The government will provide its all possible supports for the modernization of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) and enhancing proficiency and operational capacity of its members.
The prime minister said this while addressing the induction ceremony of advanced training jets YAK-130 and modern search and rescue helicopter AW139 in the BAF at a function at Bangabandhu Airbase in Dhaka on Sunday, reports BSS.
"Limitation of resources cannot be a barrier if we are guided by self-confidence and sense of self-dignity," she said.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced that five new MI-171SH helicopter and 12 PT-6 training jets would be added to BAF very soon.
"The advanced training jets are being procured to create competent crews able to operate fighter planes," she said.
Highlighting the steps taken by her government for modernization of the Air Force the prime minister said the Awami League government procured first most sophisticated MIG-29 supersonic fighter, wide bodied C-130 cargo planes and high power air defence radar system for BAF after coming to power in 1996.
In the course of time, she said, F-7 BGI fighter, Mi-171 SH helicopter, modern air defense missile SAM FM 90 were inducted in the BAF.
Bangabandhu Aeronautical Centre has been constructed for overhauling of all types of aircraft and Bangabandhu Airbase and Cox's Bazar Airbase were built as full fledged bases.
On the occasion she handed over the induction order of AW-139 to its officer commanding BAF Wing Commander M Abbas Ali and induction order of YAK-130 to its officer commanding BAF Wing Commander Hasan Ashrafuzzaman.
The YAK-130, a 4th plus generation combat training aircraft produced in Russia is equipped with integrated navigation system, attack system and Digital Fly-by-Wire flight control systems.
The aircraft is able to operate even during adverse weather condition irrespective of day and night.
The Italian AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter features a leading edge technology including fully integrated avionics and 4 axis digital Auto Flight Control systems.
The helicopter is equipped with a high definition Forward Looking Infrared system, Direction Finder, Night Vision Goggles, Search Light, Hoist Kit, Float Kit and Augmented Hover Mode for sea search and rescue operation.