Bangladesh Air Force to Gain Capability to Produce and Assemble Advanced UAVs

The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has signed a government-to-government (G2G) agreement with China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) International to establish a UAV manufacturing and assembly plant in Bangladesh, along with the transfer of related technologies.

The agreement was signed on Tuesday at the Air Force Headquarters, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Chief of Air Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force, was present as the chief guest at the signing ceremony.

The agreement was signed under the project titled “Establishment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Manufacturing and Assembly Plant and Transfer of Technology (ToT).” Under this initiative, the Bangladesh Air Force and CETC International will jointly set up a state-of-the-art UAV production and assembly facility in the country.

Key components of the agreement include technology transfer, capacity building, industrial skill development, and joint technological cooperation. The project is expected to help Bangladesh achieve long-term self-reliance in drone manufacturing.

Initially, the Bangladesh Air Force will acquire the capability to produce and assemble various types of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) and Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) UAVs. The project will also enable the Air Force to manufacture UAVs based on its own indigenous designs.

ISPR said these drones will play a vital role not only in military operations but also in humanitarian assistance and disaster management. The agreement is expected to significantly expand Bangladesh’s capacity for full self-reliance in domestic drone production, supporting both national and international demand.

In addition, the initiative will contribute to national technological advancement through specialized training, knowledge sharing, and the development of a skilled aerospace workforce.

The ceremony was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hasan, Secretary to 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 from CETC International, officials from the Armed Forces Division, senior government officials from various ministries, and other invited guests.