Bangladesh Plans $1 Billion Purchase of Chinese Fighter Jets

Bangladesh is planning to acquire 24 Chinese J-10CE multirole fighter jets in a deal valued at nearly $1 billion, with a target completion date of August 2026. Each aircraft is estimated to cost approximately $40 million. This acquisition would make Bangladesh the second country after Pakistan to operate the J-10CE.

During a state visit to Beijing on June 25, 2026, Tarique Rahman held bilateral talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. The visit resulted in the signing of 13 memoranda of understanding to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, and infrastructure, including a pact on the China-Bangladesh Mongla Port Economic Zone. Additionally, Handa Industries agreed to invest $220 million in a new factory at the Keraniganj Economic Zone. Rahman reaffirmed Bangladesh's adherence to the one-China principle and prioritized relations with Beijing, despite a prior trade deal with the United States that limits trade with non-market countries.

The deal has sparked strategic concerns for India regarding the potential revival of the Lalmonirhat Airbase near the Siliguri corridor. Domestically, the Dhaka Tribune questioned the economic justification of the spending, suggesting funds be diverted to healthcare and education. The report also warned of a long-term strategic dependency on China for maintenance and spare parts, while international analysts cited a 2016 training crash in China to question the aircraft's combat effectiveness.