Bangladesh–Italy Defence Cooperation Deepens: Eurofighter Typhoon Deal Underway

Reading Time: 3 minutes Bangladesh and Italy are set to strengthen their defence partnership as the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) moves forward with the acquisition of Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft. The BAF has reportedly selected the Tranche 3 configuration, with an initial batch of ten aircraft earmarked for purchase by 2026. This development follows a series of high-level engagements: in May, a BAF delegation led by Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, BBP, OSP, GUP, nswc, psc, GD(P), Chief of Air Staff, visited Italy, organized and facilitated by Leonardo, where Bangladeshi pilots flew and evaluated the Typhoon, gaining first-hand operational experience. In October, a Leonardo delegation visited Dhaka to advance technical discussions, covering training, maintenance, and potential industrial cooperation. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visit to Dhaka in December is expected to provide political momentum that could crystallise what would be Bangladesh’s largest defence procurement from any EU country. The