DHAKA- The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has received approval from the country’s interim government to allocate billions toward the acquisition of multirole fighter jets and advanced defense systems.
Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan confirmed that the purchase includes new aircraft, surface to air missiles, and long-range radars.
While the exact model remains unconfirmed, the Chinese-made Chengdu J-10CE fighter jets are the leading contender, positioning Bangladesh as a potential new operator alongside China and Pakistan. The plan is part of the broader Forces Goal 2030 modernization program.
Bangladesh $2.2 Billion Chinese Fighter Jets
Bangladesh’s Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan announced that an inter-ministerial committee has been tasked with evaluating and negotiating the potential procurement of multirole combat aircraft.
According to government estimates, the Bangladesh Air Force could purchase up to 20 J-10CE fighters by 2027.
The total project, including aircraft, training, and spare parts, is expected to reach $2.2 billion, with payments extending into the mid-2030s.
Discussions on this acquisition were first initiated during a meeting between interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yumus and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing earlier this year.
This potential defense deal highlights growing military cooperation between Bangladesh and China, further strengthening Dhaka’s reliance on Beijing for advanced defense technology.
Strategic Importance for Regional Security
Sandwiched between India and Myanmar, Bangladesh faces significant regional security challenges.
The need for modern combat aircraft has become critical as the country’s current fleet of aging Chinese-built F-7s and Russian MiG-29s continues to face maintenance and safety issues.
The F-7, a variant of the MiG-21, was involved in a tragic crash in Dhaka earlier this year that resulted in 36 fatalities.
The introduction of the J-10CE would significantly enhance the BAF’s defensive and offensive capabilities.
The jet’s features such as an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, advanced data links, and long-range PL-15E missiles would represent a technological leap for Bangladesh’s air power.
Chinese Influence and Alternatives
The Bangladesh Air Force has also examined Western fighter options, including the Eurofighter Typhoon, with demonstration flights conducted in Italy earlier this year.
However, the strong defense relationship with China could make the J-10CE the preferred choice. Bangladesh already operates several Chinese systems, such as the Type 15 light tank and Type 035G submarine.
According to Defense News, Brendan Mulvaney, Director of the China Aerospace Studies Institute under the US Air Force, described the J-10C as “a modern and fairly capable aircraft, the best one that China exports.”
His assessment underscores the aircraft’s growing reputation following its use by Pakistan during regional conflicts with India.
If Bangladesh proceeds with the acquisition, J-10CE fighters would be stationed along India’s western, northern, and eastern borders, symbolizing a new strategic reality in South Asia’s air defense landscape.
Future Outlook
The procurement would mark a milestone for Bangladesh’s Forces Goal 2030 initiative, signaling the country’s ambition to modernize its military infrastructure.
The deal, once finalized, will likely enhance Bangladesh’s deterrence capability and elevate its regional standing.
With this move, the BAF is poised to transition from a legacy fleet to a modern, network-centric air force capable of addressing both conventional and emerging threats in the Indo-Pacific region.
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