Turkey proposes joint drone factory in Bangladesh, new prospects in defense cooperation

Turkey has expressed interest in establishing a joint drone manufacturing factory in Bangladesh. As part of deepening defense cooperation between the two countries, Turkey has proposed to establish a joint UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) or drone manufacturing center in Bangladesh. According to the proposal, Turkey's much-discussed Bayraktar TB2 and Akıncı type drones can be co-produced in Bangladesh.

This proposal came to light around the Bangladesh-Turkey Foreign Secretary-level meeting held in Dhaka and the subsequent defense talks. At the same time, Turkey has also proposed to purchase advanced air defense systems and military aircraft to Bangladesh.

According to analysts, if a drone factory is established in Bangladesh, technology transfer, skilled manpower and domestic production capacity will increase in the country's defense industry. This can also be helpful in meeting the goal of military modernization under the 'Forces Goal 2030'.

However, the matter is still at the proposal and discussion stage. There is no publicly confirmed information that any final agreement has been signed between the two countries in this regard.

Notably, Bangladesh is already implementing a separate technology transfer-based project with China to manufacture drones locally. Meanwhile, Turkey's new proposal adds a new dimension to South Asian defense cooperation.