TDS Desk:

The Bangladesh Armed Forces and the US military will deepen their defines partnership in 2025 through three joint exercises and the introduction of a new unmanned aerial system (UAS) capability, aimed at enhancing shared security objectives and regional stability.

The US Embassy in Dhaka announced the initiatives in a media note on Sunday, July 20, emphasising that these efforts will bolster Bangladesh’s capacity to address counterterrorism, peacekeeping, and humanitarian crises.

EXERCISE DETAILS

Tiger Lightning 2025: Marking its fourth year, this exercise will see the Bangladesh Army and US Army collaborate on realistic training for counterterrorism, peacekeeping, jungle operations, rapid medical evacuation, and improvised explosive device (IED) countermeasures. The drills aim to enhance operational readiness and interoperability in complex scenarios.

Tiger Shark 2025 (Flash Bengal Series): Ongoing since 2009, this joint exercise focuses on Special Forces combat tactics, including patrol boat operations and short-range weapons target acquisition. Involving Bangladesh’s Special Warfare Diving and Salvage and Para Commando Brigades, it will leverage US military equipment to boost crisis response capabilities, with a focus on maritime and special operations.

Pacific Angel 2025: Hosted in Bangladesh for the fourth time, this exercise highlights the critical role of the C-130 fleet in airlift and transportation during disasters. Emphasizing search and rescue (SAR) and aeromedical operations, Pacific Angel will strengthen Bangladesh’s humanitarian disaster response capacity, ensuring swift aid delivery in crises.

NEW RQ-21 BLACKJACK PROGRAMME

In a significant development, the US is partnering with the Bangladesh Army and Navy to establish an unmanned aerial system capability through the RQ-21 Blackjack. A dedicated regiment will operate the system, enabling advanced maritime surveillance, border security, and peacekeeping missions. This initiative marks a leap in Bangladesh’s defence modernisation, enhancing its ability to monitor and secure its borders and coastal waters.

STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE

The US Embassy underscored that these exercises and the RQ-21 programme will “make the United States, Bangladesh, and the region stronger and safer.”

The initiatives come amid Bangladesh’s efforts to navigate geopolitical complexities, including trade tensions with the US, as highlighted in recent discussions over counter-tariffs.

The military cooperation reflects a commitment to balancing strategic partnerships, particularly as Bangladesh strengthens ties with the US while managing relations with China and India.

As Bangladesh prepares for these joint exercises, the partnership with the US underscores a shared commitment to counterterrorism, disaster response, and regional security, positioning the country as a key player in Indo-Pacific defines dynamics.