Bangladesh Army Aviation Group

Origin

The unit started its journey on 1 January 1978 as Army Aviation Flight. At that time, the army had no pilot training facilities of its own. Civil Aviation Authority, Bangladesh took up the responsibility of pilot training. Initially, the unit had no aircraft. The first aircraft in the army aviation unit were two Bell 205 helicopters gifted by Iran government in 1978. On 7 September 1979, the unit was upgraded to Army Aviation Squadron. On 15 July 1980, the unit got regiment strength and named Army Air Regiment. In 1982, four Cessna 152 were procured for the regiment. These were the first fixed-wing aircraft of the army aviation. In 1983, one Piper PA-31T Cheyenne aircraft was procured which was used for VIP transport purpose. In 27 November 1995, it was finally brought to a group strength and named Army Aviation Group. Three Bell 206 L4 helicopters and one Cessna 208 Caravan were procured later to strengthen the Aviation Group.

Present

EADS CASA C-295 of Bangladesh Army Aviation Group

The strength of the unit is more than 204 with 30+ pilots. Members from all the corps of Bangladesh Army can join this unit with proper qualification and training. At present, Army Aviation Group operates two Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin helicopters, one C-295W aircraft and one Cessna 208 Caravan aircraft for transport and utility purpose. Six Mi-171Sh helicopters are used for light attack and combat transport role. Three Bell 206 helicopters and four Cessna 152 aircraft are there for the training of the army aviators.

Current Inventory

Retired