Bangladesh Air Force

File:F-86 Fighter Aircraft at BAF Museum (2).jpg in the BAF Museum]]

The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) was officially formed on 28 September 1971 during the Bangladesh Liberation War, and consisted of revolting Bengali officers and airmen who defected from the Pakistan Air Force at Dimapur Airport in the Indian state of Nagaland. It was launched formally by flying three repaired vintage aircraft on 8 October 1971.{{Cite Banglapedia|last=Uddin|first=Syed Mohd. Saleh|article=Bangladesh Air Force}} BAF's initial personnel were around a 1,000 Bengali members of the Pakistan Air Force, who were stationed in East Pakistan at the outbreak of the war and who defected to the Bangladeshi side. At that time, the embryo of the BAF was formed with less than a hundred officers and around 900 airmen. These numbers were gradually strengthened by the slow but steady defection from among the around 3,000 Bengali officers and airmen stationed and grounded in West Pakistan. By the first week of December, a total of 700 Bengali officers and airmen had defected from the Western border. A significant number of BAF personnel participated in the Ground Warfare roles in the conflict.{{Cite news |date=28 September 2022 |title=Bangladesh Air Force celebrates 51st anniversary |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/bangladesh-air-force-celebrates-51st-anniversary-505098 |access-date=4 May 2024 |work=The Business Standard |language=en}} During the war, initially, officers of the BAF attached to the then Bangladesh Government were Chief Representative to Chakulia Guerrilla Training Camp Squadron Leader M. Hamidullah Khan, Group Captain A. K. Khandekar, DCOS Army(Liaison) later Sub-Sector Commander and as Commander - Sector 11, Flight Lieutenant Liaqat as Battalion Adjutant, Flying Officer Rouf, Flying Officer Ashraf and Flight Sergeant Shafiqullah as company commanders. Squadron Leader Sadruddin Hossain, Squadron Leader Wahidur Rahim, Squadron Leader Nurul Qader, Squadron Leader Shamsur Rahman and Squadron Leader Ataur Rahman as sub sector company commanders. Squadron Leader Khademul Bashar participated in the war as Commander-Sector 6.{{cite web |url=http://www.liberationwarmuseumbd.org/sector-commanders/ |title=Sector Commanders |website=Liberation War Museum |access-date=25 September 2020 |archive-date=10 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910164339/http://www.liberationwarmuseumbd.org/sector-commanders/ |url-status=live}}

Indian civilian authorities and the IAF donated 1 DC-3 Dakota (gifted by the Maharaja of Jodhpor), 1 Twin Otter plane, and 1 Alouette III helicopter for the new-born Bangladesh Air Force.{{cite web |url=http://www.scramblemagazine.nl/orbats/bangladesh/overview |title=Armed Forces Overviews: Bangladesh |website=Scramble |access-date=12 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215143240/http://www.scramblemagazine.nl/orbats/bangladesh/overview |archive-date=15 December 2013 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://baf.mil.bd/website/baf-history.php |title=BAF History |website=Bangladesh Air Force |access-date=23 May 2021}} The Bengali rank and file fixed up the World War II vintage runway at Dimapur Airport, then began rigging the aircraft for combat duty. The Dakota was modified to carry 500 pound bombs, but for technical reasons, it was only used to ferry Bangladesh government personnel. The Alouette III helicopter was rigged to fire 14 rockets from pylons attached to its side and had .303 Browning machine guns installed, in addition to having 1-inch (25 mm) steel plate welded to its floor for extra protection. The Twin Otter boasted 7 rockets under each of its wings and could deliver ten 25 pound bombs, which were rolled out of the aircraft by hand through a makeshift door. This tiny force was dubbed Kilo Flight, the first fighting formation of the nascent Bangladesh Air Force. Squadron Leader Sultan Mahmud was appointed as the commander of the 'Kilo Flight'.{{Cite news |last=Parveen |first=Jahanara |url=http://www.theindependentbd.com/arcprint/details/72484/2016-12-15 |title=The birth of Bangladesh Air Force |work=The Independent (Bangladesh) |date=15 December 2016 |access-date=3 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404130948/http://www.theindependentbd.com/arcprint/details/72484/2016-12-15 |archive-date=4 April 2017 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.baf.mil.bd/?page_id=33 |title=Freedom Fighters |website=Bangladesh Air Force |access-date=3 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404131206/http://www.baf.mil.bd/?page_id=33 |archive-date=4 April 2017 |url-status=live}}

Bangladesh Air Force first went in action on 3 December 1971, at the start of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, and attacked the Chattogrambased oil tank depot and oil tank depot was totally destroyed by that air attack. The air attack was conducted by Capt. Akram Ahmed.{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/1971-wartime-dakota-handed-over-to-bangladesh/article6902879.ece |title=1971 wartime Dakota handed over to Bangladesh |last=Habib |first=Haroon |work=The Hindu |access-date=3 April 2017 |archive-date=28 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228092443/https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/south-asia/1971-wartime-dakota-handed-over-to-bangladesh/article6902879.ece |url-status=live}} The second Bangladesh Air Force attack was on 6 December 1971 at Moulvibazar Pakistani Army barracks under the command of Squadron Leader Sultan Mahmud, where Captain Shahabuddin Ahmed was co-pilot.

After the surrender of Pakistan, all personnel reported to Bangladesh Forces commander-in-chief, Col. M. A. G. Osmani. On 7 April 1972, the post of the chief of air staff went into effect by order of the President of Bangladesh. The combined command of Bangladesh Forces had been abolished with effect from 7 April 1972 and replaced by three separate commands for the three services with acting chiefs of staff. The Bangladesh Air Force gradually began to reoccupy the reform all the airbase structures throughout the country, HQ administrative buildings, fuel and weapons depots.{{Cite news |date=4 July 2023 |title=Law Minister: Govt plans to modernize Air Force, Navy |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/285961/law-minister-govt-plans-to-modernize-air-force |work=Dhaka Tribune}}

File:Old photo archive of Bangladesh Air Force (28) (cropped).png was the first helicopter used by the Air Force, providing close air support during the Bangladesh Liberation War]]

File:Old photo archive of Bangladesh Air Force (14) (cropped).png fighter aircraft of Bangladesh Air Force]]

File:7006 Bangladesh Air Force Mig-21MF. (33719258475).jpg. The first supersonic fighter operated by BAF.]]

