BANGLADESH ARMY AVIATION (BAA) • Bangladesh Sena Bahini
Army 132,150 personnel. Army Aviation Group.
Forces by Role & Equipment by Type
Army Aviation Group
• AIRCRAFT Total approx. 8–9 Aircraft.
Transport (Light) with approx. 9 ac:
- 2 Airbus C295 (Note: FI 2026 lists 2; MB 2024 lists 1);
- 1 Cessna 208B Grand Caravan;
- 5 Cessna 152;
- 1 Piper PA-31T Cheyenne.
• HELICOPTER Total approx. 12–15 Helicopters.
Multi-Role (Helicopters) with 2 hel:
- 2 Eurocopter AS365N3 Dauphin.
Transport (Helicopters) with 10–13 hel:
- 5–6 Mil Mi-171Sh;
- 1–2 Bell 206L-4 Long Ranger IV;
- 2–5 Bell 407GXi (Note: FI 2026 lists 2; MB 2024 lists 2; other reports suggest up to 5).
Air Defence
- SAM (Short-range): FM-90 (CH-SA-4);
- SAM (Point-defence): FN-16 (CH-SA-14); QW-2 (CH-SA-8);
- Guns (Towed): 174 total; 35mm GDF-009 (with Skyguard-3); 37mm Type-65/74; 57mm Type-59 (S-60).
Note: This inventory reflects the continued expansion of the Bangladesh Army's specialized aviation capabilities for 2026, centered on tactical transport and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) support for ground forces. The induction of the C295 and upgraded Mi-171Sh helicopters has significantly enhanced the wing's ability to perform air-manoeuvre and rapid deployment tasks. The Army also maintains its own integrated Air Defence units to protect critical infrastructure and maneuvering columns.