Bangladesh to Buy 20 J-10C Fighter Jets from China in $2.2 Billion Defence Deal

Bangladesh is moving ahead with plans to purchase 20 Chinese J-10C multirole fighter jets by 2027 as part of a broader effort to modernize its air force and bolster national air defence capabilities.

Government documents reviewed by The Business Standard indicate that the total value of the deal will be approximately $2.20 billion (around Tk 27,060 crore). The agreement will be executed through a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement and will cover aircraft procurement, pilot training, maintenance, spare parts, and logistical support.

Procurement Timeline and Payment Plan

Officials have confirmed that the acquisition is planned across two fiscal years—2025–26 and 2026–27—with financial commitments extended over a 10-year period, ending in FY 2035–36. Payments will be made in installments, and the Ministry of Finance will allocate the required funds accordingly.

The Office of the Chief Adviser has estimated the base cost per aircraft at $60 million, totaling $1.2 billion (Tk 14,760 crore) for the 20 aircraft. An additional $820 million (Tk 10,086 crore) is earmarked for pilot and crew training, transportation, support equipment, and related infrastructure. Once VAT, insurance, commission, and administrative costs are added, the total project value rises to approximately $2.20 billion.

Aircraft Specifications: The J-10C "Vigorous Dragon"

The Chengdu J-10C, also known as the “Vigorous Dragon,” is a fourth-generation multirole combat aircraft developed by China. According to Global Times and The War Zone, the J-10C is capable of conducting both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions with advanced radar, avionics, and weapons systems.

It boasts a maximum speed of Mach 2.2 (around 2,415 km/h) and has a combat radius of 1,850 km. The aircraft can strike targets up to 200 km away and coordinate operations with other aircraft and drones for surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision attacks.

High-Level Talks and Deal Negotiation

During a four-day official visit to China on March 26, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus discussed the prospective deal with Chinese officials. His press wing later confirmed that Beijing responded positively to Bangladesh’s interest in acquiring advanced combat aircraft.

Following the visit, in April, the government established an 11-member inter-ministerial committee to negotiate and finalize the purchase. The committee is led by Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan and includes representatives from the Chief Adviser’s Office, the Ministry of Defence, the Finance Division, the Economic Relations Division (ERD), and the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs.

The committee has been tasked with reviewing the draft agreement and determining whether to procure the aircraft directly from the Chinese government or through a nominated agency. Negotiations will cover terms of after-sales service, training, technical support, spare parts, and financial conditions.

Strategic and Security Considerations

Retired Major General ANM Muniruzzaman, president of the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS), acknowledged that the Bangladesh Air Force has long sought to upgrade its combat capabilities. However, he urged caution in finalizing the deal, pointing to the broader geopolitical context.

“With rising tensions between the US and China, the government should carefully evaluate the strategic implications,” he said. “That being said, the need for advanced fighter jets in the current security environment is undeniable.”

Current Air Force Capabilities

According to WarPowerBangladesh.com, the Bangladesh Air Force currently operates 212 aircraft, including 44 fighter jets. Of these, 36 are older Chinese-made F-7s. The fleet also includes eight Russian MiG-29B multirole fighters, Yak-130 advanced jet trainers, and a mix of helicopters and transport aircraft.

The acquisition of J-10C jets is expected to significantly enhance the Air Force’s operational readiness and air combat capabilities, particularly in an era of increasingly complex regional security dynamics.