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Five-member team led by Italian armaments chief Maj Gen Luigi Casali visits Dhaka amid efforts to advance fighter acquisition and broaden defence cooperation
by Chandan Nandy
November 6, 2026
The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) is exploring the possibilities of acquiring the European-built Eurofighter Typhoon multirole combat aircraft, with a high-level Italian defence delegation’s visit to Dhaka renewing attention on a procurement initiative that has yet to progress to a final purchase contract.
The five-member delegation, led by Major General Luigi Casali, Director of the First Department of Italy’s National Armaments Directorate (NAD), arrived in the Bangladeshi capital on November 4, carrying representatives from Italy’s naval and aerospace establishments.
The delegation checked into the Renaissance Dhaka hotel at 7.45 pm on November 4. Its members are scheduled to leave on November 6. The hotel booking was made by the Italian Embassy.
On November 5, Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro hosted a dinner at his Gulshan-2 residence, for the visiting Italian Air Force delegation. Besides, Maj Gen Casali, the other members of the Italian team included Cdr (Navy) Massimo Caputo, Lt Col Roberto Castriotta, Lt Col Pier Francesco Grassi and Capt (Navy) Armando Paolo Simi who serves as the Defence Attache at the Italian embassy in New Delhi.
Maj Gen Casali’s return to Dhaka is particularly significant because he had previously visited Bangladesh in December 2025, when he was part of an Italian team involved in discussions over the proposed acquisition of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.
As reported by Northeast News on December 9, 2025, Casali, accompanied by senior executives of Italian aerospace and defence company Leonardo S.p.A., met then Bangladesh Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan to discuss modalities for acquiring the aircraft.
On the same day, the BAF and Leonardo signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) at Air Headquarters in Dhaka. The agreement identified Leonardo as the supplier of Eurofighter Typhoon fighters for the BAF’s frontline fleet as part of its effort to induct modern multirole combat aircraft.
The LOI, however, did not constitute a final procurement contract, and the number of aircraft, configuration, delivery schedule and financial terms have not been publicly established.
The composition of the latest delegation suggests that the discussions could extend beyond the fighter aircraft programme.
The presence of senior naval and air force representatives is noteworthy. While the aerospace officials could be involved in discussions concerning the Eurofighter programme and associated technical requirements, the naval officers’ participation raises the possibility of a wider conversation about Bangladesh’s naval modernisation and other defence equipment. There is, however, no confirmation that any specific naval platform or weapons system is under negotiation.
The delegation’s visit also comes amid a broader effort by Dhaka and Rome to strengthen defence relations. On October 18, Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro met Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser, retired Brigadier General Dr A K M Shamsul Islam, at the Armed Forces Division in Dhaka Cantonment.
Their discussions covered military modernisation, training, technical and technological assistance, procurement of modern military equipment, and cooperation in United Nations peacekeeping operations.
On November 5, Maj Gen Casali and the Italian delegation held a meeting with the Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser. Ambassador Alessandro was also present. Bangladesh’s Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate described the encounter as a high-level engagement aimed at expanding defence cooperation, exchanging modern technology and expertise, and exploring opportunities for closer collaboration.
For the BAF, the Eurofighter proposal represents a significant potential shift towards acquiring a Western-built combat aircraft. The Typhoon is manufactured by a European consortium involving Italy’s Leonardo, Britain’s BAE Systems and Airbus Defence and Space. Leonardo has been the principal Italian interlocutor in Bangladesh’s proposed acquisition.
The programme nevertheless faces important questions, particularly concerning its cost, financing, the number and configuration of aircraft, training requirements and long-term maintenance support. The BAF has not publicly disclosed a final procurement decision or a confirmed delivery timetable.
