Dhaka Edges Closer to U.S. Defence Partnership

Reading Time: 5 minutes Bangladesh is approaching a pivotal juncture in its defence and foreign policy trajectory as it prepares to induct the American-origin RQ-21 Blackjack unmanned aerial system (UAS). Confirmed by the United States Embassy in Dhaka, the programme is set to enhance Bangladesh’s aerial reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities, placing the armed forces in possession of a modern and combat-proven intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform. The development comes at a time when Dhaka is reportedly poised to sign two long-delayed foundational agreements with Washington – the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA). Together, these moves indicate a gradual but unmistakable re-orientation of Bangladesh’s defence outlook after years of stagnation under policies dictated by India’s sensitivities rather than Bangladesh’s national security priorities. The RQ-21 Blackjack itself represents a leap in capability. Manufactured by Boeing subsidiary Insitu, the platform has a wingspan