Forces Goal 2030

Forces goal 2030 is a military modernization program which began in 2009 and was revised in 2017. It was designed to enhance the capabilities of three service branches of Bangladesh Armed Forces: the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. The primary focus of the modernization program is the reformation of the military organization, expansion of the forces, the transformation of the indigenous defense sector to support research and manufacturing, and acquisition of modern military weapons. The requirement for modernization was realized in the aftermath of 2008 Bangladesh–Myanmar naval standoff later resulting in Bangladesh's favour. One of the primary objectives of the modernization program is to develop a three-dimensional force (land, air and sea) capable of conducting multi-platform warfare.

To fulfil the modernization requirements, the Bangladesh Government allocates funds exclusively for the program in addition to the defense budget. The funds allocated for the program during the first five years is estimated to be around forty-thousand crores taka (US$5.2 billion). The program was revised in 2017, following the Rohingya refugee crisis, which facilitated a larger monetary allocation towards the modernization program. The modernization program slows down after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bangladesh Army
The modernization program aims to transform Bangladesh Army into a technologically advanced, multi-domain force by 2030, capable of coordinating both defensive and offensive operations. Keeping up to reorganize the force, the army plans to establish three independent corps – Central, Eastern, and Western. To facilitate the establishment of three independent corps, steps have been taken to increase the overall size of the force. 17th infantry division was raised at Sylhet in 2013, 10th infantry division was raised at newly established Ramu Cantonment at Cox's Bazar in 2015 and 7th infantry division was raised at newly established Sheikh Hasina cantonment Barishal-Patuakhali in 2018. The establishment of three infantry divisions has raised the total number of the Army's infantry divisions to ten. In 2017, The Army began the establishment of a Riverine Engineer Battalion, which will be stationed at the newly constructed Mithamoine Cantonment at Kishorganj. Another full-fledged cantonment is being established at Ruma of Bandarban District. By 2021, The army will raise 97 new units. Of them, 19 units will be formed for the Jalalabad Cantonment in Sylhet, 22 units for Ramu Cantonment in Cox's Bazar, and 56 units for Sheikh Hasina cantonment in Barisal. A number of existing infantry battalions are being converted into para infantry battalions and mechanized infantry battalions for newly established and proposed cantonments. To increase special operation capabilities, the 2nd Para Commando Battalion has been raised, headquartered in Maulavibazar. Army Aviation Group has set up a full-fledged Airbase in Lalmonirhat Airport.Build a forward Airbase in Chittagong.

Under the modernization goal, several programs are being implemented to enhance the readiness of the force. Under such programs, approaches have been taken to modernize the regular infantry outfits. The new infantry outfits are equipped with Night Vision Goggles (NVG), Ballistic helmets, Eye protective gear, Bulletproof vest, person to person communicators, palmtop GPS device and BD-08 assault rifles with Collimator sight. To enhance the anti-tank capabilities, Metis-M-1 anti Tank guided missile systems and PF-98 rocket systems has procured since 2016.

2022 Bangladesh Army procured undisclosed number of Anti-tank guided missile ALCOTAN-AT (M2) and ALCOTAN-BIV (M2) along with Portable VOSEL (M2) firing control units from Spain.

The Procurement process of AK15 assault rifles and submachine guns is also going on.

The firepower of artillery units was increased by procuring 36 Nora B-52 K2 self-propelled artillery systems. Total 49 units of WS-22 Guided Multiple Rocket Launcher Systems were added in Bangladesh Army with since 2014. Bangladesh Army Ordered undisclosed number of TRG-300 Tiger MBRL System and TRG-230 MRLS from Turkey.June 2021 Army got delivery of 20 units TRG-300 Tiger MBRL system from Turkey.June 2022 Turkey delivered 1 regiment of TRG-230 With Armaments.All of the order of TRG System and Armaments are completed by 2022.In 2022 Turkey delivered TEBER Guidance Kit that converts general purpose bombs to guided smart bombs.

SLC-2 weapon locating radars were added to help the artillery firing. Procurement process of 155mm towed howitzer, 122 mm field artillery howitzers and 105mm towed field artillery systems is going on. Procurement of long range (120 to 280 km) multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) is also in the process. To support accurate artillery firing, Bangladesh Army has procured 36 Bramor C4EYE battlefield reconnaissance UAV from Slovenia in 2017. These UAVs have a maximum range of 40 kilometers and endurance of 3 hours. In October 2020, the Army published an evaluation notice for medium range UAV.

