Bangladesh Moves Toward Home-Grown Drone Industry
Bangladesh is moving to build a domestic drone industry as part of its defence modernisation plans. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman told Parliament today that the government is developing the capability to manufacture drones locally.
In a Nutshell
- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said in Parliament today that Bangladesh is developing the capability to manufacture drones locally.
- The plan is part of efforts to strengthen the country’s defence capacity.
- The government is also reviewing the armed forces’ cybersecurity policy.
- Maritime surveillance and situational awareness are also being strengthened.
Context
Bangladesh’s plan for local drone production follows an earlier agreement with Turkey to establish a joint drone manufacturing facility in Bogura. The proposed factory is planned near Bogura Airport, which is being upgraded, and a new Bangladesh Air Force base.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s statement in Parliament today places the drone project within a wider effort to develop Bangladesh’s own defence technology. The government is also reviewing military cyber security and improving maritime surveillance to address newer security threats.
Why It Matters
A home-grown drone industry can reduce Bangladesh’s dependence on imported defence technology and build local expertise in an increasingly important field. Moreover, the planned Turkey partnership can also give Bangladesh access to foreign technology and experience while developing its own production capacity at the same time.
What We Think
The real measure of this plan will be whether Bangladesh can move beyond assembling imported technology and develop the research, skills and production capacity needed for a sustainable local drone industry.