DHAKA, Sept 17, 2020 (BSS) – The 3rd C-130J US origin transport aircraft procured for Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) arrived at (BAF) Base Bangabandhu in the city today after a successful ferry flight from the UK by a BAF aircrew.
The aircraft was received in the traditional way of the air force at the Bangabandhu Air Base, said an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release.
Chief of Air Staff of Bangladesh Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat and British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Chatterton Dickson were present on the occasion.
The mission was led by Group Captain Md Ahsanur Rahman of Bangladesh Air Force. On way to Bangladesh the aircraft landed at Cairo (Egypt) and Muscat (Oman).
The C-130J aircraft is equipped with modern avionics and sophisticated technology which would be utilized for transportation of materials, personnel, humanitarian assistance both at home and abroad and to support United Nations Peacekeeping Operations.
Principal Staff Officers of Air Headquarters, Air Officer Commanding of BAF Base Bangabandhu and BAF Base Bashar as well as senior officers were present on the occasion.
According to the release, with the direction and relentless effort of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the government has taken various steps to modernize the BAF.
Following the initiative, the government has taken steps to induct 05 US origin C-130J aircraft from the United Kingdom (UK) through Government to Government agreement.
The BAF, however, has planned to induct all remaining aircraft in phases from the UK. The inclusion of this modern C-130J aircraft in BAF inventory will certainly enhance the transport capability and operational capability of BAF as a whole.