The Bangladesh Army procured 44 MBT-2000 tanks from China in 2011. Army engineers have completed the upgradation process of Type 69 tanks to Type 69IIG standard. Upgradation of 174 Type 59 tanks to Type 59G Durjoy standard is going on. Bangladesh Army has signed contract with China for 44 VT-5 light tanks in 2019.The delivery has completed by 2021 Army also started light amphibious tank procurement process in 2019.

Two regiments of FM 90C short range surface to air missile were added in 2016 to enhance air defence capabilities. Since 2019, 4/8 Oerlikon Skyguard – 3 firing control radar system with Oerlikon GDF 009 anti aircraft gun have been procured and process to procure a Reagiment. At the End of 2022 Thales has delivered Two units of Ground Master 400 long range portable air defence radar Systems to the Bangladesh Army. In the same month, another tender was issued for procuring 181 Man-portable air-defense systems. Here, Chinese FN-16, Russian Igla-S and Swedish RBS 70 systems has been shortlisted. Army Procured Swedish RBS 70 NG by the year 2020. In August 2020, the army has floated a tender for the procurement of medium range '''surface to air missile (MRSAM). '''

Modernizing the army aviation Group is in full swing. Two Eurocopter AS365 Dauphins were put into service in 2012. 12 Mil Mi-171Sh helicopters were procured ince 2016.Two C-295 transport aircraft was bought from Spain so far.Army got delivery six Diamond DA40 trainer aircraft from Austria by the year 2020.The first 2Bell 407GXI helicopters has supplied by 2022.In September 2021, the Army issued a tender notice to procure 8 Heavy attack Helicopters.Army has to be interested about purchasing the Boeing AH-64 Apache, Eurocopter Tiger or Leonardo's AW249.

The Army issued a tender notice to procure fixed-wing aircraft in financial year 2020–2021.

Enhancing of mobility power of the Bangladesh Army purchased $1 Billion worth of BTR-80 APC from 2012 to November 2017. But the nos of BTR-80 is not clarified."minimum 660 to 1030". Until 2018 17/68 units of Otokar Cobra 1/2 were delivered. In the year 2021–22, 50 units of MaxxproMRAP has delivered and 64 more are in the pipeline.Army has plan to procure a large number of Maxxpro MRAP vehicles. 30 March 2021 Indonesia supplied 6 bacth of Anoa (armoured personnel carrier). Army Purchased 10+ BOV M11 Armored reconnaissance Vehicles from Serbia. Bangladesh Army deployed a large number of APCs in UN peacekeeping missions.Army is still seeking a suitable light amphibious APC

Iveco delivered 200+ Iveco Trakker in 2021. Since 2017 Iveco delivered Trakker 380 prime movers, Iveco Trakker 420 gun tractor, Trakker 310 jet fuel browsers.1st Bach Volvo FMX and Astra military Trucks delivered on first of 2023. Also Renault VAB, Mercedes-Benz, Japanese Turkish and British military Vehicle used so far. Also has a procured

Tender was floated for procurement of a command ship in 2017. The vessel will be used as a floating command centre for different waterborne operations. Several tenders were floated to procure a total of six Landing craft tank for the army between 2017 and 2018. Bangladesh army issued tender for procuring two Troops Carrier Vessel (TCV) in January 2018. The vessels will be able to carry 200 personnel. The shipbuilding contract awarded to Khulna Shipyard Limited. October 2022 Vard Maritime inc a group of Fincantieri and KSL signed a contract with jointly build the Landing Kraft, a long term multi-stage program.The landing Krafts will be built on   based on the famous famous Vard 7 507 Landing Craft Series.

In a ceremony on 27 October 2021, Prime Minister discussed about the ongoing modernization plan of the Bangladesh Army and its upcoming equipment. She states that one regiment of 105 mm and 155 mm each artillery guns have been procured to increase the artillery power. She added that process of procuring one battery of Oerlikon GDF-009 was going on. Government had signed a contract to procure Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD)system and two battery of radar controlled air defence guns. Government also procured six MALE UAV and tactical missile system for Bangladesh Army.

In January 2024, the Army issued a tender notice to procure DJI Mavic 3T drone.

Bangladesh Navy
Due to the importance Bangladesh's vast maritime area of 118,813 square kilometers, high dependence of country's economy in maritime resources, and the geopolitical importance of Indian Ocean, Bangladesh Navy was given a significant importance in the modernization program. The programs aims to transform Bangladesh Navy into a modern, well-equipped three-dimensional force capable of conducting multi-domain operations. Under the program, the Navy have witnessed significant growth in firepower and weapon manufacturing capabilities. The expansion of Navy's surface fleet and force size is going on simultaneously. As of 2020, the navy acquired two submarines, eight frigates, six corvettes, eleven patrol vessel and a significant number of other surface combatants.

