The BNS Shadhinota, a relatively new 1,330-ton stealth corvette procured by the Bangladesh Navy from Chinese manufacturers, is grappling with substantial issues, particularly concerning the reliability of its power systems that support its weaponry.

These challenges have compelled the Bangladesh Navy to engage with the Chinese manufacturers to address the critical concerns plaguing this naval asset.

Despite its commissioning as recently as 2016, the BNS Shadhinota has experienced significant deficiencies in certain components, notably within its Surface to Air Missile (SAM) system.

This adds to a growing chorus of skepticism on the global stage regarding the dependability and functionality of Chinese-manufactured equipment, particularly in the military domain.

The core of the problem affecting the BNS Shadhinota revolves around the Weapon Control Power Support Cabinet (WCPSC). This crucial component functions as a dedicated power supply system, serving the corvette's fire control radar and its weapon system.

In this specific case, the corvette is armed with the Chinese FL-3000N missile system, an iteration of the HQ-10 short-range air defense system.

This missile system is designed for close-range aerial threats, with a range spanning from 0.5 kilometers to 1 kilometer. The malfunctioning WCPSC undermines the entire combat readiness of the vessel, as it directly impacts the power supply to the radar, fire control system, and weaponry when required for defense or combat operations, as highlighted by credible sources familiar with the situation.

In response to this critical issue, Bangladesh's Naval Headquarters has initiated communications with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) responsible for supplying the vessel's equipment. The Chinese OEM in question is the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), renowned for its provision of air defense systems and equipment to numerous ships within the Chinese Navy.

The outcome of these discussions and the resolution of these technical difficulties will be of paramount importance in restoring the operational effectiveness of the BNS Shadhinota.

Image source: ET