17.02.2010
Italian AgustaWestland won delivery contract of two AW109 Power helicopters for Bangladeshi Navy to be used in SR operations, reconnaissance and border defense. According to Defense Aerospace, the helicopters will be delivered in 2011. Transaction sum is not specified.
AW109 Power is a light helicopter with weight below 3 tons. It is powered with two engines
Pratt & Whitney PW206C. The helicopter is capable to carry 8 persons. Max speed of
AW109 is 285 kph and max range is 964 km. Bangladesh plans to attach
AW109 to frigate
Bangabandhu.
It was previously reported that Bangladeshi defense ministry had a plan to renew fleet of military aircrafts and helicopters. In particular, the country intended to purchase fighter squadron, two maritime patrol aircrafts and AWACS aircraft.
Late Feb 2009 Bangladeshi government appropriated funds for arms upgrade. For instance, it was planned to buy new tanks, helicopters, aircrafts, missiles and small arms. Annual military expenditures of Bangladesh are evaluated as 5% of national GDP.
Source: , photo: AW109 Power (agustawestland.com)
