DHAKA: Bangladesh has for the first time confirmed a long-anticipated deal to purchase Chinese 4.5-generation J-10CE fighter jets, highlighting growing interest in the aircraft following its reported combat performance against Indian Rafale jets during last year’s India-Pakistan conflict.
Zahed Ur Rahman, information and broadcasting adviser to Bangladesh’s prime minister, said a draft proposal for the purchase of J-10CE fighters had been submitted to the Ministry of Finance and Armed Forces Division for final approval.
The proposed procurement also includes Chinese attack helicopters, VIP transport helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicle systems.
J-10C Performance Draws Bangladesh’s Attention
Rahman said Bangladesh had closely followed the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict, during which Pakistan deployed J-10CE fighters equipped with active electronically scanned array radars and PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles against Indian Rafales.
“There is a recent real-world experience in a combat situation,” Rahman said, adding that Bangladesh had “paid attention” to the performance.
Comparing the Chinese aircraft with Western alternatives, Rahman said J-10CE fighters were considerably cheaper than Rafales or Eurofighter Typhoons while highlighting their performance in combat.
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The Business Standard reported that Bangladesh could spend around $2.3 billion to acquire 20 J-10CE fighters, including training, logistics, infrastructure and other associated costs.
Pakistan’s Combat Experience Boosts J-10C Appeal
Pakistan was the first international customer for China’s J-10CE and already operates the advanced multirole fighter.
Chinese military analyst Fu Qianshao said real-world combat experience was changing international perceptions of Chinese-made military aircraft and could gradually expand their global market.
Bangladesh, already a major buyer of Chinese defence equipment, is seeking to modernise its ageing combat fleet, which includes F-7MG fighters derived from China’s J-7 series.
The planned acquisition highlights the growing regional interest in the J-10CE, with Pakistan’s operational experience emerging as an important reference point for countries evaluating the fighter’s capabilities.