Under the modernization, indigenous shipyards have made significant strides in enhancing naval shipbuilding capabilities. There are three indigenous shipyards capable of developing large surface combatants for the navy: Khulna Shipyard Limited, Dockyard and Engineering Works Limited and Chittagong Dry Dock Limited, all fully-owned by the Bangladesh Navy. Khulna Shipyard has successfully launched the program of building eight Durjoy-class and twenty three Padma-class patrol craft. Chittagong Dry Dock Limited, ownership of which was transferred to the Navy in 2015, has been tasked with constructing six 2,000-tonnes Offshore patrol vessel and six multirole Guided Missile Frigate.

Alongside the development of Navy's water capabilities, Bangladesh Naval Aviation; the aviation wing of the Navy, have been established in 2011. Naval aviation added 4 Dornier 228 NG aircraft from Germany and two AgustaWestland AW109 helicopter from Italy.

The Navy attained three-dimensional capabilities with the establishment of submarine fleet, with two Ming-class submarine acquired from People's Republic of China.

Bangladesh Navy has operated a Full-fledged submarine base named BNS Sheikh Hasina, at Pekua in Cox's Bazar. Commissioned in 2023.The Submarine Base One of the largest Project of the Bangladesh Navy. The largest naval base of the country is under construction at Rabanabad in Patuakhali named BNS Sher-e-Bangla. The base will have submarine berthing and aviation facilities. A full-fledged operational base, named BNS Sheikh Mujib, has been constructed in Khilkhet of Dhaka. The construction works of a fleet headquarters at the Sandwip channel of Chattogram with ship berthing facilities is also going on. Navy has taken initiative to make missiles and IFF system in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh Air Force
Forces Goal 2030 plans to make the Bangladesh Air Force a technologically advanced, well-trained and well-equipped force that can deter any threat to the Bangladesh airspace. To efficiently perform the increasingly challenging duties and responsibilities, the air force is being divided into two separate commands: Southern air command and Northern air command. Two airbases has already been set up – BAF base Sheikh Hasina at Cox's Bazar and BAF base Bangabandhu at Dhaka. Two new air bases are under construction now, one at Barishal and another at Sylhet. A maritime air support operation center (MASOC) will be set up under southern command. BAF has operated Bangabandhu Aeronautical Centre and a university Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University

The Air Force is on the process of setting up an advanced fighter pilot training unit named 105 Advance Jet Training Unit which will be consist of three training squadrons that will provide advanced trainings to the fighter pilots trainees.

In 2013, Bangladesh Air Force procured 16 Chengdu F-7BGI 3.5 generation fighter aircraft from China.

Bangladesh has signed a government to government contract with the United Kingdom for the supply of five off-the-shelf C-130J aircraft served with the Royal Air Force. All five aircraft have been delivered.

The Bangladesh Air Force procured twenty one Mil Mi-171Sh helicopters from Russia from 2010 to 2019 that can be used for both transport and attack roles. BAF also procured four AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters from Italy for maritime SAR operations. One Mil Mi-171E helicopter was purchased for VIP transport role.

BAF procured nine K-8 intermediate jet trainer to complement the fleet of seven L-39s. In 2015, BAF added three Let L-410 Turbolets into a newly formed squadron of Transport trainers. The Air Force also procured 16 Yakovlev Yak-130 Lead-in fighter trainer aircraft from Russia. Two AgustaWestland AW119 Koala helicopters have been procured to enhance helicopter training capabilities.

The Air Force bought JH-16, YLC-2, YLC-6 and JY-11B radar systems from China. A Selex RAT-31DL L Band AESA radar was procured from Italy. Besides, contract has been signed for procuring undisclosed number of Kronos Land AESA 3D MGFR radar systems from Leonardo S.p.A. But a large number of the Kronos Land MFGRs used by BAF, which is capable of providing security to the entire country.With the deal Leonardo will also supply communications equipment,technical support, spare parts and a comprehensive training programme for Bangladeshi Air Force personnel with modules in Italy.2011, BAF inducted its first surface-to-air missile system, the FM 90, from China. Till date, two regiments of this system have been procured.

In February 2017, BAF has floated a tender for the procurement of medium range surface to air missile (MRSAM) system.

