Bangladesh Eyes Eurofighter Typhoon in Strategic Air Force Modernisation Push

Reading Time: 4 minutes The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) is set to undertake a landmark shift in its air power capabilities as it moves closer to finalising the acquisition of 16 Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 3+ aircraft from European consortium partner Leonardo S.p.A. The deal, estimated at $2.5 billion, marks one of the most ambitious procurement projects in Bangladesh’s defence history, aimed squarely at fulfilling the long-term objectives of the Forces Goal 2030 initiative. Context and Strategic Outlook The BAF’s Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) acquisition programme was formally launched in 2017 as part of a broader restructuring under Forces Goal 2030, a blueprint to modernise Bangladesh’s tri-services into a 21st-century force. The Eurofighter Typhoon, developed jointly by the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain, has emerged as a front-runner following in-depth evaluations and high-level exchanges. In May 2025, BAF pilots successfully conducted orientation and demonstration flights on the Eurofighter Typhoon in