Bangladesh to Buy 20 Chinese J-10C Jets in $2.2b Deal

Representational photo

Bangladesh is set to acquire 20 Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets by 2027 in a major move to modernize the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) and strengthen national air defence. The proposed deal is valued at approximately $2.20 billion (around Tk27,060 crore) and will cover training, maintenance, and associated costs.

Officials indicate that the procurement is likely to be completed under a government-to-government (G2G) agreement during the 2025–26 and 2026–27 fiscal years, with payments scheduled in instalments over a 10-year period until FY 2035–36.

The J-10C, also known as the “Vigorous Dragon,” is a fourth-generation multirole combat aircraft capable of performing a wide array of missions. The fighter jet boasts a top speed of Mach 2.2 (approximately 2,415 km/h), a combat radius of 1,850 km, and the ability to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground strikes. It can engage targets up to 200 km away and coordinate with other aircraft and drones for surveillance and attack operations.

The base price of each aircraft has been set at $60 million, bringing the fleet cost to around $1.2 billion (Tk14,760 crore). An additional $820 million (Tk10,086 crore) will cover training, equipment, and transportation. Factoring in insurance, VAT, agency commission, infrastructure, and other ancillary expenses, the total cost reaches roughly $2.20 billion. The finance ministry plans to allocate funds over FY 2025–26 to FY 2035–36 to ensure smooth payments.

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Dr Muhammad Yunus, explored the potential acquisition during a four-day official visit to China in March. Following the visit, an 11-member inter-ministerial committee was formed under the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan to negotiate and finalise the purchase.

The committee includes representatives from the Chief Adviser’s Office, Ministry of Defence, Finance Division, Economic Relations Division, and the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. It is tasked with reviewing the draft agreement, assessing the feasibility of procuring the aircraft directly from China or its nominated agency, and negotiating critical terms related to maintenance, training, spare parts, and payment conditions.

Retired Major General ANM Muniruzzaman, president of the Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies, noted that the Air Force has long sought to modernize its fleet. He advised careful consideration of global geopolitical factors, particularly U.S.-China tensions, before finalising the deal. “However, the need for modern combat aircraft in Bangladesh cannot be denied,” he added.

The Bangladesh Air Force currently operates 212 aircraft, including 44 fighter jets. Among these, 36 are Chinese-made F-7s, and the fleet also features eight Russian MiG-29B multirole fighters and Yak-130 light attack aircraft. Additionally, the Air Force maintains a combination of older and newer helicopters to support diverse operational requirements.

The acquisition of the J-10C fighters is expected to significantly enhance Bangladesh’s air defence capabilities and modernise its combat fleet, aligning the Air Force with contemporary aerial warfare standards.