Bangladesh Finalizes Draft Agreement to Acquire Chinese J-10CE Fighter Jets
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The Bangladeshi government is advancing plans to procure J-10CE multi-role fighter jets from China as part of an initiative to modernize the nation’s air force. Zahed Ur Rahman, the Prime Minister’s advisor on information and broadcasting, confirmed on Tuesday that a draft agreement for the purchase has been finalized.
The procurement process is part of a broader defense acquisition strategy that includes fourth-generation multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA), attack helicopters, VIP transport helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems. According to the advisor, the implementation of these purchases depends on budgetary availability within the current fiscal year, with projects extending into the next budget cycle if necessary.
The J-10CE is the export variant of the J-10C, a fourth-generation multi-role aircraft operated by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force. The interest in the platform gained momentum following high-level bilateral discussions, including an initial expression of interest by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing in March 2024. Diplomatic sources indicated that a Chinese delegation visited Dhaka in June to facilitate technical discussions regarding the potential sale.
Government officials emphasized the cost-effectiveness and performance of the Chinese-manufactured jets compared to European alternatives such as the Dassault Rafale or the Eurofighter Typhoon. During a press briefing, Rahman cited the operational performance of the J-10C in regional combat scenarios, noting its technical capability to perform in modern engagement environments.
The draft contract, prepared by a dedicated negotiating committee, has been forwarded to the Armed Forces Division and relevant ministries for final approval. Analysts note that the acquisition would maintain the continuity of Bangladesh’s reliance on Chinese military hardware. However, experts, including Major General (Ret.) A.N.M. Muniruzzaman, President of the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS), have cautioned that the government must balance these defense objectives with its strategic and economic relationships with the United States and other Western partners.
Technically, the J-10C, often referred to as the “Vigorous Dragon,” is a supersonic aircraft capable of conducting air-to-air combat, ground strikes, and maritime operations. The platform features advanced radar and targeting systems with a reported engagement range of approximately 200 kilometers, allowing for integration with other aerial assets and drones. Beyond initial acquisition costs, the J-10C is considered more economical in terms of long-term maintenance and operational expenditure when compared to its Western counterparts.
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