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Bangladesh explores advanced air defence options at London summit
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he would increase annual defence spending to 2.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2027. File image/AFP
Bangladesh is broadening its defence partnerships as part of an ambitious effort to modernise its air defence capabilities, shifting focus from traditional allies like China to Western nations such as the United Kingdom.
Military intelligence sources in Dhaka confirmed that a senior Bangladeshi military delegation arrived in London on Monday to participate in a prominent international defence summit.
The delegation is being led by Major General Mohammad Kamrul Hassan, who serves as the Area Commander of Rangpur and General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 66 Infantry Division. He is joined by six senior officers from both the Bangladesh Army and Air Force. The team is attending the 19th edition of the Full Spectrum Air Defence Summit, being held in London from June 23 to 26.
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The summit focuses on enhancing international collaboration in integrated air and missile defence, with an emphasis on interoperability and rapid threat elimination through advanced, cost-effective technologies. Bangladesh's presence at the event underscores its strategic shift toward acquiring more sophisticated defence systems and diversifying its sources of military procurement.
This evolving approach comes amid growing regional instability, particularly in Myanmar's Rakhine State, which continues to experience conflict and could potentially lead to cross-border security concerns for Bangladesh. The government is therefore aiming to future-proof its military and reduce dependency on any single foreign supplier.
One of the advanced air defence platforms that has reportedly caught Bangladesh's interest is the UK's Sky Sabre system. Commissioned in 2021, Sky Sabre is a mobile, medium-range air defence solution valued at approximately USD 900 million. It is designed to neutralise threats from enemy aircraft, drones, attack helicopters, and precision-guided weapons. The system has already been deployed in locations such as the Falkland Islands and Poland to support NATO operations.
Bangladesh's engagement with the UK and participation in the summit mark a significant step toward greater technological self-reliance, reflecting its commitment to adapting to a rapidly changing regional security landscape.
With the inputs from agencies
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