Bangladesh Finalizes Draft Contract for Chinese J-10CE Fighter Jets

The Government of Bangladesh is moving forward with a military modernization initiative to acquire J-10CE multirole fighter jets and attack helicopters from China. Zahed Ur Rahman, adviser to the prime minister, announced in Dhaka that a government negotiation committee has finalized a draft contract for the procurement.

While official quantities and pricing remain undisclosed, reports indicate Bangladesh may seek up to 24 aircraft in a deal potentially worth $2.2 billion. The procurement also includes unmanned aerial vehicle systems and VIP helicopters. Rahman noted that the decision was influenced by the J-10CE's performance during the 2025 India-Pakistan military conflict, asserting the jets outperform European alternatives such as the Rafale or Eurofighter Typhoon in direct combat.

The acquisition further strengthens ties with China, which is already the primary supplier of military hardware to Bangladesh. Regarding the timeline, Rahman stated, "If funds are available this fiscal year, the plans will move forward; otherwise, they will be pushed to the next budget cycle."