After independence, in November–December 1972, the BAF received a significant donation from the former USSR. Among the aircraft delivered were ten single-seat Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21MFs, two twin-seat Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21UMs, and twelve Mil Mi-8 utility helicopters. Later on, China also supplied some equipment.{{Cite web |date=2013-12-15 |title=Scramble |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215143240/http://www.scramblemagazine.nl/orbats/bangladesh/overview |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=web.archive.org}}

Apart from the aircraft of Kilo Flight, which were donated by India, most Pakistan Air Force aircraft grounded in Dhaka due to runway cratering by the Indian Air Force during the liberation war, were sabotaged before surrender. Of these, four Canadair Sabres were also returned to service by Bangladeshi ground technicians in 1972. The Pakistan Air Force prior to 1971 had many Bengali pilots, air traffic controllers, technicians and administrative officers and the general Bengali representation in the Pakistan Air Force was around 15% (and 18% in the officer ranks) of the 25,000 odd manpower of the Pakistan Air Force in 1971, which although lower than their share in the population (50%) was much higher than the 6% numbers in the Army. Many of them distinguished themselves during the Bangladesh Liberation War, they provided the nascent Bangladesh Air Force with a good number of trained personnel. It had grown with the repatriation of the around 2,000 Air Force personnel from Pakistan in 1973 after the Simla Agreement.

File:Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with Bangladesh Air Force personnel (05).png with Bangladesh Air Force personnel.]]

In 1977, some personnel of Bangladesh Air Force, led by Sergeant Afsar,{{Cite news |title=Clandestine killings in the Bangladesh Army - 1793.php-18-01 |url=https://www.observerbd.com/2014/01/18/1793.php |access-date=24 December 2022 |work=The Daily Observer (Bangladesh)}} attempted to stage a coup, which resulted in the deaths of 11 air force officers.{{Cite book |first=Anthony |last=Mascarenhas |author-link=Anthony Mascarenhas |title=Bangladesh : a legacy of blood |year=1986 |publisher=Hodder and Stoughton |isbn=0-340-39420-X |oclc=242251870}} After the mutiny was put down by the then Provost marshal Wing Commander M. Hamidullah Khan, TJ, SH, BP, President Ziaur Rahman even considered disbanding the Bangladesh Air Force, in favour of an army aviation wing. However, this plan did not go ahead. President Ziaur Rahman placed Hamidullah in charge of Command and Communication Control at the old Parliamentary building, present day Prime Minister's office. Hamidullah reorganized the Forces intelligence to directorate general level under the authority of the President. Hence DGFI was born.

Defence co-operation improved with Pakistan considerably under the government of Ziaur Rahman and the military regime of Hussain Muhammad Ershad in Bangladesh, which had grown more distant from its wartime ally India. Common concerns over India's regional meddling have influenced strategic co-operation leading to a gift of several squadrons of refurbished Shenyang F-6 fighter aircraft from Pakistan to the Bangladesh Air Force in the late 1980s. Bangladesh bought 8 MiG-29s from Russia in 1999 under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.{{Cite news |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-188294 |title=5 acquitted in MiG-29 graft case |date=2 June 2011 |work=The Daily Star |access-date=3 April 2017}}

The Bangladesh Air Force Academy (BAFA) received National Colours in 2003 from the then-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The Recruits' Training School (RTS) was awarded with BAF Colours by ex-Chief of Air Staff (AVM Fakhrul Azam) in 2004. In 2017, the Bangladesh Air Force was awarded the Independence Day Award.{{Cite news |title=Air Force, 15 personalities get Independence Award |url=http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2017/03/23/air-force-15-personalities-get-independence-award/ |date=23 March 2017 |work=Dhaka Tribune |access-date=4 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404215608/http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/2017/03/23/air-force-15-personalities-get-independence-award/ |archive-date=4 April 2017 |url-status=live}}

The Bangladesh Air Force was active during the COVID-19 pandemic. The BAF provided emergency medivac for many critical COVID-19 patients with their helicopters. BAF also evacuated immigrants and migrant workers, and airlifted tons of relief materials for home and abroad with their C-130B and C-130J cargo aircraft.{{cite news |author= |title=Bangladesh wants to establish direct shipping link with Maldives |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/world/south-asia/news/bangladesh-wants-establish-direct-shipping-link-maldives-2041317 |work=The Daily Star |location=Dhaka, Bangladesh |date=8 February 2021 |access-date=19 February 2021}}{{cite web |url=https://www.afd.gov.bd/photo-gallery-against-covid-19 |title=Photo Gallery Of Bangladesh Armed Forces Against COVID-19 |author= |date= |website=Armed Forces Division |access-date=19 February 2021 |archive-date=3 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403205427/https://afd.gov.bd/photo-gallery-against-covid-19 |url-status=dead}}

{{main|Forces Goal 2030#Air Force}}

The Bangladesh Air Force has an ambitious modernisation plan to be implemented in upcoming years under Forces Goal 2030. As per the goal, air force is to be a strong deterrent force to well protect the sky of Bangladesh. Plans are made to strengthen both air power and land based air defence capabilities. Since the formulation of the forces goal 2030, the BAF has developed in many folds.{{Cite magazine |last=Shakil Bin Mustaq |title=Bangladesh's Ambitious Military Modernization Drive |url=https://thediplomat.com/2018/01/bangladeshs-ambitious-military-modernization-drive/ |access-date=2024-05-04 |magazine=The Diplomat |language=en-US}}

The Bangladesh Air Force has set up an advanced training unit named 105 Advance Jet Training Unit which is a dedicated fighter pilot training unit of BAF. The unit consists of three training squadrons which will provide advanced training to the pilots selected for operating the fighter jets.{{cite news |url=http://www.theindependentbd.com/post/93542 |title=Special training unit for BAF jet fighter pilots on the cards |work=The Independent |location=Dhaka |date=7 May 2017 |access-date=12 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813040154/http://www.theindependentbd.com/post/93542 |archive-date=13 August 2017 |url-status=live}}

