Bangladesh has advanced its plan to acquire 20 Chinese-made J-10CE fighter jets under a government-to-government agreement, with delivery expected by 2027. The proposed package includes training, maintenance, logistics and advanced weapons.
Bangladesh has moved forward with plans to purchase 20 Chinese-made J-10CE multirole fighter jets for the Bangladesh Air Force, with delivery expected to begin by 2027, according to a report by Agamir Somoy published on November 6.
The proposed procurement will be carried out under a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement during the 2026–27 fiscal year. The package is expected to include pilot and ground crew training, logistics support, long-term maintenance services and advanced weapons systems.
The proposed deal involves China's state-owned China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC). According to the report, the principal cost of the aircraft is estimated at approximately $1.96 billion, with an additional $170 million in interest costs.
Under the proposed financing arrangement, 20 per cent of the total cost will be paid as an advance, while the remaining 80 per cent will be settled through six annual instalments following a two-year grace period. The arrangement may also involve a government guarantee at China's request.
The J-10CE is the export variant of China's J-10C multirole fighter aircraft. It has attracted international attention following the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict, during which Pakistan's J-10C aircraft reportedly demonstrated their combat capabilities. However, claims surrounding the aircraft's performance and the reported downing of Indian fighter jets during the conflict remain disputed.
The aircraft features an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and is compatible with advanced beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, including China's PL-15. These capabilities, alongside comparatively lower procurement and maintenance costs than several Western fighter aircraft, have contributed to Bangladesh's interest in the platform.
The proposed acquisition is part of Bangladesh's broader efforts to modernise its air force and strengthen national air defence capabilities under the long-term Forces Goal 2030 programme.
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