- Bangladesh signs agreement with China’s CETC to produce and assemble UAVs locally.
- Deal includes technology transfer and capacity-building for indigenous manufacturing.
- Facility will initially focus on MALE and VTOL UAV platforms for military and civilian use.
The Bangladesh UAV production deal with China marks a major push by Dhaka to strengthen its domestic defence manufacturing base. Under a new agreement, Bangladesh will establish a facility to produce and assemble unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with Chinese technical support and technology transfer.
Officials say the move is aimed at long-term self-reliance in aerial surveillance, disaster response, and defence operations.
Defence Pact Signed Between Bangladesh Air Force and CETC
The agreement was signed at Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment between the BAF and China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) International.
Senior military leaders, including Bangladesh’s Air Chief Marshal, and the Chinese Ambassador attended the ceremony, signaling deepening bilateral defence cooperation.
Technology Transfer to Build Local Expertise
A core component of the pact is structured technology transfer from CETC to Bangladesh. The programme will develop local capabilities in UAV design, assembly, and systems integration.
Over time, the new facility is expected to reduce reliance on imported drones while giving the Bangladesh Air Force greater operational flexibility.
MALE and VTOL UAVs for Diverse Missions
The production programme will initially focus on two categories:
MALE UAVs
Medium Altitude, Long Endurance drones suited for extended surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
VTOL UAVs
Vertical Take-Off and Landing drones that do not require runways, ideal for varied terrain and rapid deployment.
These platforms will support both military operations and civilian roles such as humanitarian assistance and disaster management.
Part of Broader Defence Modernisation
The UAV initiative aligns with Bangladesh’s ongoing military modernisation efforts. China has long been Dhaka’s largest defence supplier, providing a range of equipment and platforms.
Reports also indicate that the Bangladesh Air Force is progressing toward a major fighter aircraft acquisition to replace ageing fleets, highlighting parallel investments in both manned and unmanned air power.
The agreement signals Bangladesh’s intent to move from being a buyer of defence hardware to a country capable of manufacturing critical aerial systems at home.
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