Bangladesh Eyes Chinese J-10 Fighter Jets Amid Urgent Air Force Modernization Needs
In a strategic move to bolster its air defense capabilities, Bangladesh is considering the acquisition of China’s J-10 fighter jets. This decision would make Bangladesh the third nation to operate the 4.5-generation jet, following China and Pakistan.
Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan recently disclosed that Bangladesh’s interim government has given preliminary approval for purchasing advanced “multirole combat and attack aircraft,” in addition to surface-to-air missiles and long-range radars. Although Khan did not specify the aircraft type, the Chinese J-10CE is a strong contender.
The discussions on acquiring J-10CE jets were initiated during a meeting between Bangladesh’s interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yumus and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing earlier this year. The potential deal could involve up to 20 jets by 2027, pending approval from an inter-ministerial committee led by Khan.
The financial implications of this purchase are substantial, with the aircraft’s cost estimated at $1.2 billion and additional expenses for training and spares bringing the total to $2.2 billion. The payment plan would extend over a decade, concluding in the mid-2030s.
Bangladesh’s strategic need for new fighter jets stems from its aging air fleet, which includes accident-prone Chinese F-7s and Russian MiG-29s. A recent crash of an F-7 in Dhaka highlighted the urgency of this upgrade, with the tragic incident resulting in 36 fatalities.
While Bangladesh is exploring Western fighter jets, including the Eurofighter Typhoon, its existing relationship with Chinese military suppliers could influence the decision. Recent acquisitions from China, such as Type 15 light tanks and Type 035G submarines, underscore this ongoing partnership.
The geopolitical ramifications of choosing the J-10CE are significant. If integrated into Bangladesh’s Forces Goal 2030 modernization plan, these jets would be operational along India’s borders, potentially altering regional dynamics.
Interest in the J-10 predates the recent Indo-Pakistan aerial conflict, where Pakistani J-10CEs reportedly performed impressively against Indian forces. Brendan Mulvaney, director of the China Aerospace Studies Institute, commented on the aircraft’s capabilities, stating, “The J-10C is a modern and fairly capable aircraft, the best one that China exports.”
Mulvaney further emphasized that the conflict “clearly proves that Chinese-made equipment, even the export versions, are modern and capable, and are going to be a force to be contended with in the future, beyond just the borders of China.”
The J-10CE, with its advanced radar technology, data links, and beyond-visual-range missiles like the PL-15E, promises to significantly enhance the Bangladesh Air Force’s operational capabilities.
