A Transformative Step in Bangladesh’s Air Power
Bangladesh is taking a historic leap in military modernization through a planned acquisition of twenty advanced J-10CE multirole fighter jets from China. According to official documents reviewed by The Business Standard, the deal is valued at 2.2 billion US dollars, roughly 27,060 crore taka, and aims to significantly enhance the Bangladesh Air Force’s capabilities.
The purchase aligns with Forces Goal 2030, a long-term modernization program that seeks to upgrade every branch of Bangladesh’s defense forces. This agreement represents the largest aircraft procurement in the country’s history and marks an era of advanced technological partnership with China, one of Bangladesh’s most enduring defense allies.
The Scale and Structure of the Bangladesh J-10CE Deal
The procurement will include not only the fighter aircraft but also a complete package covering training, maintenance, spare parts, and logistical support, as detailed in the TBS report. Deliveries are expected between fiscal years 2026 and 2027, while payments will be spread over ten years, continuing through FY 2035–36.
Bangladesh Air Force currently operates around 212 aircraft, among them 44 fighter jets, including 36 Chinese-made F-7s. The new J-10CE squadron will strengthen both offensive and defensive operations, giving the country greater control over its airspace and regional surveillance.
China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group manufactures the J-10CE, which has become a mainstay of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and several allied nations. The model’s export success rests on its combination of agility, precision avionics, and affordability, making it ideal for nations modernizing within budgetary limits.
What Makes the J-10CE Special
The J-10CE is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter jet, equipped with cutting-edge technologies that allow it to perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Its AESA radar system ensures accurate detection of multiple targets, while its fly-by-wire control system and aerodynamic design provide unmatched maneuverability.
Defense analysts compare the J-10CE’s capability with India’s Dassault Rafale and Pakistan’s JF-17 Block III, suggesting Bangladesh could now maintain a stronger deterrence posture in South Asia. According to Defense News, the J-10CE’s combat range exceeds 1,800 kilometers, supported by in-flight refueling and modern BVR missile systems.
Its WS-10B turbofan engine provides excellent thrust-to-weight ratio, enabling supersonic flight without afterburner use, while its Glass Cockpit display and Helmet-Mounted Targeting system give pilots rapid situational awareness. These technologies collectively make the J-10CE one of the most advanced fighters in its category.
Strategic Importance for Bangladesh
Acquiring these jets reflects a strategic move to secure Bangladesh’s skies and protect its maritime and land borders. The Bangladesh Air Force, established in 1971, has long relied on Chinese aircraft for training and operations. Strengthening this partnership ensures technical familiarity, spare-parts availability, and cost-effective upgrades over time.
This deal also supports Forces Goal 2030, Bangladesh’s roadmap to transform its defense infrastructure through digital modernization and advanced hardware integration. The goal includes introducing state-of-the-art command-and-control systems, radar networks, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The J-10CE’s multi-mission capability aligns perfectly with these modernization goals.
Global Security.org highlights that the modernization effort aims to reduce dependence on legacy aircraft types and develop indigenous maintenance capacity. The J-10CE deal therefore brings new opportunities for local technicians and engineers to upskill in avionics and systems integration.
The Regional and Geopolitical Context
The Bangladesh J-10CE deal must be seen in the broader context of South Asian security dynamics. Neighboring India has deployed advanced Rafale jets and Tejas Mk-1A fighters, while Pakistan operates JF-17 Block III and F-16 variants. Introducing J-10CE fighters will help Bangladesh maintain regional balance and boost deterrence.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Bangladesh’s defense spending reached approximately 4.2 billion US dollars in 2024, representing about 1.2 percent of GDP. The procurement therefore reflects Dhaka’s careful strategy of incremental modernization without overshooting fiscal limits.
The decision also demonstrates Bangladesh’s continued commitment to strategic non-alignment. By balancing defense ties with China while engaging in UN peacekeeping and Western training programs, Bangladesh seeks a technologically neutral and self-reliant defense structure.
Economic Feasibility and Payment Framework
The procurement will be funded over ten fiscal years, with China expected to extend soft credit support and technology transfer arrangements. According to the Bangladesh Finance Division’s budget framework, installments will begin in FY 2026 and continue through FY 2036, spreading the 2.2 billion-dollar burden across multiple budgets.
