Bangladesh is set to establish its first indigenous production line for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) following a landmark agreement between the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) and China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) International. The deal covers the establishment of a UAV production and assembly facility, alongside the transfer of advanced aerospace technology.
The contract was signed on Tuesday at the Bangladesh Air Force headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment, as confirmed by the Inter Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR). The agreement has been executed under a Government-to-Government (G2G) framework, emphasising strategic collaboration and long-term self-reliance in UAV manufacturing. Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan, Chief of the Bangladesh Air Force, was the chief guest at the signing ceremony.
According to ISPR, the joint venture will create a state-of-the-art UAV production and assembly facility within Bangladesh. The initiative will include technology transfer, capability enhancement, industrial skill development, and collaborative technical support. Over time, these efforts aim to enable full domestic UAV production capacity, strengthening national security and technological independence.
The project will initially focus on the production and assembly of two key UAV types: Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAVs and Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) UAVs. These platforms will serve a dual purpose, supporting both military operations and humanitarian missions, including disaster management, emergency relief, and public safety.
| UAV Type | Key Features | Primary Applications |
|---|---|---|
| MALE UAV | Medium-altitude, long-range endurance | Surveillance, security, disaster response |
| VTOL UAV | Vertical take-off and landing capability | Humanitarian aid, rapid supply delivery, rescue operations |
ISPR noted that the project will also foster specialised training programs, knowledge exchange, and the development of a skilled aerospace workforce, contributing significantly to national technological progress. The agreement is expected to expand domestic UAV capabilities, catering to both national and international demand in the long term.
The signing ceremony was attended by Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Lieutenant General S. M. Kamrul Hasan, Secretary of the Principal Advisor’s Office Md. Saifullah Panna, Secretary of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division Hafiz Ahmed Chowdhury, senior officers of the Bangladesh Air Force, representatives of CETC International, officials from the Armed Forces Division, and high-ranking representatives from various ministries.
Through this strategic partnership, Bangladesh aims to achieve self-sufficiency in UAV production, strengthen its defence and disaster-response capabilities, and cultivate a technologically proficient workforce that will contribute to the nation’s long-term aerospace ambitions.