Bangladesh advances $2.3 billion deal for Chinese J-10CE fighter jets

Bangladesh is advancing a major military modernization program, moving toward the procurement of Chinese J-10CE multirole combat aircraft and attack helicopters. A draft agreement has been prepared by a government committee and submitted to the Armed Forces Division and relevant ministries for approval.

The proposed acquisition of 20 to 24 J-10CE fighter jets is estimated to cost between $2.2 billion and $2.3 billion. This figure includes the airframes as well as pilot and engineer training, technical assistance, logistics, infrastructure, and operational equipment. The procurement is expected to be finalized through a government-to-government arrangement with the China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC), potentially during the 2026–27 fiscal year.

Government adviser Zahed Ur Rahman noted that the decision to pursue Chinese aircraft was influenced by the reported combat performance of the J-10 during recent regional conflicts, as well as the cost-effectiveness of the platform compared to European alternatives like the Rafale or Eurofighter Typhoon. Beyond fighter jets, the modernization plan includes the acquisition of attack helicopters, VIP helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems.