Bangladesh has taken a major step toward modernizing its air defense capabilities by signing a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Italy’s Leonardo SpA to explore the purchase of Eurofighter Typhoon multirole combat aircraft.
The move signals a potential shift from the Bangladesh Air Force’s (BAF) long-standing reliance on Chinese and Russian platforms, marking one of the most ambitious procurement initiatives under Forces Goal 2030.
According to officials familiar with the development, the LoI opens the door for negotiations on the possible acquisition of several Typhoon jets, although the final number, cost, and configuration will depend on government approvals and subsequent assessments.
While the LoI does not constitute a purchase agreement, it formally establishes both parties’ interest in the European-built fighter and represents remarkable progress, according to a senior official of the Bangladesh Air Force.
The LoI was signed on 9 December at the Air Force Headquarters in Dhaka, in the presence of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, and Italy's Ambassador to Bangladesh, Antonio Alessandro.
Speaking to Dhaka Tribune yesterday afternoon, former Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Masihuzzaman Serniabat (Retd) described the potential procurement as a significant step forward for Bangladesh’s air defense, noting both economic and geopolitical benefits.
“Eurofighter will serve as a catalyst for our nation’s development through technology transfer and by advancing higher-level maintenance and development of aviation-related industries, while also making the Air Force’s deterrence capabilities more credible. It will project Bangladesh as a strong, independent nation with substantial capabilities in global airspace,” he said.
What is a Eurofighter Typhoon?
Developed jointly by the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain, the Eurofighter Typhoon is considered one of the world’s most advanced 4.5-generation multirole combat aircraft.
Since entering service in the early 2000s, it has participated in operations over Libya, Syria, and the Balkans, accumulating hundreds of thousands of flight hours among its operators.
The Typhoon features twin engines, a delta wing with canards for enhanced manoeuvrability, and the capability to conduct both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
Its advanced sensor suite includes active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, infrared tracking systems, and a comprehensive electronic warfare suite suited for modern, network-centric warfare.
It is compatible with a wide range of armaments, including long-range beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles, precision-guided munitions, anti-ship missiles, and a 27mm cannon, allowing it to operate across diverse mission profiles—from air defence to maritime strike.
An Air Force officer told Dhaka Tribune yesterday that the aircraft’s configuration would depend on Bangladesh’s requirements.
A potential game-changer for BAF’s future
Experts believe that the possible introduction of the Eurofighter Typhoon into Bangladesh’s fleet represents a transformative shift for BAF.
For decades, the Air Force has relied on earlier-generation Chinese F-7 variants and a small number of Russian MiG-29 fighters—platforms that face increasing limitations in range, endurance, avionics, and sustainability.
If Bangladesh ultimately acquires the Eurofighter Typhoon, the aircraft would dramatically expand BAF’s operational reach.
Its long-range sensors and BVR capabilities would give Bangladesh a level of air superiority it has never possessed, allowing threats to be engaged long before they approach national airspace.
Over the Bay of Bengal, the Typhoon’s advanced strike capabilities would strengthen maritime security, enabling better protection of exclusive economic zones, offshore resources, and critical sea routes.
On land, its precision weapons and surveillance systems could support both domestic security operations and Bangladesh’s extensive contributions to UN peacekeeping missions.
Defence officials also believe that acquiring a Western fighter aircraft would enhance Bangladesh’s strategic partnerships with Europe, improve interoperability with NATO-standard systems, and reduce overdependence on suppliers previously affected by sanctions or supply disruptions.
An Air Force officer noted that the Eurofighter is considered comparable to the Rafale and superior to the JF-17. Importantly, the Rafale is produced by France, while the Eurofighter is an EU-based program, not dependent on a single country.
Strategic timing and regional context
The potential Eurofighter purchase comes amid shifting regional dynamics.
India has already inducted Dassault Rafale fighters into its fleet, while Pakistan continues to expand its JF-17 program and develop additional airpower options.
Myanmar’s air force has also modernized in recent years, prompting Dhaka to reassess its long-term defence posture.
Analysts say that acquiring a Western-origin multirole fighter would not only bolster Bangladesh’s deterrence capability but also align its long-term procurement strategy with multiple international partners.
Financial and industrial considerations
Although the precise value of any potential deal has not been disclosed, industry estimates place the Eurofighter’s unit cost between €100–120 million per aircraft, depending on configuration.
Any agreement is expected to include training, maintenance support, and potential industrial collaboration.
Italian representatives have proposed cooperation on maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities, training opportunities for BAF pilots and technicians, and broader technology partnerships—details that will be negotiated in the coming months, according to sources.
A final purchase agreement would require approval from the Ministry of Defence and senior government leadership.
Nonetheless, Bangladesh’s interest in the Eurofighter Typhoon marks the country’s boldest step yet toward modernizing its air force.
If finalized, the acquisition would significantly enhance BAF’s operational capabilities, expand Bangladesh’s strategic partnerships, and reshape the country’s role in regional airpower dynamics for decades to come, experts emphasized.