how much money we can spend. We are not a close/major ally with any country. We are just a small neutral country keeping friendly relationship and doing business with everyone while modernizing our armed forces according to our need. If we are ready to spend money and USA wants to sell it then it can be possible. ভাত ছিটাইলে কাউয়ার অভাব হয় না। If we put a billion dollar tender Uncle Sam might become interested.

It's ridiculous to think that China will get upset or USA will want a naval base for procurement of 12 F-35 only. You're jumping to a conclusion too early. I don't see Russo-India relation getting bad just because USA-India relationship is improving. China has nothing to counter US offer. What will they do if we buy arms from US? We are already trying to decrease our dependency from China for weapons.

The "Muslim" part may turn out to be wrong soon too as UAE, Qatar is interested in F-35. I thought USA won't sell F-35 to any other country except close ally but seeing India, UAE, Qatar as potential partner, my hope kinda increased. When 4.5 gen fighter will completely retire F-35 might get sold like F- 15, 16, 18. It's sad that USA has monopoly in this sector while Russian VTOL fighter jet program is in coma and China doesn't even think about it even though they are building something like Type 075.

I know getting F-35 is almost a zero possibility so even if we get ASW helicopter with torpedo and AShM and couple of attack helicopter, it will still be ok.

2: 2030 is realistic time frame cause our economy can support LHDs like the Korean Dokdo or Mistreal class

FG 2030 took multiple hits like Rohingya, COVID-19 so i think it will be delayed more. The naval and sub base isn't complete, new frigate and sub isn't finalized so if you don't see navy going bonkers and ordering a LHD before all of that then don't get your hope too high. LHD isn't the top priority and we can still manage perfectly fine without it.

 

[Destranator]

Navy’s doctrine of sticktly focusing on green water capability will come to bite its rear. Given the geographical map and international boundaries, Bangladesh should have limited blue water capability. Doesn’t matter which regime is on the helm

One step at a time. Capabilities can be taken to new heights if you keep modernising steadily which BN is.

For credible detterence and to repel both India and Burma, we need dozens each of frigates, corvettes and submarines as well as aircraft carriers. Not going to happen before 2050.