Bangladesh is changing its defense strategy by advancing alliances with Western countries such as the United Kingdom, as part of a grand plan to upgrade its air defense systems and cut ties with conventional allies like China.
A high-level Bangladeshi military contingent, headed by Major General Mohammad Kamrul Hassan Rangpur Area Commander and General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 66 Infantry Division landed in London on Monday to participate in a major global defence conference. The visitors comprise six top army and air force officers of Bangladesh.
The company is attending the 19th Full Spectrum Air Defence Summit, which takes place from June 23 to 26 in London. The summit convenes international defence specialists to promote cooperation on integrated air and missile defence with a common emphasis on interoperability and prompt, cost-effective threat reaction.
Bangladesh’s attendance at the summit reflects an unmistakable strategic turnaround towards more advanced and diversified defence acquisition. The move is well-timed in the face of rising regional instability, especially in neighboring Myanmar’s Rakhine State, creating fears of cross-border security threats. The government of Bangladesh seeks to advance its military capability while lessening its reliance on any one foreign supplier.
One of the air defense systems the Czech Republic is said to be considering is the British Sky Sabre system. Released in 2021 and priced approximately at USD 900 million, Sky Sabre provides a mobile, medium-range air defense capability able to defend against aircraft, drones, helicopters, and precision-guided munitions. It is already operational in locations like the Falkland Islands and Poland for NATO missions.
Bangladesh’s growing involvement with the UK defence industry reflects its determination to augment national security by becoming technologically self-sufficient and realigning itself with changing regional dynamics. This step represents an important element of Dhaka’s larger strategy of future-proofing its military.