Bangladesh has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Italian defense manufacturer Leonardo S.p.A. to procure Eurofighter Typhoon multirole combat aircraft for the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF). The signing took place on December 9 at the Air Force Headquarters in Dhaka, marking a major step toward modernizing the country’s aerial defense capabilities.

The ceremony was attended by Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro, and senior military and civilian officials from both nations. According to the BAF, the Eurofighter Typhoons will eventually join the force’s frontline fleet, enhancing its operational range and combat readiness. The initiative aligns with Bangladesh’s long-term defense modernization plan.

Earlier this year, the government had formed an 11-member committee led by the Air Chief to evaluate fighter jet options, including China’s J-10 aircraft. The Typhoon deal signals Dhaka’s strategic diversification in defense procurement and could strengthen bilateral defense ties with Italy and the European Union.