DHAKA — The Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has received approval from the country’s interim government to move ahead with a $2.2 billion plan to acquire multirole fighter jets, surface-to-air missiles, and long-range radar systems, in a sweeping upgrade meant to modernize its aging fleet and reinforce national defense capabilities.
Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan confirmed that the purchase package includes “new aircraft, surface to air missiles, and long-range radars.” While officials have not yet named a specific aircraft model, the Chinese-built Chengdu J-10CE is widely regarded as the leading candidate. If finalized, the purchase would make Bangladesh one of only a few operators of the advanced Chinese jet, alongside China and Pakistan.
The acquisition forms part of Forces Goal 2030, Bangladesh’s long-term military modernization program. The initiative seeks to enhance deterrence and expand the country’s capacity to respond to security challenges across its borders and coastline.
$2.2 Billion Procurement Under Review
Air Chief Marshal Khan said an inter-ministerial committee has been tasked with evaluating and negotiating the potential procurement of multirole combat aircraft. According to government estimates, the Bangladesh Air Force could purchase up to 20 J-10CE fighters by 2027.
The total cost of the program — covering aircraft, training, munitions, and spare parts — is projected to reach $2.2 billion, with installment payments expected to continue into the mid-2030s.
Discussions around the potential deal were first raised during a high-level meeting earlier this year between interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yumus and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Officials say the move underscores Dhaka’s deepening defense partnership with China, which has emerged as a key supplier of advanced technology and hardware for the South Asian nation.
“This potential defense deal highlights growing military cooperation between Bangladesh and China, further strengthening Dhaka’s reliance on Beijing for advanced defense technology,” the Air Force said in a statement.
Regional Security Considerations
Strategically located between India and Myanmar, Bangladesh faces a complex regional security environment. Analysts note that the need for newer aircraft has become increasingly urgent as the BAF continues to rely on aging Chinese-built F-7s and Russian MiG-29s, both of which are experiencing rising maintenance costs and safety issues.
The F-7, a locally operated variant of the Soviet-era MiG-21, was involved in a deadly crash in Dhaka earlier this year that killed 36 people. The incident intensified public and military calls for a modern replacement fleet.
Defense planners say the introduction of the J-10CE would mark a significant leap in Bangladesh’s air capabilities. The jet is equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, advanced data-link systems, and long-range PL-15E air-to-air missiles, offering both defensive and offensive flexibility.
Chinese Influence and Western Alternatives
Bangladesh has also evaluated Western aircraft as part of its modernization study. Earlier this year, the Air Force conducted demonstration flights of the Eurofighter Typhoon in Italy, signaling openness to European suppliers. However, officials say long-standing defense ties with Beijing — and existing Chinese-made hardware already in service — could tilt the decision in favor of the J-10CE.
Bangladesh currently operates multiple Chinese systems, including the Type 15 light tank and Type 035G submarine, making integration with Chinese-supplied aircraft logistically straightforward.
According to Defense News, Brendan Mulvaney, Director of the China Aerospace Studies Institute under the U.S. Air Force, described the J-10C as “a modern and fairly capable aircraft, the best one that China exports.” His assessment reflects the aircraft’s growing credibility following its deployment by Pakistan in regional standoffs with India.
If the deal proceeds, analysts expect the J-10CEs to be stationed at key bases along Bangladesh’s western, northern, and eastern borders — a move that could subtly reshape South Asia’s air defense balance.
Outlook: Toward a Network-Centric Force
For Dhaka, the procurement represents more than a hardware upgrade. It signals an intent to transform the Bangladesh Air Force into a network-centric, precision-capable force aligned with broader Indo-Pacific security dynamics.
Defense officials view the project as a cornerstone of Forces Goal 2030, emphasizing domestic training, technology transfer, and long-term sustainment. Once finalized, the deal would enhance Bangladesh’s deterrence posture, elevate its regional standing, and reduce operational dependence on older Soviet and early-Chinese aircraft platforms.
With negotiations now under way, officials expect progress on financing and technical terms over the coming months. “The deal, once finalized, will likely enhance Bangladesh’s deterrence capability and elevate its regional standing,” the Air Force said.
If completed as planned, deliveries could begin within two years — positioning Bangladesh’s air arm for its most significant modernization in decades.
