New Delhi .Bangladesh is moving towards purchasing China-made J-10CE Multirole Fighter Jet to increase the capability of its Air Force. The government's plan includes attack helicopters, VIP helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV systems) along with fighter planes. The proposed purchase is being considered as part of Bangladesh's comprehensive Defense Modernization Plan.
The draft of the deal related to J-10CE and attack helicopters has been prepared after discussions held at the government level in Dhaka. These proposals have been sent to the Armed Forces Division and line ministries for approval. The main question before the government is the budget and procurement timeline. The process can proceed in the current financial year if sufficient financial resources are available, otherwise it can be included in the next budget.
Bangladesh's Information and Broadcasting Advisor Zahed Ur Rahman mentioned the capabilities of J-10CE regarding the fighter aircraft purchase. He cited the performance of the Chinese J-10 as a key point in favor of the purchase, referring to the military conflict between India and Pakistan in 2025. However, the factual position regarding this claim is different and there is no independent confirmation of any Rafale aircraft being shot down by J-10CE.
The claims regarding the loss of Rafale aircraft were also denied by India and France. Hence Bangladesh's citing of this incident as an example of the combat capability of the J-10CE needs to be viewed with caution. Despite this, Dhaka's current procurement process indicates that it is considering Chinese defense equipment as a serious option for its military needs.
Price is also playing an important role in this decision. The Bangladeshi side argues that the cost of Chinese fighter aircraft can be lower than modern fighter aircraft of western countries. The prospect of strengthening air capabilities at a relatively lower cost than European alternatives such as the Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon may be attractive to Dhaka.
The J-10CE purchase is not limited to a single aircraft deal. Attack helicopters and drone systems are also included in the proposal. This indicates that Bangladesh's priorities include surveillance, air strike, multi-role operations and modern warfare systems.
There is also a political and strategic aspect to this plan. Representatives of the Bangladesh government have noted the country's ability to make more independent decisions in foreign and defense policy after the August 2024 political transition. The J-10CE negotiations have been presented as an example of this broader policy change.
However, the final deal will go ahead only after necessary approvals are received from the relevant committees and ministries. After this, decisions will also be necessary on aspects related to financial provisions, number of aircraft, training, weapon systems, maintenance and supply. At present, Bangladesh's direction is clear that it is seriously pursuing the option of China for the modernization of its Air Force.