Article Posted on : - May 16, 2018

The C-130J transport aircraft of the RAF. An internet photo

DHAKA (BNS): Bangladesh is acquiring two surplus C-130J Hercules military transport aircraft of the British Royal Air Force (RAF) under a Government-to-Government deal with the UK.

British aerospace firm Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group has announced a support contract for the upkeep of the tactical transporters being acquired for the Bangladesh Air Force.

"In accordance with a Government-to-Government agreement for the sale of former Royal Air Force C-130J aircraft from the UK Ministry of Defence to the Bangladesh Air Force, Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group is pleased to announce a contract with the Bangladesh Air Force for the support of the aircraft," the company said following the signing of the contract at the Bangladesh Air Headquarters in Dhaka on May 10.

The multi-year contract will see Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group deliver a total support solution to the Bangladesh Air Force C-130J covering aircraft maintenance, logistics support including the provision of spare parts and ground support equipment for establishing local capabilities, as well as engineering services to ensure effective operation of the fleet.

The company will also be carrying out important modifications to the aircraft, such as design, development and installation of a MEDEVAC capability, to enable the Bangladesh Air Force to carry out important tasks within the country and overseas delivering support to UN missions, the company said in a statement.

The Bangladeshi Air Force currently operates four C-130B variants which are set to retire in the coming years.