Make Air Force more dynamic: PM

She was addressing a function marking the inclusion of F-7 BG fighter aircraft into the fleet of Bangladesh Air Force's fighter planes at BAF tarmac at Kurmitola in the city yesterday.

Sixteen F-7 BG fighter aircraft with maximum speed of 2170 km per hour have been procured from China and eight of them included into the fleet of Air Force.

"There is no alternative to training for achieving professional skill. I do believe that the meritorious pilots who will run the new fighter aircraft will be able to build themselves as efficient officers through training and practice," she told the Air Force members.

"A consolidated national security is necessary for steering the country towards peace and progress," she said, adding that Bangladesh Air Force has been raised through a bloody independence war and now it has been recognised as a disciplined and professional force.

Khaleda recalled the contributions of late president Ziaur Rahman, who first took steps to form a modern and strong air force fit for an independent and sovereign country.

"We have been working for strengthening the force and subsequently new F-7 fighter aircraft have been added to its fleet," the PM said.

She said Bogra and Moulvibazar radar units have already been included to the air force while Bogra airfield handed over to it for building up a modern air force in addition to procuring MIs-171, a VIP helicopter, some GSA radar and weather satellite receivers.

Khaleda thanked the Chinese government for its cooperation in strengthening Bangladesh Armed Force and the country's economic development.

She praised the Air Force members for their service to the country as well as the nation since its establishment.

She thanked them for safeguarding Bangladesh skies and working together with the people during any emergency situations, including natural disasters.

"Our Air Force members are also acclaimed for their role in UN peacekeeping missions abroad," the Prime Minister pointed out.

According to official sources, eight F-7 BG fighter aircraft were added to the Air Force fleet yesterday.

On her arrival at the BAF tarmac, she was received by Chief of Air Staff Air Vice Marshall Fakhrul Azam and Air Office Commanding the BAF base, Kurmitola, M Delwar Hossain.

The Prime Minister reviewed a smartly turned out parade and took salute from an impressive march past.

Apart from the parade commanded by Wing Commander Reza Emdad Khan, there was a spectacular fly pass by F-7 fighter aircraft. One F-7 aircraft also carried out aerobatics.

She also witnessed a static display of the fighter aircraft.

Ministers, diplomats, MPs, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Chai Xi, chiefs of Army and Navy were present.