[🇧🇩-Airforce] China- Bangladesh Cooperation in UAV Manufacturing.

[Saif]

Date of Event: Jan 28, 2026

Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/news-0/news/baf-chinas-cetc-ink-deal-produce-unmanned-aerial-vehicles-bangladesh-4091791

BAF, China’s CETC ink deal to produce unmanned aerial vehicles in Bangladesh
G2G agreement includes technology transfer, skills development, and domestic manufacturing

By Star Online Report

Photo: BAF

Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) and China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) International today signed a government‑to‑government (G2G) agreement to establish an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturing and assembly plant in Bangladesh, along with provisions for technology transfer.

The signing ceremony was held at the BAF headquarters, with Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan attending as the chief guest, according to a statement posted on the BAF’s verified Facebook page.

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Under the agreement, BAF and CETC International will jointly set up a state‑of‑the‑art UAV production and assembly facility.

“This will include technology transfer, capacity building, industrial skill development, and joint technical cooperation, which will help achieve long‑term self‑reliance in UAV production,” the statement said.

Initially, BAF will acquire the capability to produce and assemble medium altitude long endurance UAVs and vertical take‑off and landing UAVs.

The statement added that BAF will also produce its own UAVs, which will play a significant role not only in military operations but also in humanitarian assistance and disaster management.

The agreement is expected to expand capacity to achieve full self‑reliance in domestic UAV production, meeting both national and international demand.

“At the same time, it will make a significant contribution to national technological advancement by developing a skilled aerospace workforce through specialised training, knowledge exchange, and capacity building,” BAF noted.

Among those present at the ceremony were Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, Principal Staff Officer of the Armed Forces Division Lt Gen SM Kamrul Hasan, Secretary of the Chief Adviser’s Office Saifullah Panna, Secretary of the Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs Division Dr Hafiz Ahmed Chowdhury, senior officers of the BAF and Armed Forces Division, representatives of CETC International, and other officials and guests.​

 

[Saif]

The following video talks about the agreement between Bangladesh and China to manufacture UAV/Drones. A complete transfer of technology will take place under this agreement. The video is in Bengali.

 

[Saif]

While "UAV" (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) and "drone" are often used interchangeably to describe unmanned aircraft, the key difference lies in formality and scope: UAV is the technical, regulatory term for the aircraft itself, while "drone" is a broader, colloquial term covering the aircraft, its controller, and support systems. All UAVs are drones, but not all drones are considered professional UAVs.

Key Differences:​

• Definition & Usage: "UAV" is preferred in professional, military, and regulatory contexts (e.g., FAA). "Drone" is the common term used by the public, hobbyists, and media.​
• System Components: A UAV usually refers specifically to the flying vehicle itself. A Drone often implies the entire system (the vehicle plus the controller and radio link).​
• Complexity & Autonomy: UAVs often imply higher-end, autonomous, or long-range military/industrial aircraft. Drones can range from simple consumer toys to complex commercial quadcopters.​
• Technicality: "UAV" is often associated with specialized, high-end equipment used for surveying, mapping, or inspection.​

At a Glance:​

• Drone: Informal, inclusive of toys/consumer models, implies the whole "package."​
• UAV: Formal, technical, often implies professional/military use, refers to the aircraft.​
• UAS (Unmanned Aerial System): The most precise term, referring to the entire system: aircraft, ground station, and communication link.​