This article summarizes reporting by Reuters.

Bangladesh Signals Strategic Shift with Eurofighter Typhoon Letter of Intent

The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has formally initiated negotiations to acquire Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, marking a significant potential pivot in the nation’s defense procurement strategy. According to reporting by Reuters, representatives from Bangladesh signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with the Italian defense firm Leonardo S.p.A. on December 9, 2025.

This agreement represents a major step in the BAF’s long-standing “Forces Goal 2030” modernization roadmap. Historically reliant on Chinese and Russian military hardware, Dhaka’s move toward advanced Western aerospace technology suggests a desire to diversify its defense partnerships and enhance its aerial sovereignty capabilities. The signing ceremony reportedly included Bangladesh’s Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan and Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro.

While the LOI is a preliminary agreement rather than a binding contract, it establishes the framework for negotiations regarding the procurement of the aircraft. If finalized, this deal would introduce “4.5 generation” capabilities to the BAF fleet, significantly altering the air power balance in the region.

Details of the Proposed Acquisition

The export campaign for the Eurofighter Typhoon is managed by a consortium of European partners, with specific nations leading sales efforts in different regions. In this instance, Leonardo S.p.A. is spearheading the campaign on behalf of the Eurofighter consortium, which also includes Airbus and BAE Systems. Reports indicate that if the deal proceeds, the aircraft would likely be assembled at Leonardo’s facilities in Turin, Italy.

Projected Fleet Size and Investment

Although the specific number of aircraft was not detailed in the initial announcement, defense analysts and previous budget requests suggest a requirement for between 10 and 16 jets. The financial scope of the program is substantial; prior allocations for the “Multi-Role Combat Aircraft” (MRCA) program were estimated at approximately $3 billion (approx. 25,200 crore Taka). However, the final cost will depend heavily on the associated weapons packages, training, and long-term support services negotiated in the final contract.

Technical Leap for the Bangladesh Air Force

The acquisition of Eurofighter Typhoons would represent a generational leap for the BAF, which currently operates a fleet primarily composed of Chinese Chengdu F-7s and Russian MiG-29s. Industry experts suggest that Bangladesh is targeting the Tranche 4 standard, the most advanced version of the Typhoon currently in production.

Key technical advantages of this variant include:

• AESA Radar: The inclusion of the Captor-E Active Electronically Scanned Array radar would offer superior detection ranges and resistance to electronic jamming compared to the mechanical radars currently in service.
• Swing-Role Capability: Unlike the BAF’s current interceptors, the Typhoon is designed to perform air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions within a single sortie.
• Avionics Upgrades: The likely inclusion of the P3Eb upgrade package would enhance integration with modern Western weaponry, allowing for more precise air-to-ground operations.

“This platform significantly outperforms the BAF’s current fleet… offering ‘4.5 generation’ capabilities.”

, Defense Research Report

Strategic Context: Forces Goal 2030

The potential purchase aligns with “Forces Goal 2030,” a modernization initiative launched in 2009 to transform the Bangladesh military into a “three-dimensional” force capable of defending both airspace and maritime economic zones. The BAF has faced urgency in replacing its aging F-7 fleet, which is based on the 1950s-era MiG-21 airframe and has suffered from obsolescence issues.

Reports suggest the BAF may be pursuing a “High-Low” mix strategy. This would involve acquiring a smaller number of high-end Western fighters like the Typhoon for air dominance, potentially supplemented by more affordable platforms such as the Chinese Chengdu J-10CE to provide bulk numbers. However, the Eurofighter commitment signals a clear intent to reduce total reliance on Beijing, which currently supplies approximately 70% of Bangladesh’s arms.

AirPro News Analysis

Geopolitical Implications of a Western Pivot

We view this Letter of Intent as a significant geopolitical maneuver by Dhaka. By engaging with Leonardo and the Eurofighter consortium, Bangladesh is strengthening ties with Europe and NATO-aligned nations. This diversification strategy mitigates the risks associated with single-source dependency on Chinese military technology.

Regionally, the move is likely to be viewed with mixed emotions in New Delhi. While India may be cautious about a neighbor acquiring such advanced air superiority capabilities, it may simultaneously welcome Dhaka’s drift away from Beijing’s sphere of influence. A Bangladesh armed with Western technology is less integrated into the Chinese military ecosystem, potentially offering new avenues for defense cooperation with India and other Western-aligned powers in the Indo-Pacific.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Letter of Intent (LOI)?
An LOI is a non-binding document that outlines the preliminary understanding between parties who intend to formalize a legally binding agreement. It signals serious intent to purchase but does not guarantee the final sale.

Why is Leonardo leading the deal instead of the UK or Germany?
The Eurofighter consortium divides export campaigns among its partner nations (UK, Germany, Italy, Spain). Italy, through Leonardo, leads campaigns in specific regions. This structure can sometimes help bypass stricter export controls that might exist in other partner nations.

When would the aircraft be delivered?
If a final contract is signed, deliveries typically commence 3 to 5 years later, depending on production slots and customization requirements.

Sources

• Reuters