Bangladesh, US deepen military ties with joint drills

Photo: Members of the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT) during a training session to enhance peacekeeping capabilities.

Bangladesh and the United States will strengthen their long-standing defense partnership this summer through three joint military exercises and the launch of a new unmanned aerial capability. These efforts aim to enhance shared security and promote regional stability.

Exercise Tiger Lightning
In its fourth year, Exercise Tiger Lightning brings together the Bangladesh Army and U.S. Army Pacific. The training includes counterterrorism, peacekeeping, jungle operations, medical evacuation, and counter-IED tactics—enhancing readiness and interoperability between the forces.

Exercise Tiger Shark 2025
As part of the Flash Bengal series, Exercise Tiger Shark focuses on elite Special Forces training. Activities include patrol boat handling and small arms marksmanship, reinforcing the capabilities of Bangladesh’s Special Warfare Diving and Salvage (SWADS) unit and Para Commando Brigade in crisis response.

Exercise Pacific Angel
Now in its fourth edition in Bangladesh, Pacific Angel highlights the strategic use of C-130 aircraft for disaster response and humanitarian aid. It will include search and rescue (SAR) and aeromedical operations, boosting Bangladesh’s emergency response capacity.

Launch of RQ-21 Program
The U.S. is also supporting Bangladesh in developing its first Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) capability. A new Army-Navy regiment will operate the RQ-21 Blackjack drones, enabling advanced maritime surveillance, border security, and enhanced support for peacekeeping missions.