The Bangladesh Air Force is reportedly considering the acquisition of J-10C fighter jets from China, according to local sources. Current reports suggest that the potential procurement would aim to add a total of 16 aircraft of the export variant J-10CE—similar to the version acquired by Pakistan—manufactured by Chengdu Aerospace Corporation (CAC). Speculation gained traction following the recent visit of the Air Force Chief, Air Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, to the Zhuhai Airshow in China. During his visit, he expressed the need for new combat aircraft and helicopters, an observation shared by his predecessors in office.
News of the evaluation of Chinese fighter jets had previously surfaced in August, when the J-10C was already mentioned as a candidate to modernize the combat capabilities of the Bangladesh Air Force. Currently, the Air Force operates a fleet of approximately 30 J-7MB jets (a licensed version of the MiG-21) supplied by China in various batches since the 1980s. These aircraft now form the backbone of three squadrons, alongside a fourth squadron comprising 16 MiG-29A/UB aircraft.
Recently introduced into service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, the J-10C is the latest variant of the fighter jet manufactured by Chengdu Aerospace Corporation. Its key features include a redesigned air intake to improve airflow to the engine, distinguishing it from earlier versions. However, its most notable advancement is the incorporation of a new AESA radar, which enhances its air-to-air combat capabilities. In terms of armament, it can deploy the latest versions of the PL-10 short-range air-to-air missile and the BVR PL-15 missile.
Local media also report that the acquisition is facing political challenges that could hinder the agreement. This is primarily due to the new government’s alignment with Western countries, particularly the United States and Europe. Nonetheless, if the Chinese-manufactured aircraft progresses in the official evaluation, it would make Bangladesh the second international operator of the J-10C, after Pakistan, which acquired a batch of 36 units in 2022.
Finally, some experts suggest that budgetary constraints might limit the number of jets procured under the program. This would leave the Bangladesh Air Force with fewer aircraft than needed to fully replace its aging fleet, such as the aforementioned J-7MB jets.