Since 2010, the BAF has taken the delivery of sixteen Chengdu F-7BGI fighter aircraft, sixteen Yakovlev Yak-130 advanced jet trainers, two C-130J transport aircraft,{{citation needed|date=June 2024}} nine K-8W jet trainer aircraft, three Let L-410 Turbolet transport trainer aircraft{{cite news |url=http://unb.com.bd/pm-aircraft-lead |title=BD to build fighter planes one day, hopes PM |work=UNB |date=27 May 2015 |access-date=27 May 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151228202214/http://unb.com.bd/pm-aircraft-lead |archive-date=28 December 2015}} and twenty three CJ-6 basic trainers.{{cite news |script-title=bn:বিমান বাহিনীতে অত্যাধুনিক সমরাস্ত্র |url=https://mzamin.com/details-archive2016.php?mzamin=72866 |work=Manab Zamin |date=7 July 2017 |language=bn |access-date=21 July 2021}} Process is going on for the procurement of sixteen multirole combat aircraft.{{cite news |url=http://unb.com.bd/category/Bangladesh/steps-taken-to-address-irregularities-in-biman-minister/42858 |title=Steps taken to address irregularities in Biman: Minister |date=30 January 2020 |work=United News of Bangladesh |access-date=2 February 2020 |archive-date=2 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202060535/http://unb.com.bd/category/Bangladesh/steps-taken-to-address-irregularities-in-biman-minister/42858 |url-status=live}}

File:15112 Bangladesh Air Force Yak-130. (24605435017).jpg on final approach]]

The BAF has also taken the delivery of 21 Mi-171Sh combat transport helicopters, four AgustaWestland AW139 maritime SAR helicopters and two AW 119KX training helicopters since 2010. The procurement process for eight attack helicopters is ongoing.

The BAF gained surface-to-air missile capability by introducing FM-90 short-range air defence missiles in 2011.{{cite news |url=http://www.airforce-technology.com/news/newsbaf-inducts-fm-90-missile-system |title=BAF inducts FM-90 missile system |work=airforce-technology.com |date=6 December 2011 |access-date=13 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150616194108/http://www.airforce-technology.com/news/newsbaf-inducts-fm-90-missile-system |archive-date=16 June 2015 |url-status=live}}{{Unreliable source?|reason=domain on WP:BLACKLIST|date=June 2016}} To date, BAF has taken delivery of two regiments of FM-90 systems. The BAF received an Italian long-range Selex RAT-31DL air defence radar in 2019.{{cite web |url=https://armstransfers.sipri.org/ArmsTransfer/TransferData |title=Arms transfers database |website=Stockholm International Peace Research Institute |access-date=24 August 2024}}

Bangladesh has signed a government-to-government contract with the United Kingdom for the supply of two off-the-shelf C-130J aircraft currently in service with the Royal Air Force.{{cite web |url=http://www.defenseworld.net/news/19809/Bangladesh_To_Buy_Two_RAF_C130J_Transport_Planes |title=Bangladesh To Buy Two RAF C130J Transport Planes |website=Defenseworld.net |date=8 July 2017 |access-date=12 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812211201/http://www.defenseworld.net/news/19809/Bangladesh_To_Buy_Two_RAF_C130J_Transport_Planes#.WY87K49OLIU |archive-date=12 August 2017 |url-status=live}} In June 2019, another contract was signed for the procurement of an additional three off-the-shelf C-130J aircraft from the UK.{{cite web |url=http://www.defenseworld.net/news/19809/Bangladesh_To_Buy_Two_RAF_C130J_Transport_Planes |title=Marshall Aerospace and Defence signs new multi-million-pound support contract for Bangladesh C-130J fleet |publisher=Marshall ADG |access-date=24 June 2019 |archive-date=12 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812211201/http://www.defenseworld.net/news/19809/Bangladesh_To_Buy_Two_RAF_C130J_Transport_Planes |url-status=live}} As of September 2020, three of the aircraft have been delivered.{{cite news |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/foreign-affairs/2020/09/17/bangladesh-air-force-receives-3rd-c-130j-aircraft |title=Bangladesh Air Force receives 3rd C-130J aircraft |work=Dhaka Tribune |access-date=17 September 2020 |archive-date=28 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228092503/https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/foreign-affairs/2020/09/17/bangladesh-air-force-receives-3rd-c-130j-aircraft |url-status=live}}

On 20 June 2018, the Bangladesh Air Force signed a contract with China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC) for the procurement of seven K-8 jet training aircraft.{{cite news |url=http://www.unb.com.bd/bangladesh-news/Deal-signed-with-China-to-procure-trainer-aircraft-for-BAF/73596 |title=Deal signed with China to procure trainer aircraft for BAF |work=United News of Bangladesh |date=20 June 2018 |access-date=20 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620231952/http://www.unb.com.bd/bangladesh-news/Deal-signed-with-China-to-procure-trainer-aircraft-for-BAF/73596 |archive-date=20 June 2018 |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/biz-info/2018/06/20/bangladesh-air-force-signs-contract-with-china |title=BAF signs deal with China to procure training jets |work=Dhaka Tribune |date=20 June 2018 |access-date=20 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620231924/https://www.dhakatribune.com/biz-info/2018/06/20/bangladesh-air-force-signs-contract-with-china |archive-date=20 June 2018 |url-status=live}}

On 15 October 2020, BAF received these seven K-8 jet trainers.{{cite web |url=https://www.halldale.com/articles/17725-bangladesh-air-force-receives-new-k-8w-jet-trainers-from-china#:~:text=The%20Bangladesh%20Air%20Force%20(BAF,in%20Chittagong%20on%20October%2015. |title=Bangladesh Air Force Receives New K-8W Jet Trainers from China |website=Halldale Group}}

File:Bangladesh UN Peacekeeping Force-3.jpg, Democratic Republic of Congo]]

