Dhaka: Bangladesh Coast Guard (BCG) will have advanced aerial surveillance system to strengthen maritime and coastal security. As part of the plan, surveillance helicopters will be procured to enhance rapid monitoring, intelligence gathering, and immediate operational response across coastal and deep-sea areas, officials said.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the acquisition of helicopters will significantly improve the force’s ability to combat drug smuggling, human trafficking, illegal fishing, and piracy. The helicopters are expected to be equipped with advanced sensors, radar systems, and real-time data transmission technology. This capability will allow authorities to quickly detect suspicious vessels and relay critical information to patrol ships and shore-based units, improving both the speed and accuracy of maritime operations.
In parallel, work is progressing on the development of an integrated Maritime Surveillance System, which will enable continuous digital monitoring of coastal waters, key shipping routes, and seaports. By combining satellite technology, radar stations, drones, and aerial surveillance platforms under a central command structure, authorities aim to establish a comprehensive maritime security network.
Modernization efforts are already underway, with the Coast Guard introducing drone technology, offshore patrol vessels, fast patrol craft, and high-speed boats. Experts believe that the addition of helicopters and integrated surveillance systems will help build an advanced Maritime Domain Awareness framework.
If successfully implemented, the initiative is expected to elevate the operational capacity of the Coast Guard to a stronger regional standard, enabling more efficient crime prevention, disaster management, and search and rescue operations across the Bay of Bengal. Officials said the present government is firmly committed to the overall development of the Bangladesh Coast Guard.
With funding support from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the construction of one multi-role response vessel and two offshore patrol vessels is progressing rapidly. In addition, a contract has recently been signed through Khulna Shipyard for the procurement of bulletproof high-speed boats, which, once inducted, will further strengthen the maritime security of Bangladesh’s coastline.
A plan has also been undertaken to establish a modern dockyard in Gazaria, Munshiganj for the repair and maintenance of Coast Guard vessels. A project is underway to replace nine outdated ships with nine new patrol vessels to be constructed in local shipyards. The manpower of the force will be increased to around 10,000 personnel.
Once these modern vessels and advanced systems are integrated, the operational capability of the Coast Guard is expected to increase significantly compared to any previous period, force sources said.