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Bangladesh moves to buy Chinese J-10CE Fighter Jets used by Pakistan against Indian Rafales

Published : Wednesday, 26 August, 2026 at 4:51 PM

Observer Online Report

Collected Photo

After nearly a year and a half of discussions with China at various levels, Bangladesh is moving ahead with plans to purchase J-10CE multirole fighter jets for the Bangladesh Air Force.

A draft agreement for the purchase of the Chinese-made fighter aircraft has already been prepared, according to the government.

Speaking at a regular press briefing at the Secretariat on Tuesday, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's Information and Broadcasting Adviser Jahed Ur Rahman said the government was working to modernize the Bangladesh Air Force by procuring fourth-generation multirole combat aircraft (MRCAs), fighter aircraft, attack helicopters, VIP helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems.

He said the procurement process was already underway and could be implemented if funds were allocated in the current fiscal year's budget. Otherwise, the projects would be carried over to the next budget.

China operates the J-10C fighter in its own air force, while the J-10CE is the export version of the aircraft.

The fighter gained international attention during the brief India-Pakistan conflict in May last year, when Pakistan claimed that its Chinese-made J-10CEs had been used to shoot down several Indian fighter jets, including French-made Rafales.

Draft Agreement Prepared

Jahed Ur Rahman said a draft agreement had been prepared through the relevant committee for the procurement of J-10CE multirole combat aircraft and attack helicopters.

In a written statement, the government said the committee had prepared the draft agreement following a series of negotiations. The document has been sent to the Armed Forces Division and other ministries for approval.

The government adviser also highlighted the J-10C's reported performance during the India-Pakistan conflict.

“There is recent real combat experience. During the India-Pakistan war, Indian Rafales were shot down by Chinese J-10Cs. This information is now established,” he said.

He described the J-10C as a Chinese-made multirole fighter that had performed well against the Rafale, which is widely regarded as one of the most advanced 4.5-generation fighter aircraft.

He also said Chinese fighter aircraft were considerably cheaper than comparable European aircraft such as the Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon.

“We hope our government will take all necessary steps to ensure the country's defence and the security of its people,” he said.

Bangladesh's Interest in the J-10CE

Bangladesh's interest in the J-10CE dates back to March 2025, when then interim government Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus expressed interest in purchasing the multirole fighter during a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

The meeting was held at the Great Hall of the People on March 28, 2025. During the visit, discussions reportedly covered China's assistance for the Teesta River project, the purchase of multirole combat aircraft and improved connectivity between Bangladesh's ports and Kunming in China.

Diplomatic sources in Dhaka told *Prothom Alo* that a Chinese delegation visited Bangladesh several days before Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to Beijing in June this year to discuss the proposed J-10CE purchase.

The delegation held what officials described as productive discussions with relevant Bangladeshi authorities during its stay in Dhaka.

What Makes the J-10C Special?

According to defence news and analysis website *The War Zone*, the J-10C “Vigorous Dragon” is a fourth-generation multirole fighter capable of performing a wide range of missions.

The supersonic aircraft can conduct air-to-air combat, strike ground and maritime targets, carry out surveillance and attack enemy radar and communications systems.

It is capable of engaging targets at ranges of around 200 kilometres and can operate in coordination with other fighter aircraft and drones.

Defence analysts also say the J-10C offers relatively low acquisition costs, while its operational and maintenance expenses may be lower than those of comparable Western fighter aircraft.

Strategic and Geopolitical Considerations

Major General (retd.) A N M Muniruzzaman, president of the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS), told that the J-10C had demonstrated its technological capabilities and offered a cost advantage.

He said Bangladesh had been using Chinese-made military equipment for many years, making the potential purchase a continuation of an existing defence relationship.

According to him, the acquisition could significantly strengthen Bangladesh's defence capabilities.

However, he cautioned that Dhaka should consider the wider geopolitical implications of the purchase, particularly its relations with the United States and other Western countries.

He also stressed that Bangladesh should take into account the reciprocal trade agreement recently signed with the United States and ensure that the proposed fighter jet purchase does not create obstacles to the implementation of that agreement.

-HIS