Exercise Tiger Lightning begins in Bangladesh

The annual U.S.-Bangladesh military exercise Tiger Lightning began on July 19, 2026, in Bangladesh, bringing together troops from U.S. Army Pacific and the Oregon Army National Guard with their Bangladesh Army counterparts. The opening ceremony, hosted by the 1st Para Commando Brigade, featured remarks from senior leaders on the exercise’s importance.

U.S. Army Pacific Deputy Commanding General – Strategy and Plans Maj. Gen. Giles J.S. Cornelia said, “The military partnership between the United States and Bangladesh is built on strong relationships and a common commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Exercise Tiger Lightning is focused on realistic training that ensures the U.S. Army and our Bangladeshi partners are prepared to operate together, respond to crises, and meet complex challenges. The exercise represents the strength of our relationship. Two armies training side by side, learning from one another, and building trust, noting that trust underpins lasting security in this region.”

Designed to support U.S. Army Pacific’s Theater Army Campaign Plan and security cooperation objectives, the exercise aims to deepen professional relationships while improving military operations, readiness, and interoperability between the two armies.

Training cohorts are organized by specialty rather than nationality, with U.S. and Bangladeshi soldiers seated and training together in jungle warfare and counterterrorism tracks. Subject-matter experts from both forces are sharing expertise in civil affairs and tactical combat casualty care.

U.S. Ambassador to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen said, “Through its realistic hands-on training in areas from counterterrorism to jungle warfare to medical evacuations, to Counter-IED [improvised explosive device], Tiger Lightning helps enhance our interoperability, build our professional relationships, and strengthen readiness to respond to shared challenges.”

The training phase is underway. Participants capped the first day with a survival demonstration in which U.S. soldiers sampled foods sourced from the surrounding training area, including snake, freshwater crab, and plants.

The program features lectures, demonstrations, and practical exercises and will culminate in a field training exercise. A closing ceremony is scheduled for July 30, 2026.