India has taken precautions after the Bangladesh Army began using Bayraktar TB2 UAVs for border patrol. According to the news reported by The Economic Times, Bangladesh recently procured Bayraktar TB2 UAVs and began using them for surveillance missions in areas close to the Indian border. Indian authorities state that they have detected these drones and are closely monitoring their flights.
India is monitoring these operations, especially those taking place in Bangladeshi airspace, with radar systems and other measures. In the last few months, it has been reported that TB2 UAVs have been conducting mission flights, especially in areas close to Bangladesh's border with India, and that these vehicles have been conducting surveillance missions. It has been reported that Bayraktar TB2 UAVs in the Bangladesh Air Force inventory have sometimes been airborne for more than 20 hours and conducted patrol flights.
Pakistan Relations and Regional Tensions
Bangladesh’s activities in some regions with tensions with India and particularly its strengthening of relations with Pakistan are causing concern in India. Recently, the Bangladeshi government has allowed Pakistani officials to visit sensitive areas close to the Indian border, especially the Siliguri Corridor. This was met with a negative reaction by India and security measures were increased at the border.
Supply of Bayraktar TB2 and Other Defense Products
Bangladesh signed an agreement with Baykar in July 2022 for the supply of Bayraktar TB2 UAVs. However, no statement was made on how many Bayraktar TB2 UAVs would be supplied. In December 2023, according to Defense DTB's social media post, it was announced that the Bayraktar TB2 UAVs delivered to the Bangladesh Army had begun duty.
Bangladesh has added many other products of the Turkish defense industry to its inventory, in addition to the Bayraktar TB2 UAV. The Bangladesh Army actively uses Turkish defense systems such as the TIGER missile, OTOKAR COBRA TTZA and TRG-230. These developments may significantly affect the security dynamics and defense relations in the region.
