Bangladesh is advancing a process to buy Chinese-made J-10CE multirole fighter jets as part of efforts to modernise its air force. The country is also pursuing plans to procure attack helicopters, VIP transport helicopters and drone, or UAV, systems. The initiatives are seen as measures that could strengthen air defence, surveillance and military operational capabilities.

The J-10CE is an export version of China’s Chengdu J-10 fighter aircraft and is described as a fourth-generation multirole jet. It can be used for air combat as well as strikes against ground targets. The potential cost of purchasing 20 J-10CE aircraft has been put at about $2.3 billion.

The government has not officially announced the final number of jets, total price or delivery timetable, saying such matters will be determined through final negotiations. Bangladesh’s air force already operates a substantial number of Chinese fighter aircraft, which could offer training, maintenance and supply advantages. However, pilot training, weapons systems, maintenance infrastructure and long-term operating costs will remain important considerations for the new aircraft.