Bangladesh Air force gets FM-90 missiles

FM-90 (Image: Army Recognition)

Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has been armed with first ever surface-to-air missiles. 

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday inaugurated the low-range FM-90 anti-aircraft missile system at a function at the Kurmitola Air Base. 

Air Force chief air marshal Shah M Ziaur Rahman received her. 

She said that introduction of this Short Range Air Defence System (SRADS) is a big step forward towards modernisation of the air force. 

"The government will continue with its efforts to modernise the armed forces," Hasina said. 

She said this advanced all-weather surface to air missile system has been introduced with the assistance of China. This ground-based air defence weapon system is capable of hitting targets flying at a low or very high altitude. 

While addressing the function, the prime minister mentioned steps her 1996-2001 government had taken to modernise the air force. 

"We have already completed a fully fledged air base and maintenance unit in Cox's Bazar during this tenure while many other development projects are going on." 

Hasina urged the members of the BAF to acquire professional skills to become efficient pilots, engineers and air force personnel. 

Later, the prime minister inaugurated the Bangabandhu Aeronautical Centre built with help of China at the Kurmitola base in the city. 

Air Force officials said the Centre would be able to repair damaged aircraft and helicopters while light tools and parts of aircraft would be manufactured there. 

Several ministers of the cabinet, advisors to the prime minister, chiefs of the army and navy, Armed Forces Division principal staff officer and high military and government officials were also present at the programme. 

Bangladesh News