"Operation Pacific Angel 25-3", the joint military exercise conducted by the Bangladesh Air Force and the United States` Pacific Air Forces, has drawn to a close in Chattogram.
In a statement on Friday, the Inter Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) said the six-day exercise, organised under the directive of the Armed Forces Division and managed by the Bangladesh Air Force, wrapped up on Thursday, reports bdnews24.com.
A closing ceremony was held at the Air Force’s Zahurul Haque Base to mark the occasion. Air Vice Marshal Javed Tanveer Khan, assistant chief of air staff, attended the event as the chief guest and joined participants from both countries in a photo session.
Also present were representatives from the US Embassy in Dhaka, senior military and civilian officials of the US Pacific Air Forces, officers of the Bangladesh Air Force, and senior officials from the country’s Armed Forces.
The joint exercise had begun at Zahurul Haque Base on Sept 14.
The ISPR said the US Pacific Air Forces regularly conduct training exercises in different countries around the world. In Bangladesh, Air Force helicopters and transport aircraft are frequently used to respond to adverse situations and emergencies.
The drills under Operation Pacific Angel 25-3 focused on ensuring the optimal use of Bangladesh Air Force helicopters and transport aircraft in emergency and crisis conditions.
Participating in the exercise were a Bangladesh Air Force C-130J transport aircraft and an Mi-17 helicopter, along with two C-130J transport aircraft from the US Pacific Air Forces.
A total of 150 personnel from the Bangladesh Air Force and 92 from the US Pacific Air Forces took part, while members of the Bangladesh Army and Navy also participated.
The ISPR said the joint drills not only enhanced professional skills and facilitated the exchange of experiences, but also improved interoperability, strengthened strategic cooperation, and deepened the bond of trust and confidence between the two air forces.
SOCIAL MEDIA SPECULATION
The exercise only came to light after photos and video clips of US C-130J Super Hercules aircraft and helicopters at Shah Amanat International Airport began circulating on social media earlier this week. The images fuelled speculation about a possible deployment of US troops in Bangladesh among netizens.
The ISPR later moved to quell the rumours, emphasising that the aircraft and personnel were in the country solely to take part in Operation Pacific Angel 25-3.
Despite the speculation, the ISPR said the exercise ultimately reinforced mutual trust and confidence, demonstrating the strength of cooperation between the two countries’ armed forces.
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