More than 600+ BAF personnel, including officers and airmen, and 10 BAF helicopters are currently deployed to various UN missions. Another C-130 transport aircraft is providing support to a UN mission in Africa. With the deployment of C-130 aircraft and its personnel, Bangladesh became the largest troop-contributing country on UN peacekeeping missions.{{Cite web |title=BAF IN UN PEACEKEEPING MISSION |url=https://baf.mil.bd/website/un-deployments.php#:~:text=BAF%20contribution%20for%20UN%20Peacekeeping,Peacekeeping%20Missions%20around%20the%20globe. |website=baf.mil.bd}}

{{Main|Chief of Air Staff (Bangladesh)}}

{{expand section|date=September 2024}}

Bangladesh Air Force is headed by an air officer and he is in the rank of air chief marshal. In 1972, this chief of air staff which is abbreviated as coas was created (in April 1972), and the first air chief was A. K. Khandker{{cite web|url=https://bdnews24.com/politics/ak-khandaker-apologises-breaking-years-of-silence-on-book-controversy|title=AK Khandaker apologises, breaking years of silence on book controversy|website=Bdnews24.com|date=1 June 2019}} whose rank was air vice marshal, all air chiefs till Fakhrul Azam{{cite web|url=https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/air-chief-fakhrul-azam-gets-one-yr-extension|title=Air chief Fakhrul Azam gets one yr extension|website=Bdnews24.com|date=5 April 2006}} (served as air chief from 2002 to 2007) was air vice marshals, Shah Mohammad Ziaur Rahman was the first air chief who served in this post in the rank of air marshal from 2007 to 2012. Abu Esrar (served as air chief from 2015 to 2018) was the first person who served as air chief in the rank of air chief marshal and since him all air chiefs are air chief marshals.

According to the Constitution of Bangladesh, the President of Bangladesh acts as the civilian commander-in-chief, and the Chief of Air Staff (COAS), by statute a four-star air officer (air chief marshal),{{cite web |title=Chief of Air Staff |url=https://baf.mil.bd/website/coas.php |website=Bangladesh Air Force |date=12 June 2024 |access-date=12 June 2024}} commands the Air Force.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/amp/bangladesh/bangladesh-others/118458/ranks-of-bn-baf-chiefs-upgraded|title=Ranks of BN, BAF chiefs upgraded|website=Dhaka Tribune|date=17 January 2016 }}{{cite news |title=BN, BAF chiefs rank upgraded |url=http://www.bssnews.net/newsDetails.php?cat=0&id=547167&date=2016-01-17 |work=Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha |access-date=17 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203162949/http://www.bssnews.net/newsDetails.php?cat=0&id=547167&date=2016-01-17 |archive-date=3 February 2016 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web | url=https://www.daily-sun.com/printversion/details/107524 | title=Navy, BAF chiefs' rank upgraded | date=January 2016 }} The Bangladesh Air Force is currently commanded by Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan.{{cite web | url=https://bangladeshpost.net/posts/hasan-mahmood-khan-made-new-air-force-chief-138358 | title=Hasan Mahmood Khan made new Air Force Chief }}{{cite web | url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/hasan-mahmood-khan-appointed-new-air-chief-861106 | title=Hasan Mahmood Khan appointed new Air Chief | date=27 May 2024 }}{{Cite news |url=https://en.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/government/air-vice-marshal-shaikh-abdul-hannan-takes-over-baf-command |title=Air vice marshal Shaikh Abdul Hannan takes over BAF command |date=12 June 2021 |work=Prothom Alo |access-date=13 June 2021 |language=en}}

The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has its headquarters at Dhaka Cantonment. HQ has 4 branches: Operations & Training (Ops. & Trng.), Administration (Admin.), Maintenance (Mte.) and Plannings (Plans).{{cite web |url=https://www.baf.mil.bd/?page_id=41 |title=Command Structure |website=Bangladesh Air Force |access-date=11 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111234010/https://www.baf.mil.bd/?page_id=41 |archive-date=11 January 2019 |url-status=live}} Each branch is headed by officers who are considered as principal staff officer (PSO) and known as assistant chief of air staff, e.g. ACAS (Ops & Trng). Under each PSO there are various directorates headed by directors of air commodore rank. Under each director, there are deputy directors (DD) headed by group captain and staff officers (SO) with the rank of wing commander and below.{{Citation needed|date=June 2021}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-5}}

• Office of the Chief of Air Staff (COAS)
• Air Secretary's Branch
• Chief Inspector's Office
• Directorate of Air Intelligence
• Judge Advocate General

{{col-5}}

• Operations and Training Branch
• Directorate of Air Defence
• Directorate of Air Operations
• Directorate of Air Traffic Services
• Directorate of Air Training
• Directorate of Education
• Directorate of Flight Safety
• Directorate of Cyber Warfare and Information Technology
• Directorate of Meteorology
• Directorate of Overseas Air Operations

{{col-5}}

• Administration Branch
• Directorate of Provost Marshal
• Directorate of Administrative Co-ordination
• Directorate of Finance
• Directorate of Medical Services (Air)
• Directorate of Personnel
• Chief Engineer's Office (Air)
• Directorate of Works
• Directorate of Welfare and Ceremony

{{col-5}}

• Maintenance Branch
• Directorate of Armament and Weapons
• Directorate of Communication and Electronics
• Directorate of Engineering
• Directorate of Supply

{{col-5}}

• Planning Branch
• Directorate of Plans
• Directorate of Flight Safety
• Directorate of Recruitment
• Directorate of Project
• Directorate of Administrative Co-ordination
• Directorate of Section

{{col-end}}

{{Main|List of serving air marshals of the Bangladesh Air Force}}

Branches of officers of Bangladesh Air Force are:

• General Duties (Pilot), abbreviation: GD(P)
• General Duties (Navigator), abbreviation: GD(N)
• Engineering
• Air Defense Weapons Controlling (ADWC)
• Air Traffic control (ATC)
• Meteorology
• Logistics
• Administration
• Finance/Accounts
• Education
• Legal
• Medical (officers are seconded from army)

Trade groups of airmen are as follows:{{Cite web |url=https://www.baf.mil.bd/?page_id=55 |title=Career of BAF Airmen |website=Bangladesh Air Force |access-date=11 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111175508/https://www.baf.mil.bd/?page_id=55 |archive-date=11 January 2019 |url-status=live}}

