In recent years, China has emerged as Bangladesh’s key defense partner, supplying military equipment and transferring advanced technology to boost the country’s defense capabilities. This growing military cooperation signals a strategic shift in South Asia, reshaping the regional balance of power. As Bangladesh seeks to modernize its armed forces under the “Forces Goal 2030” initiative, China’s role has become increasingly significant.
1. China’s Military Partnership with Bangladesh
A History of Defense Cooperation
China and Bangladesh established diplomatic relations in 1975, and their military cooperation has steadily expanded since then. Over the past two decades, China has become Bangladesh’s largest defense supplier, accounting for over 70% of its military imports.
From fighter jets to naval warships, China has equipped Bangladesh with state-of-the-art weaponry. More importantly, beyond just supplying arms, Beijing has actively transferred military technology to Dhaka, allowing Bangladesh to enhance its indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities.
Key Agreements and Defense Deals
Some of the major defense agreements between China and Bangladesh include:
- 2013: Bangladesh signed a deal with China to procure two Type 035G Ming-class submarines, marking a significant step in Dhaka’s naval modernization.
- 2016: Bangladesh Navy received the submarines from China, making it the third South Asian country (after India and Pakistan) to operate submarines.
- 2022: Bangladesh and China strengthened defense ties by signing agreements for the local assembly and technology transfer of various military hardware.2023: China delivered FD-2000B long-range air defense missile systems, improving Bangladesh’s air defense capabilities.
These developments highlight China’s deepening military involvement in Bangladesh’s defense sector.
2. What Military Technologies Has China Transferred to Bangladesh?
China’s military technology transfer to Bangladesh spans multiple domains, including air, land, and naval defense.
Air Force Modernization: Fighter Jets and Missile Systems
China has supplied Bangladesh with Chengdu F-7BG fighters and is now assisting in the upgrade of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) with modern multi-role fighter jets. Reports suggest that Bangladesh is considering acquiring J-10C or JF-17 Block III fighters, co-developed by China and Pakistan.
Additionally, China has transferred technology for air defense missile systems, including:
- FM-90 (HQ-7) short-range air defense system
- FD-2000B (HQ-9) long-range surface-to-air missiles
These systems significantly enhance Bangladesh’s airspace defense capabilities.
Naval Expansion: Submarines and Warships
Bangladesh’s navy has benefited significantly from Chinese military assistance. Besides the Ming-class submarines, China has provided:
- Type 056 corvette warships, enabling Bangladesh to patrol its maritime boundaries effectively.
- C-802A anti-ship missiles, strengthening Bangladesh’s naval strike capability.
- Technology transfer for frigate construction, allowing Bangladesh to build its own warships in the future.
Land Systems: Armored Vehicles and Artillery
China has supplied Bangladesh’s army with:
- VT-1A main battle tanks
- SH-15 self-propelled howitzers
- LY-80 medium-range air defense systems
- Multiple rocket launcher systems (MRLS)
Reports suggest that China is assisting Bangladesh in assembling armored vehicles locally, further advancing the country’s defense industry.
3. Why is Bangladesh Relying on China for Military Technology?
Cost-Effective and Advanced Technology
China offers affordable yet sophisticated military technology compared to Western alternatives. For a developing country like Bangladesh, acquiring high-quality defense equipment at competitive prices is a significant advantage.
Less Political Conditionality
Unlike Western nations, China does not impose stringent political conditions on arms sales. This allows Bangladesh to procure advanced weaponry without facing diplomatic pressure on internal affairs such as human rights or governance issues.
Forces Goal 2030: The Push for Self-Reliance
Under the Forces Goal 2030, Bangladesh aims to build a modern, self-sufficient military. China’s technology transfers are helping Dhaka develop its own defense manufacturing capabilities, reducing dependency on foreign suppliers.
Strategic Diversification of Defense Suppliers
Although Bangladesh has historically sourced some military equipment from the US, Russia, and the UK, it is increasingly shifting towards China and Turkey to maintain a balanced and diversified procurement strategy.
4. Geopolitical Implications of China-Bangladesh Defense Ties
India’s Concerns
India closely monitors China’s growing defense cooperation with Bangladesh. New Delhi perceives Beijing’s military presence in the region as a strategic challenge.
Key Indian concerns include:
- Submarine acquisitions: India fears that Chinese-built submarines in Bangladesh could expand Beijing’s influence in the Bay of Bengal.
- Naval bases: Although Bangladesh has denied any Chinese military bases, India remains cautious about potential Chinese naval access to Bangladeshi ports.
- Regional balance of power: A militarily stronger Bangladesh could reshape South Asian defense dynamics, potentially challenging India’s dominance.
US and Western Reactions
The United States and European nations have also expressed concern over China’s increasing arms sales in South Asia. The US Indo-Pacific strategy views China’s defense expansion as part of Beijing’s broader geopolitical ambitions.
To counter China’s influence, the US has offered military assistance to Bangladesh, including the possibility of selling advanced defense equipment under its Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI). However, Dhaka has yet to make any significant commitments.
Bangladesh’s Balancing Act
Bangladesh has historically pursued a balanced foreign policy, maintaining strong relations with both India and China. While its defense cooperation with China is expanding, Dhaka reassures New Delhi and Washington that it remains neutral and does not align with any single power.
Bangladesh has also been strengthening ties with Turkey for military cooperation, diversifying its defense partnerships to avoid overreliance on any one country.
5. Future Prospects: WillBangladesh Develop Its Own Defense Industry?
With continued Chinese assistance, Bangladesh is making strides towards indigenous defense production. The country has already:
- Established local shipbuilding capabilities.
- Developed small arms and ammunition manufacturing.
- Partnered with China to assemble armored vehicles and communication systems.
In the coming years, Bangladesh may expand its domestic defense industry, reducing dependency on foreign suppliers while maintaining strong strategic alliances.
China’s military technology transfer to Bangladesh marks a new phase in South Asia’s security landscape. While it significantly strengthens Bangladesh’s defense capabilities, it also raises concerns for India and Western allies.
As Bangladesh continues to modernize its armed forces, it faces the challenge of balancing its defense partnerships while maintaining regional stability. Whether Dhaka can leverage this military growth to establish a truly independent and self-sufficient defense industry remains a key question for the future.
Key Takeaways:
✅ China is Bangladesh’s largest defense supplier, providing advanced military technology.
✅ China has transferred submarine, air defense, and warship technologies to Bangladesh.
✅ India and the US are closely monitoring Bangladesh’s growing defense ties with China.
✅ Bangladesh aims to develop its own military-industrial complex under Forces Goal 2030.
The coming years will determine whether Bangladesh’s military modernization remains a strategic success or a geopolitical flashpoint in South Asia.