Archive · 28 Jan 2026
Bangladesh and China Sign UAV Deal
Bangladesh and China made a big deal to build a factory together.
This factory will make special flying machines called UAVs.
These UAVs can help people in emergencies and also be used by the military.
China will teach Bangladesh how to make these UAVs so they can do it on their own later.
Important people from both countries were there to sign the agreement.
China is also helping Bangladesh get new fighter jets to replace old ones.
India is worried because these drones could be used near their borders, making the region less safe.
Bangladesh and China signed a defence deal to establish a UAV manufacturing facility.
The agreement involves technology transfer and capacity-building for independent UAV production.
UAVs will be used for humanitarian, disaster management, and military operations.
The facility will produce Medium Altitude Low Endurance (MALE) and Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) UAVs.
Bangladesh is also finalizing a USD 2.2 billion deal to procure 20 Chengdu J-10C fighter jets from China.
- Who
- Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) and China Electronics Technology Group Corporation International (CETC)
- What
- Signed a defence deal to set up a UAV manufacturing facility
- When
- January 27
- Where
- Dhaka Cantonment, Bangladesh
- Why
- To produce and assemble state-of-the-art UAVs for humanitarian, disaster management, and military operations
Bangladesh and China
India
Strategic Implications
Bangladesh and China
The deal is positioned as a step toward self-reliance, humanitarian support, and force modernisation, with civilian applications emphasized for disaster management.
India
India views the development with concern, seeing it as part of China's broader strategy to enhance surveillance and influence near India's borders, potentially affecting regional security.
- Parties Involved
- Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) and China Electronics Technology Group Corporation International (CETC)
- Facility Purpose
- Production and assembly of state-of-the-art UAVs
- Technology Transfer
- CETC will transfer technology to BAF for independent UAV production
- UAV Types
- Medium Altitude Low Endurance (MALE) and Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) UAVs
- Signing Location
- BAF headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment
- Key Attendees
- Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen, Lt Gen SM Kamrul Hassan
- Additional Deal
- BAF finalizing USD 2.2 billion deal for 20 Chengdu J-10C fighter jets
- Project Cost
- Tk 608.07 crore (approximately $55 million)
- Project Location
- Proposed Bogra airbase
