Bangladesh is in advanced talks to acquire 20 Chinese-made J-10CE fighter jets, with a total project cost estimated at $2.3 billion. The procurement is expected to be finalized in the 2026–27 fiscal year, with payments structured over a ten-year period to modernize the nation's air force.
Bangladesh is moving ahead with plans to procure 20 J-10CE multirole fighter jets from China. The project is valued at approximately $2.3 billion, which translates to about 28,314 crore Taka. A government-appointed inter-ministerial committee has prepared a draft agreement, with formal negotiations aimed at finalizing the deal during the 2026–27 fiscal year.
The financial structure of this procurement is notably complex. While the base price for a single J-10CE is estimated at $62.7 million, the total package cost per aircraft reaches roughly $115 million. This higher figure accounts for extensive requirements including training, logistical support, maintenance equipment, and the construction of new infrastructure. The government has planned to distribute these payments over a decade, with the financial obligation extending until the 2035–36 fiscal year.
This procurement is aimed at upgrading the Bangladesh Air Force, which currently relies on older technology, such as the F-7 fighter jets. In discussions regarding the choice of the J-10CE, government officials have referenced reports about the aircraft's performance during the May 2025 conflict between India and Pakistan. These claims, which suggest the jets performed effectively against 4.5-generation fighters, remain a point of contention. Defense analysts and officials in neighboring nations have disputed the validity of these success reports, adding a layer of diplomatic complexity to the acquisition.
The deal represents a significant shift in defense procurement for Bangladesh, deepening its technological reliance on Chinese defense systems. For the national budget, the $2.3 billion commitment poses a long-term fiscal challenge. Observers and stakeholders will monitor how this substantial spending plan is managed against other national economic priorities over the next ten years. Additionally, the regional security implications of this procurement remain a key area of focus, given the shifting strategic alignments in the area.