Defence talks, deals part of ongoing process, says Security Advisor Khalilur

Interim government’s defence engagements are described as routine and continuous

National Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman has described discussions and agreements with different countries over defence procurement as part of a continuous process, dismissing suggestions that such initiatives are unusual towards the end of the interim government’s tenure.

Responding to questions from reporters on Monday afternoon after a meeting with Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain at the foreign ministry, Khalilur said: “This is an ongoing process.”

Under the interim government led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, emphasis has been placed on strengthening defence capabilities, with the process to acquire Eurofighter Typhoon jets advancing significantly.

On Dec 9, the Bangladesh Air Force signed a letter of intent with Italian company Leonardo SpA and the Italian government to procure the fighter aircraft.

The Eurofighter is manufactured and marketed under the Eurofighter GmbH consortium, which includes Leonardo SpA, BAE Systems and Airbus Defence and Space.

The government has also recently signed a state-level agreement with China to manufacture drones, with officials confirming that land has been allocated in the Mirsarai Economic Zone for the proposed factory.

Media reports have also highlighted discussions on procuring JF-17 Thunder fighter jets from Pakistan, J-10C aircraft from China, submarines from South Korea, T-129 attack helicopters from Türkiye, Black Hawk multi-role helicopters from the US, and upgrading the capabilities of the warship BNS Khalid Bin Walid at a cost of Tk 6.5 billion.

Asked what would happen if the next government chose not to pursue these initiatives, Khalilur said: “That is a hypothetical question.”

Khalilur, who was recently appointed to the board of directors of state-run Biman Bangladesh Airlines amid talks with US manufacturer Boeing over aircraft purchases, was also asked about criticism over a national security advisor serving on the board of a national airline.

Pausing briefly, he replied: “Not every country in the world has a Biman.”