{{Columns-list|colwidth=30em|

1. Aircraft Engineering
2. Electrical and Instrument Engineering
3. General Engineering
4. Mechanical Transport Engineering
5. Armament Engineering
6. Radio Engineering
7. Ground Signalling
8. Radar Operating
9. Life Saving Equipment
10. Photography
11. Air Traffic Control
12. Education
13. Cypher
14. Meteorological
15. Medical
16. Secretarial
17. Supply
18. General Service
19. Mechanical Transport Operator
20. Provost
21. Catering
22. Musician
23. Aircrew

}}

{{Main|Military ranks of Bangladesh}}

• Bangladesh Air Force Academy, Jashore{{cite web |url=https://baf.mil.bd/website/bafa.php |title=Bangladesh Air Force Academy (BAFA) |website=Bangladesh Air Force}}
• Recruits Training School, Shamshernagar, Moulvibazar{{cite web |url=https://baf.mil.bd/website/RTS.php |title=Recruits Training School (RTS) |website=Bangladesh Air Force}}
• Airmen Training Institute, Chattogram{{cite web |url=https://ati.baf.mil.bd/ |title=Home |website=Airmen Training Institute}}
• Flying Instructor's School, Bogura{{cite web |url=https://baf.mil.bd/website/FLYING_INSTRUCTORS_SCHOOL_(FIS).php |title=Flying Instructors' School (FIS) |website=Bangladesh Air Force |access-date=3 May 2023 |archive-date=27 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427104000/https://baf.mil.bd/website/FLYING_INSTRUCTORS_SCHOOL_(FIS).php |url-status=dead}}
• BAF Base Khademul Bashar, Dhaka
• BAF Base Bir Uttam AK Khandaker,Kurmitola, Dhaka
• BAF Base Birshreshto Matiur Rahman, Jashore
• BAF Base Zahurul Haque, Chattogram
• BAF Base Cox’s Bazar
• BAF Base Bir Uttam Sultan Mahmud, Tangail
• BAF Base Shamshernagar, Maulavibazar
• BAF Base Barishal
• BAF Station Cumilla
• BAF Station Ishwardi
• BAF Station Saidpur
• BAF Station Rajshahi

File:F934_Bangladesh_Air_Force_F-7BG._(43708202874).jpgFile:Bangladesh Air Force FM-90 Crotale SAM (31545368571).jpgFile:616 Bangladesh Air Force AW139 MSAR. (cropped).jpg Maritime search and rescue helicopter]]

File:Bangladesh Air Force C-130J (cropped).jpg ]]

File:Mi-171Sh helicopter used by Bangladesh Air Force (17) (cropped).png

The BAF has an ongoing modernisation programme, Forces Goal 2030. To perform its increasing duties and responsibilities, the air force is being divided into two separate commands: Southern and Northern. A new airbase is being set up under Southern Command at Barishal with an emphasis on maritime security. Another airbase is under construction at Sylhet.{{cite news |url=https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2017/12/31/hasina-announces-new-air-bases-to-strengthen-air-force |title=Hasina announces new air bases to strengthen air force |work=Bdnews24.com |date=31 December 2017 |access-date=1 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231083433/https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2017/12/31/hasina-announces-new-air-bases-to-strengthen-air-force |archive-date=31 December 2017 |url-status=live}}

On 29 October 2019, the Italian company Leonardo announced that it secured a contract to supply Kronos Land 3D AESA radar systems to the Bangladesh Air Force to provide air surveillance and detect and track targets in tactical environments. The number of radars ordered were not disclosed.{{cite web |title=Bangladesh Air Force orders Leonardo's Kronos Land radar |url=https://www.janes.com/article/92213/bangladesh-air-force-orders-leonardo-s-kronos-land-radar |website=Jane's 360 |access-date=30 October 2019 |archive-date=29 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029174021/https://www.janes.com/article/92213/bangladesh-air-force-orders-leonardo-s-kronos-land-radar |url-status=dead}}

In the third Bangladesh-UK strategic dialogue held in May 2019, the two countries desired to further strengthen the defence ties between them. The United Kingdom expressed its readiness to support Bangladesh with the procurement of high-calibre multi-role combat aircraft alongside other modernisation programmes.{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/third-bangladesh-united-kingdom-strategic-dialogue |title=Third Bangladesh-UK Strategic Dialogue: overview |date=5 May 2019 |website=UK Government |access-date=27 October 2019 |archive-date=28 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228092444/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/third-bangladesh-united-kingdom-strategic-dialogue |url-status=live}} Five ex-RAF 'short-bodied' C-130Js were ordered in two batches in 2018 and 2019 to replace Bangladesh's ageing, second-hand C-130Bs. The first aircraft was delivered in August 2019. They will be used to transport troops and equipment both home and abroad, as well as provide humanitarian assistance and support UN peacekeeping missions. The fourth aircraft landed at the Bangabandhu Airbase in Dhaka on 20 February 2023.{{Cite web |title=Bangladesh Air Force Received Fourth C-130J |url=https://www.turdef.com/article/bangladesh-air-force-received-fourth-c-130j |access-date=2023-05-03 |website=www.turdef.com |date=23 February 2022 |language=en}}

