- Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan begins a nine-day official visit to Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
- Discussions will focus on enhancing defense cooperation, including joint exercises and training programs.
- Visits to key military installations in both countries are scheduled.
- The trip builds on the 2019 defense cooperation agreement between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia.
- Aims to bolster regional security and mutual military collaboration.
On February 8, 2025, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, Chief of Air Staff of the Bangladesh Air Force, left Dhaka for a nine-day official visit to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. His visit aims to strengthen defense ties with these Gulf nations and reinforce strategic military partnerships through high-level discussions and engagements.
From February 9 to 13, Khan will be in Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Lt. Gen. Turki bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Commander of the Royal Saudi Air Force. He will visit several RSAF installations and hold meetings focused on expanding defense collaboration. These discussions will cover areas like joint military exercises and training cooperation.
Bangladesh’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) department stated that the visit will explore new opportunities for strategic partnerships. Officials expect the trip to enhance Bangladesh’s defense engagement with Saudi Arabia, building on the memorandum of understanding signed in 2019.
Khan’s UAE Visit to Boost Defense Ties
Khan will continue his Gulf tour with a visit to the UAE from February 14 to 15. He will meet with UAE Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Staff Pilot Ibrahim Nasser Mohamed Al-Alawi. Their discussions will focus on strengthening bilateral defense cooperation and exploring new opportunities for collaboration.
The visit includes participation in Air Staff Talks, where both sides will discuss military exchanges, training programs, and technical partnerships. Khan will also tour key UAE Air Force bases. His goal is to assess ways to enhance operational readiness and defense technology exchange between the two nations.
Bangladesh has built strong defense ties with Saudi Arabia and the UAE over the years. A 2019 defense agreement with Saudi Arabia laid the foundation for cooperation in military training, strategic planning, and joint exercises. These partnerships continue to grow, benefiting Bangladesh’s defense sector.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE hold strategic importance in Bangladesh’s defense plans. Their regional influence and military capabilities provide Bangladesh with access to advanced training, defense technologies, and personnel exchange programs. Strengthening these ties ensures better security and collaboration for all parties involved.
Lt. Col. Sami Ud Dowla Chowdhury, Director of ISPR, highlighted the visit’s significance. He stated that discussions will focus on joint training and exercises. Senior military officials believe this visit will enhance Bangladesh’s defense capabilities and contribute to regional security in the long run.
Potential Outcomes and Future Prospects
This visit is set to bring agreements that will boost Bangladesh’s defense capabilities. Training, military assistance, and joint operations with the two Gulf states will play a key role. Strengthening these partnerships will help Bangladesh grow its defense presence both regionally and globally. It also ensures national security while advancing the country’s strategic military goals.
As international defense collaborations become more crucial, such visits highlight Bangladesh’s dedication to strong military alliances. The country focuses on improving technical expertise and expanding its military reach. Strengthening these ties will help maintain peace and security in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan’s visit reflects Bangladesh’s commitment to deepening its defense partnerships with key Gulf nations. Through these engagements, the country looks to enhance military strength and foster regional cooperation. Stronger defense ties will contribute to greater stability and shared growth across the region.