The government of Bangladesh has granted initial approval for a significant expenditure aimed at modernizing its air force, a move that could see the nation become the third operator of China’s advanced J-10 multirole fighter jet. The plan, part of the country’s broader Forces Goal 2030 initiative, also includes the acquisition of new long-range radars and surface-to-air missile systems to bolster its defensive capabilities.
Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, the head of the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF), announced last month that the interim government had provided an in-principle green light for the procurement of multirole combat and attack aircraft. While specific models were not officially named, strong indications point toward the Chinese-made J-10CE as the leading contender.
A Push for Modernization
The urgency for this upgrade is underscored by the BAF’s current fleet, which is largely composed of aging and accident-prone aircraft. The force primarily operates Chinese-built F-7 fighters, a local variant of the Soviet MiG-21, alongside a squadron of Russian MiG-29s. The risks associated with the older airframes were tragically highlighted in July when an F-7 crashed on a college campus in Dhaka, resulting in an estimated 36 fatalities.
The Chinese Contender
Should the deal proceed, the BAF could acquire up to 20 J-10CE jets by 2027. The Chief Adviser’s office has estimated the cost for the aircraft at $1.2 billion, with the total package, including training, spare parts, and other logistical support, reaching approximately $2.2 billion. The proposed payment plan would be spread over a decade, extending into the mid-2030s.
The J-10CE is considered a 4.5-generation fighter and would represent a quantum leap in capability for the BAF. The aircraft is equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, modern data links, and the ability to fire advanced beyond-visual-range missiles like the PL-15E. Brendan Mulvaney, director of the U.S. Air Force-affiliated China Aerospace Studies Institute, described the J-10C as a modern and fairly capable aircraft, the best one that China exports, noting that its capabilities make it a formidable presence.
Although the BAF has explored Western alternatives, including a demonstration of the Eurofighter Typhoon in Italy in May, Bangladesh’s long-standing reliance on Chinese military hardware makes the J-10 a probable choice. Recent acquisitions include Type 15 light tanks and Type 035G submarines from China.
Regional and Geopolitical Implications
The potential acquisition carries significant geopolitical weight. Situated between India and Myanmar, Bangladesh aims to better defend its airspace and protect its maritime interests in the Bay of Bengal. If the purchase is finalized, J-10 fighters would be operating on India’s western, northern, and eastern frontiers, with Pakistan already flying the same model. The aircraft gained publicity for its alleged performance during an aerial skirmish between India and Pakistan in May, which may have further solidified Bangladesh’s interest. The move, however, risks upsetting Western nations, such as the United States, as Bangladesh deepens its defense ties with Beijing.
