Dhaka: The Bangladesh Army Aviation Group has begun installing an advanced air defence and radar system at the strategically located Lalmonirhat airbase, according to multiple military sources. The development comes amid heightened activity at the facility over the past two weeks.
The airbase, situated less than 20 kilometres from the India-Bangladesh border near Cooch Behar district in West Bengal, has seen a significant increase in security arrangements due to the installation of sensitive defence equipment.
Located in Haribhanga village under Mahendranagar union in Rangpur Division, the Lalmonirhat airbase spans approximately 1,166 acres and features a 4-kilometre-long runway. Originally built in 1931 during the pre-World War II era, the base remained largely unused for decades, though it was utilised by Pakistani forces during the Bangladesh Liberation War.
Sources confirmed that construction of a large aircraft hangar at the base was completed late last year, paving the way for the installation of modern radar and air defence systems. Components for the radar system had reportedly arrived at the site in late October 2025.
Plans included building a concrete platform and dedicated infrastructure to house the new radar, replacing older systems previously in place. Military-grade radar systems typically consist of transmitters, antennas, receivers, processors, and command-and-control units that enable surveillance, target acquisition, and threat detection.
While Indian military sources are aware of the developments, concerns have reportedly been raised over parallel upgrades at another Bangladesh Air Force base in Bogura, where similar systems are said to be under installation. Sources indicated that these upgrades may be backed by the United States, though details remain undisclosed.
The airbase’s proximity to India’s strategically sensitive Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as the “Chicken’s Neck,” adds to its geopolitical significance.
Despite these developments, there has been no official public reaction from Indian authorities. However, earlier statements by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh in Parliament acknowledged reports regarding Lalmonirhat airbase and emphasized that the government continues to monitor all developments related to national security.
Notably, the current developments appear to contradict earlier assurances by Bangladesh military officials that Lalmonirhat airfield would not be used for military purposes.
The evolving situation is being closely watched in the region, given its strategic implications for both Bangladesh and India.
