Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday hoped that Bangladesh will one day be able to produce aircraft and helicopters as the government wants to launch training and research for engineers in this regard.

“InshaAllah, one day we’ll be able to produce aircraft, helicopters and warplanes in our country through research. I do believe it. We want to impart training and conduct research accordingly from now,” she said while addressing the President Parade (Winter)-2021 of Bangladesh Air Force.

The Prime Minister virtually joined the parade held at Bangladesh Air Force Academy in Jashore from her official residence Ganobhaban.

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The present government established Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Aviation and Aerospace University in Lalmonirhat with an aim to modernise aerospace research, development of the Air Force and the civil aviation sector, she said.

“We put the utmost importance to aerospace research,” the Prime Minister insisted.

She highlighted Awami League government’s measures to modernise the Bangladesh Air Force particularly in the last 13 years after assuming power in 2009.

Hasina said the Air Defence Notification Centre has recently been launched with the name of ‘Air Defence Identification Area’ over the airspace of Bangladesh, which is playing a vital role in the air defence and security management of the country.

In the context of building 'Digital Bangladesh,' a certified tier-III data centre was procured for the Bangladesh Air Force and its installation work is underway now, she said.

“With this data centre, it’ll be possible to perform various activities of the Air Force digitally instead of the traditional method,” said the Prime Minister.

Most recently, a very-small-aperture terminal (VSAT) hub and terminal station have been procured for the Air Force. With the help of Bangabandhu Satellite-1, it will be possible to establish satellite-based communication between Air Force bases and units through the VSAT hub and terminal station, she said.

Hasina said Bangladesh is now preparing to procure Bangabandhu Satellite-2 in the future.

“Besides, the Air Force will soon have a variety of sophisticated planes, high-powered air defense radars and simulators, ATS simulators, laser-guided bombs and anti-ship missiles. With the addition of the new equipment, I believe that the defense capability of the Air Force will be greatly enhanced,” she added.

Equal Air Force

Pointing at the passing-out cadets, the PM said the Air Force has reached today’s position due to the foresight, professionalism and hard work of their predecessors.

“You must take it further using your talents, professionalism and patriotism. We want to see Bangladesh Air Force to be equal to the air forces of the developed world,” she said.

Now the Bangladesh Air Force is overhauling various types of aircraft and helicopters with its own technology and manpower under the supervision of this center, she added.

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Earlier, the Prime Minister virtually witnessed a spectacular colourful fly-past and aerobatic display.

On behalf of the Prime Minister, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Shaikh Abdul Hannan handed over flying badges and course trophies to the passing-out cadets of the 79th BAFA course.

Besides, four flight cadets separately received the coveted Sword of Honour, Birshreshtha Matiur Rahman Trophy and Chief of Air Staff Trophy and Commandant’s Trophy for their best performances in different categories during the 79th flight cadet course.