Maj Gen Casali’s latest visit, accompanied by officials from the naval and air force establishments, therefore assumes significance beyond a routine diplomatic engagement. It provides an opportunity for Italy to pursue the existing fighter-aircraft initiative while examining the scope for a wider defence partnership with Bangladesh.
by Chandan Nandy
November 6, 2026
The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) is exploring the possibilities of acquiring the European-built Eurofighter Typhoon multirole combat aircraft, with a high-level Italian defence delegation’s visit to Dhaka renewing attention on a procurement initiative that has yet to progress to a final purchase contract.
The five-member delegation, led by Major General Luigi Casali, Director of the First Department of Italy’s National Armaments Directorate (NAD), arrived in the Bangladeshi capital on November 4, carrying representatives from Italy’s naval and aerospace establishments.
The delegation checked into the Renaissance Dhaka hotel at 7.45 pm on November 4. Its members are scheduled to leave on November 6. The hotel booking was made by the Italian Embassy.
On November 5, Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro hosted a dinner at his Gulshan-2 residence, for the visiting Italian Air Force delegation. Besides, Maj Gen Casali, the other members of the Italian team included Cdr (Navy) Massimo Caputo, Lt Col Roberto Castriotta, Lt Col Pier Francesco Grassi and Capt (Navy) Armando Paolo Simi who serves as the Defence Attache at the Italian embassy in New Delhi.
Maj Gen Casali’s return to Dhaka is particularly significant because he had previously visited Bangladesh in December 2025, when he was part of an Italian team involved in discussions over the proposed acquisition of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.
As reported by Northeast News on December 9, 2025, Casali, accompanied by senior executives of Italian aerospace and defence company Leonardo S.p.A., met then Bangladesh Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan to discuss modalities for acquiring the aircraft.
On the same day, the BAF and Leonardo signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) at Air Headquarters in Dhaka. The agreement identified Leonardo as the supplier of Eurofighter Typhoon fighters for the BAF’s frontline fleet as part of its effort to induct modern multirole combat aircraft.
The LOI, however, did not constitute a final procurement contract, and the number of aircraft, configuration, delivery schedule and financial terms have not been publicly established.
The composition of the latest delegation suggests that the discussions could extend beyond the fighter aircraft programme.
The presence of senior naval and air force representatives is noteworthy. While the aerospace officials could be involved in discussions concerning the Eurofighter programme and associated technical requirements, the naval officers’ participation raises the possibility of a wider conversation about Bangladesh’s naval modernisation and other defence equipment. There is, however, no confirmation that any specific naval platform or weapons system is under negotiation.
The delegation’s visit also comes amid a broader effort by Dhaka and Rome to strengthen defence relations. On October 18, Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro met Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser, retired Brigadier General Dr A K M Shamsul Islam, at the Armed Forces Division in Dhaka Cantonment.
Their discussions covered military modernisation, training, technical and technological assistance, procurement of modern military equipment, and cooperation in United Nations peacekeeping operations.
On November 5, Maj Gen Casali and the Italian delegation held a meeting with the Prime Minister’s Defence Adviser. Ambassador Alessandro was also present. Bangladesh’s Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate described the encounter as a high-level engagement aimed at expanding defence cooperation, exchanging modern technology and expertise, and exploring opportunities for closer collaboration.
For the BAF, the Eurofighter proposal represents a significant potential shift towards acquiring a Western-built combat aircraft. The Typhoon is manufactured by a European consortium involving Italy’s Leonardo, Britain’s BAE Systems and Airbus Defence and Space. Leonardo has been the principal Italian interlocutor in Bangladesh’s proposed acquisition.
The programme nevertheless faces important questions, particularly concerning its cost, financing, the number and configuration of aircraft, training requirements and long-term maintenance support. The BAF has not publicly disclosed a final procurement decision or a confirmed delivery timetable.
Maj Gen Casali’s latest visit, accompanied by officials from the naval and air force establishments, therefore assumes significance beyond a routine diplomatic engagement. It provides an opportunity for Italy to pursue the existing fighter-aircraft initiative while examining the scope for a wider defence partnership with Bangladesh.
