India is being watchful as the Bangladesh military establishment has embarked on a renewed push to expand its weapons inventory and enhance strategic capabilities, with a particular focus on increasing its stockpile of ‘smart’ laser-guided missiles, according to intelligence sources active in Dhaka.
As part of this long-term plan, the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has taken a decision to procure the Turkey-made Cirit semi-active laser-guided weapon system, including multi-purpose warheads and a comprehensive logistics package.
Defence Ministry documents accessed by intelligence agencies indicate that the procurement process has already been set in motion.
On Monday, the Directorate General Defence Purchase (DGDP) under the Ministry of Defence opened an international tender, inviting bids from foreign manufacturers. However, sources said there were clear indications that the BAF prefers the Cirit system manufactured by Roketsan, a Turkish defence company based in Ankara.
“Cirit laser-guided missiles are known for their high accuracy and cost-effectiveness, particularly for armed helicopters,” said a Bangladesh-based artillery expert. “They are optimised for engaging static or moving lightly armoured or unarmoured targets. The next-generation Cirit has been designed to bridge the tactical gap between 70-mm unguided rockets and guided anti-tank missiles.”
Roketsan has claimed that the Cirit rocket’s versatile design allows easy integration across multiple platforms. Bangladeshi defence sources said the missile system is well-suited to the country’s operational requirements and military scenarios. The Cirit has been tested in both air-to-surface and surface-to-surface engagement roles.
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The BAF already operates Cirit laser-guided missiles on its Selex Falco Astore unmanned aerial vehicles and has previously procured the system for its T129 ATAK attack helicopters, reflecting a growing emphasis on precision-strike capabilities. On drones, the Cirit missiles are primarily intended for counter-insurgency and anti-armour roles. When paired with UMTAS anti-tank missiles, they significantly enhance precision operations in challenging terrains such as the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
Sources said the BAF is also in the final stages of deciding to acquire at least six Turkish-built T129 ATAK attack helicopters. This acquisition, along with other planned procurements, is seen as part of Bangladesh’s broader effort to redefine its strategic autonomy, procurement philosophy and long-term air combat doctrine.
The latest set of potential acquisitions, including fourth-generation Eurofighter Typhoon multi-role combat aircraft, points to a more assertive approach to defence modernisation and what analysts describe as “autonomy posturing” in South Asia.
Defence experts note that pairing Eurofighter Typhoons with T129 ATAK helicopters would enable the BAF to conduct a full spectrum of modern air operations – from extended-range maritime strikes to low-altitude air support along Bangladesh’s coastline, forests, hilly regions and long land borders.
In August this year, Roketsan conducted tests integrating the Cirit missile system with multiple firing platforms, including unmanned surface vessels, self-propelled anti-tank systems, amphibious and tracked armoured vehicles, as well as T129 ATAK helicopters. These trials are believed to have further strengthened Bangladesh’s interest in the system as it seeks to expand its precision-guided strike capabilities.
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