Bangladesh is moving closer to acquiring Chinese J-10CE multirole fighter aircraft, potentially marking one of Dhaka’s most significant combat-aircraft procurements in years. Bangladesh’s government has prepared a draft agreement for negotiations with China covering the proposed fighter purchase, according to Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman.
The proposed acquisition is part of a broader effort to modernize the Bangladesh Air Force, whose fighter fleet still relies heavily on older platforms. Recent reporting indicates that Bangladesh could seek 20 J-10CE aircraft, although Reuters reported that the final number, contract value and delivery schedule remain subject to negotiations.
The Business Standard reports a proposed package valued at approximately $2.302 billion for 20 aircraft, including training, logistics, infrastructure and associated support. That figure is considerably higher than the aircraft’s reported basic unit price because the package encompasses the wider acquisition and support requirements.
The J-10CE is the export version of China’s J-10C and incorporates an AESA radar, modern avionics, electronic-warfare systems and beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile capability. The aircraft has attracted increased international attention following its reported combat employment by Pakistan, although specific claims about aircraft losses during the 2025 India-Pakistan fighting remain disputed.
Bangladeshi officials have themselves pointed to the J-10’s reported battlefield performance as one factor behind the country’s interest. Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman specifically cited the aircraft’s reported performance against Indian Rafales when explaining why Dhaka is seriously considering the Chinese fighter.
The potential purchase would also deepen an already substantial China-Bangladesh defense relationship. China has supplied Bangladesh with combat aircraft, naval vessels, armored vehicles and other military equipment for decades, making the J-10CE a logical extension of an established procurement relationship. Reuters described China as Bangladesh’s largest defense-equipment supplier.
For Bangladesh, the J-10CE could provide a major improvement in air-defense reach, BVR combat capability, radar performance and multirole strike capacity compared with its older fighter inventory. It would also give Dhaka access to a modern fourth-generation-plus fighter without relying exclusively on Western suppliers.
For China, a Bangladeshi J-10CE acquisition would represent another important step in its effort to expand the fighter’s international customer base. Pakistan remains the confirmed foreign operator of the J-10CE, while Bangladesh is now moving toward formal negotiations.
The deal is therefore about more than replacing aging aircraft. If finalized, Bangladesh’s acquisition of the J-10CE would strengthen its air-combat capability while further expanding China’s influence in South Asian military aviation.
