On 23 September 2025, Chief of Air Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, BBP, OSP, GUP, NSWC, psc, met with Major General Kadircan Kottas of the Turkish Air Force at Air Headquarters in Dhaka. The meeting, held in a cordial atmosphere, highlighted the growing defence cooperation between Bangladesh and Türkiye, particularly in the field of military aviation. Colonel Hilmi Baris Yildiz, Military Attaché of the Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Bangladesh, was also present.
During the courtesy call, both sides exchanged views on issues of mutual interest and emphasised the importance of enhancing bilateral defence collaboration. They expressed optimism about expanding the partnership in areas such as training, technology sharing, and advanced aviation systems. The discussions also reaffirmed the two nations’ shared commitment to strengthening strategic bonds in a rapidly evolving regional security environment.
Bangladesh and Türkiye enjoy long-standing diplomatic relations, which have increasingly extended into the defence sector in recent years. Türkiye has emerged as a reliable partner for Bangladesh in modernising its armed forces, providing advanced platforms such as the Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial system, Roketsan missile systems, and various avionics technologies. The visit by the senior Turkish Air Force delegation further demonstrates Ankara’s interest in deepening cooperation with Dhaka.
For Bangladesh, ties with Türkiye offer opportunities to diversify defence partnerships beyond traditional suppliers. With the Bangladesh Air Force undergoing modernisation under the Forces Goal 2030 framework, Turkish defence industries have positioned themselves as key contributors. The collaboration spans not only acquisitions but also potential joint ventures, maintenance support, and technical training, allowing the Bangladesh Air Force to strengthen its operational capabilities.
Both countries are also aligned on broader strategic interests. Türkiye seeks to strengthen its role as a defence exporter and a security partner in South Asia, while Bangladesh values Ankara’s willingness to support Dhaka’s efforts to maintain sovereignty and enhance deterrence capabilities. The two nations also share common views on global issues such as multipolarity, regional stability, and mutual respect for sovereignty.
The latest meeting between Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan and Major General Kadircan Kottas underlines the growing convergence between the Bangladesh Air Force and Turkish Air Force. As both sides look to the future, there is optimism that cooperation will expand into new areas such as pilot training, drone technologies, aerospace research, and joint exercises.
The visit represents the strengthening of a defence partnership that is likely to play a pivotal role in shaping Bangladesh’s future airpower and Türkiye’s influence in South Asia. By building on shared strategic interests, Dhaka and Ankara are set to transform their air force-to-air force ties into a cornerstone of a broader security and defence partnership.