In October 2019, US officials said Bangladesh requested to purchase advanced military equipment from the United States, including multi-role combat fighters, attack helicopters and surface-to-air missile systems.{{cite news |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/foreign-affairs/2019/10/17/bangladesh-proposes-procurement-of-high-end-military-equipment-from-us |title=Bangladesh wants to buy combat fighters, Apache helicopters, missile systems from US |date=17 October 2019 |work=Dhaka Tribune |access-date=26 October 2019 |archive-date=28 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228083722/https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/foreign-affairs/2019/10/17/bangladesh-proposes-procurement-of-high-end-military-equipment-from-us |url-status=live}} The US offered the Bangladesh Air Force two types of attack helicopter,s and the BAF opted for the AH-64 Apache. In January 2020, Boeing confirmed that the AH-64E attack helicopter was down-selected by the BAF after a competitive bidding process.{{cite web |url=https://www.janes.com/article/93839/apache-down-selected-for-bangladesh-attack-helicopter-requirement |title=Apache down-selected for Bangladesh attack helicopter requirement |date=22 January 2020 |website=IHS Jane's 360 |access-date=23 January 2020 |archive-date=23 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200123205014/https://www.janes.com/article/93839/apache-down-selected-for-bangladesh-attack-helicopter-requirement |url-status=dead}} Any purchase of AH-64 Apache helicopters depends on Bangladesh and the United States signing Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) and General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) agreements. However, in late December 2021, it was reported that Bangladesh was now finalizing a government-to-government (G2G) deal with Russia to buy 8 Mi-28NEs with the necessary equipment, along with operations and maintenance training.{{cite news |script-title=bn:রাশিয়া থেকে কেনা হচ্ছে ৮টি অ্যাটাক হেলিকপ্টার |url=https://bonikbarta.net/home/news_description/284648/%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B6%E0%A6%BF%E0%A7%9F%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%A5%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%87-%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BE-%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%9A%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9B%E0%A7%87-%E0%A7%AE%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%BF-%E0%A6%85%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%95-%E0%A6%B9%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B2%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0- |work=The Bonik Barta |date=26 December 2021 |access-date=26 December 2021 |language=bn}} As of 2025, the Bangladesh government has not signed any deal for attack helicopter.

In January 2020, Anisul Huq, the minister responsible for defence affairs in the parliament at that time, told the parliament that the process is ongoing to procure 16 multirole combat aircraft, eight attack helicopters, three VVIP helicopters, two air defence radar units, 24 primary trainer aircraft, two light aircraft, one K-8W simulator, four MRAP vehicles, one AW-119 simulator, 2 counter drone surveillance radar system and one mobile ATC tower and a life extension and upgrade of its MiG-29 aircraft.

In 2021, Bangladesh Air Force requested the Bangladesh Government to earmark around 25,200-crores taka (2.5 billion euro) for 16 Western-origin multirole fighter jets.{{cite news |script-title=bn:২৫ হাজার কোটি টাকায় ১৬টি যুদ্ধবিমান কেনার উদ্যোগ |url=https://bonikbarta.net/home/news_description/258269/%E0%A7%A8%E0%A7%AB-%E0%A6%B9%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%9C%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%BF-%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%95%E0%A6%BE%E0%A7%9F-%E0%A7%A7%E0%A7%AC%E0%A6%9F%E0%A6%BF-%E0%A6%AF%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A7%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%AE%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A8-%E0%A6%95%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0-%E0%A6%89%E0%A6%A6%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%AF%E0%A7%8B%E0%A6%97 |work=Bonik Barta |date=13 March 2021 |access-date=11 April 2021 |language=bn}} In order to sign the agreement and for the first installment council, the Bangladesh Air Force requested the allocation of 6,300-crores taka for the 2021-22 financial year. In 2021, Eurofighter World Magazine reported Bangladesh as a potential customer for the Eurofighter Typhoon.{{cite web |title=Weapon System of Choice |url=https://world.eurofighter.com/articles/weapon-system-of-choice |website=Eurofighter |date=19 February 2021 |access-date=11 April 2021 |archive-date=10 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410204739/https://world.eurofighter.com/articles/weapon-system-of-choice |url-status=live}} Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser's press wing has dismissed a report about a potential deal or discussion with France for Rafale fighter jets.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-28 |title=CA's press wing calls report on potential France-Bangladesh Rafale deal 'untrue' |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/cas-press-wing-calls-report-potential-france-bangladesh-rafale-deal-untrue-978181 |access-date=2025-02-28 |website=The Business Standard |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=CA’s Press Wing: Report on potential France-Bangladesh Rafale deal untrue |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/government-affairs/363392/ca%E2%80%99s-press-wing-calls-report-on-potential |access-date=2025-02-28 |website=Dhaka Tribune |language=en}}

In June 2021, the Bangladesh Air Force revealed an order for 24 Grob G 120TP trainer aircraft. According to Masihuzzaman Serniabat, the previous COAS, the Bangladesh Air Force ordered 24 trainer aircraft from Grob.{{Cite video |title=COAS speech during banquet dinner at army multipurpose complex |url=https://m.facebook.com/baf.mil.bd/videos/171832421574452/?refsrc=https%3A%2F%2Fm.facebook.com%2Fbaf.mil.bd%2F&_rdr |access-date=12 June 2021 |date=10 June 2021 |website=Bangladesh Air Force official Facebook page |minutes=13}} Under the deal, Grob Aircraft will also install a composite material (fiberglass reinforced plastic and carbon fibre composites) repair workshop and a propeller repair workshop in Bangladesh.

On January 15, 2025, a high-level defense delegation from Bangladesh visited Pakistan.On the visit Bangladesh shows interest to acquire JF-17 Block 3.{{cite web | url=https://www.india.com/news/world/bangladesh-gets-ready-to-buy-a-deadly-weapon-from-pakistan-its-name-is-jf-17-thunder-jets-bangladesh-top-general-meets-air-force-chief-zaheer-ahmad-babar-siddhu-7542813/ | title=Bangladesh gets ready to buy a deadly weapon from Pakistan, its name is..., Bangladesh top general meets }} Source says that Bangladesh may acquire up to 32 JF-17 Block 3.

