Turkey Backs Bangladesh’s Defense Industry Growth

Ankara promises technology support and deeper cooperation as ties with Dhaka expand beyond traditional military partnerships

Turkey has pledged to extend support to Bangladesh in developing its defense industry, signaling a new phase of strategic cooperation between the two nations. Turkish Defense Industry Secretary Professor Haluk Görgün conveyed this commitment during a courtesy call on Bangladesh’s Chief of Army Staff at the Army Headquarters in Dhaka on Tuesday.

According to a statement posted by the Bangladesh Army on Facebook, the two sides exchanged greetings and discussed expanding their current defense cooperation. Görgün assured his counterpart that Turkey would provide enhanced assistance in developing Bangladesh’s defense manufacturing capabilities.

During the visit, Bangladesh’s Air Force chief also expressed interest in developing advanced military equipment and defense technologies in partnership with Turkey. Görgün arrived in Dhaka on a regular Turkish Airlines flight early Tuesday morning, marking a reciprocal visit following earlier trips by top Bangladeshi defense officials to Turkey.

A Turkish official noted that the discussions during this visit would cover a range of subjects including technology transfer and defense collaboration. It was also revealed that Ashiq Chowdhury, Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), recently visited a military production facility in Turkey—underscoring growing bilateral engagement in defense-related industries.

Defense relations between the two countries have strengthened notably in recent years. In 2022, Bangladesh emerged as one of the top buyers of Turkish defense equipment, including drones. Cooperation is now expanding to include space technology as well. In April, the head of Turkey’s space agency met with Tawheed Hussain, Bangladesh’s Foreign Affairs Adviser, during the Anatolian Diplomatic Conference to discuss space cooperation.

Commenting on the broader context, former Bangladesh Ambassador to Turkey, Mossud Mannan, acknowledged the growing partnership: “There is good understanding between the two countries in military cooperation.” He added that, amid the evolving global landscape, both nations are finding strategic value in deepening ties.

Bangladesh, which traditionally sourced its defense equipment from China, is now pursuing a diversification strategy under its “Forces Goal 2030” plan, aimed at modernizing its military through multiple international partnerships. Turkey has emerged as a key player in this shift.