Bangladesh is reportedly moving ahead with one of the largest military procurement plans in its history, with plans to acquire 24 Chinese J-10CE fighter jets. According to reports from Dhaka-based media outlet Daily Waadaa, the government led by Tarique Rahman is expected to advance discussions on the deal during the Prime Minister’s visit to China, with hopes of formally signing the agreement by August.
The J-10CE is the export version of China’s Chengdu J-10C, a modern 4.5-generation multirole fighter aircraft. The same platform is currently operated by Pakistan and was reportedly used during aerial engagements associated with Operation Sindoor, where it faced Indian Air Force aircraft including the Su-30MKI, Sepecat Jaguar, and Dassault Rafale.
The proposed acquisition aligns with Bangladesh’s long-term military modernisation initiative, known as Forces Goal 2030, which was launched in 2009. If finalised, the deal would significantly enhance the capabilities of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), which currently relies on a relatively small and ageing fleet of Chinese and Russian-origin combat aircraft. At the same time, the purchase would further strengthen Dhaka’s defence ties with Beijing and deepen its dependence on Chinese military technology and support.
Why Bangladesh Is Interested in the J-10CE
The J-10CE is widely regarded as one of China’s most advanced fighter aircraft available for export. Equipped with the WS-10B afterburning turbofan engine, the aircraft can reach speeds approaching Mach 1.8 while offering the range and endurance required for air defence, maritime strike, and multirole combat operations.
Its delta-wing and canard configuration, combined with a digital fly-by-wire control system, provides high levels of agility and manoeuvrability during air combat. The fighter is also capable of carrying up to 5,600 kilograms of weapons across 11 hardpoints, allowing it to deploy air-to-air missiles, guided bombs, and various precision-strike munitions.
The aircraft’s versatility makes it particularly attractive for countries with limited defence budgets, as a single platform can perform multiple operational roles.
One of its key features is its advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which can track multiple targets simultaneously while resisting electronic jamming. The aircraft can also be armed with China’s long-range PL-15 air-to-air missile, providing beyond-visual-range engagement capability against enemy aircraft.
For Bangladesh, the acquisition would represent a major technological leap. The Bangladesh Air Force currently operates an estimated 40 to 44 fighter aircraft, including around 36 ageing Chengdu F-7/J-7 fighters and eight Russian-built MiG-29s.
Potential Impact on Bangladesh’s Air Force
The induction of 24 J-10CE fighters would significantly expand the Bangladesh Air Force’s operational capabilities and mission flexibility.
The purchase forms part of the broader Forces Goal 2030 programme, under which Bangladesh has modernised its military by acquiring equipment ranging from armoured vehicles and tanks to submarines and naval vessels. China has emerged as the primary supplier for much of this hardware.
According to officials quoted in reports, each aircraft is expected to cost approximately $40 million, making it considerably more affordable than many Western alternatives such as the Rafale or F-16, whose costs can be substantially higher depending on configuration and support packages.
The overall package, reportedly valued at around $2.2 billion, would include not only the aircraft but also training, logistics support, maintenance infrastructure, spare parts, and long-term sustainment arrangements. Deliveries are expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027 if the agreement is signed on schedule.
Alongside the fighter acquisition, Bangladesh is also reportedly modernising the Lalmonirhat airbase, located roughly 20 kilometres from the Indian border. The upgrades include new aircraft shelters, maintenance facilities, and advanced radar infrastructure capable of supporting military aviation operations.
Bangladesh has denied speculation that the facility will host missile or drone systems aimed at India. Authorities have maintained that the base is being upgraded to support the country’s own transport aircraft and helicopter fleet and remains entirely under Bangladeshi control.
Implications for India
From a military standpoint, the addition of 24 J-10CE fighters is unlikely to dramatically alter the overall balance of power between Bangladesh and India.
India’s Eastern Air Command reportedly maintains several fighter squadrons equipped with advanced aircraft such as the Su-30MKI and Rafale, providing a significantly larger and more capable force structure. Combined with stronger air defence networks, surveillance assets, and command-and-control systems, India is expected to retain a clear advantage in the eastern sector.
However, the presence of J-10CE fighters in both Pakistan and Bangladesh could influence India’s future defence planning. Pakistan already operates the platform and has additional aircraft on order, meaning India may increasingly face the same fighter type on both its western and eastern fronts.
Strategic Significance Beyond Military Capability
While the immediate military impact may be limited, the broader strategic implications could be more significant.
Operating advanced combat aircraft requires continuous access to spare parts, technical support, software upgrades, training, and specialised maintenance. As a result, Bangladesh would become increasingly dependent on China for the long-term operation of its new fighter fleet.
This dependence could strengthen Beijing’s strategic influence in South Asia and further expand China’s role in Bangladesh’s defence sector. It may also encourage deeper military cooperation between Bangladesh and other operators of the J-10CE, including Pakistan.
The reported fighter purchase also reflects Bangladesh’s broader effort to diversify and modernise its defence capabilities while maintaining relationships with multiple international partners. At the same time, Dhaka’s continued interest in Chinese-backed infrastructure projects, including developments linked to the Teesta River region and the Mongla area, highlights the growing scope of cooperation between the two countries.
Taken together, these developments point to an evolving strategic environment in South Asia, where military modernisation, economic partnerships, and regional diplomacy are becoming increasingly interconnected.
