Published: 09:18 AM, 15 October 2025 Last Update: 09:19 AM, 15 October 2025
Drone Diplomacy and Defense: Bangladesh in the New Security Era
Sakib Reza
Aerial Supremacy- Technology vs. Traditional Power
Recently, a pair of cheap drones and sharp intelligence has destroyed two bridges in Russia's Belgorod region, critical for Moscow's resupply routes, as it indicates that Ukraine’s drone capabilities challenge the Russian military power, and it is transforming contemporary hybrid warfare, demonstrating that technology can surpass conventional power.
The Expanding Influence of Drones in Asia-Pacific Security
Now, talking about the Asia-Pacific region, there has been a dramatic increase in financing for drone surveillance. Some of the strong military forces, such as India, China, and South Korea, are focusing on increasing their military budget to advance their drone surveillance systems. Chinese firms such as CASC, AVIC, and Autel Robotics serve as significant global drone suppliers, whereas India predominantly imports from European and American markets. In contrast, Myanmar's resistance forces utilize cost-effective DIY drones, while the junta deploys larger drones and advanced jamming technology.
Multicapabilities of Drone Tech
Drones have become popular in several industries besides defence, including telecommunications, agriculture, energy, infrastructure-based surveys, inspections of power lines, and crop monitoring. As South Asia experiences the dynamics of regional competition and evolving power plays, particularly with China and India keeping a close eye on the region, the drone surveillance system may be the ace up Bangladesh's sleeve in the security game.
As of now, Bangladesh has 44 active inventory of combat drone where, there are two units of Falco (Selex ES Falco) of Italy, 36 units of C4EYE (Bramor C4EYE) of Slovenia, six units of Bayraktar TB2 (Baykar Bayraktar TB2) of Turkey’s drone programs, allowing Bangladesh to respond swiftly to both conventional threats and asymmetric challenges such as insurgency and cross-border militancy. The Falco is used by the Bangladesh Air Force in UN peacekeeping missions and serves as a long-range system for Strategic Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR). The C4EYE is a portable over-battlefield solution. Bayraktar TB2 is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE), Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle capable of conducting Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and armed attack missions.
Aerial Shifts-Bangladesh Leap into the Next Gen Security
Recently, the use of drones has become a mighty strategic manoeuvre of surveillance in Bangladesh. In light of both covert and overt operations, the efforts to enhance its weaponry have become a concerning issue. The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has taken necessary initiatives to conduct drone surveillance, providing enhanced support to advance its technical capabilities for intensively monitoring and protecting the borderlands with Myanmar and India, with expertise and swiftness. Refugee areas have also been under the supervision of the Home Ministry through the development of drone surveillance capabilities. Its capabilities have been further extended to monitoring maritime smuggling routes along the Bangladesh–Myanmar border in Bhasan Char and Saint Martin's Islands since December 2022. Bangladesh police have acquired 25 drones for surveillance to monitor mob activities. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has focused on developing 16 thermal drones along with a handful of high-grade tools for spying, including long-range laser audio and video analysis devices.
Recently, a pair of cheap drones and sharp intelligence has destroyed two bridges in Russia's Belgorod region, critical for Moscow's resupply routes, as it indicates that Ukraine’s drone capabilities challenge the Russian military power, and it is transforming contemporary hybrid warfare, demonstrating that technology can surpass conventional power.
The Expanding Influence of Drones in Asia-Pacific Security
Now, talking about the Asia-Pacific region, there has been a dramatic increase in financing for drone surveillance. Some of the strong military forces, such as India, China, and South Korea, are focusing on increasing their military budget to advance their drone surveillance systems. Chinese firms such as CASC, AVIC, and Autel Robotics serve as significant global drone suppliers, whereas India predominantly imports from European and American markets. In contrast, Myanmar's resistance forces utilize cost-effective DIY drones, while the junta deploys larger drones and advanced jamming technology.
Multicapabilities of Drone Tech
Drones have become popular in several industries besides defence, including telecommunications, agriculture, energy, infrastructure-based surveys, inspections of power lines, and crop monitoring. As South Asia experiences the dynamics of regional competition and evolving power plays, particularly with China and India keeping a close eye on the region, the drone surveillance system may be the ace up Bangladesh's sleeve in the security game.
As of now, Bangladesh has 44 active inventory of combat drone where, there are two units of Falco (Selex ES Falco) of Italy, 36 units of C4EYE (Bramor C4EYE) of Slovenia, six units of Bayraktar TB2 (Baykar Bayraktar TB2) of Turkey’s drone programs, allowing Bangladesh to respond swiftly to both conventional threats and asymmetric challenges such as insurgency and cross-border militancy. The Falco is used by the Bangladesh Air Force in UN peacekeeping missions and serves as a long-range system for Strategic Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR). The C4EYE is a portable over-battlefield solution. Bayraktar TB2 is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE), Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle capable of conducting Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and armed attack missions.
