Amid rising tensions with India, Bangladesh has sent a senior military delegation to London to explore new air defence systems. The move comes in the backdrop of India’s recent Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, where Pakistan's air defence was found deeply incompetent in intercepting Indian missile overflights. The visit signals Dhaka’s intent to strengthen its own air defence capabilities by seeking international partnerships beyond traditional allies. A senior military delegation from Bangladesh is in London to attend the 19th Full Spectrum Air Defence Summit from June 23 to 26.
High-level delegation attends UK defence summit
Led by Major General Mohammad Kamrul Hassan, Area Commander of Rangpur and General Officer Commanding of the 66 Infantry Division, the delegation includes six senior officers from the Bangladesh Army and Air Force. Their presence at the summit underlines Bangladesh’s plan to diversify its military partnerships.
Dhaka looks to diversify military cooperation
As per reports, Bangladesh military’s engagement with the UK is part of a larger strategy to reduce reliance on a single supplier. Bangladesh is now exploring military cooperation with Western countries, including the UK, for technology transfer and procurement.
UK’s Sky Sabre system attracts interest
One of the systems likely to be of interest is the Sky Sabre, the UK’s medium-range, ground-based mobile air defence system. Commissioned in 2021, the Sky Sabre is valued at around USD 900 million. It is designed to counter threats from fighter jets, attack helicopters, drones, and precision-guided munitions. The system has already been deployed in the Falkland Islands and Poland to support NATO’s eastern flank.
RAF maintains aerial response capability
The Royal Air Force operates a Quick Reaction Alert force to secure the UK’s airspace. RAF Typhoon fighter aircraft are on standby at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland and RAF Coningsby in England to respond to any threat. The UK also contributes to NATO’s air policing operations in Eastern Europe.
Royal Navy provides additional air defence
The Royal Navy supports air defence with its fleet of six Type 45 destroyers. These warships are fitted with Sea Viper and Sea Ceptor missile systems. While the Type 45 fleet has limited ballistic missile defence capacity, an upgraded Sea Viper system is expected by 2028. The vessels can also support homeland air defence when required.
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