Bangladesh Installs Advanced Air Defence Radar Near India’s Siliguri Corridor, Prompting Security Concerns
Bangladesh is advancing with the deployment of a sophisticated air defence radar system at the Lalmonirhat airbase, which is strategically located near India’s sensitive Siliguri Corridor, commonly known as the "Chicken's Neck." This corridor is the only narrow land link connecting mainland India to its northeastern states, marking it as a crucial strategic point in South Asia.
Sources from official and intelligence circles indicate that key components of the radar system were delivered to the Lalmonirhat base approximately two weeks ago via road. Currently, construction teams are completing a platform and support structure for the new radar, set to replace an older installation. The radar is planned to be situated near the former wireless facility, around 70 meters from a newly constructed hangar designed to accommodate up to a dozen fighter jets.
In the past six months, the Lalmonirhat airbase has experienced significant growth, with new living quarters and operational facilities being developed. Although the base does not host active combat squadrons, it supports regular operations involving helicopters and light aircraft. Defence analysts view this expansion as an effort by the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) to enhance its surveillance capabilities in the north and improve its situational awareness near the Indian border.
On October 16, a joint inspection was carried out by officials from Indian Military Intelligence, led by a Major General, in conjunction with senior officers from the Bangladesh Army, including General Waker-uz-Zaman. The inspection covered installations in Lalmonirhat, Thakurgaon, and Nilphamari. While construction activity was briefly halted during their visit, it resumed shortly afterward and is reportedly nearing completion. This interaction was perceived as a display of transparency, though Indian defence planners continue to watch developments with caution.
The radar installation aligns with Dhaka's growing defence ties with Chinese companies. On May 13, senior officials from the Bangladesh Army engaged in discussions with China Vanguard Co Ltd to explore procuring systems such as HQ-17AE short-range surface-to-air missiles, JSG-series target detection radars, and FK-3 medium-range SAMs.
It is reported that the JSG-400 Target Detection Radar (TDR), part of China's HQ-9BE air defence suite, could be integrated into the project. This radar serves as a fire-control unit capable of tracking and guiding interceptors against aircraft and ballistic missiles. First introduced at the 2021 Zhuhai Airshow, the JSG-400 signifies a significant improvement in detection and engagement capabilities.
Alongside Chinese technology, Bangladesh has also acquired advanced radar systems from Western partners. On June 18, the Bangladesh Air Force commissioned its second GM 403-M radar at Bogura, developed by Thales Raytheon Systems. This radar is a fully digital, 3D, long-range surveillance system, offering exceptional range accuracy and is designed to detect a variety of aerial threats, including low-flying drones and high-speed aircraft.
This addition follows the earlier deployment of the first GM 403-M unit at the 71st Squadron facility in Mirpur, Dhaka, in April 2025. Together, these systems establish a multi-layered, networked radar grid capable of providing early warning and real-time data sharing across command centres.
The placement of the Lalmonirhat radar, situated less than 100 kilometres from India’s Siliguri Corridor, has discreetly raised concerns in New Delhi. Indian defence experts warn that advanced radar installations close to this corridor could enhance external visibility into India’s airspace, potentially altering the strategic balance in the region.
Dhaka maintains that the installation is part of a standard modernisation effort aimed at strengthening national air defence. The blend of Chinese and Western-origin systems equips the BAF with a sophisticated, hybrid network capable of multi-domain tracking and integration with surface-to-air missile platforms.
As construction at Lalmonirhat progresses, Indian defence planners are likely to continue closely monitoring the site's operational readiness and radar coverage. Observers suggest that India will be particularly vigilant to ensure these installations remain strictly defensive and do not signal a broader strategic shift in Bangladesh’s air surveillance and regional stance.
