Bangladesh has confirmed plans to purchase China’s J-10CE fighter jets, according to a report by the South China Morning Post. The proposed deal reflects Dhaka’s growing interest in strengthening its air force and expanding defence ties with Beijing.
The J-10C is a single-engine, multirole fighter capable of carrying air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. With a reported top speed of Mach 1.8, the aircraft is designed for a wide range of combat missions, according to Dawn News.
Bangladeshi officials have reportedly taken particular interest in the jet’s performance during the brief military conflict between Pakistan and India in May. Pakistan used J-10 fighters and long-range PL-15 missiles during the confrontation, which Islamabad said resulted in the downing of several Indian aircraft, including French-made Rafale jets.
Zahedur Rahman, Bangladesh’s information and broadcasting adviser to the prime minister, said a draft proposal had been sent to the finance ministry and the Armed Forces Division for final approval. The proposal also reportedly includes Chinese attack helicopters, VIP transport helicopters and drones.
The Bangladesh Press Information Department said the purchases could begin during the current financial year if the necessary funds are approved. Otherwise, the programme would be moved to the next budget cycle.
The planned deal comes as Bangladesh strengthens military cooperation with Pakistan as well. In January, the air chiefs of the two countries discussed the possible purchase of Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft, along with training, capacity-building and cooperation in aerospace technology.
The renewed defence activity follows the dangerous India-Pakistan escalation in May, when the two nuclear-armed neighbours exchanged missiles before agreeing to a ceasefire on May 10. The confrontation caused international concern and reminded countries across South Asia how quickly military tensions can turn into a wider crisis.
For Bangladesh, the planned purchase appears to be both a modernisation effort and a careful response to the changing security environment in the region.
