The Chief of Air Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan, BBP, OSP, GUP, NDS, ndc, psc, held a courtesy meeting with H.E. Matteo Perego di Cremnago, Italy’s Under Secretary for Defence (Deputy Minister of Defence), at Air Headquarters on Tuesday, as Bangladesh advances plans to procure the Eurofighter Typhoon multirole combat aircraft.
The high-level meeting was attended by H.E. Antonio Alessandro, Ambassador of Italy to Bangladesh, along with senior military officials from both countries. The engagement highlighted the growing defence relationship between Bangladesh and Italy, with discussions covering existing cooperation and future initiatives in the aerospace and defence sectors.
According to official sources, the meeting included exchanges of views on Italian-origin military equipment currently in service with the Bangladesh Air Force, as well as prospective areas of collaboration. Both sides expressed optimism about further strengthening bilateral military and strategic ties.
Eurofighter Typhoon Procurement Developments
In parallel with the diplomatic engagement, informed sources have confirmed that the Bangladesh Air Force is progressing with plans to acquire the Eurofighter Typhoon, one of Europe’s most advanced multirole combat aircraft.
A preliminary Letter of Intent (LoI) has reportedly been signed between Leonardo S.p.A. and the Bangladesh Air Force to initiate the process. The initial acquisition is expected to involve approximately 10 to 16 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, marking a significant step in the modernisation of Bangladesh’s combat aviation capability.
The proposed package is understood to include not only the aircraft themselves but also comprehensive elements such as pilot and ground crew training, spare parts, weapons, logistics support, and infrastructure development. This approach aligns with the Bangladesh Air Force’s emphasis on operational readiness and long-term sustainment.
Bangladesh–Italy Defence Engagement
Bangladesh and Italy have maintained longstanding diplomatic relations, with defence cooperation becoming an increasingly important pillar of bilateral engagement. Italy has emerged as a key European partner for Bangladesh, particularly in aviation, aerospace technology, and military training.
Italian defence companies, notably Leonardo S.p.A., have previously supplied platforms, systems, and technical support to Bangladesh’s armed forces. The ongoing engagement reflects mutual interest in expanding cooperation in advanced defence technologies.
The visit by Italy’s Deputy Defence Minister underscores Rome’s commitment to strengthening defence ties with Dhaka and supporting Bangladesh’s defence modernisation initiatives.
Eurofighter Typhoon Overview
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine, multirole combat aircraft developed by a European consortium comprising the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Originally designed as an air superiority fighter, the aircraft has evolved into a fully multirole platform capable of conducting air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
The aircraft is equipped with advanced avionics, modern sensors, and precision-guided weapons and is currently operated by several air forces across Europe and the Middle East. The Typhoon is regarded as a frontline combat aircraft within NATO and allied air forces.
Air Force Modernisation Context
The reported Eurofighter Typhoon procurement forms part of the Bangladesh Air Force’s broader modernisation efforts under long-term development plans aimed at enhancing operational capability and readiness.
The acquisition of a limited number of advanced multirole fighters is intended to strengthen the BAF’s combat aviation component while supporting training, interoperability, and technological advancement within the service.
High-Level Participation
The meeting at Air Headquarters was attended by senior military officials from both Bangladesh and Italy, ensuring coordination across operational and policy levels. The presence of the Italian Ambassador highlighted the diplomatic significance of the engagement.
The interaction reflects ongoing dialogue between the two countries at senior military and political levels and provides a platform for advancing defence cooperation initiatives.
Outlook
While formal contractual details have yet to be publicly announced, the signing of a preliminary Letter of Intent between Leonardo S.p.A. and the Bangladesh Air Force indicates tangible progress towards the Eurofighter Typhoon programme.
The meeting on 20 January 2026 represents a notable development in Bangladesh’s air power modernisation efforts and in the broader Bangladesh–Italy defence relationship.
Amit Bhattacharya is a leading defence procurement expert with deep expertise in modern weapon systems and military hardware acquisition. Over more than a decade, he has collaborated with top defence contractors and strategic research institutions, delivering incisive analysis on procurement frameworks, capability development, and technology integration for armed forces worldwide. Amit bridges the gap between operational requirements and industrial capacity, providing authoritative evaluations of modernisation programmes, defence budgets, and acquisition reforms in both established and emerging defence markets. He leads the Defence Procurement and Defence Industry sections at BDMilitary, shaping strategic discourse on defence innovation. Amit earned his Master of Policy and Governance (MPAG) from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, complementing his practical expertise with advanced policy and governance insight.
