Bangladesh Air Force signed a government-to-government agreement with China Electronics Technology Group Corporation International to establish a UAV manufacturing and assembly plant with complete technology transfer in Bangladesh.

Agreement was signed on Tuesday at Air Force Headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment with Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan present as chief guest. Project aims to achieve self-reliance in unmanned aerial vehicle production through joint technical cooperation and capacity building.

Under the contract, BAF and CETC International will jointly establish a state-of-the-art facility for manufacturing Medium Altitude Long Endurance UAVs and Vertical Take-Off and Landing UAVs. Bangladesh Air Force will initially gain capability to manufacture and assemble various UAV types before producing indigenous models.

Project includes technology transfer, industrial skill development and specialized training programmes to create a skilled aerospace workforce. UAVs will serve military operations alongside humanitarian assistance and disaster management roles.

Agreement expands national capacity toward full self-sufficiency in domestic UAV production, helping meet both national and international demand. Project is expected to contribute significantly to technological advancement through knowledge exchange and workforce development.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen attended the signing ceremony along with Principal Staff Officer of Armed Forces Division Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hasan, Chief Adviser's Office Secretary Md Saifullah Panna, and Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division Secretary Dr Hafiz Ahmed Chowdhury. Senior BAF officials, CETC International representatives, Armed Forces Division officials and senior ministry officials also participated.

Government-to-government framework ensures direct cooperation between Bangladesh and China on defense technology transfer, marking a significant milestone in Bangladesh's aerospace industry development.