Bangladesh Navy commissions five Japanese patrol boats to strengthen maritime security
Supplied under Japan's Official Security Assistance programme, the high-speed vessels are expected to boost coastal surveillance, search and rescue operations, disaster response and protection of the country's maritime interests.
The Bangladesh Navy today (2 July) commissioned five high-speed patrol boats provided by Japan under its Official Security Assistance (OSA) programme, marking a significant step in strengthening the country's maritime security and coastal surveillance capabilities.
The handover ceremony was held today, with Prime Minister's Defence Adviser Brig Gen (Retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam attending as the chief guest and Japan's Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shimada Tomoaki, as the special guest, reads a press release.
Senior naval officers, members of the Japanese delegation and invited guests were also present.
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According to the release, the patrol boats will enhance coastal and riverine patrols, maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and the protection of Bangladesh's maritime resources and sovereignty.
Bangladesh and Japan signed a bilateral agreement in November 2023 to procure the five patrol boats as part of their longstanding strategic partnership. The project formally commenced following an exchange of notes later that month.
The vessels arrived at Chattogram Port on 6 February this year after completion of the project. Before entering service, Japanese experts trained Bangladesh Navy personnel at BNS Nirbhik on the operation and maintenance of the boats.
Each patrol boat is 16.15 metres long, 3.53 metres wide and has a displacement of 13.5 tonnes. The vessels can reach speeds of up to 32 knots and are designed to operate efficiently in shallow waters.
The press release said the boats are particularly suited for navigating narrow and challenging waterways in rivers, estuaries and coastal areas, enabling more effective patrol, surveillance and rapid-response operations.
The press release further added that the patrol boats will play an important role in strengthening security at seaports and coastal regions while supporting emergency response, humanitarian missions and disaster management.
The OSA-funded project reflects the growing defence and technological cooperation between Bangladesh and Japan and is expected to further strengthen the friendly ties between the two countries, added the press release.
