Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones by the Bangladesh Army, the Bangladesh Navy is now considering adding the same unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to its arsenal. This move signals a significant strategic shift in the country’s military doctrine, aimed at enhancing maritime domain awareness and securing its territorial waters in the geopolitically volatile Bay of Bengal.
The Bayraktar TB2, designed by Turkey’s Baykar Technology, has already demonstrated its effectiveness on the battlefield in multiple countries. Its use by the Bangladesh Army since 2023 in surveillance and precision strike roles has impressed defense planners, prompting discussions within the Bangladesh Navy to expand its own UAV capabilities.
A senior official from the Ministry of Defense, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the Navy’s aviation wing is in the final stages of reviewing operational needs and platform compatibility for potential procurement. “Given the strategic importance of the Bay of Bengal and the increasing complexity of maritime threats, the TB2 provides a cost-effective, battle-tested solution,” the official noted.
The Bangladesh Navy currently lacks a robust UAV fleet capable of long-endurance surveillance. The introduction of the Bayraktar TB2 would allow the Navy to monitor illegal fishing, smuggling routes, and potential intrusions by foreign naval assets. Furthermore, with the growing Chinese footprint in the region and India’s military dominance, bolstering maritime surveillance has become a top priority for Dhaka.
Naval analysts point out that UAVs can serve as force multipliers, especially for nations with limited blue-water capabilities. “The TB2 can transform naval situational awareness with its high-resolution imaging, endurance of over 24 hours, and ability to operate in contested environments,” said Commodore (retd.) A.K. Chowdhury, now a defense consultant.
While the Navy is primarily interested in the TB2, sources suggest that it is also exploring the Bayraktar TB3 — a more advanced version designed for launch and recovery on shorter decks, such as those of aircraft carriers or large naval vessels. Originally conceptualized for Turkey’s drone carrier, TCG Anadolu, the TB3 could be a game-changer for the Bangladesh Navy, which is looking to extend UAV coverage to areas unreachable from land bases.
The TB3’s capability to operate from shorter runways aligns with Bangladesh’s interest in eventually deploying drones from offshore platforms or small airstrips on remote islands. This would significantly expand the Navy’s reach in the Bay of Bengal and its ability to respond rapidly to emergencies or security threats.
Bangladesh’s interest in naval drones is rooted in the Army’s success with the Bayraktar TB2. Since acquiring six drones in 2023, the Bangladesh Army has used them extensively for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations and targeted strikes in counterinsurgency efforts. A second batch of six drones is expected by mid-2025, doubling the fleet and further embedding UAVs into Bangladesh’s defense doctrine.
The Army’s adoption of the TB2 has reportedly already resulted in improved operational efficiency, particularly along volatile borders and in counterterrorism operations. The Bangladesh Armed Forces view these UAVs not just as surveillance tools but as integral parts of their combat strategy.
Bangladesh’s embrace of military drones, particularly their deployment near the Indian border, has raised alarms in New Delhi. India has expressed concern about UAV flights near sensitive areas in Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram — all states that share borders with Bangladesh.
In one notable incident, a Bayraktar TB2 drone from the Bangladesh Army was tracked by Indian Air Force radars as it flew surveillance missions near the border, prompting concerns about potential airspace violations. While Bangladesh insists that all operations are conducted within its own airspace, India remains skeptical.
An Indian defense official stated, “We closely monitor all UAV activity near our borders. Any breach of Indian airspace will be met with a calibrated response, including the possibility of shooting down the drone.”
This tension comes amid increasingly strained bilateral relations following the political upheaval in Bangladesh in 2024, which saw the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration and the rise of a new government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. The change in leadership has led to shifts in foreign policy, including deepening ties with China, much to India’s discomfort.
India’s concern extends beyond airspace violations. The Siliguri Corridor — a narrow stretch of land that connects India’s northeastern states with the rest of the country — has become a focal point of India’s defense strategy. The region’s vulnerability to incursions or blockades makes it a critical security priority for New Delhi.
India has responded by reinforcing its military presence in the area, including deploying Rafale fighter jets at the Hashimara Air Base and positioning the S-400 air defense system to monitor and intercept potential threats. The possibility of UAV operations from nearby Bangladeshi territory adds a new dimension to this strategic puzzle.
Another layer of complexity is added by China’s growing involvement in Bangladesh’s defense infrastructure. Reports of possible Chinese support for a new Bangladeshi airbase in Lalmonirhat — close to the Siliguri Corridor — have fueled speculation about Beijing’s strategic intentions in South Asia.
If the Lalmonirhat base becomes operational, and if it hosts UAVs or manned aircraft supplied by China, it would present a significant challenge to India’s military planning. Such a development would likely escalate the arms race in the region and trigger a realignment of strategic partnerships.
As of April 2025, these reports remain unverified, but the mere suggestion of such a development has already heightened tensions between the two South Asian neighbors.
Within Bangladesh, the growing reliance on drones has sparked a nuanced debate. While most defense analysts and military officials support the procurement of UAVs, civil society groups have raised concerns about transparency and accountability in drone operations, particularly if they are armed.
“Drones give us eyes in the sky, but they must be governed by a clear legal and ethical framework,” said Nurul Kabir, editor of New Age. “We need policies to ensure drones are not used for internal political surveillance or human rights violations.”
In response, the Ministry of Defense has stated that all drone operations will remain under strict military oversight and that rules of engagement will adhere to international law and humanitarian standards.
The potential acquisition of Bayraktar TB2 or TB3 drones by the Bangladesh Navy marks a significant turning point. It signals the maturation of Bangladesh’s military doctrine, transitioning from a traditional force to one that embraces modern warfare technologies. It also demonstrates a willingness to assert sovereignty and protect maritime resources in a region increasingly shaped by great power competition.