This approach ensures financial sustainability while allowing the Air Force to receive training and build infrastructure before the aircraft arrive. Modern hangars and runways will likely be developed at bases such as Bangabandhu Air Base in Tangail and Cox’s Bazar. Reports from the Business Post suggest that Bangladesh may also pursue offset arrangements for local maintenance facilities.
Training and Technological Upskilling
Pilot and technician training will be conducted in phases, combining China-based simulation modules with Bangladesh’s own training centers. This process is expected to start six months before the first delivery. The training package covers flight operations, aircraft systems management, and weapons integration.
The Bangladesh Air Force College in Jessore will integrate new syllabi covering fly-by-wire systems and digital maintenance tools. By developing domestic competence, Bangladesh can reduce dependence on foreign technical assistance and cut long-term costs. These measures echo successful approaches used in countries like Malaysia and Indonesia to localize aerospace skills, as outlined by the Asia Defense Journal.
Addressing Controversy and Misinformation
Following the announcement, several social media posts circulated claims that the J-10CE had defeated India’s Rafale in combat tests. These claims are false. There is no record of any direct air combat between these aircraft. Both serve different strategic roles in their respective forces.
Bangladesh’s purchase should be viewed not as a regional challenge but as a national modernization effort. Defense experts quoted by The Diplomat emphasize that Bangladesh seeks deterrence and peacekeeping readiness rather than aggression. The government has also kept the procurement under tight review to maintain financial discipline.
Modernization Beyond Aircraft
While fighter jets draw public attention, the broader modernization plan extends to radar systems, missile defense, and communication networks. Bangladesh is collaborating with China and European vendors to upgrade its Integrated Air Defense System (IAADS). Recent installations of long-range radars in Dhaka and Chittagong are part of this initiative, according to Jane’s Defence Weekly.
The J-10CE platform will integrate seamlessly into this network, allowing real-time data exchange and threat monitoring. This capability will enable Bangladesh to respond rapidly to aerial incursions and natural disaster missions requiring aerial support.
The Diplomatic Dimension
Bangladesh and China have maintained a strong defense relationship since 1976. Over the decades, China has supplied naval frigates, tanks, and training aircraft to Bangladesh. The J-10CE deal reinforces this trust and signals continued strategic cooperation.
At the same time, Dhaka is careful to maintain balance with its other partners. Bangladesh regularly hosts joint military exercises with the United States and participates in UN peacekeeping operations worldwide. This balanced approach keeps the country neutral and open to technological collaboration from both East and West, as discussed by Brookings Institution.
What the Deal Means for the People
Beyond military strategy, this procurement can stimulate the local economy. The construction of hangars, maintenance centers, and support infrastructure will create jobs for engineers, technicians, and contractors. Universities may see new scholarships and research grants for aerospace engineering and defense technology.
Defense economists at East West University predict that each billion dollars spent on aerospace projects could generate hundreds of high-skill jobs and dozens of local sub-contracting opportunities. In the long term, such investments can help Bangladesh develop its own aerospace manufacturing potential.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the promise, Bangladesh faces logistical and budgetary hurdles. Maintaining a fleet of twenty advanced fighters requires constant supply of spare parts, precision maintenance, and sophisticated storage facilities. The government must also train pilots continuously to keep up with technological updates.
Additionally, international scrutiny on large defense deals demands transparency and public accountability. Bangladesh’s defense procurement policy now requires multi-agency review before final signing, ensuring the process remains corruption-free. These measures will be crucial for long-term credibility.
Looking Toward 2030 and Beyond
The Bangladesh J-10CE deal represents not only a procurement but a strategic partnership for technology transfer and capacity building. As the Forces Goal 2030 timeline advances, the country is expected to focus next on early-warning aircraft and next-generation training systems.
By 2030, the Air Force could field a balanced fleet of modern fighters, transport aircraft, and surveillance drones, making it one of the most technologically advanced forces in South Asia. This progress will strengthen national security and enhance Bangladesh’s role in regional peacekeeping.
Final Reflection: A Symbol of Aspirations
The J-10CE acquisition symbolizes Bangladesh’s aspiration to be self-reliant in defense and technologically independent. With careful implementation and transparent governance, this deal could lay the foundation for an aerospace future that inspires younger generations of engineers and pilots.
For a country known for its resilience and growth in manufacturing and information technology, achieving a world-class air force is both a symbol of national pride and a strategic necessity. If executed wisely, the Bangladesh J-10CE deal will be remembered as a powerful turning point in the country’s military evolution.
