Dhaka, December 11 - In a landmark development for regional defense dynamics, the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Italy's Leonardo S.p.A. to procure Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, marking a pivotal step in the nation's ambitious Forces Goal 2030 modernization program. The agreement, formalized on December 9, 2025, at BAF headquarters in Dhaka, was witnessed by Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Italy's Ambassador to Bangladesh, Antonio Alessandro, and senior officials from both sides. This Eurofighter Typhoon procurement initiative represents Bangladesh's inaugural major acquisition of a Western-built multirole combat aircraft, signaling a strategic diversification from its existing fleet of Chinese F-7s and Russian MiG-29s. Leonardo, holding a 21% stake in the Eurofighter consortium alongside partners from Germany, the UK, and Spain, will lead the supply chain, with final assembly likely at its Turin facility.
The Eurofighter Typhoon, renowned for its supersonic speed exceeding Mach 2, advanced AESA radar, and versatile weaponry, embodies cutting-edge aerospace engineering tailored for air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions. Capable of integrating beyond-visual-range missiles and precision-guided munitions, the Typhoon's delta-canard configuration ensures exceptional maneuverability and a combat radius of over 1,000 kilometers, ideal for safeguarding Bangladesh's expansive maritime borders in the Bay of Bengal. This BAF-Leonardo collaboration not only enhances operational interoperability with NATO-aligned forces but also introduces sophisticated electronic warfare suites and helmet-mounted cueing systems, empowering pilots with superior situational awareness in contested environments. As global tensions rise, the Typhoon's proven track record in operations across Europe and the Middle East underscores its reliability for emerging Asian powers.
Strategically, the Eurofighter Typhoon deal bolsters Bangladesh's deterrence posture amid evolving threats from piracy, territorial disputes, and non-state actors in South Asia. By opting for this platform over competitors like China's J-10C, Dhaka prioritizes technological sovereignty and long-term sustainment through European partnerships, fostering technology transfers and joint training programs. The LOI paves the way for negotiations on up to 16 aircraft, potentially valued in the billions, alongside ancillary support for maintenance and simulation infrastructure. This infusion of modern multirole capabilities will elevate the BAF's role in multinational exercises, such as those under ASEAN frameworks, while stimulating domestic aerospace sectors through offset agreements.
As Bangladesh advances its defense self-reliance, the Eurofighter Typhoon integration promises to redefine aerial warfare paradigms in the Indo-Pacific, underscoring a commitment to innovation and strategic autonomy. With delivery timelines under discussion, this procurement heralds a new era of enhanced national security and international collaboration.
