Bangladesh Navy and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems for Dornier Do-228 Aircraft Upgrade
The Bangladesh Navy has recently signed a significant contract with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ATS) to overhaul and upgrade two Dornier Do-228 Maritime Patrol Aircraft. Announced on September 11, 2025 this agreement aims to enhance the Bangladesh Navy maritime security and surveillance capabilities. Under the contract the aircraft will be sent to GA- ATS service center in Oberpfaffenhofen Germany where they will undergo comprehensive maintenance including a 72-month inspection and a 12-year structural inspection. Additionally, one aircraft will be equipped with a modern Hensoldt 3D radar system featuring Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) capabilities. These upgrades will extend the operational life of the aircraft and improve their effectiveness in maritime patrol search and rescue (SAR) and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance missions. The contract also includes pilot training in Germany to enhance the skills of naval personnel.
Background and History:
The Bangladesh Navy established its Naval Aviation Unit in 2011 and has since utilized Dornier Do-228 aircraft for maritime operations. The first aircraft were acquired in 2013. with two additional units added in 2021-2022. manufactured under GA-ATS. These aircraft are deployed for surveillance SAR missions. and EEZ monitoring along Bangladesh’s 580-kilometer coastline.
In 2019. Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) contract was signed with RUAG MRO International which was acquired by GA-ATS in 2020. Under that agreement two aircraft underwent 72 month inspections. The current contract builds on this collaboration but includes more advanced upgrades. Since acquiring the Dornier 228 program from RUAG in 2020 GA-ATS has been producing and upgrading Do-228 NG (Next Generation) and NXT (Next Generation Technology) versions. The company is approved by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and has provided similar upgrades for other navies such as the Royal Thai Navy.
Details of the Upgrade:
The contract covers the following work on the two Dornier Do-228-212 Special Mission Aircraft
Overhaul and Maintenance:
A full 72-month inspection and a 12-year structural inspection.
Maintenance repair or replacement of engines airframe and critical structural components.
These upgrades will ensure the aircraft remain operational for an additional 15-20 years.
Radar and Sensor Upgrades:
One aircraft will be fitted with Hensoldt.s latest 3D surveillance radar including IFF capabilities.
The radar provides 360-degree surveillance enabling ship identification data linking and communication with ground stations.
Similar upgrades including electro-optical/infrared cameras and mission management systems have been implemented for the Royal Thai Navy.
Avionics and Cockpit Upgrades:
Modernization of navigation and communication systems.
Installation of glass cockpit displays including Primary Flight Displays (PFD) and Multifunction Displays (MFD).
Integration of GPS VOR ADF and Flight Management Systems (FMS)
Pilot Training:
Training will be conducted in Germany using GA-ATS’s EASA-approved Dornier Do-228 NG flight simulator.
This provides realistic training environments successfully used for Royal Thai Navy pilots.
These upgrades will bring the aircraft to the Dornier Do-228 NG standard featuring five-blade propellers extended range, and reduced noise. The Do-228 is a 19-seat twin-turboprop STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) utility aircraft in production since 1981. For Bangladesh these aircraft are customized for special missions with equipment like the Telephonics RDR-1700B 360 surveillance radar HF/VHF/UHF radios and operator consoles.
Importance and Impact:
This contract aligns with Bangladesh Forces Goal 2030 program which aims to transform the navy into a three dimensional force. Given Bangladesh’s economic reliance on maritime resources, securing its 118,813-square-kilometer EEZ is critical. The long-term partnership with GA-ATS (since 2013) ensures the reliability of this upgrade. A similar project for the Royal Thai Navy saw three aircraft upgraded and delivered by July 2025.
This upgrade will significantly enhance the Bangladesh Navy maritime patrol surveillance and SAR capabilities reinforcing its role in safeguarding national maritime interests.
