Arms race to Dhaka: US, France vie to equip Bangladesh
In a bid to bolster defence ties, the United States and France have intensified efforts to equip Bangladesh’s military with advanced weaponry and technology.
Senior military officials from both nations visited Dhaka this week, pitching state-of-the-art equipment and deepening strategic partnerships as global powers vie for influence in South Asia.
US pitches advanced military hardware
Lieutenant General Joel P Vowell, Deputy Commanding General of US Army Pacific, arrived in Dhaka on March 24-25, signalling Washington’s intent to strengthen military cooperation with Bangladesh.
During his visit, Vowell met with top military leaders, including Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, to discuss the procurement of US-produced equipment aimed at enhancing operational capacity.
A statement from the US Embassy highlighted talks focused on “interoperability,” with potential deals involving helicopters, drones, and other advanced systems designed to integrate Bangladesh into broader regional security frameworks.
The discussions also touched on joint exercises, including Exercise TIGER LIGHTNING, slated for summer 2025, underscoring the US commitment to fostering long-term collaboration.
Vowell praised Bangladesh’s role in UN peacekeeping missions and its contributions to regional stability, framing the partnership as mutually beneficial.
A Bangladesh Army Facebook post echoed this sentiment, noting Vowell’s admiration for the country’s “aid to civil power” resilience—a clear nod to potential defence agreements.
Stéphane Vesval, head of sales at Airbus Defence and Space of France, meets Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hassan, Principal Staff Officer of Bangladesh’s Armed Forces Division, at the Dhaka Cantonment on Tuesday.– French Embassy Photo
France eyes aerospace and defence deals
Meanwhile, France entered the fray with a high-profile visit by Stéphane Vesval, head of sales at Airbus Defence and Space. On Tuesday, Vesval met with Lieutenant General SM Kamrul Hassan, Principal Staff Officer of Bangladesh’s Armed Forces Division, at the Dhaka Cantonment.
The meeting cantered on aerospace and defines technologies, with France positioning itself as a key supplier of cutting-edge solutions, according to a statement from French embassy in Dhaka.
France’s timing is no coincidence. As a global leader in military tech, Paris sees an opportunity to deepen ties with Bangladesh, a nation increasingly asserting its role on the geopolitical stage.
Bangladesh: A strategic prize
This flurry of diplomatic activity underscores Bangladesh’s growing importance in South Asia’s defence landscape. Once celebrated primarily for its peacekeeping contributions, the country’s military is now flexing new muscle amid shifting regional dynamics following last year’s political upheaval.
As global superpowers knock on its door, Bangladesh remains tight-lipped, carefully weighing its options. One thing is certain: the arms race to Dhaka has begun—and the world is watching closely.
