Bangladesh is seeking two anti-submarine warfare helicopters

The Bangladesh Directorate General of Defence Purchases (DGDP) recently issued an open tender for two anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters for the Bangladesh Navy.

As per the tender, the helicopters must be capable of ASW operations as well as anti-ship/surface warfare (AShW), over-the-horizon-targeting (OTHT), maritime search and rescue (SAR), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), casualty evacuation, and special forces operations.

The maximum take-off weight (MTOW) is limited to up to 6,100 kg and the helicopter’s overall dimensions must be able to fit in the BNS Bangabandhu’s hangar.

Both helicopters are to be delivered within 24 months of the contract signing date.

Notes & Comments:

In the tender, the Bangladesh Navy requires the helicopter vendor to coordinate with “the manufacturer of [the] Otomat Mk. II” anti-ship missile (AShM), i.e. MBDA, to integrate the AShM with the OTHT system of the helicopter. The Otomat Mk. II is the principal AShM of the BNS Bangabandhu, the ship that will be the primary recipient of this helicopter. In this respect, Leonardo – via its industry relationship with MBDA – would be favourably positioned to supply the helicopter.