Joint exercise between Bangladesh and US concludes

A six-day joint military exercise between the Bangladesh Air Force and the United States Pacific Air Forces concluded successfully on September 18 at the Zahurul Haque Air Force Base. The exercise, held under the direction of the Armed Forces Division and organized by the Bangladesh Air Force, aimed to enhance cooperation, interoperability, and strategic partnership between the two nations.

The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) announced in a press release on Friday (September 19) that the exercise concluded on Thursday (September 18).

Air Vice Marshal Javed Tanveer Khan, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations), delivered the closing remarks at the ceremony and participated in a photo session with the participants from both countries. Representatives from the US Embassy, senior military and civilian officials of the US Pacific Air Forces, as well as high-ranking officers from Bangladesh’s three armed services, were also present.

The exercise, which began on September 14, focused on the optimal use of Bangladesh Air Force helicopters and transport aircraft in emergency and adverse situations. It featured participation from one Bangladesh Air Force C-130J transport aircraft, one MI-17 helicopter, two US Pacific Air Force C-130J transport aircraft, along with 150 personnel from the Bangladesh Air Force and 92 from the US Pacific Air Forces. Members of the Bangladesh Army and Navy also took part.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR), the US Pacific Air Forces regularly conduct diverse training exercises worldwide to prepare for various scenarios. ‘Operation Pacific Angel 25-3’ emphasized joint readiness and the ability to respond to humanitarian and crisis situations effectively.

The joint exercise not only facilitated professional skill and experience exchange but also aimed to strengthen trust, cooperation, and operational interoperability. Moreover, collaborative efforts involving medical, engineering, and logistics experts from both air forces to provide services to local communities were highlighted as a significant outcome, further cementing the humanitarian and stable foundation of bilateral ties between Bangladesh and the United States.