Bangladesh Plan to Acquire 20 Chinese J-10CE Fighter Jets in $2.2 Billion Deal

Bangladesh is set to make one of its biggest military aviation purchases by acquiring 20 Chinese J-10CE multirole fighters under a $2.2 billion agreement with Beijing. The plan, finalized under the country’s Forces Goal 2030 modernization strategy, aims to replace its aging fleet and strengthen national air defense capabilities.

The deal includes aircraft, training, spare parts, and maintenance support. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2026, with all 20 fighters scheduled to arrive by 2027.

The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has been negotiating the deal since early 2024. Financial arrangements reportedly allow for payments in multiple phases, making the acquisition feasible under Bangladesh’s defense budget.

The agreement also covers pilot and technician training in China, ground-based simulators, and the establishment of maintenance and logistics infrastructure in Bangladesh to ensure long-term operational independence.

Bangladesh’s move toward the J-10CE follows growing concern over the declining safety and performance of its F-7 fleet. A fatal crash in July 2025 underscored the urgent need for modern aircraft, prompting faster approval of the procurement.

The J-10CE, manufactured by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, is a 4.5-generation, single-engine, multirole fighter capable of air superiority and precision strike missions. It features an AESA radar, fly-by-wire controls, digital cockpit, and compatibility with PL-15 long-range and PL-10 short-range missiles.

For Bangladesh, the aircraft represents a major technological leap, offering capabilities comparable to advanced regional fighters while remaining cost-effective.

Currently, the Bangladesh Air Force operates approximately 44 fighter jets, including about 36 Chengdu F-7s and 8 MiG-29s. Most of these are decades old and require frequent maintenance. The introduction of the J-10CE will allow Bangladesh to begin phasing out obsolete aircraft and create a modern combat fleet.

The $2.2 billion package reportedly includes:

• 20 J-10CE aircraft

• Pilot and ground crew training programs

• Advanced radar and missile systems

• Initial spare parts and technical support

• On-site maintenance and repair facilities

China is expected to provide ongoing logistics and sustainment assistance, ensuring the fleet’s long-term readiness.

The deal also carries strategic implications. It strengthens China-Bangladesh defense ties and increases Beijing’s influence in South Asia. For Dhaka, the acquisition demonstrates a commitment to maintaining airspace security and technological parity with neighbors such as Pakistan, which already operates the same model.

However, the project will demand significant infrastructure investment, pilot retraining, and technical adaptation. Sustaining the J-10CE fleet will require a steady supply chain and adequate funding to cover operational costs.

If deliveries proceed as scheduled, Bangladesh could field its first operational J-10CE squadron by late 2027, marking a new era for its air force. The purchase signals Dhaka’s determination to transform the BAF from a legacy fleet reliant on outdated fighters into a modern, multirole air power aligned with 21st-century defense needs.