Bangladesh-Qatar strategic defence industry cooperation framework

Reading Time: 2 minutes Qatar can play a strategically significant role in the development of Bangladesh’s defence industries by leveraging its financial strength, sovereign wealth resources, and growing diplomatic engagement with South Asia. For mutual benefit, this investment should go beyond traditional arms sales and focus on long-term industrial collaboration, capacity-building, and technology transfer. Here’s a comprehensive framework: 1. Joint Defence Production Ventures Key Areas of Investment DomainExample SystemsWhy It’s BeneficialArmoured VehiclesAPCs, MRAPs, IFVsBangladesh can co-produce with Qatari funding and Turkish technology (e.g., via Nurol Makina)Naval PlatformsOPVs, FACs, unmanned boatsQatar can finance local construction at Khulna Shipyard and Dockyard & Engineering WorksDrones/UCAVsISR drones, loitering munitionsQatar can invest in production partnerships with Baykar or Chinese drone firms in BangladeshSmall Arms & AmmunitionAssault rifles, sniper systemsEstablish a joint Qatari-Bangladeshi factory for both local use and export to friendly nations 2. Technology Transfer & Licensing Qatar can act as a conduit for licensed