On December 9, 2025, the Bangladesh Air Force signed a Letter of Intent with Italy’s Leonardo S.p.A. to negotiate the acquisition of up to 16 Eurofighter Typhoon multi-role combat aircraft. This pivotal move marks Bangladesh’s first significant engagement with Western fighter technology as part of its Forces Goal 2030 modernization initiative, aimed at replacing outdated MiG-29s and J-7s. The shift from previously considered Chinese J-10C fighters to European platforms enhances Bangladesh’s airpower capabilities and interoperability with Western allies, posing new strategic challenges for India along their shared borders. This development underscores Bangladesh’s ambition to elevate its operational standards amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics in South Asia, particularly regarding air defense in the Bay of Bengal region.