Bayraktar TB2 Drone in Bangladesh: Bangladesh has stationed Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones along its border with India, signaling the rising importance of advanced drone technology in modern military strategy.
According to India Today, these drones, which gained prominence during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict where Azerbaijan used them effectively against Armenia, are now being utilized by the Bangladesh Army for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
While this move aligns with Bangladesh’s aim to strengthen its border security, the placement of these high-tech drones in a sensitive area like the Indo-Bangla border has raised concerns and questions about its implications for regional stability and India’s security.
Why Is Bangladesh Enhancing Its Drones?
Bangladesh’s use of Bayraktar TB2 drones for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance highlights its effort to bolster border security. The strategic deployment of these drones has drawn India’s attention, prompting the Border Security Force (BSF) to ramp up surveillance along the Indo-Bangla border.
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The Bayraktar TB2, renowned for its effectiveness in modern warfare, gained global recognition during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. In that war, Azerbaijan, with limited military resources, used these drones to overpower Armenia, which relied on advanced Russian-origin tanks, missiles, and rockets. This example underscores the strategic value of drones in contemporary military scenarios, explaining Bangladesh’s interest in enhancing its capabilities.
Bayraktar TB2 Drones: Features
The Bayraktar TB2, meaning “flagbearer” in Turkish, is a state-of-the-art drone developed by Turkey. It can reach speeds of up to 230 kmph and is equipped with MAM (Smart Micro Munition) laser-guided missiles, making it capable of destroying modern tanks.
The drone can carry a maximum payload of 150 kg, accommodating up to four MAMs per flight. Its advanced payload includes an electro-optical camera module, infrared camera module, laser designator, laser range finder, and laser pointer.
With a flight time exceeding 24 hours and an operational range of nearly 300 kilometers, the Bayraktar TB2 is a powerful tool for modern warfare and reconnaissance missions.
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A new risk for India
The placement of Bayraktar TB2 drones along the India-Bangladesh border is a big challenge for India, as it shares its longest border with Bangladesh. The difficult terrain of mountains, rivers, and dense forests makes it hard for the Indian armed forces to track these lightweight and fast drones. This challenge is even greater because Pakistan also deployed Bayraktar TB2 drones in strategic areas in 2023 after training in Turkey.
To address the drone threat, India has strengthened its defense. In October, India signed a ₹32,000 crore deal to buy 31 Predator drones from the United States. Fifteen of these drones will be for the Indian Navy, and the rest will be shared between the Indian Army and Air Force. India also has other advanced weapons, like AGM-114R Hellfire missiles and laser-guided bombs, to protect against threats. Additionally, the Indian Army has bought new Heron Mark-II UAVs from Israel.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is also developing its own drone called Tapas BH-201, with an investment of ₹1,800 crore over 13 years. However, it faces delays in getting certification before it can be used by the armed forces. Despite these challenges, India is strengthening its drone and defense capabilities to stay prepared for any security threats.
