Procurement and Strategic Shifts
Currently, Bangladesh has officially confirmed a long-expected deal to buy Chinese 4.5-generation J-10CE fighters. Specifically, a draft proposal for the massive procurement was recently submitted to the Ministry of Finance and Armed Forces Division for final approval. Furthermore, this comprehensive proposal also includes the purchase of Chinese attack helicopters, VIP transport helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicle systems. According to Zahed Ur Rahman, information and broadcasting adviser to the prime minister, the procurement will be executed immediately if the necessary budgetary allocation is met within the current fiscal year. Ultimately, military experts note that this significant decision indicates a shifting global perception regarding the reliability and market viability of Chinese weapons.
Combat Performance and Cost Efficiency
Crucially, Dhaka’s specific interest stems directly from the jet’s reported combat performance during last year’s India-Pakistan conflict. For instance, Rahman highlighted that Pakistan used J-10CE fighters equipped with active electronically scanned array radars and long-range missiles to successfully shoot down Indian Rafale jets in May. Moreover, while these Chinese aircraft performed better in head-on combat, their overall price remains comparatively much lower than similar European variants like the Eurofighter Typhoon. In fact, reports indicate Dhaka plans to spend roughly $2.3 billion for 20 fighters, with the base price of $62.7 million rising to nearly $115 million each after accounting for essential training, logistics, and construction.
Modernization and Future Market Expansion
Meanwhile, this major acquisition actively aims to modernize Dhaka’s aging military fleet, which currently includes 36 older F-7MG fighters. Additionally, Bangladesh is already China’s second-biggest arms buyer after Pakistan, possessing Chinese trainer aircraft, tanks, vessels, and missiles. Consequently, Chinese military analyst Fu Qianshao emphasized that the J-10CE is a highly natural and cost-effective choice for Bangladesh, especially since the aircraft was upgraded to a semi-stealth platform using radar-absorbing materials. Moving forward, analysts predict that successful real-world combat deployments will gradually open up the highly competitive global warplane market for Chinese manufacturers, despite current dominance by the US and Europe.
Reference
Zhang, A., & Zhang, A. (2026, 28 agosto). Bangladesh confirms Chinese J-10CE jet deal, citing Rafale kill in India-Pakistan clash. South China Morning Post. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3365553/bangladesh-confirms-chinese-j-10ce-jet-deal-citing-rafale-kill-india-pakistan-clash?share=u5JZ%2B1wZOVPnLe12B9vrZhm%2BXIQh%2BawZCJrzt84ck99HM0L9EhU50torEinJXTNb2slPOAm1xTYWV53yI8nXCueZzc4wE51igZqRgVIw42c%3D&utm_campaign=social_share