Desk Report:
The annual military exercise ‘Akash Bijoy-2026’ of the Bangladesh Air Force has been successfully concluded. The exercise was declared concluded on Thursday (9 April 2026).
Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan, Chief of Air Staff, inspected the various activities of the exercise on-site. He was present at various command centers and bases of the Air Force and observed the operational activities.
The exercise, conducted in three phases, included Communication Exercise (COMEX), Logistics Exercise (LOGEX) and Live Exercise (LIVEX). In each phase, the overall readiness and capability of the force was verified by creating realistic situations.
In the exercise, pilots and members of the Air Force practiced various important tactics of air combat. These included air attacks and interceptions by fighter jets, surveillance of enemy-held areas, supply and troop movements, special operations, and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) operations. In addition, the newly integrated anti-drone system was used to demonstrate techniques for dealing with enemy drones.
Various complex combat situations, including airborne troops insertion operations in enemy territory in the dark of night, were practiced. At the same time, the air defense radar squadron successfully implemented strategies to detect potential enemy attacks and repel them with the help of fighter jets and missile units. Ground-based security activities were also strengthened under the base defense system.
Fighter jets, transport aircraft, helicopters, radar squadrons, missile units, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) units actively participated in this exercise. The exercise was conducted at various bases and units in different regions of the country since April 5—including Sylhet, Tangail, Lalmonirhat, Shamshernagar, Barisal, Rasulpur, and Sudharam.
To make the exercise more effective and realistic, Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy, Border Guard Bangladesh, Bangladesh Police, Civil Defense, and BNCC (Air Wing) participated, which further strengthened inter-service coordination.
Through this exercise, it has been possible to evaluate the existing weapons, technology, and operational capabilities of the Bangladesh Air Force, which those concerned hope will play an important role in developing the country’s air defense system.
