The Bangladesh decision to buy 24 Chinese J-10CE multirole fighters, a move that has generated considerable interest from India as well as in South Asia, is seen as a major strategic move.
The matter is expected to be a key agenda item on the agenda at the ongoing visit of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Tarique Rahman in China where he will meet with China’s Premier Li Qiang and President Xi Jinping. According to the sources, talks are underway on defense cooperation among other priority agenda items are the deal between the two countries over the proposed fighter jet.
The export version of China’s high-end fighter J-10C, the J-10CE is being used by Pakistan and will, if the orders are placed, become the second overseas nation to use this platform after Bangladesh. This proposed deal suggests that the agreement may include aircraft valued at approximately $40 million per plane, and Dhaka is seeking to finalize its deal by August 2026.
The acquisition is expected to mark a significant modernization milestone for the air force of Bangladesh, boosting its combat readiness and defense capabilities. Defense experts, however, have more of a geopolitical message to send with the move. Chinese manufacturing of fighter aircraft may further strengthen cooperation between Bangladesh and Beijing as well as change the strategic landscape of the Bay of Bengal.
Developed with a close eye by India since its own J-10CE is also in operation in Pakistan. The threat of more of these emerging on both the eastern and western front suggests there may be an additional dimension to security calculations, and future defence planning, adding to the region.