Bangladesh has taken a decisive step toward modernizing its defence capabilities and expanding strategic cooperation with China, following a high-profile visit by Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman to Beijing. The week-long official tour, which concluded on August 28, signals a new phase in Dhaka’s military diplomacy—one that blends geopolitical pragmatism with industrial ambition.
🤝 Strategic Talks & Rohingya Diplomacy
General Waker was received with full military honors at the PLA Headquarters on August 22, where he met General Chen Hui, Political Commissar of the PLA Ground Forces. The two leaders discussed regional security, strategic training exchanges, and China’s potential role in supporting Bangladesh’s defence industry.
Notably, the Rohingya crisis featured prominently in the dialogue. The Army Chief urged Chinese officials to play a more active role in facilitating repatriation and regional stability, framing the issue as a shared security concern.
🏭 NORINCO Engagement: From Supplier to Strategic Partner
On August 23, General Waker met Chen Defang, President of NORINCO Group—China’s leading defence manufacturer. Discussions focused on upgrading existing military equipment, expanding maintenance protocols, and exploring joint industrial ventures. NORINCO’s evolving role in Bangladesh’s defence ecosystem marks a shift from transactional procurement to long-term collaboration.
The Army Chief also toured NORINCO’s research labs and production facilities in Beijing and Xiang, inspecting systems related to armored vehicles, artillery, and advanced electronics.
🛰️ UAVs & Aerospace Tech: A Leap Toward Indigenous Capability
The visit included inspections of the Aisheng UAV Factory and China Aerospace Long-March International Co. Ltd (ALIT), where Bangladesh expressed interest in surveillance drones, guided munitions, and aerospace integration. These engagements suggest that Dhaka is eyeing unmanned systems not just for tactical use—but as a foundation for future indigenous development.
🛡️ Sky Dragon 100: A New Layer in Air Defence?
One of the most notable demonstrations was NORINCO’s presentation of the Sky Dragon 100 medium-range surface-to-air missile system. Designed to intercept fighter jets, helicopters, and UAVs, the system boasts:
- Radar Detection Range: 380 km
- Engagement Range: 100 km
- Max Altitude: 25 km
- Missile Capacity: 24 per unit
- Reaction Time: 10 seconds
- Deployment Time: 15 minutes
If acquired, the Sky Dragon 100 would significantly enhance Bangladesh’s layered air defence network and signal a pivot toward Chinese systems amid growing regional threats.
🌐 Geopolitical Balancing Act
While the visit strengthens Sino-Bangladeshi ties, it also raises questions about Dhaka’s balancing strategy. Ongoing debates about acquiring China’s J-10C fighter jets have already drawn Western scrutiny. Bangladesh’s leadership now faces the challenge of modernizing its forces without alienating key diplomatic partners.