• 8 April 2008: Squadron leader Morshed Hasan died when a Chengdu F-7 crashed in Ghatail upazila of Tangail. The pilot ejected from the aircraft but was critically injured when its parachute malfunctioned. He died at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka after he had been rescued.{{cite news |title=Pilot killed in BAF fighter crash |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-31423 |work=The Daily Star |access-date=6 October 2020 |archive-date=28 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228092436/https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-31423 |url-status=live}}
• 20 December 2010: Squadron leaders Ashraf Ibne Ahmed and Mahmudul Haque were killed when two Bangladesh Air Force PT-6 aircraft crashed near Barishal Airport.{{cite news |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-166769 |title=Plane crash kills two pilots |work=The Daily Star |access-date=21 December 2010 |archive-date=28 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228092445/https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-166769 |url-status=live}}
• 8 April 2012: A pilot officer, Shariful Haque, died and a squadron leader, Muhammad Mamunur Rashid, was injured when an Aero L-39 training aircraft crashed in Madhupur upazila of Tangail.{{cite news |title=Training aircraft crashes |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-229571 |work=The Daily Star |access-date=7 October 2020 |archive-date=28 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228092429/https://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-229571 |url-status=live}}
• 26 April 2012: A PT-6 aircraft was on a training mission belonging to Bangladesh Air Force crash-landed in West Bengal, India. Trainee pilot Rashed Sheikh escaped the aircraft safely with minor injuries. India arranged a safe return of the pilot to Bangladesh.{{Cite news |date=27 April 2012 |title=Bangladesh air cadet sent back to Dhaka |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/bangladesh-air-cadet-sent-back-to-dhaka/articleshow/12888214.cms |access-date=2021-08-02 |work=The Times of India |language=en}}{{Cite news |title=Bangladesh Air Force pilot airlifted to Kolkata |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bangladesh-air-force-pilot-airlifted-to-kolkata-478699 |access-date=2021-08-02 |work=NDTV}}
• 13 May 2015: A Mi-17 helicopter on a training flight belonging to Bangladesh Air Force crash-landed at the airport and caught fire. All three people on board sustained major injuries and were hospitalized.{{cite news |title=Air force chopper crash lands in Ctg, 3 hurt |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/country/air-force-chopper-crash-lands-ctg-3-hurt-82043 |access-date=13 May 2015 |work=The Daily Star |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150514233817/http://www.thedailystar.net/country/air-force-chopper-crash-lands-ctg-3-hurt-82043 |archive-date=14 May 2015}}
• 29 June 2015: Flight Lieutenant Tahmid went missing when his F-7MB crashed into the Bay of Bengal. The Aircraft took off around 10:27am from Johurul Haque air base, lost contact with the control room around 11:10am and later crashed in the Bay of Bengal in Patenga around 11:30am.{{cite news |title=Bangladesh Air Force's fighter jet crashes into Bay of Bengal |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/baf-fighter-jet-crashes-bay-104962 |work=The Daily Star |access-date=6 October 2020 |archive-date=28 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228092438/https://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/baf-fighter-jet-crashes-bay-104962 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=BAF F-7 Aircraft Crashes in Bay of Bengal, The Pilot of the Fighter Aircraft Goes Missing |url=http://aerobd.news/index.php/2015/06/29/baf-f-7-aircraft-crashes-in-bay-of-bengal-the-pilot-of-the-fighter-aircraft-goes-missing/ |website=Aerobd |date=29 June 2015 |access-date=6 October 2020 |archive-date=28 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228092447/http://aerobd.news/index.php/2015/06/29/baf-f-7-aircraft-crashes-in-bay-of-bengal-the-pilot-of-the-fighter-aircraft-goes-missing/ |url-status=live}}
• 11 July 2017: A Yak-130 'Mitten' training aircraft crashed at Lohagara in Bangladesh's southeastern Chittagong District.{{cite web |url=http://www.janes.com/article/72206/bangladesh-air-force-training-aircraft-crashes-in-chittagong |title=Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft crashes in Chittagong |website=IHS Jane's |access-date=11 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711184235/http://www.janes.com/article/72206/bangladesh-air-force-training-aircraft-crashes-in-chittagong |archive-date=11 July 2017 |url-status=dead}} Two pilots were unharmed.{{cite news |title=Bangladesh Air Force training plane crashes in Chittagong, pilots unharmed |url=https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2017/07/11/bangladesh-air-force-training-plane-crashes-in-chittagong-pilots-unharmed |work=bdnews24 |access-date=29 October 2020 |archive-date=28 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228092434/https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2017/07/11/bangladesh-air-force-training-plane-crashes-in-chittagong-pilots-unharmed |url-status=live}} A leaked video shows deceased Bangladesh Air Force pilot Asim Jawad taking a training flight in his Yak-130 to the skies as a pleasure trip, recording his flight himself before crashing his aircraft into the river.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAGjsdAzkvA |title=পাইলট আসিম জাওয়াদের বিমান চালোনার এক্সক্লুসিভ ভিডিও I বিমান দু র্ঘটনায় নি হ ত হ‌ওয়ার এক বছর |date=2025-05-08 |last=Bangladesh Pratidin |access-date=2025-05-10 |via=YouTube}}
• 27 December 2017: Two Yak-130 aircraft crashed at Maheshkhali Island in Cox's Bazar due to a mid-air collision. The official report states that the accident happened during the breaking of formation at a training exercise. All four pilots of two aircraft were rescued alive.{{cite news |url=https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2017/12/27/air-force-training-plane-crashes-in-coxs-bazar-rescue-operation-under-way |title=Accident involving two training jets of Air Force reported in Cox's Bazar |work=Bdnews24.com |date=27 December 2017 |access-date=27 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227151639/https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/2017/12/27/air-force-training-plane-crashes-in-coxs-bazar-rescue-operation-under-way |archive-date=27 December 2017 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/country/2-baf-training-aircrafts-crash-coxs-bazar-1511089 |title=2 BAF training aircraft crash in Cox's Bazar, 4 pilots rescued |work=The Daily Star |date=27 December 2017 |access-date=27 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227200507/http://www.thedailystar.net/country/2-baf-training-aircrafts-crash-coxs-bazar-1511089 |archive-date=27 December 2017 |url-status=live}}
