Prime Minister’s Information Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman told reporters in Dhaka that a draft agreement covering the procurement of J-10CE multirole combat aircraft and attack helicopters has been prepared, Anadolu Agency reported.
The proposed agreement has been submitted to the Armed Forces Division and relevant government ministries for approval, Rahman said.
***
He added that Bangladesh is also pursuing the acquisition of fourth-generation multirole fighter aircraft, attack helicopters, VIP helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicle systems.
The purchases could be completed during the current fiscal year or the next financial year if sufficient funding is not available immediately, according to the adviser.
Why Bangladesh is considering the J-10
Rahman pointed to the reported performance of Chinese-made J-10 aircraft during the recent India-Pakistan conflict as one factor influencing Dhaka’s decision.
“There is a recent real experience in combat situations,” he said, referring to claims that Chinese J-10 aircraft had shot down Indian Rafale fighter jets during the conflict.
Rahman also argued that Chinese fighter jets offer a more affordable option compared with other advanced aircraft, including France’s Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon.
The J-10CE is an export version of China’s J-10C, a fourth-generation multirole fighter designed for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
Bangladesh’s wider military upgrade
Plans to acquire Chinese fighter jets first emerged in October 2025 under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. The proposal involved purchasing 20 Chinese-made fighter aircraft in a deal estimated at around $2.2 billion.
Bangladesh is seeking to strengthen and modernize its air force as many of its existing aircraft are older platforms.
The Bangladesh Air Force currently operates about 212 aircraft, including 44 fighter jets. Of those fighters, 36 are Chinese-made F-7 aircraft.
The proposed J-10CE acquisition would therefore represent a significant upgrade in Bangladesh’s combat aviation capabilities and deepen its reliance on Chinese military technology.
