(NSI News Source Info) February 23, 2009: PM Sheikh Hasina's new government in Bangladesh has decided to launch a massive defence procurement drive to strengthen the armed 
forces and to equip them with modern weapons and military hardware.
forces and to equip them with modern weapons and military hardware. Planning Minister Air Vice Marshal (retd) AK Khondoker told parliament on Sunday that the purchases would be made during the current and next fiscals.
He said the forces would be made well equipped and trained in line with the country's financial capabilities. "For equipping the army, plans have been taken to procure helicopters, tanks, APCs (armoured personnel carrier), anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles, sniper rifles, different types of modern radio systems, explosives, night vision and related hardware, other types of weapons and vehicles in 2008-2009 and 2009-2010," he told the house. A process was now underway to procure three new frigates to earn the "three dimensional" capabilities for the navy to face the 21st centuries challenge, he said.
"A process to sign a procurement deal has been completed to buy appropriate anti-ship missiles for Bangladesh Navy's ultra modern frigate while it is now awaiting the government's final nod... Works are underway to install anti-aircraft missile in the ship (frigate)," Khondoker said. Moreover, Khondoker said, international tenders were already floated to procure helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft to intensify vigil in the sea and establish a three dimensional navy.
"The government also planned to modernise the air force for better air defence and enable it to carry out salvage and relief campaign during disasters at home and abroad, assist the military and navy with air support and intensify air vigil through procuring modern aircraft and air force hardware. "These plans will be implemented in phases," he added.
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