Bangladesh and China Sign Historic Drone Manufacturing Agreement; UAVs to Be Produced in Dhaka, Implications for India

Dhaka: Bangladesh and China have entered into a historic defense agreement to jointly manufacture advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), raising strategic concerns for India. The agreement includes full technology transfer, capacity building, and long-term collaboration between the two nations.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the deal was signed between the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) and China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) to establish a state-of-the-art UAV manufacturing and assembly plant in Dhaka. The project will initially focus on producing medium-altitude, long-endurance UAVs with vertical take-off and landing capabilities, designed for both military operations and humanitarian assistance, including disaster management.

The signing ceremony was held at the Bangladesh Air Force headquarters, with Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan attending as the chief guest. An official statement from the BAF’s Facebook page highlighted the strategic significance of the agreement, emphasizing the role of technology transfer, industrial skill development, and joint technical collaboration.

The deal follows the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in 2024 and the rise of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, who has actively sought to strengthen military ties with China. Yunus, known for his provocative statements regarding India’s northeast, has previously invited Chinese investment near the region, calling Bangladesh the “guardian” of the Bay of Bengal.

Defense analysts warn that the growing China-Bangladesh military cooperation could have direct implications for India’s security along its eastern borders. With UAV production capabilities now being developed in Dhaka, Bangladesh could soon operate indigenous drones for strategic and surveillance purposes, altering the regional security dynamics.

This agreement marks a significant step in Bangladesh’s journey towards self-reliance in advanced UAV technology while deepening its defense partnership with China.