The Government of Bangladesh has signed a contract with the Chinese Wuchan Shipyard, for the construction and delivery of two 64 meter corvettes, similar to, but slightly larger than the Azmat class fast missile boats supplied earlier this year to Pakistan. The first vessel will be completed in 2013. Each of the boats will have a displacement of 648 tons and a top speed of 28 knots. Based on the Houjian-class (Type 037/2) missile craft in service with the People’s Liberation Army Navy, the vessel is designed to carry eight C-802A anti-ship missiles, two 25 mm guns and two 12.7 mm machine guns
[ismember]Bangladesh is strengthening its military with the acquisition of helicopters, aircraft and naval vessels. As part of this growth, Bangladesh has already procured two corvettes – Bijoy and Dhoshwari, both are Castle Class Offshore Patrol Vessels sold to Bangladesh in 2010 after their retirement from the Royal Navy service in 2005 and 2008. The two Chinese boats will be added to these two. Two helicopters were also been purchased to enhance the capabilities of the Korean built missile frigate Bangabandhu. Additionally, Bangladesh has five patrol crafts, 21 speedboats, two maritime patrol aircraft, and an oil tanker to support maritime operations.
As other countries in South-East Asia, Bangladesh is strengthening its naval in an effort to secure the natural resources in the Economic Exclusion Zone it claims in the Bay of Bengal. Among these resources are prospects for rich oil fields.
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