Myanmar-Border Travel: Bangladesh Missile Drill in Cox's Bazar Ended on 13 October

The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has completed a live-ammunition missile firing exercise in the coastal district of Cox's Bazar, near Myanmar's Rakhine (Arakan) State border, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. The drill concluded on 13 October 2026.

The exercise used the air force's FM-90 surface-to-air missile systems and was carried out in an area that is also a well-known travel destination on Bangladesh's south-east coast.

Key facts

• Ended: Tuesday, 13 October 2026
• Location: Air Defense Missile Firing Training Range (CADFR), Nidania, Cox's Bazar
• Systems used: FM-90 surface-to-air missiles
• Unit involved: the BAF's 301 Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) unit
• Announced by: Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR)

What happened?

The 301 Surface-to-Air Missile unit of the Bangladesh Air Force conducted the live-fire drill using FM-90 surface-to-air missile systems at the training range in Nidania, Cox's Bazar. ISPR described the exercise as successfully executed.

Who took part?

Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan inspected the training site to see how the programme was carried out on the ground. He said rigorous, technology-driven training is essential to get the most out of advanced military equipment and to improve the efficiency of personnel.

Senior military and security officials attended, including the BAF Chief of Operations, the commander of BAF Base Cox's Bazar and the General Officer Commanding of the Army's 10th Infantry Division, along with representatives of the Bangladesh Navy and the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).

Why is there more military activity near the border?

The live-fire exercise followed the recent deployment of two Bangladeshi military units to the Myanmar border area. Authorities stated that the deployment was aimed at curbing rising criminal activity within refugee camps.

What this means for travellers

The drill took place in Cox's Bazar, close to the border with Myanmar's Rakhine State, and additional Bangladeshi military units are now deployed in the border area. The source does not report any road closures, flight changes, entry restrictions or travel warnings connected to the exercise. Travellers heading to Cox's Bazar or the border region should check for current local advisories before travelling.

ISPR did not give details of any further planned drills or timelines. The source also does not state how long the two newly deployed units will remain at the border.