Bangladesh Air Force to launch domestic drone production

The Bangladesh Air Force has entered into a government to government (G2G) agreement with China Electronics Technology Group Corporation International (CETC) to set up a domestic facility for manufacturing and assembling unmanned aerial vehicles, alongside a comprehensive technology transfer programme.

The agreement was signed on Tuesday at Air Force Headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment, according to a media release from the Inter Services Public Relations. Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan attended the signing ceremony as the chief guest.

Under the deal, the Bangladesh Air Force and the Chinese state owned defence technology firm will jointly establish a modern UAV manufacturing and assembly plant in Bangladesh. The initiative is aimed at building long term national capacity through technology transfer, industrial skill development, training and joint technical cooperation.

Officials said the project will initially enable Bangladesh to manufacture and assemble different categories of drones, including Medium Altitude Low Endurance UAVs and Vertical Take off and Landing platforms. Over time, the air force is also expected to develop the capability to produce indigenous UAV systems.

The drones manufactured under the programme will be used not only for defence and surveillance purposes, but also for civilian roles such as humanitarian assistance and disaster response, reflecting the growing dual use role of UAV technology.

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 of the Chief Adviser’s Office Md Saifullah Panna, Secretary of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division Dr Hafiz Ahmed Chowdhury, senior Bangladesh Air Force officials, representatives of CETC International, and senior officials from the Armed Forces Division and other government ministries.