Bangladesh Nears Deal for Chinese J-10CE Fighters, Raising Indian Concerns
Bangladesh is preparing a draft agreement to negotiate the purchase of up to 24 Chinese J-10CE fighter jets, a move watched closely by India.
Bangladesh's defence procurement officials are finalising a draft to open negotiations with China for up to 24 J-10CE fighter jets, marking a potential milestone as the country's second confirmed export customer for the model. The purchase aims to modernise the air force under the Forces Goal 2030 programme, replacing older Chengdu F-7 and MiG-29 aircraft. One outlet's reports suggest the decision was swayed by the jet's reported performance in last year's India-Pakistan conflict, a claim India continues to dispute.
Bangladesh has previously explored options such as the French Rafale and signed a Letter of Intent for the Eurofighter Typhoon. Securing the J-10CE would give Bangladesh a beyond-visual-range capability near India's eastern frontier, highlighting China's expanding defence footprint in South Asia.
Why it matters
The deal could shift the regional military balance and deepen China's influence in South Asia.
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