The Bangladesh government is finalizing the acquisition of 20 J-10CE multirole combat aircraft from China to modernize its air defense. The deal, estimated at billions of dollars, utilizes a government-to-government (G2G) procurement method to enhance supersonic capabilities within a limited defense budget, according to Rtvonline and Protifolon.
The procurement process for the J-10CE, a fourth-generation supersonic multirole fighter produced by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, has reached a near-final stage. According to Rtvonline, an inter-ministerial committee has already prepared the draft contract for the acquisition of 20 aircraft.
Financial Breakdown and Procurement Timeline
The total cost for the acquisition is projected at billions of dollars, which Rtvonline calculates as a significant amount of Bangladeshi taka based on an exchange rate of 123 taka per US dollar. While the base price for each aircraft is millions of dollars, the effective cost per unit rises once taxes, infrastructure, logistics, technology transfer, and pilot training are included.
The government plans to sign the agreement with the state-owned entity ‘CATIC’ during the 2026-27 fiscal year. To manage the financial burden, the Ministry of Finance will utilize a special block allocation over a 10-year period extending to the 2035-36 fiscal year. Of the 20 aircraft being acquired, 10 will be integrated into the main structure of the Air Force, while the remaining 10 will serve as additional units.
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Total Project Cost | Billions of Dollars |
| Base Price per Aircraft | Millions of Dollars |
| Effective Cost per Aircraft | Millions of Dollars |
| Training and Logistics | Millions of Dollars |
| VAT, Insurance, and Construction | Millions of Dollars |
Strategic Capabilities of the J-10CE
Military and international relations analysts view the J-10CE as an effective alternative for Bangladesh due to its balance of capability and cost. The aircraft features delta-shaped wings and additional canards, which provide enhanced control at high speeds, according to Protifolon. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide array of military operations.
The decision to select the J-10CE is partly driven by its reported performance in recent conflicts. Information provided by the government’s Information Advisor indicates that the J-10CE has shown very successful performance compared to equivalent aircraft in various international war situations. Protifolon further notes reports claiming that Pakistani J-10CEs shot down Indian Rafale fighters during a conflict last year, a development that has sparked international discussion regarding the aircraft’s effectiveness.
Mahmud Hussain, a security analyst and expert at AIUB, suggests that the J-10CE is a strong option because procurement must balance capability with operational costs and training facilities. He notes that Eastern-made aircraft can now compete with Western counterparts, specifically highlighting that Chinese artificial intelligence technology is now comparable to that of the West.
Diplomatic Balancing and National Interest
Zahid Ur Rahman, the Prime Minister's Information Advisor, recently confirmed that the government is moving forward with the purchase.
This shift toward Chinese hardware occurs while Bangladesh maintains a diversified military procurement strategy. Sahab Enam Khan, an international relations analyst, points out that Bangladesh is simultaneously discussing military cooperation and equipment with the United States and Turkey. He notes that the country has previously purchased military hardware from Russia and has considered European options such as the Rafale and Typhoon.
While Khan acknowledges that India and the United States may have sensitivities regarding the purchase of Chinese fighters, he argues that these concerns should not outweigh national interests. He suggests that Bangladesh should prioritize the most cost-effective and efficient solution and explain its decisions to concerned partners if necessary.
By integrating the J-10CE, Bangladesh is not merely adding airframes to its fleet but is shifting toward a technology-dependent defense system. The combination of a G2G agreement and a decade-long payment plan suggests a long-term strategic pivot toward Chinese aerospace infrastructure to bridge the gap in supersonic combat capabilities.
