Exercise Tiger Lightning begins in Bangladesh

An annual U.S.-Bangladesh military exercise began Saturday, July 19, 2026, in Bangladesh, following months of planning. U.S. Soldiers from U.S. Army Pacific and the Oregon Army National Guard joined Bangladesh Army personnel for an opening ceremony hosted by the 1st Para Commando Brigade.

The two-week event, Tiger Lightning, supports U.S. Army Pacific campaign and security cooperation objectives intended to strengthen professional ties, improve military operations, bolster readiness, and increase interoperability between the two armies.

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.”

Participants were grouped by training focus rather than nationality, with U.S. and Bangladesh soldiers seated together in cohorts concentrating on jungle training or counterterrorism. Subject-matter experts from both militaries are on hand to share expertise in civil affairs and tactical combat casualty care.

U.S. Ambassador to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Brent T. Christensen said in his speech, “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.”

Training is already underway. The opening day concluded with a survival techniques demonstration that included U.S. soldiers sampling foods found near the training area, such as snake, freshwater crab, and local plants.

The exercise will feature lectures, demonstrations, and practical drills before culminating in a field training exercise. A closing ceremony is scheduled for July 30, 2026.