Aerial Shifts-Bangladesh Leap into the Next Gen Security
Recently, the use of drones has become a mighty strategic manoeuvre of surveillance in Bangladesh. In light of both covert and overt operations, the efforts to enhance its weaponry have become a concerning issue. The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has taken necessary initiatives to conduct drone surveillance, providing enhanced support to advance its technical capabilities for intensively monitoring and protecting the borderlands with Myanmar and India, with expertise and swiftness. Refugee areas have also been under the supervision of the Home Ministry through the development of drone surveillance capabilities. Its capabilities have been further extended to monitoring maritime smuggling routes along the Bangladesh–Myanmar border in Bhasan Char and Saint Martin's Islands since December 2022. Bangladesh police have acquired 25 drones for surveillance to monitor mob activities. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has focused on developing 16 thermal drones along with a handful of high-grade tools for spying, including long-range laser audio and video analysis devices.
Kurigram is experiencing notable changes, as authorities have instituted a drone monitoring system aimed at mitigating criminal activity. Drone surveillance was also implemented to deter individuals from engaging in hunting, honey collection, and fishing activities without the requisite licenses. In June 2025, the Forest Department deployed drones over the Shiprakola and Chandpai ranges to observe such activities during Eid al-Adha. This resulted in the effective implementation of arrests and seizures. The drone monitoring system can be considered as a newly introduced queen in a high-stakes chessboard, particularly when the game is at stake in national security.
Advancing Drone Capabilities
Drones are a new type of military technology that is cost-effective and improves the results of operations. In April 2025, a group from the Bangladesh Army went to China to look at the possibility of selling unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and anti-drone technologies. This could help the country reach its goal of creating its own drone technology. Bangladesh wants to add more Bayraktar TB2s and TB3s to its fleet of naval drones. These unmanned aerial vehicles can be launched from ships at sea. This will improve its ability to spy on the Bay of Bengal.
Advancing Drone Capabilities
Drones are a new type of military technology that is cost-effective and improves the results of operations. In April 2025, a group from the Bangladesh Army went to China to look at the possibility of selling unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and anti-drone technologies. This could help the country reach its goal of creating its own drone technology. Bangladesh wants to add more Bayraktar TB2s and TB3s to its fleet of naval drones. These unmanned aerial vehicles can be launched from ships at sea. This will improve its ability to spy on the Bay of Bengal.
The capability of drones to successfully attack a sensitive infrastructure is crucial in modern warfare. On September 14, 2019, a drone strike on the Abqaiq and Khurais installations demonstrated that Saudi oil facilities knocked out half the kingdom's supply. This highlights the importance of prioritizing the creation and application of anti-drone technologies in the interest of national security. Both drone and anti-drone technologies need to advance to preserve a balance between interior security and military might. Because anti-drone technology is less expensive than military drones, Bangladesh should utilize it for defence enhancement. Drones can contribute to electronic warfare teams in border areas, counter-drone systems when enemy surveillance is detected, AI-driven data fusion centers, and reliable communications networks are among the places where Bangladesh should explore its military capabilities.
As the utility drones’ market is ripe with opportunities, the adoption of utility drones or non-combatant drone systems can be attributed to the ability to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety in high-risk environments, particularly in the realm of technological innovation. The Utility Drones Market Revenue was valued at USD 1.2 Billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach USD 4.5 Billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 16.5% from 2026 to 2033.
Bridging Capability Gaps-Policy, Training, and Drone Innovation
With the emergence of new drone-related risks necessitating the formulation of supplementary policy regulations to address the associated challenges, there is an increasing demand for professional drone operators, attributed to expanding opportunities in the field. Bangladesh is still lacking in drone maintenance and operational skills, which is hindering the growth of the industry. Accelerating the process of entering modern military technology education and training is the most necessary step. Additionally, military and law enforcement agencies should support local entrepreneurs in limiting imports and enhancing the production of combat drones. With the proper assistance and initiatives, the security of Bangladesh not only stands up to modern warfare but also shines, becoming a silent wing that keeps watch from above.
Sakib Reza is a Master's
student in the Department of
Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Dhaka.
Bridging Capability Gaps-Policy, Training, and Drone Innovation
With the emergence of new drone-related risks necessitating the formulation of supplementary policy regulations to address the associated challenges, there is an increasing demand for professional drone operators, attributed to expanding opportunities in the field. Bangladesh is still lacking in drone maintenance and operational skills, which is hindering the growth of the industry. Accelerating the process of entering modern military technology education and training is the most necessary step. Additionally, military and law enforcement agencies should support local entrepreneurs in limiting imports and enhancing the production of combat drones. With the proper assistance and initiatives, the security of Bangladesh not only stands up to modern warfare but also shines, becoming a silent wing that keeps watch from above.
Sakib Reza is a Master's
student in the Department of
Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Dhaka.
