The Armed Forces of Bangladesh and the United States military will continue their longstanding partnership this summer through three joint exercises and the delivery of a new capability aimed at reinforcing their common security interests, said US Embassy in Dhaka.
These efforts are expected to contribute to making both countries stronger and the region safer, a release of the embassy said..
For the fourth consecutive year, it said, the Bangladesh Army and US Army Pacific will conduct Exercise Tiger Lightning.
Through realistic training, soldiers from both sides will develop readiness for counterterrorism, peacekeeping, jungle operations, medical evacuations and countering improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Tiger Shark 2025, part of the Flash Bengal series, is a joint training exercise where the two countries’ Special Forces practice combat tasks.
The exercise, ongoing since 2009, will include patrol boat handling and small arms marksmanship aimed at strengthening Bangladesh’s Special Warfare Diving and Salvage and the Para Commando Brigade’s ability to respond to crises.
One of the highlights of this combined exercise is the use of US equipment by both countries.
This will also mark the fourth iteration of Exercise Pacific Angel with Bangladesh.
It will showcase one of the hallmarks of the defence relationship between the two countries– their C-130 fleets– which play a critical role in disaster response airdrops and air mobility operations. The exercise will further focus on Search and Rescue and Aeromedical operations, enhancing Bangladesh’s capacity to respond to humanitarian disasters.
In addition to the joint exercises, the United States is working with Bangladesh’s Army and Navy to develop an Unmanned Aerial System capability for Bangladesh.
A Bangladesh Regiment comprising Army and Navy personnel will operate the new RQ-21 Blackjack system. This joint effort will enable Bangladesh to monitor its maritime domain, secure its borders and contribute to peacekeeping missions.