Zabaniyah
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Bangladesh Navy is going to add two maritime patrol aircraft to its fleet for better securing the country's vast maritime territory, bigger than the total landmass.
The Tk241-crore jets are expected to equip the naval force for extensive aerial surveillance of deep-sea piracy in Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and illegal fishing by Indian, Thai and Myanmar fishermen, said navy sources.
It takes hours for a naval ship or patrol boat to rush from one location to another in the vast coast and deep sea, allowing miscreants an easy escape.
With the introduction of the patrol planes, it will be much easier to check arms smuggling and human trafficking along the country's 714-kilometre coastline stretching from the Hariabhanga to the Naf river.
Besides, the aircraft will conduct expeditious search and rescue operations and ensure security of gas rigs and other installations along the coastline.
Of the country's 1.64 lakh square km total maritime area, the EEZ extends 200 nautical miles into the sea from the coastline. All the resources (fish, minerals, mines) in an EEZ belong to the country concerned.
The navy entered into a contract with RUAG Aerospace Services of Germany on June 23 to procure the Dornier 228NG planes, which will be delivered in two years' time.
The jet is a modernised version of old Dornier used in Germany, Japan and Norway and is suited to detect oil slicks and carry out environmental research with sophisticated sensors.
Officials requesting anonymity said as per the deal the bodies of the aircraft would be manufactured by RUAG in Germany. However, the engines, surveillance radar and other major equipment would be produced in the USA.
According to the RUAG website, the deal includes comprehensive training of pilots and ground crew and aircraft maintenance on location. The manufacturer will also ensure supply of spare parts and maintenance for 15 years.
Highly placed sources said the navy had to pick the third lowest bidder to procure the jets, as the two better bidders failed to produce an export guarantee (a government assurance for export) on time.
Earlier, the navy missed a procurement deadline in the last fiscal year due to a similar situation.
The naval force meanwhile purchased two maritime helicopters from Italy in mid-June for routine surveillance, search and rescue. The choppers are attached to BNS Bangabandhu--a frigate with helipad and hanger facilities.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to launch the naval aviation service by the end of this year.
Source: Navy to buy 2 patrol planes
It is now confirmed
Awesome news