Bangladesh Navy received its first submarine delivery from China on Monday, as the country seeks to boost its naval power in the Bay of Bengal.

"With the inclusion of the submarines, Bangladesh Navy has started its journey as a three dimensional force," Admiral Mohammad Nizamuddin Ahmed, Chief of Naval Staff, said during the handover ceremony at Liaonan shipyard Dalian state, China.

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The deal, which reportedly costs $203 million, reflects the growing economic and defense relations between Bangladesh and China, Yahoo! News noted.

The type 035G class submarines, which are the first addition to the country's defense force, are set to be part of the country's naval fleet starting next year, Taposhi Rabeya, spokesperson for Bangladesh's armed forces, said. The submarines will be named BNS Nabajatra and BNS Joyjatra.

Bangladesh initially ordered the two boats from China in 2013. Zee News noted that the Bangladesh Navy opt for the Ming class submarines because of budget constraints. It originally wanted to avail of the S 20 and Type 039 Song class submarine, but these were priced at $250 million each.

Rear Admiral Liu Zizhu represented the Chinese government and handed over the submarines to Admiral Ahmed in the presence of senior naval officials from both parties, the Daily Star reported.

Ahmed also thanked the Chinese naval force for modernizing the submarines and training the Bangladesh Navy personnel to operate and maintain the ship. A sea trial and real training on running the submarines have also been conducted.

The diesel-electric submarines displace 2,110 tons with a surface endurance of up to 8,000 nm, allowing it to stay at sea for about 60 days. It could carry 57 personnel and 18 torpedoes with an option of loading 32 mines as well.

With the new type 035G submarines at hand, the Bangladesh Navy could now ensure maritime border security in the Bay of Bengal, Ahmed said. 

TagsBangladesh, china, type 035g submarines, romeo/ming class submarines