Bangladesh issues tenders for Russian, Chinese assault rifles

The CS/LR43, the 7.62×39 mm export variant of Norinco's Type 191 rifle family, is one of two assault-rifle candidates being evaluated under Bangladesh's procurement programme. (Janes/Sam Wise)

Bangladesh's Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued two tenders to procure assault rifles from Russia and China.

The Directorate General Defence Purchase (DGDP), the MoD's procurement arm, has invited bids for 100 AK-15 assault rifles from Russia and 100 CS/LR43 assault rifles from China under separate procurement programmes. The tenders are scheduled to close on 27 September 2026.

The AK-15 tender invites bids from Russian state-owned arms exporter Rosoboronexport and its Bangladesh-based representative, RD Global.

A separate tender covers the acquisition of CS/LR43 assault rifles manufactured by China North Industries Corporation (Norinco). It lists Bangladesh-based Golden Trade International as the local representative for the programme.

According to the CS/LR43 tender, the DGDP is seeking a 7.62×39 mm assault rifle with a minimum effective range of 400 m and a maximum range of 2,900 m. The weapon is required to support both semi-automatic and automatic firing modes and utilise 30-round magazines.

The CS/LR43 tender said the rifle should be capable of integrating accessories including optical and night-vision sights, laser aiming devices, grenade launchers, and suppressors. The weapon must be capable of operating in tropical and high-humidity environments, have a barrel life of at least 15,000 rounds, and be supported by a minimum 10-year after-sales support and spare-parts programme.

The rifles are to be delivered within nine months of contract signature and covered by a 12-month warranty following acceptance by the Bangladesh Army. The programme includes operator, maintenance, and logistics training to be conducted in Bangladesh by foreign instructors provided by the successful bidder.