Bangladesh to Build Indigenous Unmanned Aircraft

Bangladesh has taken a significant step towards strengthening its aerospace and defence capabilities by signing a landmark agreement to produce unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) domestically. The contract was concluded between the Bangladesh Air Force and China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) International, covering UAV production, assembly facilities, and comprehensive technology transfer.

The agreement was signed on Tuesday at the Bangladesh Air Force Headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment, according to an official statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The deal has been concluded under a government-to-government (G2G) framework, reflecting strategic cooperation between Bangladesh and China in the defence and technology sectors.

ISPR stated that the project will involve the joint establishment of a state-of-the-art UAV production and assembly facility in Bangladesh. Beyond physical infrastructure, the agreement places strong emphasis on technology transfer, capacity building, industrial skill development, and long-term technical collaboration. These elements are intended to help Bangladesh achieve sustainable self-reliance in UAV manufacturing over time, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.

Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Chief of Air Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force, attended the signing ceremony as the chief guest. Senior civil and military officials from both countries were also present, highlighting the importance of the initiative at the national level.

Under the initial phase of the agreement, the Bangladesh Air Force will develop the capability to manufacture and assemble several categories of UAVs. These include Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAVs, which are designed for extended flight durations at moderate altitudes, and Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) UAVs, which offer operational flexibility in confined or challenging terrain. In addition to assembling licensed platforms, Bangladesh will also produce its own indigenous UAV designs through this programme.

These unmanned systems are expected to serve a wide range of purposes. While their primary role will be in military surveillance, reconnaissance, and operational support, they will also be deployed in humanitarian assistance, disaster response, environmental monitoring, and emergency management. Given Bangladesh’s vulnerability to natural disasters such as floods and cyclones, UAV-based aerial monitoring is likely to become an increasingly valuable national asset.

The ISPR noted that the agreement will significantly expand Bangladesh’s domestic UAV production capacity, positioning the country to meet both national and potential international demand in the future. The project also includes specialised training programmes, structured knowledge exchange, and the development of a skilled aerospace workforce. Together, these components are expected to contribute meaningfully to the country’s broader technological and industrial advancement.

The signing ceremony was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hassan, Secretary to the Chief Adviser’s Office Md Saifullah Panna, Secretary of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division Hafiz Ahmed Chowdhury, senior Bangladesh Air Force officials, representatives of CETC International, and high-ranking officials from various ministries.

Key Elements of the UAV Agreement

Overall, the agreement represents a milestone in Bangladesh’s pursuit of advanced defence technology and industrial self-sufficiency, signalling a long-term vision to develop indigenous aerospace capabilities aligned with modern strategic needs.