The Armed Forces of Bangladesh and the United States military held a series of joint military exercises this summer. Photo: U.S. Embassy in Dhaka

DHAKA, July 20, 2025 (BSS) - The Armed Forces of Bangladesh and the United States military will strengthen their longstanding defence partnership this summer through a series of joint military exercises and the introduction of a new capability aimed at enhancing shared security objectives.

"These efforts help to make the United States and Bangladesh stronger, and the region safer," read a media note issued by the US embassy here today.

Exercise Tiger Lightning 

For the fourth year in a row, the media note said that the Bangladesh Army and U.S. Army Pacific will conduct Exercise Tiger Lightning. 

"Through realistic training, our soldiers will develop readiness for counterterrorism, peacekeeping, jungle operations, medical evacuations and countering improvised explosive devices (IEDs)."

Exercise Tiger Shark 2025

"Tiger Shark (part of the Flash Bengal series) is a joint training exercise where our two countries' Special Forces practice combat tasks," according to the media note. 

The exercise, ongoing since 2009, will feature patrol boat handling and small arms marksmanship that will strengthen Bangladesh's Special Warfare Diving and Salvage and the Para Commando Brigade ability to respond to crises. 

One of the highlights of this combined exercise is the use of U.S. equipment by both countries.

Exercise Pacific Angel 

"This will be the fourth iteration of Pacific Angel with Bangladesh.
It will highlight one of the hallmarks of our defense relationship, our C-130 fleets, which are critical in disaster response airdrops and air mobility operations" said the US media note.  

The exercise also focuses on Search and Rescue (SAR) and Aeromedical operations further developing Bangladesh's ability to respond to humanitarian disasters. 

RQ-21 Program Launch

The United States is working with Bangladesh's Army and Navy to develop an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) capability for Bangladesh.

A Bangladesh Regiment comprised of 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 conduct peacekeeping missions, according to the media note.