• 3 January 2018: 1 Mi-17 helicopter crashed in Sreemangal whilst carrying Kuwaiti delegates. Everyone was rescued alive.{{cite news |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/nation/2018/01/03/helicopter-crash-sreemangal-bgb/ |title=Air force chopper makes emergency landing in Sreemangal |work=Dhaka Tribune |date=3 January 2018 |access-date=3 January 2018 |archive-date=28 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228092447/https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/nation/2018/01/03/helicopter-crash-sreemangal-bgb/ |url-status=live}}
• 1 July 2018: Squadron leader Md Serajul Islam and Squadron leader Enayet Kabir Polash were killed when their K-8W trainer aircraft crashed at Bookbhora oxbow lake near Jessore Airport on a night training mission.{{cite web |title=Bangladesh's Chinese-made K8-W Trainer Aircraft Crashes, Pilots Killed |url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/22824/Bangladesh_s_Chinese_made_K8_W_Trainer_Aircraft_Crashes__Pilots_Killed#.X307_4JDYzR |website=Defense World |access-date=7 October 2020 |archive-date=28 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228092507/https://www.defenseworld.net/news/22824/Bangladesh_s_Chinese_made_K8_W_Trainer_Aircraft_Crashes__Pilots_Killed#.X307_4JDYzR |url-status=live}}
• 23 November 2018: Wing Commander Arif Ahmed Dipu died when his F-7BG crashed in Tangail's Madhupur upazila on a training mission. The fuel tank of the aircraft reportedly caught fire after it used weaponry in the sky, leading the pilot to eject at low altitude. The pilot was later found dead and parts of the plane were seen scattered.{{cite news |title=Yet another pilot killed as fighter craft crashes |url=https://www.newagebd.net/article/56845/yet-another-pilot-killed-as-fighter-craft-crashes |work=New Age |access-date=6 October 2020 |archive-date=28 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228092455/https://www.newagebd.net/article/56845/yet-another-pilot-killed-as-fighter-craft-crashes |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Pilot killed in BAF fighter plane crash |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/country/news/baf-training-aircraft-crashes-tangail-1664230 |work=The Daily Star |access-date=6 October 2020 |archive-date=28 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201228092452/https://www.thedailystar.net/country/news/baf-training-aircraft-crashes-tangail-1664230 |url-status=live}}
• 9 May 2024: A Yak-130 training fighter plane of the Bangladesh Air Force crashed in Chattogram's Patenga due to pilot error.{{Cite web |last=GDC |date=2024-05-10 |title=Bangladesh Air Guard's Yak-130 Jet Trainer Crashed Due To Pilot Error |url=https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2024/05/10/bangladesh-air-guards-yak-130-jet-trainer-crashed-due-to-pilot-error/ |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=Global Defense Corp |language=en-US}}{{cite web |url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/mediterranean/20240514/9642815/combat-pilot-suffers-terrible-accident-loop-maneuver-top-gun-maverick-cruise-flip-plane-bangladesh.html |title=A fighter pilot suffers a terrible accident after trying to emulate Top Gun's low altitude triple flip |publisher=La Vanguardia |date=14 May 2024 |access-date=18 May 2024}} One of the two pilots was injured, and Squadron Leader Asim Jawwad died.{{cite news |url=https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/cd4968fce32b |title=Pilot dies as Air Force plane crashes in Chattogram |access-date=9 May 2024 |work=bdnews24.com}} CCTV video shows the aircraft performing three aileron rolls while rapidly descending before impacting the runway right-side-up and without landing gear.{{Cite web |last=GDC |date=2024-05-19 |title=CCTV footage shows Bangladesh Air Guard's squadron leader Asim Jawwad, incorrectly performing aileron rolls, causing the Yak-130 to crash |url=https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2024/05/19/cctv-footage-shows-bangladesh-air-guards-squadron-leader-asim-jawwad-incorrectly-performing-aileron-rolls-causing-the-yak-130-to-crash/ |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=Global Defense Corp |language=en-US}} The aircraft then caught fire and bounced upwards, taking off again. Both crew members ejected and were rescued alive. The pilot died in hospital while the co-pilot sustained serious injuries. However, Bangladeshi officials have attributed the crash to a possible mechanical failure before the video leaked.{{Cite news |title=Pilot dies after training plane crashes in SE Bangladesh-Xinhua |url=https://english.news.cn/asiapacific/20240510/cd88f710c6e24a2fbe842d92e7299851/c.html#:~:text=According%20to%20an%20ISPR%20statement,died%20at%20a%20navy%20hospital |access-date=2024-05-13 |work=english.news.cn}}{{Cite news |date=9 May 2024 |title=Air Force training jet crashes near Chattogram port; one pilot dies, another injured |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/air-force-training-aircraft-crashes-near-chattogram-port-2-pilots-injured-846731 |access-date=18 May 2024 |work=The Business Standard |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Pilot killed as air force jet trainer crashes in Chittagong |url=https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/nation/346048/air-force-trainer-jet-crashes-in-chittagong |access-date=18 May 2024 |work=Dhaka Tribune |date=9 May 2024}}{{Cite web |last=Shadow_Ass |date=2024-05-12 |title=New footage from that Bangladesh crash from a couple of days ago |url=http://www.reddit.com/r/aviation/comments/1cq8ue7/new_footage_from_that_bangladesh_crash_from_a/ |access-date=2024-05-18 |website=r/aviation}} Bangladesh’s Ministry of Defence has sent five officers into forced retirement for unsafe flying practices involving Yak-130 training aircraft.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-27 |title=5 senior cops, sent on forced retirement during AL govt, reinstated |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/5-senior-cops-sent-forced-retirement-during-al-govt-reinstated-927146 |access-date=2025-03-12 |website=The Business Standard |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=GDC |date=2024-06-14 |title=Bangladesh Sacked Six High-ranking Air Guard Officers For Misconduct, Corruption And Unsafe Flying Practices |url=https://www.globaldefensecorp.com/2024/06/14/bangladesh-sacked-six-high-ranking-air-guard-officers-for-misconduct-corruption-and-unsafe-flying-practices/ |access-date=2025-03-12 |website=Global Defense Corp |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Palve |first=Shubhangi |date=2024-05-15 |title=Fighter Pilot Dead After 'Daredevil' Stunt Goes Terribly Wrong; Ex-IAF Top Official Decodes 'What Went Wrong' |url=https://www.eurasiantimes.com/ne-pilot-dead-after-daredevil-stunt-goe/ |access-date=2025-03-12 |website=EURASIAN TIMES |language=en-US}}

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{{Reflist|30em}}

• {{cite book |ref={{harvid|The Military Balance 2019}} |author=International Institute for Strategic Studies |author-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2019 |year=2019 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1857439885}}

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• [https://web.archive.org/web/20030415073035/http://www.scramble.nl/bd.htm Bangladesh Air Force Order of Battle], Scramble magazine
• [http://bncc.gov.bd Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC)]

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