Bangladesh-China Defence Deal: Bangladesh is reportedly moving ahead with a major deal to buy 20 J-10CE fighter jets from China for around US$2.13 billion. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has reportedly given approval for the purchase along with a financial plan that will allow the country to pay for the aircraft in instalments.
The reported approval came around a November 4 meeting between Rahman and a Chinese delegation led by Liu Haixing. The deal is expected to strengthen Bangladesh’s air force and improve its ability to protect its airspace and the Bay of Bengal. But the final contract and delivery schedule are still pending.
The purchase is part of Bangladesh’s long-term Forces Goal 2030 programme, which aims to improve the country’s military strength.
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What Does Bangladesh’s $2.13 Billion Fighter Jet Deal Include?
The reported agreement covers 20 J-10CE multirole fighter aircraft made by China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group. The jets will be supplied through China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC), a Chinese state-owned company.
The package will also provide advanced weapons, radar systems, pilot training, technical support and long-term maintenance services.
The J-10CE comes with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar that can track several targets at once. It can also use China’s PL-15-series long-range air-to-air missiles. These weapons can help pilots target enemy aircraft from a longer distance.
The new aircraft are expected to replace some of Bangladesh’s ageing F-7 fighter jets. The first deliveries could begin in 2027 if all purchase formalities are completed.
How Will Bangladesh Pay for the Chinese Fighter Jets?
The reported deal is worth around US$2.1316 billion, including interest. The main cost is around US$1.96 billion while the interest amount is estimated at US$170 million.
Bangladesh will reportedly make an advance payment of US$391.9 million, which is around 20% of the main cost. The country will get a two-year break before paying the remaining amount through six unequal yearly instalments.
The government will also provide a state guarantee to cover the payment. This means Bangladesh will remain responsible for repaying the amount under the agreement.
Earlier estimates placed the overall purchase cost between US$2.20 billion and US$2.30 billion. These figures included around US$888 million for training, technical support, equipment, transport and other facilities.
Why is the J-10CE Deal Important for India?
Bangladesh’s decision could change the military balance around the Bay of Bengal and India’s eastern border. The new fighters would give Dhaka more options to watch its airspace and respond to possible threats.
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The Chinese jets also became popular after Pakistan claimed that its J-10 fighters had shot down Indian aircraft during the May 2025 conflict. Zahed Ur Rahman, Bangladesh’s information adviser, called the reported Rafale shootdown “established information”. India has disputed Pakistan’s account of the aircraft losses.
China could also gain a stronger position in Bangladesh’s defence sector through the supply of weapons, training and maintenance. However, the deal has so far been reported as an approved proposal rather than a publicly confirmed, signed contract. Bangladesh’s official statement about the November 4 meeting did not announce a fighter jet agreement.
