Dhaka, May 14 — The Bangladesh Army is preparing to significantly enhance its air defense capabilities with the planned procurement of advanced surface-to-air and medium-range missile systems from China. In a major step towards finalizing the deal, four executives from Beijing-based defense contractor China Vanguard Co Ltd met with top Army officials in Dhaka on May 13.
The meeting, held at a Battalion Operation Centre in the capital, included discussions on acquiring HQ-17AE short-range surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), FK-3 medium-range surface-to-air missiles (MSAMs), and supporting JSG fire control radar systems. Leading the Army delegation was Major General Abu Bakar Siddique Khan, head of the Master General of Ordnance (MGO) Branch, alongside other senior officers from the Army Ordnance Division.
China Vanguard was represented by Vice-President Zeng Jia and senior executives Chen Hong Yu, Xiong Yan Fei, and Deng Zhe.
The HQ-17AE, based on Russia’s Tor-M1 platform, is an advanced short-range SAM system capable of intercepting aerial threats at altitudes ranging from low to medium. With a maximum range of 15 kilometers, the HQ-17AE is designed to counter aircraft, helicopters, drones, and precision-guided munitions. Its semi-active radar homing guidance system and rapid deployment features make it ideal for mobile air defense.
The FK-3, the export variant of China’s HQ-22, offers a medium-range solution with a reach of up to 100 kilometers and can simultaneously engage multiple high-speed aerial threats, including cruise missiles and UAVs. Capable of Mach 3 speeds, the FK-3 is considered a versatile and robust defense option for Bangladesh’s evolving security landscape.
Also on the table is the acquisition of QW-18A man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) for the Bangladesh Navy. The QW-18A is an improved version of the QW-18, capable of intercepting low and very low altitude targets at speeds exceeding 300 meters per second. Bangladesh first procured QW-18As in November 2021.
The procurement discussions also included the JSG-400 TDR radar system, a cutting-edge Chinese fire control radar integrated into the HQ-9BE air defense network. First unveiled at the 2021 Zhuhai Airshow, the JSG-400 is also reportedly in use by the Pakistan Air Force. If finalized, this system would significantly enhance Bangladesh’s ability to detect, track, and intercept airborne threats, including ballistic missiles.
The Bangladesh Army already operates a range of missile systems, including the Chinese FM-90 SAM system, as well as Turkish TRG-230 and TRG-300 multiple rocket launchers. The addition of these new Chinese systems would mark a substantial leap in both offensive and defensive capabilities, particularly in terms of airspace control and rapid-response interception.
The move comes amid growing regional tensions and increasing emphasis on modernizing Bangladesh’s military infrastructure to safeguard its airspace and national sovereignty.