Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Bangladesh weighs Chinese J-10CE jets in air force modernization
Bangladesh wants to make its air force more modern.
It is considering buying J-10CE fighter jets from China.
The government says it will proceed only if enough money is available this fiscal year.
If there is not enough money, the purchase could happen later.
Earlier reports said Bangladesh was considering 24 jets.
Each jet was estimated to cost about $40 million.
Bangladesh is also looking at helicopters and unmanned aircraft.
An adviser said the jets attracted attention after the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict, but India denies that a Rafale jet was shot down.
Bangladesh is considering buying Chinese J-10CE fighter jets to modernize its air force.
Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman said the purchase depends on securing budget support this fiscal year.
The proposed acquisition could be deferred to the next budget if funding is unavailable.
Earlier reports said Bangladesh was considering 24 aircraft at an estimated $40 million each.
Dhaka is also examining combat aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicle systems.
- Who
- Bangladesh, represented by Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman, is considering the purchase from China.
- What
- A possible purchase of Chinese J-10CE fighter jets is part of a broader air-force modernization plan.
- When
- The plan was discussed on Tuesday, August 25; earlier reports in June mentioned a possible agreement by August.
- Where
- The announcement was made at Bangladesh’s Secretariat in Dhaka; the potential supplier is China.
- Why
- Bangladesh aims to upgrade its military aviation capabilities and considers Chinese aircraft relatively less expensive than some Western alternatives.
Bangladesh’s stated interest
Indian denial of combat claim
Why Bangladesh is considering the J-10CE
Bangladesh’s stated interest
Bangladeshi adviser Zahed Ur Rahman highlighted the aircraft’s reported performance during the India-Pakistan conflict and its lower price compared with some Western alternatives.
Indian denial of combat claim
India has consistently denied claims that a Rafale jet was shot down during the four-day May 2025 conflict.
Whether the purchase will proceed
Bangladesh’s stated interest
Bangladesh says the deal will go ahead if sufficient funding is available in the current fiscal year.
Indian denial of combat claim
If budget support is not secured, the purchase will be postponed to the next budget rather than proceeding immediately.
- Aircraft
- Chengdu J-10CE, China’s export version of the J-10C
- Potential quantity
- 24 aircraft, according to earlier reports
- Estimated cost
- Around $40 million per aircraft
- Funding condition
- The purchase depends on sufficient budget support during the current fiscal year
- Possible delay
- Without funding, the deal could be deferred to the next budget
- Additional equipment under consideration
- Fourth-generation multi-role combat aircraft, attack and VIP helicopters, and modern unmanned aerial vehicle systems
- Aircraft role
- The J-10CE is designed for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions