Bangladesh Moves to Acquire Chinese J-10CE Fighter Jets, India Watches Closely
Bangladesh's Prime Minister is set to meet Chinese leaders on June 25-26 during an official visit to China, with a key agenda being the finalisation of plans to acquire 24 Chinese J-10CE multirole fighter jets, sources have confirmed.
The J-10CE is the export version of China's advanced J-10C fighter. If the deal proceeds, Bangladesh will become the second foreign operator after Pakistan to field this aircraft. Reports indicate the jets are valued at roughly $40 million each, and negotiations on the purchase agreement are ongoing.
Security analysts note that the acquisition could enhance the Bangladesh Air Force's capabilities significantly. However, the move also carries strategic implications for South Asia, potentially altering the regional air-power balance, particularly in the Bay of Bengal.
India is closely monitoring two aspects. First, the positioning of the aircraft within Bangladesh. Dhaka has announced plans to reopen Lalmonirhat Airbase, a World War II-era airfield located just 12-15 km from the Indian border and near the strategically vital Siliguri corridor. Reports suggest possible Chinese assistance in reviving the airfield, including construction of new fighter aircraft hangars.
Second, the potential for a dual-front air dynamic, as Pakistan already operates the same fighter jets. Pakistani J-10CEs were reportedly used during Operation Sindoor against India, according to sources. In August 2025, India's Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh stated in parliament that the government has noted reports concerning Lalmonirhat and continues to monitor developments having a bearing on national security.
Bangladesh aims to finalise the fighter purchase by August 2026, as part of deepening defence, trade, infrastructure, and investment ties with China. The deal is expected to be a key outcome of the ongoing visit.
Beyond South Asia, Indonesia has also announced plans to acquire at least 42 Chengdu J-10 fighter jets, marking a shift in its defence procurement strategy away from traditional reliance on Russia and the United States. The J-10 programme recently marked 28 years since its maiden flight, evolving into a multi-role combat platform.