In December 2017, Bangladesh Air Force floated a tender for the procurement of one Unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). The system will consist of 3/4 Unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) and ground control station (GCS). The UAVs will have a range of 1000 km and an endurance of 15 hours without weapon load and nine hours with weapon load. They will have 2/4 hardpoints with minimum payload requirement of 120 kg. June 2020 Bangladesh purchase an undisclosed number of Salex Evo.Bangladesh deployed Salex Evo in UN peacekeeping missions.

In October 2019, the Bangladesh Air Force was offered two types of attack helicopters and BAF selected the Boeing AH-64 Apache, pending government approval. In January 2020, Boeing confirmed that its AH-64E has been down-selected for a potential program in Bangladesh. However the purchase of AH-64 Apache helicopters is still stuck because Bangladesh has not yet signed the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) and General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) agreements with the United States yet. In October 2020, the air force received 7 more K-8W jet trainers. In January 2021, the air force floated a tender for the procurement of Kh-31A medium-range air-to-surface missile for MiG-29B aircraft.

In 2021, Bangladesh Air Force requested Bangladesh Government to earmark around 25,200-crores taka (2.6 billion euro) for 16 western-origin multirole fighter jet. In order to sign the agreement and for the first installment council, Bangladesh Govt allocation of 6,300-crores taka (620m euro) in 2021-22 financial year. In 2021, Eurofighter World Magazine already stated Bangladesh as a potential customer for Eurofighter Typhoon.

Bangladesh Air Force will reportedly procure Eurofighter Typhoon MRCAs from Leonardo Italy With MRO and other facilities, except the Armaments packages. All armaments will be provided by an (undisclosed Country) with a separate deal.2023 Bangladesh yet not Sign the Agreement.

Germany already ordered 38 Trance 4s as a launch customer with cost of 5.4 billion euro in late 2020. According to Dirk Hoke, CEO Airbus Defense and Space, "The new Tranche 4 Eurofighter is currently the most modern European-built combat aircraft with a service life well beyond 2060." 2019 Bangladesh-UK 3rd strategic Dialogue UK has proposed Eurofighter Typhoon to Bangladesh.March 2020 French Defence Minister Florence Parly visited Bangladesh and proposed Dassault Rafale with other Weapons for Bangladesh Defence. For the proposal, Eurofighter Typhoon has been a strong competitor and there have also a possible candidate is Dassault Rafale. Plans and procedures for the procurement of 16 western-origin multirole fighter jet were established after cancellation the order of 8 to 12 Russian MRCA and 16 Yak-130.

Masihuzzaman Serniabat,former chief of BAF Who implemented much of the Western fighter jet procurement process in Bangladesh also the agreement with Germany for the purchase of the GROB trainer aircraft including full technology transfer and construction of three workshops under his prevalence.

According to the contract, Germany has Completed the Delivery of 24 Grob G 120TP with 2 additional Grob G 115BD and 2 Grob G 115 trainer aircraft, seven different types of simulators, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment have been added to BAF inventory by the year 2022. Germany has already set up 3 workshops also in Bangladesh.

Miscellaneous
On 29 June 2021, Government to Government (G2G) defense memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Bangladesh and Turkey. According to Dr. İsmail Demir, president of Presidency of Defense Industries, the export agreement of various products of Roketsan has been signed with Bangladesh. Roketsan already delivered TRG-300 Tiger MLRS to the Bangladesh Army in June 2021 from a separate deal. Bangladesh is set to become one of the top defense equipment clients of Turkey in next few years.

Military budget
Bangladesh military budget increased with expansion of total budget.

Bangladesh Machine Tools Factory

 * Upgradation of 174 Type 59 tanks to Type 59G Durjoy standard
 * Assembling Arunima Baliyaan trucks

Bangladesh Ordnance Factories

 * Making and developing BD-08 Assault Rifle and BD-15 LMG
 * Making 82mm and 60mm mortars.
 * Making artillery shells of different calibers including more modern production line for 105 mm and new production line for 155 mm artillery shells with Free Flowforming technology and computerized machinery from Turkish company REPKON.
 * Making Arges 84 BD Grenades.

Khulna Shipyard

 * Making Padma-class patrol vessel
 * Building ASW capable Durjoy-class patrol crafts
 * Building survey vessels

Chattogram Dry Dock Limited

 * Construction of six 2000 ton Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV).
 * Construction of six frigates in collaboration with a foreign partner

Dockyard and Engineering Works Limited

 * Making X12 High speed patrol boat